Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Not only do these colours run, sirens scream to clear their way

The city of Toronto has recently decided to retract its motion to have all the magnetic "Support the Troops" decals removed from its emergency vehicles. The decals, which had been on the firetrucks and ambulances since the beginning of the Canadian presence in Afghanistan, had recently come under scrutiny due to the supposedly "controversial nature" of the war campaign.

So, in an effort to remain as broadly supportive of every strata of Torontonian culture like a proper "moderate" Canuck, the mayor and his cohorts decided that all the vehicles would be stripped of the decals, lest they offend someone.

Never mind that the emergency service workers of TO might feel a kinship with the few other brave people willing to risk their lives, never mind that it's simply a show of support and not necessarily support for the war. Knee-jerk reactions in the name of moderation and tolerance have never been so poorly disguised.

Thankfully, the motion was overrulled due to immense public outrage. It seems the shrinking, shrieking minority wasn't able to kick and scream its way out of this ugly condescension. So score a (minor) point for the good guys.

Then the city issues this disgusting press release, deeming it appropriate to mention that "all of Canada's men and women serving in the military have the unwavering support of all Torontonians."

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