Finally, a law none can possibly object to!

[Guest Peeves]

Federal Tories endorse bill to unmask rioters

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/06/preventing-persons-from-concealing-their-identity-during-riots-and-unlawful-assemblies-act/

[GostHacked]

Only if the cops wear identification and not hide behind riot gear that conceals their identity.

However, this won't stop the Agent Provocateurs from doing what they do.

Public has to be open, while the government and police are getting more closed.

[Moonlight Graham]

Only if the cops wear identification and not hide behind riot gear that conceals their identity.

Not sure if they do this already, but they should at least have to wear clearly legible ID numbers on their uniforms so they can be identified (if they are wearing riot gear that covers their face).

[madmax]

Federal Tories endorse bill to unmask rioters

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/06/preventing-persons-from-concealing-their-identity-during-riots-and-unlawful-assemblies-act/

I can see the G20 being embarrassing.

And considering Tony Clement was able to divert funding from Border to put up a Gazebo in his riding...

I understand the immediate need to pass this bill.

I doubt a banning on masks is going to prevent riots. It may make people more supsceptible to various gasses.

I have little use for the Anarchists who purposely destroy property or those in Enforcement who incite such activity or covertly create it in order to subvert the group infiltrated.

What will be interesting is how many people who wear facial protection and coverage will be affected by this law and how well thought out is it.

Considering how poorly this government is performing, I can see that this is a major announcement.

[Fletch 27]

Yet another good deed gone un-done by Steve Harper... Could he be possibly uniing Canadians?!?!? Thats right... He is, for the common good of Canadians..

I can see the G20 being embarrassing.

And considering Tony Clement was able to divert funding from Border to put up a Gazebo in his riding...

I understand the immediate need to pass this bill.

I doubt a banning on masks is going to prevent riots. It may make people more supsceptible to various gasses.

I have little use for the Anarchists who purposely destroy property or those in Enforcement who incite such activity or covertly create it in order to subvert the group infiltrated.

What will be interesting is how many people who wear facial protection and coverage will be affected by this law and how well thought out is it.

Considering how poorly this government is performing, I can see that this is a major announcement.

[Guest Derek L]

Only if the cops wear identification and not hide behind riot gear that conceals their identity.

However, this won't stop the Agent Provocateurs from doing what they do.

Public has to be open, while the government and police are getting more closed.

A good idea, as would making it easier to identify individual police officers…….For the latter, it might add a cost to the logistics to implement to have badge/ID numbers permanently attached to riot gear (Velcro would obviously not be a solution) since many police departments/RCMP detachments don’t have "turtle shells" assigned to the individual officers on a permanent basis (cost grounds) but I’d imagine a solution could be worked out.

[Guest Peeves]

Only if the cops wear identification and not hide behind riot gear that conceals their identity.

However, this won't stop the Agent Provocateurs from doing what they do.

Public has to be open, while the government and police are getting more closed.

They have I.D.s and I think some were disciplined for removing them at the G20.

"while the government and police are getting more closed." I agree, this is of growing concern. The cops refuse to testify with no consequence while a witness must or they can be charged for being uncooperative. Something wrong with that picture!

[madmax]

They have I.D.s and I think some were disciplined for removing them at the G20.

"while the government and police are getting more closed." I agree, this is of growing concern. The cops refuse to testify with no consequence while a witness must or they can be charged for being uncooperative. Something wrong with that picture!

Some were disciplined, and some were repeat offenders. I expect the same from this....

Much like Police Officers do not wish to be identified, and apparently neither do many protestors.

I expect a number of officers did nothing wrong (except remove their ID) and I expect many protestors did nothing wrong either.

however....

If I recall correctly, the Government rounded up hundreds upon hundreds of UNMASKED individuals in Toronto and

Even Arrested Private Security Staffers who were protecting buildings and zones as the Police allowed illegal activity to purposely be unengaged on the first day only to round up anything that moves the 2nd day....

Forest Gump would be proud.

[madmax]

Yet another good deed gone un-done by Steve Harper... Could he be possibly uniing Canadians?!?!? Thats right... He is, for the common good of Canadians..

I think he wants to change the narrative on the 99%.

[Fletch 27]

There is no 99%... If there is a 99%, and your part of it, your making 130K in the entire family unit... Watch ur back..

I think he wants to change the narrative on the 99%.

[cybercoma]

Not sure if they do this already, but they should at least have to wear clearly legible ID numbers on their uniforms so they can be identified (if they are wearing riot gear that covers their face).

They're required to, but during the G20 assault on legitimate protesters they covered over their numbers.

[cybercoma]

I think if you're going to protest, you should stand there proudly without your face masked.

I don't, however, agree with this law. There is already an additional charge added on other crimes for wearing a facemask while committing an offence. In essence, this is an unnecessary redundancy. In practice, this will merely give police another reason to crack down on legitimate protest, as the simple act of wearing a facemask itself will be a crime.

Here's what I want to know. What if people are protesting in sub-zero weather? Are they not allowed to wear scarves or other such facecoverings to keep warm?

Also, in NY they have a similar law and the protesters just wore their Guy Fawkes masks on the backs of their heads. Will that be considered criminal as well?

To me it just seems like a stupid unnecessary bill that just opens the Conservatives up for more criticism about cracking down on dissent and criticism. It just perpetuates the sentiment that they can't handle opposition.

[cybercoma]

There is no 99%... If there is a 99%, and your part of it, your making 130K in the entire family unit... Watch ur back..

You use "your" twice incorrectly, then when you're actually supposed to use "your" you write "ur" instead.

[Fletch 27]

Soorrrry, I was wearing a mask...

You use "your" twice incorrectly, then when you're actually supposed to use "your" you write "ur" instead.

[Fletch 27]

"To me it just seems like a stupid unnecessary bill that just opens the Conservatives up for more criticism about cracking down on dissent and criticism. It just perpetuates the sentiment that they can't handle opposition"

It makes the owners of the destructed innocent companies easier to claim damages... Your view is twisted beyond belief. Please post your address and I will demonstrate how bad an innocent victim can feel..... You would have 300 odd balls at your door protesting this and that with bricks, flowers, beaver-pelts and snow-balls.. EVERYONE has a cause that you didnt even know you supported

.

I think if you're going to protest, you should stand there proudly without your face masked.

I don't, however, agree with this law. There is already an additional charge added on other crimes for wearing a facemask while committing an offence. In essence, this is an unnecessary redundancy. In practice, this will merely give police another reason to crack down on legitimate protest, as the simple act of wearing a facemask itself will be a crime.

Here's what I want to know. What if people are protesting in sub-zero weather? Are they not allowed to wear scarves or other such facecoverings to keep warm?

Also, in NY they have a similar law and the protesters just wore their Guy Fawkes masks on the backs of their heads. Will that be considered criminal as well?

To me it just seems like a stupid unnecessary bill that just opens the Conservatives up for more criticism about cracking down on dissent and criticism. It just perpetuates the sentiment that they can't handle opposition.

Edited May 7, 2012 by Fletch 27

[GostHacked]

I think if you're going to protest, you should stand there proudly without your face masked.

I don't, however, agree with this law. There is already an additional charge added on other crimes for wearing a facemask while committing an offence. In essence, this is an unnecessary redundancy. In practice, this will merely give police another reason to crack down on legitimate protest, as the simple act of wearing a facemask itself will be a crime.

Here's what I want to know. What if people are protesting in sub-zero weather? Are they not allowed to wear scarves or other such facecoverings to keep warm?

Also, in NY they have a similar law and the protesters just wore their Guy Fawkes masks on the backs of their heads. Will that be considered criminal as well?

To me it just seems like a stupid unnecessary bill that just opens the Conservatives up for more criticism about cracking down on dissent and criticism. It just perpetuates the sentiment that they can't handle opposition.

Good points on the winter protests.

[Fletch 27]

Do you wear a ballaklava in the winter? Unless you parked a Ski-doo at the protest.. Ur under arrest... And so be it.. U dont even see them in Alaska,,

Good points on the winter protests.

[Bonam]

I think the point of the law is to make it easier to identify the "black bloc" protesters and others who turn non-violent events into orgies of destruction. These individuals need to be able to be caught and punished, without having to blanket arrest everyone at a demonstration.

That being said, I expect the proposed law will have very limited effectiveness.

[GostHacked]

I think the point of the law is to make it easier to identify the "black bloc" protesters and others who turn non-violent events into orgies of destruction. These individuals need to be able to be caught and punished, without having to blanket arrest everyone at a demonstration.

That being said, I expect the proposed law will have very limited effectiveness.

Too bad that was not in place when the Police at Montebello were caught .. but we know they would just have an excuse and no repercussions would happen to them.

[GostHacked]

Do you wear a ballaklava in the winter? Unless you parked a Ski-doo at the protest.. Ur under arrest... And so be it.. U dont even see them in Alaska,,

Touque, scarf large hood on the coat can all conceal a person as well.

[cybercoma]

I think the point of the law is to make it easier to identify the "black bloc" protesters and others who turn non-violent events into orgies of destruction. These individuals need to be able to be caught and punished, without having to blanket arrest everyone at a demonstration.

I absolutely agree with you (perhaps a first). I believe that the police's inability thus far to apprehend and otherwise handle violent and disruptive protesters is a shame. It undermines the institution of protest when the police fail to protect legitimate protesters from those that would co-opt demonstrations for their own selfish and destructive purposes.

[Fletch 27]

You dress like my grandmother... I could spot her a mile away.... Your argument is null and void..

Is that you grandma? PLEASE dont tell me you think thats the same.... really??????? Ok, Now your making up excuses

Touque, scarf large hood on the coat can all conceal a person as well.

Edited May 7, 2012 by Fletch 27

[madmax]

I think the point of the law is to make it easier to identify the "black bloc" protesters and others who turn non-violent events into orgies of destruction. These individuals need to be able to be caught and punished, without having to blanket arrest everyone at a demonstration.

That being said, I expect the proposed law will have very limited effectiveness.

I think you have hit the nail on the head.

[Guest Peeves]

I think if you're going to protest, you should stand there proudly without your face masked.

I don't, however, agree with this law.

Surprise!

[fellowtraveller]

I think the point of the law is to make it easier to identify the "black bloc" protesters and others who turn non-violent events into orgies of destruction. These individuals need to be able to be caught and punished, without having to blanket arrest everyone at a demonstration.

That being said, I expect the proposed law will have very limited effectiveness.

Easy solution: police snipers. No problem picking out people with masks from people without masks when you are looking at them through a rifle scope