Haldimand "Craving Attention"
Craving attention
The Chronicle Editorial
July 1, 2009
So how much obligation does a newspaper have to provide coverage to someone who admittedly engages in acts simply to garner attention?
This is the question facing Haldimand newspapers in the wake of last week's dog and pony show in Cayuga.
In the days leading up to last Tuesday evening, Doug Fleming was asking people to come to a meeting where he would form a militia aimed at removing trespassers from properties in Caledonia. Specifically he wanted to target Six Nations residents who have been embroiled in land occupations in the area.
And then hours before the meeting Gary McHale distributed a press release saying, "At no time was Doug Fleming's new group going to be called 'Caledonia Militia'. It should be apparent to everyone that the word 'militia' was used to get media attention. It is unfortunate in Canada that media will not cover a story unless you use such a word..."
In no uncertain terms he was saying the whole thing was a publicity stunt.
McHale signed the release as media relations for the 'Caledonia Peacekeepers' , the new name of the Caledonia Militia.
In light of the confession McHale and the group have lost even more credibility. All along they have claimed they are only trying restore balance to a situation in which they perceive two-tier justice.
Yes, newspapers will pay attention when someone comes along and uses a phrase like militia. One of its definitions is "military force."
In Canada the use of a private army is going to get you some attention. It sure doesn't mean you're going to get respect.
Surely recruitment conducted for a responsible group of citizens who want, and need to band together for the common good wouldn't need a publicity stunt to succeed.
So it appears the goal wasn't to actually form a peacekeeping gang but rather simply to provide an opportunity to step once again into the spotlight.
We also have to wonder if the roughly 125 protestors outside the meeting compared with the 30 or so inside gave McHale and Fleming a hint that maybe they're not quite as popular as they think they are.
We have a democratic system in place designed to represent us and to solve problems such as the myriad of land claims across the country. Indigenous peoples will be the first to tell you our system isn't perfect but they wouldn't be the only ones. Average Canadians are also frustrated at the lack of progress in this arena.
But McHale ran in the last federal election. It appeared at the time he understood that in a democracy you can be elected to carry out the wishes of your constituents. But apparently, if you're Gary McHale, losing just means you take matters into your own hands, democratic process be
And no matter how you slice it, that makes him a vigilante -"One who advocates taking the law enforcement into one's own hands."
And yes in Canada that means getting media attention but in this case McHale is under a spotlight revealing -through his own admission -less than admirable motives.
There is no doubt that OPP have handled Six Nations residents differently than other citizens. They have little choice given directives from the Province in the wake of the Ipperwash inquiry.
But there is one question that has never been answered and until McHale or his disciples address it they will continue to be viewed as publicity seeking agitators by most citizens.
And the question is simple: Just how have your actions helped government negotiators reach a peaceful solution to land claims in Caledonia?
Article ID# 1636746
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1636746
Just as I was posting this editorial I received the following email;
ReplyDeleteThe Dunnville Chronicle is clueless
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1636746
This small town newspaper must believe that McGuinty and company read the Dunnville Chronicle and set their policies based on what this newspaper writes.
In a Democratic Society politicians are only concerned about getting votes - they certain don't give a damn about Dunnville and the massive few thousand votes there.
Of course, the editorial staff at the Chronicle are not smart enough to understand that the word 'militia' was reported on nationwide by over 100 media outlets. Interviews were done on live radio in Toronto, Hamilton, Calgary etc. McGuinty and two cabinet ministers had to respond to media questions.
The Toronto Star story showed public support at 90%. Most people around Ontario and Canada agree the Government and Police have failed and that citizens are being forced into doing something.
The word 'militia' forced the public and the Government to debate what do citizens do in a democratic society when police refuse to do their job.
Finally the brain trust at the Chronicle cannot understand that it is no taking the law into your own hand but exercising your Right as stated by Superior Court Judges as given to people by Parliament - section 38-42 of the Criminal Code gives citizens the right to enforce property rights.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteLet me begin by saying that if you intend to discredit someone in your newspaper, have a more qualified writer for your paper. The typographical errors are appalling considering this is supposedly an article from one of your editors.
Secondly, your information is jaded by your own opinion of the real problems at hand and you perhaps are attention seeking as well because your article has no sense or order.
Thirdly, you must realize that if 30 people showed up that hundreds more share their sentiment. Not everyone is able to always show their support at every rally.
Fourthly, you are pretty blind if you think these types of meetings/rallies don't work....do some research dating back, oh let's say....a thousand years or more, and you will see that this is exactly the process designed to solve political problems when the government turns its back on its country.
Fifthly, I believe you are cowering away from believing in a process like this because you don't want to see your town fall victim to the same sort of political anarchy.
Sixthly, don't belittle someone trying to make your world a better place to live. Doug Fleming is not concerned about the rest of his life on this planet as much as he's worried about my children, your children, and their children's children if you catch my drift.
I was not at this meeting nor was I at many before this one. Does he have my support? Yes he does and I'm proud to say it.
Happy Canada Day....now sharpen your pencil.
Sincerely
Chris Syrie
Chris, if you think Doug Flemming, Merlyn Kinrade, McHale, Parkinson or Vandermaas give a rat's ass about you, your children, anyone else's children or the town, you are seriously mis-guided and ill informed. They are using the time tested method of taking advantage of existing problems, magnifying them by using your own fear as a weapon and making you think things are so bad that you can't possibly function without them. Then they use the old "law and order" trick as well as wrapping themselves in a flag. This is a propaganda/brainwashing tactic that was used skillfully for years by the KKK and still is by every other white suprecist and anarchist group.
ReplyDeleteDoug Flemming and the others I mentioned are playing people like a fiddle and then begging for money from you. Wake up man!
I drove a friend of mine into Caledonia last week and he laughed at the lack of problems. He was under the impression the town was under seige! He couldn't believe it when there was nobody at all on the DCE. He said he thought it was an armed camp going by all the fear mongerors he saw on TV. He split his sides laughing at the lies.
Keep the rhetoric up though Chris. You and a few others will eventually succeed with your nonsense and have your wish come true. An empty town.
Keep sending money to McHale also. He'll love you for it so he doesn't have to get an actual job and can keep screwing with your mind as it appears you can't sift out his BS on your own.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the comments, and a reminder to not call people names, I will have to edit and repost. I do not want to shut this down.
ReplyDeleteI was asked respectfully asked to edit one of the posts and I will do that as soon as I am done here.
I was also asked if I wrote this editorial, the answer to that question is pretty simple, I am a "reporter" for the Chronicle, not the "editor". I write "factual" information not opinions. I hope that is clear to those that have asked the question.
Edited and reposted;
ReplyDeleteGee, I wonder who sent that e-mail? (note sarcasm in the question)
At any rate, Gary McHale is the quintessential opportunist who is trying to persecute natives and spark a problem into something bigger than it is. He desperately needs on-going conflict to stay in business as a contracted saviour/messiah. If he and his gang see fear and confucion diminishing, they dream up ways to make sure it stays alive like pouring gas on an existing fire that's fading out. The sad thing is that there are a core group of (removed, edited) that are quite willing to see people's lives in harms way just to get the excitement of being able to abuse natives another day. It's quite sad to watch this. Mayor Trainer is one of those pathetic people sadly who can get included in this core gang of (edited). This is why she will not denounce McHale or his gang of goons even when Council is begging her to do so.
Where was McHale, Doug and the Militia last night after the Black Top Hop in Caledonia? One kid is clinging to life because of a viscious attack on him on Wigton St. I thought the Blue Berets were supposed to protect the Town?
I do see some positive things happening lately as people seem to be catching on to McHale and his gang of morons.
"Where was McHale, Doug and the Militia last night after the Black Top Hop in Caledonia? One kid is clinging to life because of a viscious attack on him on Wigton St. I thought the Blue Berets were supposed to protect the Town?"
ReplyDeleteDid the OPP respond to this crime or did they stand by and watch it happen. If the OPP responded then McHale and Doug are not needed.
The Caledonia Peacekeepers are only for those cases the OPP refuse to enforce the law.
I see lots of positive things happening as well - no more illegal occupations anywhere in Haldimand. Not one single native protest in the past year in Haldimand. Hell they didn't even attempt to support Shawn Brant when he was arrested. Last year they block the road for 4 days in support of Shawn Brant.
The 3 year anniversary protest by the native was done in Brantford and the recent march by natives was not in Caledonia by on the 403 going to Brantford.
The sudden change has nothing to do with negotiations and everything to do with public exposure of the OPP and criminal charges against Native Protesters and police officers.
It is now easier for Native Protesters to target Brantford and not Caledonia.
The sudden change has nothing to do with negotiations and everything to do with public exposure of the OPP and criminal charges against Native Protesters and police officers.
ReplyDeleteI think your logic is suspect here.
I say it's probably best that the OPP just lay back now and let all the morons kill each other and order the body bags later. I'ts clear that idiots on both sides won't rest until there is blood......wake up everyone!...that's the real motive here.........death (and lots of it)!
ReplyDeleteHave fun Caledonia and Six Nations!...death is coming soon if you retards on both sides keep it up !! (not that you care)
Email sent out by McHale - I guess he is winning in court as well.
ReplyDelete--------------
Major Court Victory - quote from Judge Marshall:
"In my respectful view, the matter before the court is an important one and one that has not been directly addressed in the jurisprudence. This case raises the important issue of a citizen's right to lay criminal informations against public officials and for those informations to be heard before an independent judge. This is a long held and hard fought right."
See Ruling - http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/canace/090702-McHale-v-R.pdf
What does it mean - The Crown can no longer interfere with our right to lay criminal charges against senior government officials for their actions or lack of actions in Caledonia. Marshall ordered a new pre-enquette (in-camera hearing where I can present the evidence against three senior government officials) to allow evidence that these officials should face criminal charges for endangering the public.
Big deal McHale......who cares.
ReplyDeleteFact is that the Judge is smart. He makes McHale go blind on paperwork, saves the police the trouble of investigating his ridiculaous claims and then the Crown simply withdraws the charges after the charges are laid on McHale's request.
McHale hasn't figured this out yet. (he might one day though)
Keep buying the ink and paper for your useless hobbies McHale. lol
I am having some difficulty understanding why so many people get so hot under collar when someone writes to the paper with their opinion on a subject. It can be quite frustrating, because doesn't solve or contribute to solving a damn thing. Do these people not understand that it is the letter writers'/or editorial writers' opinion?
ReplyDeleteRemember people everyone has a right to their own opinion, if you disagree that is your right. Then write you own opinion with respect to the subject without attacking said writer. This was not a report on any incident it was an opinion plain and simple.
I don't have to agree or disagree with everything written in to the paper or editorials, because I realize that they have a right to do so.
It'sironic that McHale. Parkinson, Kinrade and Fleming spew off in every paper they can find to print their crap and yet, if anyone else writes in and calls them out, McHale's usual plan of attack is to threaten to sue. For someone who screams about his rights all the time, he sure doesn't appear to want anyone else to have any.
ReplyDeleteHe reminds me of many past dictators/despots in the world ie: think what I think,speak as I speak and do as I do or there will be trouble !
Merlyn has even written in to the Regional News crying and whining that Caledonia citizens are bad and poor citizens because they won't hand cash to Gary. Who the hell does Kinrade think he is anyhow? I've never seen anyone so brainwashed in my life as Merlyn. Gary did a good job on him!
The above poster provides all the proof needed to understand why some people cannot allow others to express themselves. They do not express an opinion on the issues but merely want to express their hatred towards others.
ReplyDeleteIn Canada we do have free speech so why would anyone care what McHale thinks. The problem is that these people who claim to want to express themselves cross the line in slander. All they do is name call and insult McHale and others.
These are the one who had signs on DCE stating that the Mayor, Ken Hewitt and Kevin Clark were racists. The current cartoon in the Turtle Island News shows McHale and the Mayor wearing white sheets with white hoods. Any reporter who prints a story they don't like is called a racist.
You cannot slander individuals in Canada. Some people can only communicate by attacking the person. Remember the KKKanada and kkkaledonia signs.
These people hate - they hate anyone who disagrees with them. They hate McHale because he has done more to expose their hatred than anyone else has. They cannot debate the issues so they attack the person.
Give me a break! McHale and his group of morons do nothing but fan the flames of hate. People aren't as stupid as he thinks they are.
ReplyDeleteHe seeks out racists , ships them up into a frenzy, sets the stage for confrontation and then runs like a coward to the police to help him. He then wraps him self, disgustingly, in a Canadian Flag and then screams for law and order.
McHale is a classic agitator/manipulator and needs conflict to continue so he can get donations to fund his and his wife's living expenses. Fantino sussed him out early in this and he's being proven correct.
Too bad he has about 15-20 people who are too dumb or too full of hate to see what he is doing to them. There are 99,000 people in Haldimand and only perhaps 20 hard core racists and haters follow the guy. What does that tell you?
Didn't Merlyn Kinrade wrote a whiny article last year complaining that people in Caledonia won't speak to him anymore and have stopped calling his for work? There's a good reason for that Merlyn! Look in the mirror!
The above is another example of attacking the person instead of debating the issues. Everyone is a racist if you disagrees with the Native Protesters.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for debating the issues, so the question is, "Just how have your (McHales) actions helped government negotiators reach a peaceful solution to land claims in Caledonia?"
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell, absolutely nothing.
McHale's actions have done nothing but inflame. as per his plan.
ReplyDelete"I'm all for debating the issues, so the question is, 'Just how have your (McHales) actions helped government negotiators reach a peaceful solution to land claims in Caledonia?' "
ReplyDeleteI didn't know McHale's job was to help the Government's political agenda. I believe McHale and thousands of other people believe Law & Order has nothing to do with negotiations. Regardless of any negotiations that may be happening, no one has the right to be masked and carry a bat around or beat the crap out of people.
In a democracy a citizens job isn't to cover up for the Government by helping them when they policies are clearly are illegal. The citizens has the right to expose the illegal activities of the Government.
As far as credibility, without the use of lawyers McHale have created three case law rulings in seven months - most lawyers never create even one in their entire career.
The latest ruling occurred last week on Thursday when Judge Marshall ruled that the Crown had exceeded it's authority and ordered a new hearing into charges against government officials. Even Judge Marshall stated in his ruling that this had never been done before in Canada.
You asked what we have done that has benefited the negotiations. Well, first your question demonstrates a typical Canadian response which is that everyone should hide under their beds and wait for big brother McGuinty to save the day. The fact that Oka is still ongoing after 19 years and Ipperwash remains an occupation after 17 years doesn't lead the editorial staff at the Chronicle to understand that Caledonia may not be resolved for many more years. Maybe you are still believing the statements of Peterson and McGuinty back in June 2006 when they told the public the negotiations would be over in weeks not months.
To list out what McHale and his group has done to help Law & Order would require a novel. Other than the three case law rulings McHale have won I can say the following. There is not one single illegal occupation anywhere in Haldimand county and there has not been one single native protest for the past year.
The 3rd year anniversary protest was done in Brantford not Caledonia. The recent march down the road was done on the 403 to Brantford and again not in Caledonia. The Floyd and Ruby show of blocking construction sites has also moved to Brantford after McHale got a judge to sign extortion, intimidation and mischief charges against both Floyd and Ruby.
The Rallies allow McHale to videotape the illegal actions of the OPP - regarding Race Based Policing. These videos are now making it into court which is why McHale is winning. No court is going to uphold the right of the OPP to discriminate against a group of people.
The OPP has started to act as if all people have the right to protest which is why, after 4 people have been arrested for marching down Argyle St., the OPP suddenly gave McHale's group a police escort at the last rally. Fantino has so much duct tape around his mouth that he is not allowed to talk about McHale in public any more.
They tried to silence McHale by arresting him in 2006, suing him for $7.2 million in 2007, slandering him continuously and finally laid false charges against him for the event on Dec. 1, 2009.
He forced Fantino on the stand for 2.5 days along with other officers. Race based policing is now fact based on officer's own testimony that they are under orders to identify the race of the person before they exercise their discretion.
No one else has even come close to exposing the illegal actions of the OPP and McGuinty Government. With last week's ruling, these officials now know they will face criminal charges.
In Oct. the court will rule whether the Crown in Cayuga is so bias that they no longer exercise their discretion legally. After three straight wins I don't think anyone should underestimate McHale.
Oh for crying out loud. Nobody cares what McHale does. He's yesterday's news at best. he guy is just a drain on public money and is a waste of everyone's time.
ReplyDeleteI hear his goons are going to disrupt Caledonia again next Sunday. I hope the citizens of Caledonia finally stand up and block Kinrade and the other losers from doing any more of these ridiculous and childish flag hangings. It's clear they will stop at nothing in order to provoke a violent incident. I can read right through them.
Could there be a book deal and a movie coming soon?
ReplyDeleteMcHale just posted this today on his website:
ReplyDelete"What was the nature of the defamation?"
By claiming we are members of some KKK group or white supremest group.
We are meeting with the OPP to file charges against various reporters, editors of newspapers and members of CUPE.
This was not reporting the news but an attempt to spread hate and to defame us.
No one - even the media - is above the law.
Well it seems to me they have become that which they say they are against. They have imposed their ideas and actions on the majority of towns people here in Caledonia. There was no community consultation. They decided what they were going to do and then hosted info sessions. This imposition is disrespectful, self indulgent, and in no way reflects they communities wishes. Isn't that the bigger issue? Now they and their tabloid tactics have not only been pushed on the town but now erode any economic reputation left and have become the ultimate distraction from getting the land rights addressed.
ReplyDeleteAnother view from someone who shops in Caledonia as well as the rest of Haldimand. I do my shopping on Sundays and I avoid Caledonia when they do hold these events and shop in another town. Which is sad, because I love going to Caledonia to shop. Do they not realize that holding these events will keep people from coming to the town? I know it keeps me a way, which is really a shame, so many great places to shop.
ReplyDeleteAfter sticking it to the OPP for years now this group wants to meet with them and get their co-operation to lay private prosecution charges against people who protest against them or newspapers that reported what was said by demonstrators.
ReplyDeleteSurreal, welcome to McHaleville, nee Caledonia.
I bet it won't be long before the Justice Ministry drops the hammer on this group of disgruntled Haldimand-Norfolk residents whipped into a frenzy, over events that happened years ago, by a person living in Binbrook, a part of Hamilton, Ontario.
Well, given that McHale et al have been going on a rampage lately stating that Senior Police Officials and Government Officials will be charged criminally and also speaking of new civil lawsuits and/or criminal libel charges will be laid against various reporters, editors and organizations such as CUPE, it looks like this following blog will be quite busy with lawyers pulling helpful information off of it for legal purposes.
ReplyDeleteSpread the link around far and wide. Again, it's a helpful resource tool for those who McHale and/or CANACE members are trying to battle in court with or threatening to do so.
http://mchaledefenseproject.blogspot.com/
~ chance favours the prepared mind ~
Thanks for the comments everyone. This seems to becoming a story in itself.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated earlier I write for the Chronicle, but I am not the editor. The above editorial was my editors opinion, and he has that right.
There is nothing in this editorial that is libelous, in fact it is one persons opinion, you can agree or disagree! Thank god we live in a country where we can voice our opinions and not get shot for it!
As far as McHale sueing various editors and reporters for libel, I can tell you he will have a very difficult time at it.
A few years back I wrote a letter to the editor and one of the local reporters did a comment piece on me and called me "infamous" and a whole lot of other shit. I sued them in small claims court and won. It was a tough case, the judge took three months to come to his decision. At that time I was told that I was running a thin line with sueing as I put myself in the limelight by writing the letter and running in a municipal election, in other words I put myself out there to be attacked.
Now I know that there have been people that have accused McHale of being involved in certain groups etc. but it will also be a fine line with him. This is costly to sue newspapers unless you go to small claims court, also one of the things you must do is write to the newspaper and asked for an apology, if they do so, you will not win. In my case the paper refused to print an apology. Also there is a "6" week time frame to sue, at least to notify the one you are sueing with some form of legal documentation.
It will be an uphill battle for McHale, but if he feels the need and he feels that he has been wronged then he has the right, just as you and I do!
Donna, McHale isn't talking about suing. He is talking about laying criminal charges for defamation libel. He is quoting the following:
ReplyDeletePunishment of libel known to be false
300. Every one who publishes a defamatory libel that he knows is false is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 264.
Punishment for defamatory libel
301. Every one who publishes a defamatory libel is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 265.
Definition
298. (1) A defamatory libel is matter published, without lawful justification or excuse, that is likely to injure the reputation of any person by exposing him to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or that is designed to insult the person of or concerning whom it is published.
Mode of expression
(2) A defamatory libel may be expressed directly or by insinuation or irony
(a) in words legibly marked on any substance; or
(b) by any object signifying a defamatory libel otherwise than by words.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 262.
Publishing
299. A person publishes a libel when he
(a) exhibits it in public;
(b) causes it to be read or seen; or
(c) shows or delivers it, or causes it to be shown or delivered, with intent that it should be read or seen by the person whom it defames or by any other person.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 263.
McHale lives in Hamilton.
ReplyDeleteHamilton suffers from the following crimes:
Fraud
Robbery
Car theft
Break-ins
Shootings
Gang activity
Exortion
Prostitution
Child Molestation
Murders
Rapes
Assaults
Drug Dealers
Crack Houses
Arson
Vandalism
Mischief
Organized Crime
Welfare Fraud
Drunk Driving
Stunt Driving
Child Pornography
Marijuana Grow Operations
How come McHale and his followers ignore all of this and just focuses on persecuting natives?
By the way, every community in Haldimand suffers from the same crimes as the list above from non-natives. How come Mayor Trainer ignores all of this and just focuses on persecuting natives?
Hey Anonymous, at least try to keep up to the debate. McHale and others already admit there is crime everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThe issue isn't whether there is crime but what do the police do about crime. In Hamilton the police deal with the criminals. In Caledonia they watch them commit the crime as long as they are native protesters.
In Caledonia, when you burn down a bridge (Arson) the police merely drive away and 3 years later there still are no arrest.
Do you really think that in Hamilton the police would watch you burn something down without arresting you?
The issue is law enforcement not whether there is crime. The actions of the OPP are illegal and they know it which is why they repeatedly deny that they treat native protesters differently. If they believe what they were doing was legal than Fantino would be on TV telling the public that they are right to have two tier justice in Caledonia.
Instead they hide the truth from the public because no court in Canada is going to allow two separate set of laws based on the race of the person involved.
Native Protesters are pissed at McHale because they make lots of money from these illegal occupations and illegal smoke shops. Hell, the government gives Six Nations a million per year just to negotiate - does anyone on the native side truly want to cut off this amount of money.
Many of the Native Protesters that have been charged are getting some of this $1 million - just read the Turtle Island News about where this money go to.
Illegal occupation is big business and when people, like McHale, touch their money supply then they attack with slander and name calling because the truth hurts - in this case it also cost native protesters money.
That's horsecrap and you know it. Nice propaganda spin though.
ReplyDeleteYes more totalizing statements- that makes for a weak debate.
ReplyDelete"That's horsecrap and you know it. Nice propaganda spin though"
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can post how many people were arrested for burning down the bridge or for blocking the highway for 6 weeks in 2006 or for blocking the highway for 4 days in April 2008.
Hell, they charged McHale for merely suggesting someone block the road but native people who do block for road for days or weeks are not charged.
Those are the facts and the only horse crap around is the actions of the OPP.
How many smoke shop protests did Doug Fleming have? (4) Was he selling illegal cigarettes? (YES). Was Doug arrested? (NO) Is Doug Native (NO). Doug broke the law and yet he is now going to uphold the law? That is setting a very good example isn't it! Was Gary McHale and his buddies there? (YES). Was their purpose to provoke? (YES). Was this legal? (NO). Did GAry get arrested? (NO) Is Gary Native? (NO). That is setting a very good example isn't it!
ReplyDelete"How many smoke shop protests did Doug Fleming have? (4) Was he selling illegal cigarettes? (YES). Was Doug arrested? (NO) Is Doug Native (NO). Doug broke the law and yet he is now going to uphold the law? That is setting a very good example isn't it! Was Gary McHale and his buddies there? (YES). Was their purpose to provoke? (YES). Was this legal? (NO). Did GAry get arrested? (NO) Is Gary Native? (NO). That is setting a very good example isn't it!"
ReplyDeleteFirst, Doug was only selling a few packs to get arrested - the OPP didn't arrest Doug because that would prove they would have to arrest native people. Second, smoke shops are not illegal in the criminal code - they do violate both federal and provincial laws but it is not a criminal offense to run a smoke shop.
Gary McHale has never tried to sell illegal cigs. In fact, McHale and Merlyn did their best to have Doug arrested.
You failed to talk about why McHale can be charged for merely suggesting someone block the road while native protesters can actually block it for days and weeks without a single arrest.
Lastly you asked how many ' smoke shop protests' did Doug have. Your own word was 'protest'. Doug wasn't trying to run a business but doing a protest to point out that the OPP will not charge native owners of illegal smoke shops.
Isn't it interesting that the OPP can stop and charge native people near Cornwall on a weekly bases for transporting illegal cigs but they cannot stop a single vehicle delivering or picking up illegal cigs around Caledonia.
Exactly why is that?
"Doug was mocking. Very disrespectful and again a distraction from addressing land rights."
ReplyDeleteNatives were hospitalizing people. Very disrespectful and again a distraction from living in peace with others.
The Chronicle has printed McHale's reply to the above editoral. Due to the limits on this board the reponse has to be posted in two parts:
ReplyDeleteJUST EXERCISING OUR RIGHTS
Dunnville Chronicle - July 8, 2009
In a democratic society there are tens of thousands of groups seeking to get media attention for their cause. I hate to be the one to tell the Chronicle, but modern marketing is all about doing things to get media attention -it is far better than wearing masks and beating the crap out of people.
The media, on the most part, are scum. They are not truly interested in the concerns of people and are only interested in selling ad space. The bloodier the story the more coverage you get. After three years I have seen few media outlets reporting the content of any speeches, airing the footage of any peaceful protests or capturing the meaning of what people are concerned about.
Announce you are marching onto DCE and suddenly media are there to capture whether, in the course of an hour, someone swore or gave the finger -that is what will be aired.
If the Chronicle is upset by the use of the word 'militia' because it was used to get media attention then you need to look into a mirror and ask the following questions:
How many of the court rulings have you reported on? Did you send a reporter to Queen's Park last year when we protested there? Did you interview a single Caledonia resident before you gave the great send-off story about Insp. McLean?
In other words, you don't cover the story unless we use the word 'militia' then whine that the media was fooled.
As far as credibility, without the use of lawyers we have created three case law rulings in seven months. Most lawyers never create even one in their entire career. The latest ruling occurred last week on Thursday when Judge Marshall ruled that the Crown had exceeded its authority and ordered a new hearing into charges against government officials. Even Judge Marshall stated in his ruling that this had never been done before in Canada. But of course, you will be reporting on this ruling because such a landmark ruling in Haldimand county deserves coverage. Sorry I forgot you don't cover the news unless someone uses the word 'militia'.
You asked what we have done that has benefited the negotiations. Well, first your question demonstrates a typical Canadian response which is that everyone should hide under their beds and wait for big brother McGuinty to save the day. The fact that Oka is still ongoing after 19 years and Ipperwash remains an occupation after 17 years doesn't lead the editorial staff at the Chronicle to understand that Caledonia may not be resolved for many more years. Maybe the Chronicle is still believing the statements of Peterson and McGuinty back in June 2006 when they told the public the negotiations would be over in weeks, not months.
To list what we have done would require the whole newspaper. Other than the three case law rulings we have won I can say the following. There is not one single illegal occupation anywhere in Haldimand county and there has not been one single native protest for the past year.
The third year anniversary protest was done in Brantford not Caledonia. The recent march down the road was done on the 403 to Brantford and again not in Caledonia. The Floyd and Ruby show of blocking construction sites has also moved to Brantford after I got a judge to sign extortion, intimidation and mischief charges against both Floyd and Ruby.
The Rallies allow us to videotape the illegal actions of the OPP - regarding Race Based Policing. These videos are now making it into court which is why we are winning. No court is going to uphold the right of the OPP to discriminate against a group of people.
ReplyDeleteSo while the Chronicle rarely covers what is happening week by week in Caledonia the public is learning there are those who are fighting to restore Law and Order.
By the way, if the Chronicle ever did start to cover what is happening in court you would know that no one is talking about taking the law into their own hands. The courts have ruled that every citizen has the right to use reasonable force to remove native protesters - yes the RIGHT. That RIGHT includes asking others to help you.
But hey, why should the Chronicle start listening to the court?
Gary McHale
Binbrook
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1645903
To list what we have done would require the whole newspaper. Other than the three case law rulings we have won I can say the following. There is not one single illegal occupation anywhere in Haldimand county and there has not been one single native protest for the past year.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes him think there is a correalation here between his actions and these changes?
I don't think those steps can be attributed to Mr. McHale's actions.
"What makes him think there is a correalation here between his actions and these changes?
ReplyDeleteI don't think those steps can be attributed to Mr. McHale's actions."
Out of the kindness of their hearts the Floyd and Ruby show left Haldimand and went to Brantford at the same time McHale laid charges against them. Out of the kindness of their hearts there are no more illegal occupation. Because these native protesters are so reasonable they no long protest in Caledonia and have moved to Brantford.
Next you are going to try to tell me the earth is flat.
So you have no facts but rather sarcasm and speculation? Do you suppose there may be some other more behind the scenes, less media focused activities that could account for those happenings? Perhaps they are ones trying to stand on understanding and mutual respect? Perhaps they have come out of complex conversations and efforts to move forward. The fine people of Caledonia and Six Nations deserve more credit then Gary IMHO.
ReplyDeleteYes, the fine people of Six Nations... which are current attempting to set up more and more illegal smoke shops. Wonder what is going to happen now that McHale has informed the OPP that police officers will face criminal charges for allowed these illegal businesses to continue?
ReplyDeleteI'll bet the OPP will suddenly start to do something but of course, it has nothing to do with McHale.
I hear McHale will going to start laying charges against these smoke shop owners starting next week. The RCMP has provided McHale with which charges to lay.
So in 8 months when most of these smoke shops are gone, you will claim it has nothing to do with McHale.
After 3 years of the OPP doing nothing, Haldimand has more smoke shops. After six months of McHale, lets see whether there is more smoke shops or less.
Nothing has anything to do with McHale. He likes to think it does but it doesn't. He's irrelevant and is only good for comic relief.
ReplyDeleteDoes McHale ever stop talking about himself? He must drive his neighbours nuts.
Thanks for your comments everyone, it has been quite interesting to read.
ReplyDeleteI would like to point out one thing that McHale put in his letter to the editor.
"Did you interview a single Caledonia resident before you gave the great send-off story about Insp. McLean?"
I wrote this article and it had nothing to do with anyones opinion, it had to do with a person that put in 33 years of service and deserved some credit. My article had nothing to do with any resident in Caledonia. Some people just need to grow up and realize that it is not always about "them".