My brother is an RCMP officer here in Newfoundland but it doing security for the G20.....he can't wait for it to be all over too! Over 12 hours a day standing on the streets in heavy, black protective gear dealing with idiots like you described. There is nothing wrong with the peaceful protesters but the anarchists are ruining it for everyone else.

My niece works at Roots in Eaton Centre and they were in lockdown yesterday during the violence. She keeps posting "stupid G20" LOL I keep asking her if she knows what the G20 is but she never answers me. I don't think she has a clue.

The police raided U of T during the night and think they may have found some of those black clad thugs who they think were from a group out of Quebec.

I too feel for all the security members dressed in that protective gear in the heat and humidity.

The G20 should never have been held in Toronto in my opinion, it should have been held in a place less populated where it wouldn't have been so disruptive to the people who live and work in the area or the tourists who visit. Too much goes on in Toronto in the summer for this kind of event to be held there.

Anne

Okay, I'm not economically savvy, but what are they protesting against? I may be entirely off base, but I thought they (the G-20) met to discuss the world economy and possibly take steps to help the economy during these hard times. Maybe someone could help me understand if I'm not getting it right.

And I don't consider this political--because I don't have an opinion either way at this point. I just don't understand the chaos???

They seem to be protesting everything and anything. Protesting isn't the problem, Toronto has protests every single day at the US Embassy or Queen's Park. It is the criminal element of those choosing to destroy property and riot that are the problem.

Me too! I am apalled at the damage the Black Bloc has done! I think the city should pay for the damages and then make the BB pay them.

It is weird to see Queen Street look like a war zone.
BJ

patti43, you are correct that the main intent of the G20 summit is to discuss what steps should be taken to avert further financial crisis in the global economy. In a nutshell, many of the protesters are against having G20 summits at all, saying that they don't feel the G20 leaders have any right to make decisions that impact the rest of the world.

Some protesters use the summit in hopes that their messages on a variety of issues including the economy, climate change, and globalization will capture the attention of world leaders attending the summit. Some protest that they don't want the G20 countries to cut stimulus spending until jobs recover.

Greenpeace International is protesting that if G20 countries could spend billions of dollars to rescue banks in trouble, why not find money to help unemployed workers, for the environment and for social causes.

Student activists are protesing being tens of thousands in debt for their education. They had signs that said "One billion for education, not fortification", inferring that the 1 billion spend on security and fortification to hold the summit would have been better spent on providing less costly education. There are people protesting for the Labor movement, the Environmental movement, the Women's movement, etc.

Marchers have been complaining about everything from pay for public employees to expensive housing to the excesses of capitalism.

It's unfortunate the minority who use violent means to show their displeasure make it so much more difficult for those who wish to peacefully exercise their right to protest.

It was disgusting watching the vandalism and the torching of the police cars yesterday. The damage to innocent businesses was abhorrent. The poor people living in the condos downtown would be terrified watching it all.

Over 550 people arrested. Good!!!

I posted a long reply, deleted it cause it was not good. Just sending prayers for those living and working in the area to stay safe.

Seems like the violence was worse this year than it was in Pittsburgh last year!

I was thrilled when it left Pittsburgh... I could get to restaurants, bars and shows again.

Thanks for explaining the demonstrating/rioting, pickyshopper. Still doesn't make a lot of sense to me to protest a meeting of minds. After I posted that I googled G20. Doesn't seem like those little get-togethers make much of a difference anyway, or I didn't read the right articles. Also seems like the draw demonstrators like flies to honey.

Anyway, I'm sorry for those of you who have been put through what must be a terrifying experience. Hope it's over now.