Dear Tamils:
Let me first say that I also come from a country that suffered, for a very long time, a great deal of political and military abuse. The kind that takes decades to recover from and whose scar wounds will never leave the face of its people.
I understand and sympathize with your cause. I hope the best of outcomes for your plight: That the innocent survive, that children are not killed and that the guilty face their responsibilities.
What I need to ask you is to please have respect for the City of Toronto. Whose name is "Meeting Place" from the history of its cultural origins.
Many of us have come here from other countries to form a better life for ourselves and our families. This city has welcomed us with warmth, social assistance, acceptance of cultural diversity. It employs us, educates us, entertains us, supports us and provides a safe and colorful foundation for all the members in our family. Be they young or old.
I sincerely and humbly implore you, please, to NOT pay back the city that has been so helpful to you by blocking its bloodflow. Closing down a major venue like University Avenue is a touchy enough subject. Taking illegal command of the Gardiner Expressway, on Mother's Day, is very much another issue with very many dangerous and alienating ramifications.
Please remember that many of these people who were captured in their travels by your efforts are not all familiar with your cause. Many of them were on their way to see their Mothers for dinner and are not accustomed at all with this kind of passionate, political demonstration. It's not to say that Canadians should not be more politically aware, very many should, but this was the wrong way to introduce them to your cause. It will foster resentment and alienation towards your plight, therefore making your climb a steeper one to climb. You need as many people to believe in your cause as you can reach.
Please, be kind to the city that continues to help you to this moment. Do not back down from your will but keep your passions from becoming irrational. There are proper ways that will allow you to make your points legally and safely. Remember that you are in CANADA and there is a system here set in place for you to voice your frustrations. If you play by the guidelines of that system, you will achieve many worthwhile goals. If you don't believe in this process, perhaps the Canadian environment is not the ideal one for you.
Please think about this before you charge a major highway again. Most importantly, I beg you to never, ever put children in the face of potentially violent situations. If you resolve nothing else, at least please pay heed to this sincere petition.
"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent".
- Mahatma Ghandi
On Behalf of all concerned and conscious Canadians and Torontonians.
Be well and Good Luck.
Listen and Learn.
Let me first say that I also come from a country that suffered, for a very long time, a great deal of political and military abuse. The kind that takes decades to recover from and whose scar wounds will never leave the face of its people.
I understand and sympathize with your cause. I hope the best of outcomes for your plight: That the innocent survive, that children are not killed and that the guilty face their responsibilities.
What I need to ask you is to please have respect for the City of Toronto. Whose name is "Meeting Place" from the history of its cultural origins.
Many of us have come here from other countries to form a better life for ourselves and our families. This city has welcomed us with warmth, social assistance, acceptance of cultural diversity. It employs us, educates us, entertains us, supports us and provides a safe and colorful foundation for all the members in our family. Be they young or old.
I sincerely and humbly implore you, please, to NOT pay back the city that has been so helpful to you by blocking its bloodflow. Closing down a major venue like University Avenue is a touchy enough subject. Taking illegal command of the Gardiner Expressway, on Mother's Day, is very much another issue with very many dangerous and alienating ramifications.
Please remember that many of these people who were captured in their travels by your efforts are not all familiar with your cause. Many of them were on their way to see their Mothers for dinner and are not accustomed at all with this kind of passionate, political demonstration. It's not to say that Canadians should not be more politically aware, very many should, but this was the wrong way to introduce them to your cause. It will foster resentment and alienation towards your plight, therefore making your climb a steeper one to climb. You need as many people to believe in your cause as you can reach.
Please, be kind to the city that continues to help you to this moment. Do not back down from your will but keep your passions from becoming irrational. There are proper ways that will allow you to make your points legally and safely. Remember that you are in CANADA and there is a system here set in place for you to voice your frustrations. If you play by the guidelines of that system, you will achieve many worthwhile goals. If you don't believe in this process, perhaps the Canadian environment is not the ideal one for you.
Please think about this before you charge a major highway again. Most importantly, I beg you to never, ever put children in the face of potentially violent situations. If you resolve nothing else, at least please pay heed to this sincere petition.
"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent".
- Mahatma Ghandi
On Behalf of all concerned and conscious Canadians and Torontonians.
Be well and Good Luck.
Listen and Learn.
