April 17, Queen's Park freedom protest. Different scene since the monument at the centre was taken from them. No large powered speakers, just bullhorns, chatter, people sparring in the background. Still not a lot of signs out thanks to past TPS arrests.

1/15

Shawn Jason of Druthers interviewing someone from the 'Inner Observer,' a newspaper with twice as many pages, ft. articles on mask wearing, the WHO, suicides, Facebook, Black excellence, the gov't of Tanzania. You get the picture.

2/15

TPS surrounding the John A. Macdonald statue at the centre of Queen's Park with the 'ACAB' slogan on its east-facing side. A protester walks by, murmuring about "Stockholm syndrome..."

3/15

When you take away a primary podium, what you get is an open mic type situation and people with nothing to say being urged off the park bench to make room for the next performer. This guy needed a full 25 seconds.

4/15

I used to host Marni to perform with a percussion group several years ago. Here she is reciting a poem.

"Covid should have been called covert operation, come from a little lab in Wuhan for a little global education..." "broadcast from every tell-u-vision station..."

5/15

A group sparring beneath a tree in Queen's Park. Michelle wears a sweater that reads "join us for them." The front says "New Wave Activism." Vincent, out of frame in grey, wears a Huf Gym tuque.

6/15

Speaking to Vincent about his experience at Huf Gym, standing their ground against police and bylaw on Thursday. He expresses a "split down the middle" in society and in politics. I heard Bill of JW Foods express this in Druthers' coverage.

7/15

Vincent describes standing their ground against TPS earlier in the day, before eventually outnumbering them and getting comfortable. He points out a sea change of police mingling with protesters that was evident throughout the day.

8/15

Speaking to Irene, who on March 27 was seen giving a speech from the John A. Macdonald monument saying "this is worse" than her experience in the Holocaust. She rephrases herself here somewhat and goes on to warn of a vaccine passport being "exactly like the yellow star."

9/15

Asking Irene (b. 1927, came to Canada in 1952) what she thought of Ford's announcements the day before. She is proud of freedom fighters. "Some day a virus might come and kill us all. Nature's revenge. That's life, you've got to have a little courage."

10/15

Speaking to V., a local tradesman, some lightning round questions about the tactical gear he was sporting on Saturday. I tried asking "What about this requires it?" Questions/answers got more relaxed in subsequent clips.

11/15

V. talks about gov't officials making money while working class people and businesses suffer. He admits needing to step up his engagement as well.

12/15

Asking whether Ford's updates will lead to more people coming out to join this community. V. kindly asks where I publish and recommends joining their community on Telegram. I try to be fair in my coverage but not everyone appreciates it as evidenced later in the day.

13/15

One of *many* instances of police, who in past months were throwing protesters in paddy wagons, getting comfortable with the crowd. What changed? There was a Peel officer suspended for hugging protesters the day before.

14/15

Departing Queen's Park, north up Avenue Road before wrapping east along Bloor and down Yonge. Rebel News recorded a bit at the top. Footage is sped up to 115%.

15/15