lic inquiry still fresh in everyone’s mind when the occupation of Caledonia began, it comes as no surprise that the Government of Ontario and the OPP would do everything in their power – includ- ing doing nothing – to ensure they didn’t end up with a second Ipperwash on their hands. Particu- larly appalling is the treatment of those holding the town hostage. This “hands off, kid gloves” approach stands in stark contrast to the way the law-abiding citizens were treated, which can only be described as a “blame the victim” approach.
This is an important book, a dangerous book, because it takes no hostages.
In fact, a fair amount of Helpless is spent chroni- cling political and law enforcement tactics – tac- tics that worked all too well in protecting and supporting the activities of the protestors, but did little to help the besieged and beleaguered towns-
folk. Blatchford goes into great detail, having in- terviewed most of the key participants (although Premier McGuinty and Chief Fantino declined to be interviewed), showing just how far political correctness has been allowed to go. Perhaps most telling is the saga of Richmond Hill activist, Gary McHale, who was arrested following a peaceful rally on the make-believe charge of “counselling mischief not committed.” This is an important book, a dangerous book, because it takes no hostages and instructs us in a very real way just how out-of-control and topsy- turvy our world has become. Having the courage to tell the truth at a time when few others seem able or willing to do so, Christie Blatchford re- minds us of the true role of the media – to be fair and to be accurate. Do yourself a favour. Ignore the naysayers and
read the book.
Stewart Kiff is the President of Solstice Public Affairs. He is a citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and a former senior advisor to the Solicitor General of Ontario. He can be reached at
stewart@solstice.ca.
April 2011 | Campaigns & Elections 57
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