The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Local activist Greg East is organizing a peace march down Main St. next week to coincide with U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Ottawa. The vocal East expects some two dozen area residents will join him to wave signs and protest Bush policies, particularly the war in Iraq and the proposed defense shield in space. "If the Americans are our friends, which they are, and our neighbours, which they are, I think it's our responsibility as friends to tell them if we think they're doing something wrong," he said. Referencing a Time magazine poll showing most Canadians against the war, East asked, "Why wouldn't we come out on a day when Mr. Bush is coming to Canada and let him know that we are opposed?" East, who last year organized a peace rally against what he calls the "illegal" war, said Canadians can't be afraid to voice views that conflict with that of the American government. See 'Friends' P.# Con't from P.# "There's a tendency among Canadians to be afraid to tell our friends in the United States when they're doing something wrong," he said. "The oft-quoted reason is that 85 per cent of our trade is with them, and after all, we can't afford to jeopardize our trade. But I think if we're going to have the courage of our convictions, we have to tell them." The peace march this Tuesday is expected to be among dozens, if not more, that will take place in communities across Canada. Yet East said very few Americans are likely to be aware of the marches, and very few are likely to care. "I'm just making my statement to George Bush, not that he's going to hear it, but you never know, he might pick up The Reminder," he said jokingly. On a serious note, East said that although the Iraq war does not involve his country, Canadians have a responsibility to "stand up for what's right." The activist even plans to speak on CBC radio to challenge other northern communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to match the amount of marchers in Flin Flon. The peace march will begin this Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 12:15 p.m. on the steps of Flin Flon City Hall. It will make its way down to The Orange Toad before winding back to City Hall. East invites all people to attend, though would prefer that they bring signs that are not offensive. He can be reached at 687-0754 for more information.
