February 20, 2006
Guardian Angels in Toronto
Feb. 20 -
"You must be the change that you want to see in the world."
These words were spoken by Steve Pacquette of the
new Toronto chapter of the Guardian Angels..
The creation of the Guardian Angels up here has sparked a lot of controversy. The stated concerns are that the Guardian Angels might operate as vigilantes. I believe that there is an underlying issue, though: citizen-based groups like the Angels threaten a mentality that would have us be passive victims and wait patiently for the government to "do something" -- inevitably after things have gone wrong due to government policies.
The Guardian Angels, in fact, are like preventive medicine, and they have the potential to stop trouble before it starts simply by their presence. What's not to like and admire?
It comes down to this: should citizens step up and take responsibility for themselves and their neighbourhoods? Or, to put it another way, if we don't take responsibility then who will?
People who live in rural areas are likely smiling at all this. After all, they have a robust history of belonging to fire and police auxiliaries and all the twitter over the Guardian Angels must seem insane. Communities are stronger, not weaker, when citizens take responsibility for themselves and their city. It's just, you know, common sense.
The creation of the Guardian Angels was a major first step for the people of New York to take back their city. I earnestly hope that the sight of red berets will restore a sense of pride and dignity -- and safety -- in Parkdale.
Posted by: Debbye at
09:00 AM
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1
YEAH RIGHT....
We do not need more gangs in park dale.....
This is canada not the usa
These guys are not accountable for anything they do, and since their arrival have been pandering to the absolute lowest denominator..
I live in parkdale, have crack heads doing drugs in my alleyway, hookers on my corners and doing tricks in the shadows and theives attempting roberies weekly...
I want to see more POLICE , not a bunch of pseudo crime fighters, who in their spare time sell only a little dope and commit only a little bit of welfare fraud, when extra is needed.
Police are accountable....wanna be crime fighters are not!!
If a cop is shot at or attacked , they can return fire and force.
PRIVATE CITICENS CAN NOT!!
If a community wants to help it self ...first it must look at itself, repair the conditions that makes crime and drugs accessable, MORALS, DECENCY and CANADIAN TRADITIONAL VALUES...
not YANKEE VIGILANTEISM ..
Posted by: PARZIFAL at February 20, 2006 08:09 PM (S+a4C)
2
When a viewpoint relies solely on invoking the anti-American card it doesn't deserve a response.
Posted by: Debbye at February 21, 2006 04:49 PM (qePxg)
3
Good to see you back up & blogging! And I agree, Debbye, that community involvement is essential in the cleanup. I've moved to a condo in d/t Edmonton a block away from a notorious drug park (the city is trying to create a liveable d/t); however, we have police foot patrols & in my building, their cell#s are posted on all doors & entryways. If we see something while walking the dog, we call & they respond. We don't yet have areas as bad as Parkdale, but there are a few that are close (downtown obviously isn't one of them or I wouldn't be here).
Posted by: Candace at February 26, 2006 01:33 PM (cnGRY)
4
Candace, it's so good to see you! You make a terrific point: the security in your condo also relies on each person taking responsibility for being alert and taking action, in this case by notifying the appropriate people.
Congratulations on your newish digs, by the way.
Posted by: Debbye at February 27, 2006 06:10 PM (oM1Oj)
5
Would be very grateful if steve pacquette would contact another steve pacquette based in UK
email:stevepacquette@yahoo.com
Posted by: steve pacquette at March 01, 2006 09:16 AM (m8M8W)
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