Trampling on their own message

Congratulations to all those blockading in front of the Ambassador Bridge. Cutting off access to truckers to make their deliveries was truly a stroke of genius. I loved the barbecues and blow-up playground you set up for the kiddies.

But I digress.

I just wanted to let you know your message was received loud and clear. We know you got tired of falling in line with the majority of Canadians in regards to pandemic health restrictions and mandates. We know it has been a slap in the face to those of you who believe in “don't tread on my freedom.”

Furthermore, we feel your pain in having to wear a mask in public. Indeed, it is a rather humiliating exercise ordered by silly public health officials who continue to base their decisions on science.

All Canada heard your voice: “You're mad as hell and not going to take it anymore.”

Indeed, your protest in the early days was a success, but then you decided to trample on your own message. You ended up seeing yourselves as above the law. In my view, you went from heroes to zeros.

I say this as one who has been on the Ambassador Bridge myself and stopped traffic in protest. I am dating myself, but on Nov. 3, 1971 as a high school student from Essex, I joined some 3,000 other students who sat down on the bridge and shut down all traffic.

Our protest was against the nuclear bomb testing the U.S. was carrying out offshore from Canada on Amchika Island. It garnered international media coverage and launched the birth of Greenpeace.

But even us goofy students knew such a shut down to an international bridge would not be tolerated for too long. Or more importantly, us being seen as lawless would have undermined our cause.

Also, looking across the bridge to the U.S. side, perhaps the imposing sight of some 300 armed Michigan militia may have played a part in moving us along.

In any case, we withdrew from the bridge in five hours feeling we had accomplished our mission.

David Wood, Mildmay, Ont.