There were many navy personnel entering and exiting the base today. I say “Hello” to everyone who passes me, most of the personnel reply with a “hi” back but don’t say anything more. However, today, I had some, short conversations.
Me: Hello
Young navy person: Hi, what’s this all about?
Me: You are the first person to stop and ask me about what I’m doing.
Young navy person smiles.
Me: I’m protesting the building of new warships. Please check out my web site. It’s www.demilitarize.ca
Young navy person: OK.
Later…
Me: Hello
Navy person with glasses and beret: Hello, how are you?
Me: You are the first person to ask me how I’m doing.
Navy person chuckles and carries on.
Later….
Guy in car: What are we going to do when they come and get us? We need warships.
Me: Who is going to come and get us?
Guy in car doesn’t reply and drives off.
Later…
Me: Hello
Tall, thin navy person: Hello, how’s it going?
Me: Fine, but it could be better. I wish the HMCS Toronto wasn’t on its way to the Middle East.
Tall, thin navy person: Yes, I think that the guys would agree with you.
Me: They shouldn’t be going.
At the protest today, I brought a new sign “Canadian warships out of the Middle East”. The HMCS Toronto deployed to the Persian Gulf on January 14th for six months. The frigate will be under US Command and stationed at the American naval base in Bahrain, which is across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran. Canada just instituted new sanctions against Iran. I believe Canadian warships are aiding and abetting US control of the Middle East and should not be there. In my opinion, this is another reason to oppose warships. At 12:50, Sharon walked by on her way to Veith House and helped me hold up my signs for a few minutes.
There were 8 honks of support!