Occupied Portsmouth (WHAT THE HECK?!?!?)

[SLN]

Why are there soldiers in my neighbourhood? Why are they patrolling the streets, blocking roads, and refusing entrance to the staircase between Mowat Avenue and Church St?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/sharingpix/occupied_portsmouth3.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/sharingpix/occupied_portsmouth2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/sharingpix/occupied_portsmouth1.jpg

I've had enough of them with their guns and their scrim helmets. I can't stand the sight of them any more. ESPECIALLY since they haven't had the courtesy to tell anyone what is going on or how long they'll be here. I asked them tonight, and they said - "Don't Know"

Pardon me, but that was rude. Of COURSE they know, they're just power tripping. And who was I to argue with twenty-five men with machine guns, all aimed and at the ready? Imagine walking up your street having guns pointed at you - that is honestly what is happening here. Sure, they're not loaded with live rounds, but I don't care. It's not nice. It's illogical, and it's transformed Portsmouth Village - the place i love more than any place I've ever been - into some wierd, uncomfortable militarized zone.

[Valley]

It appears to be one of the military exercises that the the City of Kingston allows to aquaint troops with urban war settings. The city authorized a similar exercise near the Wollen Mill a year or so back.

These type of exercises should be more widely publicized before they proceed.

[billygoat]

Those rude, rude soldiers...we send them off to war and they have the audacity to train for it!

[Florence]

I think we should tolerate and welcome training exercises, but agree that being told about it would be nice. Is there a 'military' reason why exercises aren't published?

[billygoat]

They are publicized beforehand - I heard about these exercises a day before they started on the news.

Maybe the news outlets should publicize them a bit more.

[Exhibitionist]

I'm sorry you are upset about having our troops give you a real time lesson on reality of war zones. I for one believe North Americans are the most niave people in the world. Their geography, news (entertainment) shows, and their lack of, overseas travel (and disney land dreams) are to blame.

It is about time we have some real "troopers" (not the band) breathing down your blocks neck for a few days - just thank your lucky charms cereal and milk in the morning staring over your "white picket fence" - that they are friendly fire.

[SLN]

Ex you are the type who would beg for a police state, aren't you? Oh please, BIg Brother, take away my freedom so that I can be SAFE.

Whatever.

As to everyone else - you hit the nail on the head. A little warning would be nice. And I don't think it should be up to the news to give the neighbourhood notice, it should be up to the military. There should have been a flyer in my door directly from the DND.

It's scary to wake up in the morning and see two yahoos in full combat regalia with machine guns at the end of your driveway. How was I to know that these were really army (reserve) guys?

I myself could dress up just like that and park my sweet rear end near YOUR house, EX. If that would make you any happier. We could just give ME control of your safety. Teach you a little lesson, you naive so and so.

[Exhibitionist]

I myself could dress up just like that and park my sweet rear end near YOUR house, EX. If that would make you any happier. We could just give ME control of your safety. Teach you a little lesson, you naive so and so.

I have know problem with your suggestion for a communication conduit with regards to neighbour type military "movements". I believe the more information the better for such real world realities. (I also think that most younger kids would be fasinated with when its all coming to a backyard near them) :D

Your "Ohio State" nightmare example...is rather dated though. (60's) - we live now in the 21st Century.

If you have ever spent anytime in Europe - every day NATO planes of every member "state"- flies F16's over your neighbourhood (which is a little bothersome to farm critters, and rattles some political windows..sometimes) There are troop movement in countries the size of Newfoundland..they are hard to avoid. In other words it is just part of the fabric of life (i) and most of the European world are very familar with. (but, I assume YOU know all about this)

Which should remind OTHERS of how "lucky" we are (we have the geography that hides the realities i.e flights etc.) Unfortunately at the same time it hides the realities of the world for most is my premise...

We (the general public of North America) Know little about war, war moments, jetfighter flybys (except for the CNE) BUT, we still exault our white picket fence suburbian world, (some gated now) -hiding from the "domestic terrorists" or frontier first nations city folks..or reality! Based on suburbanits consuming not only American Culture through i.e hollywood movie rentals...Topgun, Bridge to far or spung bob goes to war?

So, I still say North Americans are VERY niave of the world. (and this is also why I believe this....)

- Global TV is not (Global News). Either are movies..or sitcomes from Hollywood or pay TV.

- "Global" - spends most of its broadcast on domestic and US interests, pony or squire rescue bits and is a "show".

European , BBC or Deutchavella TV or shortwave and now available in satillite is the only resource for "World News".

The CBC comes sort of close (radio) BUT, their weather reports stinks!

So, if you wish to continue to stick your head in the sand - thats your choice. (or RIGHT I suppose ...the way put it)

But, it does not help our children by hiding from the reality of this 21st Century. A challenged, travelled and well informed citizenship is the only way that change (using real experiences) will happen.

Not the BIG BROTHER hype and dog and pony North American attitude you always seem to conspire about.

[billygoat]

I don't think that it's realistic to expect the military to deliver flyers to every house and apartment in the city.

The media probably needs to do a better job of publicizing these exercises. Having said that, they're not new here - I've seen soldiers out and about every year that I've lived in Kingston, it happens at least once per year.

I object to referring to our soldiers as "yahoos". What an incredible thing to say, especially given that they are fighting and dying in Afghanistan right now...including reservists. They deserve all of our support.

[Exhibitionist]

I believe she know little about the real world.

[clio44]

Just a linguist's plea here: if you want people to take your posts seriously, can you please take the time to re-read what you write?

More on topic though, I think the Whig should put something on the front page (even small) to notify residents. It is unrealistic to expect flyers, just as it would be to place flyers in those people's mailboxes who will drive by and see the soldiers. I agree, it would be unsettling for me too, to wake up to that..... but if it helps them train, so be it. Think of it this way -- at least it'll keep crime down for a little while! :p

[Exhibitionist]

I believe if you write as well as you read your own "chat" notes - sometimes mistake-s occur.

Its called life. Get use to it.

[clio44]

Sorry *************, I don't understand what you mean by "I believe if you write as well as you read your own "chat" notes - sometimes mistake-s occur."
..... and I'm sorry if it seemed like an attack, but there's no need to lash out at me, I'm just suggesting a way for people to make their points without distracting people with poor spelling and grammar. I realize not everyone knows grammar very well, but most people know at least that "Its" is only used when "It" possesses something, ("It's called life.") and that the expression is actually "Get useD to it". Forgive me for being snarky, but really I found your reply quite rude. Please think and read twice before you comment on someone's quite polite plea. Just because it doesn't exist in the outside world does not mean common decency cannot exist here. Thanks.

[Exhibitionist]

I concure that English is not always ones first language. I agree that in my mind substance is what this "chat forum" is all about. or (Aboot).

I obviously would and could use a spell check here. Can you point me in that direction?

Please though comment on the substance of the current chat room -theme.

SLN seems to argue that the Canadian soldiers local movements could use some sort of announcement. And I suggested a few other points of perspective.

Hopefully this will help (us) get back on track.

But, I apologies if I seemed rather offended that everyone should re-read their notes - before one will take it seriously. (This site is not an essay)

[clio44]

I agree, maybe they should have spell-check on here for people who would like to use it.
(I already commented on the actual post, and only replied to yours because I misunderstood and took "get used to it" as offensive rather than suggestive, and felt the need to defend myself. I'll stop here.)

I wonder if maybe placing signs up around the area they'd be patrolling would help control the confusion? Surely they do patrols on routes.......?

clio