Placard-waving protestors gather at key Penticton retail corridor intersection
Placard-waving demonstrators gathered on all four corners of the busy South Main Street and Warren Avenue East intersection at noon today to protest what they feel are oppressive mask regulations and dwindling societal freedoms.
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A demonstrator identifying himself as Bill Smith, of Rutland, estimated the turnout at one point numbered 80. When PentictonNow arrived on the scene at 1 pm, we saw approximately 40.
The rally had a scheduled 2 pm end point.
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The event seemed peaceful, with demonstrators waving their hand-designed posters at passing cars, and numerous drivers honking in response — some with a thumbs-up and a smile, others with far less favourable one-finger salutes and scowls.
Pedestrian reactions were equally mixed. While some steered a wide berth around the occupied sections of sidewalk, others walked right through.
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We did witness one unpleasant exchange, when an elderly pedestrian complained the sidewalk was too crowded and a demonstrator replied that the group had the right to assemble. The volume of the conversation increased in a quick back-and forth before the pedestrian moved on.
“We’re just trying to express our viewpoint peacefully, as is our right,” said protestor Cherise Clarke of Penticton.
“I have a right to not wear a piece of cloth over my face that I feel damages my health. I have a right to access services without being discriminated against for my beliefs. I don’t think masks work, and I don’t think the threat of COVID is what it’s being portrayed as in the media.
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“If fundamental freedoms are suspended in an emergency, where does that leave us? We’ll lose those fundamental freedoms so fast the pandemic will be the least of our worries.”
According to Smith, society is being deceived.
“I can’t live with myself letting people be deceived by international lobby groups who want to tear apart our societal norms. There is no evidence of a medical emergency. It’s a created disease panic mind-control operation that the government is doing.”
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Other protestors exhibited an obvious distaste for the media, calling it “leftist” and saying their treatment thus far has been “unfair.”
“I do want to say though,” added Clarke, “that we make an announcement whenever we gather saying it’s a completely peaceful demonstration. No violence, no yelling, no responding, no giving the finger back.”
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Asked if Penticton can expect more of the same in the coming weeks, Clarke was definitive.
“Absolutely. Until we are safe at work and safe at travel without our fundamental freedoms being denied.”
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