Globe calls train delays "injustice"

I hate unsigned editorials. Unfortunately, they are a mainstay of newspapers in this country. The problem with them is this: editorials are seen to be the opinion of the newspaper. But they are written by one or a few individuals and really don't represent the body of journalists at a paper at all.

When I read an editorial in the Globe and Mail today about the Mohawks who blocked the VIA rail line in Deseronto, Ont., this point came back to me again. Here's a choice selection:

It is that time of year again when radical native protesters with one grievance or another engage in criminal acts dressed up as civil disobedience. They inflict injustice to draw attention to what they allege is an injustice done to them.

Now why can't we know who wrote this? It is a highly irresponsible way to deal with a very serious grievance of people in the province, and it taints the entire paper. This writer is equating the frustration and annoyance rail passengers experience with the very real pain and injustice of having land stolen from you by the state.

The editorial goes on:

There are always the courts. But the radicals don't want to wait; they think they know a better way.

To that, I'd say, probably no other group in Canada has so much experience dealing with courts. Perhaps this experience has shown them there are, indeed, "better ways."

So, besides this totally reactionary, offensive editorial, the news is that the blockade is down. Originally the Mohawks of Deseronto said they would keep the lines blocked for 48 hours. They made it to 30 under a great deal of pressure from government and police.

The dispute is over a quarry, which is being used by Thurlow Aggregates, trucking away gravel. The protesters say that the quarry is actually theirs and therefore the gravel cannot be taken like that. It's been simmering for a while now, with very little coverage.

They got it now.

Not afraid to sign my opinion,

Jenn Watt