There are a few of us (yes, a very few, but I hope more will join us), who plan to protest against FATCA at the Conservative party convention in Calgary this week. I’ve NEVER done anything like this, ever, but I feel strongly enough about this to get out there. I’ll make some big posters and stand out in the cold hoping that someone actually notices us and pays attention. Although, even if they don’t, I’ll feel like I’ve done something positive and made a statement that I needed to make.
The convention runs from Thursday, Oct 31 to Saturday, Nov 2 at the BMO Centre. The address is 20 Roundup Way, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1
Calgary411 has been instrumental in setting this up, and I’m linking to the post and comments on Isaac Brock Society. BorninCanada will try to be there, as well.
http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2013/10/24/are-there-any-who-will-be-a-part-of-a-calgary-protest-to-fatca-outside-the-october-31-november-2-conservative-convention/#comments
Calgary411 is creating FATCA sheets to hand out.
She says, “My plan at this moment is:
Thursday, October 31: by 11:30 a.m. at spot suggested by Calgary Police Service, across the street from Victoria Park / Stampede LRT Station (west side of northbound Macleod Trail). Convention registration starts at noon.
Friday, November 1: arrive early enough to get a parking spot nearby and be on above spot sometime before 8:00 a.m. / tentatively going to one or more hotels to try to catch delegates to hand out information.
Saturday, November 2: arrive early enough to get a parking spot (should be easier than on Friday)and be on the above spot sometime before 8:00 a.m. — then play it by ear for Saturday afternoon.
I also made a trip past the recommended place for demonstrations for the Conservative Convention. This is a link for the LRT Station, Victoria Park/Stampede. http://www.lrtincalgary.ca/VictoriaPark.html. You can actually see the “grassy spot” recommended as the best place by Calgary Police Service. I will try to nab the southeast corner of the grassy spot as close as possible to the overpass over Macleod Trail (northbound), which is public property. The Stampede Grounds where BMO Centre is = private property — so we’re not allowed there.”
And a bit more,
“One option is for you to park at the north end of the LRT — Crowfoot (Crowchild Trail) on map at this link: http://lrt.daxack.ca/Cities/Calgary/. You get off Highway 1 at Cochrane exit, travelling then on Highway 1A, through Cochrane, which in Calgary will be Crowchild Trail, to Crowfoot Station parking lot (I wonder how fast he parking lot fills up?) — that LRT leg is the one that goes past the Stampede Grounds. Then, you wouldn’t have to navigate through the city and into downtown.”
COME JOIN US! The more who show up with big ‘Say NO to FATCA’ signs (or whatever wording takes your fancy) the more likely someone will take notice.
You Go Girls!
Is it just me, or is anyone else feeling like we have an excellent chance of preventing the FATCA train crash?
With Calgary411, Outraged (and possibly, YogaGirl, BorinInCanada, and Itacaf) on our side, we can’t lose.
Thanks for posting the detail here, Blaze.
To: All in Calgary Area,
The more of the “visible us” the better, be it to the Conservative Convention delegates or the general public and perhaps media.
@Calgary; Actually, it was Outraged who posted it here.
We want photos!!! (or at least one!)
@WhiteKat: I don’t know if we can prevent the FATCA train crash, but I think we can stop it before it speeds across the Canadian border.
Pictures — I hope so. I’ll leave that to the others. I don’t even have a cell phone.
Thanks Outraged,
For here and at your own site!!
Mini-protest in Canmore for Sunday Nov 3rd from 12:30 to 2pm in front of the Grizzly Paw pub on main street.
Calgary411 is driving out to join me. Anyone who can, please join us!
We can’t block the sidewalks or streets, and must carry the signs. While I don’t have a lot of hope the politicians will see, or pay attention to, the signs, I AM hoping that people will ask us questions. Perhaps this can be an opportunity to educate and inform!
A day well spent.
Subject to further comment by OutragedCanadian, here is my take on Friday’s two-woman FATCA demonstration outside the BMO Centre, Calgary Conservative Party Convention. http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2013/10/24/are-there-any-who-will-be-a-part-of-a-calgary-protest-to-fatca-outside-the-october-31-november-2-conservative-convention/comment-page-4/#comment-619468
As I said at Brock, the two of you are cool ladies. Literally.
Maybe we will call this the Two Cool Ladies Protest.
Stay safe and warm tomorrow. Enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire if you have a fireplace.