In Solidarity with the People of Egypt and Tunisia

Yesterday was a great day. A rally was made in downtown Toronto to spread awareness of the issues surrounding the Egyptian revolution. It was amazing to see Torontonians from all sorts of backgrounds come together united in support of Egypt, Tunisia and all other countries that are being oppressed under dictatorship and Islamic regimes. The police who were monitoring the rally also helped with answering questions and spreading awareness to the people who just happened to be passing by Dundas Square. An on looker approached me and asked me why I was here, I explained to her that we have had a dictatorial regime for 30 years and we will no longer be silenced while our country is being destroyed. She was very moved by comments, what attracted her the most is when I explained to her that we are unable to contact our families because the wireless network including internet and cellular phones are not in service in Egypt. She quickly picked up one of the PRO Egypt signs that were provided and went in the crowd. While in the subway station, a few people approached me seeing my sign and my flag hanging behind my back, one person in particular approached me and shook my hand while saying "You can and will make a change."  As well, a TTC bus driver saluted me as I got off the bus.
The tremendous amount of support that we received is really incredible. Thank you!
As I was reading different news articles I came across a CBC article that was talking about the rally held in downtown Toronto. The comments at the bottom of the page from viewers were shocking and were far from supportive. I have put my input in red to outline my opinion on these comments.

x-pack wrote:Posted 2011/01/30 at 4:05 AM ET 
Go home and protest there , leave us Canadians alone ..
Us Canadians? I have a document here stating that I too am a Canadian. Most of the protesters in yesterdays rally were Canadian as well. 
Rob366366 wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 9:27 PM ET
Didn't the G20 teach you anything? Protesting is illegal in Canada. 
Oh really? Since when? This is news to me considering that I was protesting yesterday in front of about 10 cops who in fact were supporting the cause. 
manchester wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 8:33 PM ET
something I have never agreed to,,,go protest in your own country,,,,
Airlines are cancelled, I CAN'T GO TO MY COUNTRY. 
Seal and Gravy wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 1:49 PM ET
Go home and rally !
I CAN'T GO HOME. I have two homes and Canada, is one of them. So.. I am home. 
rakki004 wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 1:46 PM ET
Another Protest? If you wanna protest go back to egypt and protest. This is not our problem. Dont waste our resources.
What resources? It's not about whose problem it is, it is about freedom for all. 
farnorth55 wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 2:30 PM ET
I’m so flippin’ sick and tired of people that immigrate to Canada referred to with duel countries, like Egyptian-Canadians, Indo-Canadians and such. We immigrated to Canada over 50 years ago from England, me I’m just a plain old Canadian. The same applies to duel or multiple citizenship, what the hell is up with that? Once you receive citizenship in a country your loyalties are to that country and government alone, none of the double dipping stuff………………… 
You immigrated from England? So, correct me if I am wrong.. You are an immigrant from England?
Defeated wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 5:14 PM ET
Do NOT start that crap here in Canada!
If these protesters want to support their former country,they should go back there to do it!
Protesting here on canadian soil does NOTHING to help the situation,and I hope they are being watched closely.
This is Canada...not Egypt...remember?  did they not?
It's not my FORMER country, it is MY country period. And why would we be watched closely? Are we criminals for protesting or something? As a Canadian, I have fundamental rights. My rights as a Canadian include:
a. Freedom of Consiouc and religion
b. Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression
c. Freedom of PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
I am an immigrant, isn't it funny how I know my rights better than you do? 
Specimen Yarp wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 7:27 PM ET
It's time to end dual citizenship. Either you have 100 percent loyalty to Canada, or you get out.
For all the ignorant people out there, Canada is a cultural mosaic. It seems to me that you want Canada to be a melting pot. If thats the case, USA is right across the border. 
GWP... wrote:Posted 2011/01/29 at 7:24 PM ET
Keep your protests out of my Canada.
Your Canada? Good one! 


I noticed that a few readers were comparing our protest yesterday to the Tamil protest that took place last year. The Tamil protest that took place last year, was held on the DVP and the DVP Ramp. There were also children that were standing in the front line. The Egyptian protest that we did yesterday was pre-planned. The City of Toronto was contacted and was aware that we are having a demonstration at the heart of downtown. We received a permit from Dundas Square to have our protest there and the Toronto Police was contacted to monitor the protest. We also had families and children hand out candies, cookies and chocolates to the police officers, pedestrians and the protesters. As far as I am concerned, our protest was a huge success, we have a lot of supporters and it was a peaceful family friendly protest. Once again, thank you Toronto Police and the City of Toronto for allowing us to have this event. 


Special thank you to all my friends for the great support you have given me and Egypt. A special shout out to Al Henderson, Atiya Jacquesson, Myriam Theodule and Shyanne Spilchen.