Reflections on a Riot



The view from my window, smoke billowing
over downtown Vancouver

Many words have been written about last night's meltdown in downtown Vancouver and far more eloquent. I was not going to comment on my blog about the riot, preferring instead to focus on the positive. The actions of the few hundred hooligans, criminals really, who turned over vehicles and set them ablaze; breaking windows; committed theft and other criminal acts must be brought to task and face the consequences of their actions.

These were not Canuck or any other sport franchise's fans, these were people who had an agenda regardless of the outcome of the final Stanley Cup game to wreak havoc and cause mayhem. Unfortunately, through their actions, the city which had basked in the glow of the Olympics and post-Olympics goodwill has, once again, some work to do in rebuilding its image.

Though this group of creeps was not the same people who participated in the 1994 riot incident, the mindset is the same - mob mentality. Trying to make some sense of it all today, there is not anything anyone can say or do to change the events from June 15, however, I sincerely hope that this scene will not be repeated again here nor anywhere for that matter.

Thank you Cancucks for a great season and great big thank you to the police, fire department, health care professionals and others who assisted in helping to control the crowd.