G20 Summit Time Line.

Washington D.C. 2008 - London 2009 - Pittsburgh 2009 - Toronto 2010 - Seoul 2010 - Cannes 2011

[June 22, 2010] Front and Yonge Street. Toronto

 I planned one day trip to the Rogers centre to watch a major league game with my friend on the day after the last exam. When we got there, the downtown was full of police officers with a riot helmet and temporary installed security fences, even though the summit was 4 days away. The fences were barricading every blocks and intersections, leaving only small door open for people to pass.  The scenery was so eerie and gave me the feeling of watching a fictional apocalyptic city where they isolate certain area because of contamination or outlaw. It was also surprise to see a group of anarchy activists marching down the street and many undercover police officers were silently watching them in a black Cheverlot Tahoe. The typical SUV is almost like the symbol  of undercover law enforcement in North America along with the Ford Crown Victoria. On that evening, the Blue Jays lost to St.Louis Cardinals by 9-4.

[June 27, 2010] Toronto Pearson International Airport.

 This was the big day for me because I was on the flight heading (back) to Seoul, which was also the last day of the two-day world summit. While transferring to the international line at the Pearson airport, I was able to see the fleet of presidential aircrafts parked in a space. Lined as if they were cars. It was very cool to see the each plane representing their country by colours and logos. Of course, there was the famous 'Air Force One' too.

[July 14, 2010] Seoul Plaza. South Korea

 Right after my arrival, I saw the news headlines and pictures regarding the protests that went on the other side of the world, Toronto. In the picture, there was a burned patrol car in the middle of a street and anarchists standing on it. I could feel the atmosphere of terror and chaos from the picture. In the description, It was very ironic for me to see the word, Canada, with such an image, because it wasn't the usual image to describe this country with peace, order, and good government. As I was following the Canadian news during the stay, I was even more sadden to read about the the Toronto Police chief's ignorant reaction and attitude of justifying the violent force that was used against the protesters. On the other side of the world, the Korean media was doing a case study on the Canadian's summit for their Seoul summit in November. Just like Canada did, there was a lot of concerns with possible protests and security threat, but it turned out to be no violent collision. However, Korea did face different kind of issue, such as an interrogation of internet based activists.

 The reason I'm bringing this memory back is because of the recently aired Fifth Estate report on CBC network. It contained very shocking stories, testimonies, and amateur footages that weren't broadcasted at the time. While watching it, I was very upset to find out about the police brutality and their over used power, and mistreatment of the detainee. I received very contrast feeling, because long ago when I saw the videos of extreme anarchists breaking windows and burning patrol car, I just found them ridiculous and believe the police should use force to arrest them and bring order. However more important things were going on behind the headline, such as the officers striking people down with their riot shields, using rubber guns and sound cannons, and arresting in very aggressive and insulting manner. It was very hard for me to believe this all happened in Canada, since it was not the Canadian value I felt through living here. Although most people probably forgot this issue long ago, I hope they could look this issue again in various aspects and become aware of the importance of civil liberty.