War on Trash: Day 30 (accompanied by friendly police officer)
Posted on July 21st, 2009 –
That’s what I’d like to know!
Well, I guess by the title you’ve already guessed that the offensive is still in full swing. I really do wish I had something more to report but the War has either moved into ultra-secret territory, or both sides are sitting on their thumbs. Something I read stated that this could potentially lead to a large increase in the rat/mouse population. According to the exterminator that was being interviewed.
But I think the implications go much deeper than a few extra rodents. Garbage on the streets has now become commonplace, so much so that many people don’t think twice about just tossing stuff to the ground. Even I find myself struggling to find that line that separates garbage from, umm, not garbage:
Ah, blessed gaudy stars, rusty segues into my next encounter, another television shoot somewhere on Victoria Street. Here I was cautiously approached by two police officers who asked if it wouldn’t be a better idea if I asked before taking a photo. I explained to them that I really just wanted a quick snap of the “ambiance”, and verified that this was considered a public location and was I within my rights?. “Yes”, said the Asian officer, ”but it would be nice.” And then, he asked if he would like me to have him ask the crew on my behalf. No trouble. “That’s quite alright, officer”, I replied, and moved on:
A few steps up the street, the other officer (right) caught up with me. “Don’t worry”, he assured me, “I’m not following you. Just on an unrelated errand. Nothing to do with you and I don’t want you to feel alarmed.”
I reassured him that I was as cool as a cucumber and that it hadn’t even crossed my mind. And it’s true.
So had I come across as that much of a dick? Skittish, maybe? An over-informed citizen with a hard-on for litigation?
Now, to pull a final segue out of my pants, I think it’s safe to say that we are all a little curious to know if the guy clocked at 140 kilometers an hour (87 miles), on the 401 this morning, while awash in portable DVD pr0n, had both hands on the wheel. Ha ha! The wacky things people do behind the wheel. Precious.
... with pictures
... with sounds
... with videos
... with opinions
... that's shorter
... that's longer
July 22nd, 2009 8:59 am
Yes you are correct, it looks bad and so people figure what the heck, the health issues are substantial though and need to be addressed. The money it will cost for clean up and for the added health risk, and or taking care of people after they've become ill from the trash/rodents will outway whatever they think they'll save by not picking up. Short sighted.
Sandy
July 22nd, 2009 11:32 am
I completely agree, Sandy. The implications of this strike are much broader than what I've been reporting on. Aside from the health issues you raise, a number of business are facing bankruptcy because the union is actively blocking them from operating. I console myself with visions of sweeping class-action lawsuits against the unions and their members. Legal or not, their tactics are rotten.
July 22nd, 2009 9:12 am
I don't understand how they can "manage" the rodent problem if they are still dealing with it from the last strike. This sounds like a "let's calm the masses" ploy.
While the garbage itself may not pose a threat, the insects that live off it definitely do. The CDC should be speaking out about this. Makes you wonder if they are being silenced by the garbage men.
Maybe the citizens of Toronto need to take matters into their own hands. Are any protesting or speaking out about this? I hope you are not the "Lone Ranger" in this effort.
July 22nd, 2009 11:24 am
Inge, you are thinking what a lot of people are starting to think: conspiracy. The complete silence by the provincial government has "backroom politics" written all over it. But I'm happy to say I'm not the only vocal Torontonian on this issue; some have even physically clashed with picketers. That's usually not my style but my heart's with them.