π· #CovidAB #covididiots #iamdowntown . The lockdown "cabin fever" has been pretty fierce this time round. I have been feeling particularly stir crazy this week & decided to make a trip #downtown for a much needed change. I was looking forward to seeing the π lights, skating rink & taking some photos. #calgarydowntown is usually quiet on a Sunday and it was, until I heard a huge roar as I approached #StephenAvenue. It was pretty unnerving until I realised that there was also a substantial police presence accompanying the ruckus that turned out to be an anti-lockdown protest (with some overtly racist overtones). I must have looked pretty startled because a lady told me not to worry. Apparently, they do this every day. I followed at a safe distance, choosing to proceed with my original plan to make it to #OlympicPlaza to see the π & the βΈοΈ skaters. The protesters continued on the City Hall, handing out pamphlets on "constitutional rights" to anyone that would take one. . I found myself getting quite emotional - quite sad - as the protest chants echoed through the streets, boosted by numerous honking horns adding their support & thumbs up (incl. @cityofcalgary truck π‘). . This pandemic has been quite painful. The loneliness of this lockdown in particular has been crushing. The fear I have carried having known people who had #Covid. I know how it can turn your life upside down. I know that even "mild" symptoms are horrible. Millions have died. . I want this nightmare to be over too. But I believe the only way to get through is to listen to the experts & do what they tell us. Distance, #stayhome π & #wearamask π·. Protesting is idiotic & counterproductive. Not the day I planned. . Today's spectacle was heartbreaking & shameful. Surely, we're better than this? _____ "We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what's in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense." β Barack Obama . . . . #calgary #dailyhiveyyc #alberta #abpoli (at Downtown Calgary) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJCwHTih2he/?igshid=e9s3tnh4fs1q
