Protesters "ignored" on parade route.

This is an insult and an example of how little they think of our people.
Joe Daniels - Sagkeeng First Nation band councillor

Oh please. The following is from today's Winnipeg Free Press.

Protesters ignored on torch route
Two Manitoba First Nations communities organized a roadside protest this morning on the Olympic Torch route.

Joe Daniels, a councillor with the Sagkeeng First Nation band, considered it an insult that the torch procession passed by the protesters at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 11 at about 10 a.m. without stopping to hear their message.

"They just drove right by," said Daniels. "This is an insult and an example of how little they think of our people. They just don't want to hear our message."

About 150 people from Sagkeeng and also Roseau River First Nation assembled to draw attention to the plight of murdered and missing aboriginal women. They say not enough action has been taken by politicians and lawmakers to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The Olympic Games are a worldwide event, so we thought this would be a good way to make people aware of what is happening to First Nations people in Manitoba and Canada.

"I guess we'll have to follow them to Steinbach."

Alright, Mr. Daniels. The Olympic Torch procession slapped you in the face and showed their absolute and utter disdain for the First Nation troubles by failing to.... to... hmmmm...

What was it you were hoping they were going to do, anyways?!?!

It's an honest question! The Olympic Torch Bearers have absolutely NO power to help find missing Aboriginal women whatsoever.

Did you want them to wave at you? Stop and chat? How would THAT help find anyone?

What exactly were you hoping to achieve here?!

Ah, yes, some publicity.

I'm down with that. The Olympic Torch's journey is a big news event. It's smart to tie your protest into a public spectacle of this magnitude. You've managed to get this message out to a wider audience.

It's unfortunate that you then had to turn around and make yourself look like a complete fool by claiming that the Olympic participants have no respect for aboriginal people. This torch run is on a schedule, and has a purpose that is completely unrelated to your goals. Just because they stick to the time line they've set up for themselves does not give you the right to play the victim card.

How on earth am I supposed to take you seriously?

What response by the torch bearers were you expecting? What would have satisfied you?

Your cause took one step forward with this protest, and then two steps back by complaining about not reaching whatever outcome you'd thought this would accomplish.

Why not take all the energy and dedication of the 150 people who showed up in sub-zero temperatures to this protest, and put it to something that is going to make a difference in the lives of the friends and families who mourn the many missing and murdered Aboriginal women?

Currently playing: Eddie Schwartz - Special Girl
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PS. You've got to love the irony of the title of the Winnipeg Free Press column. How are protesters being ignored when they get front page coverage?!?!