When I went to my first "Freedom Rally" at the BC Legislature in Victoria I didn't go to take sides, but to observe. What I observed was a thoroughly jolly and perfectly peaceful event, and it was interesting to note the dominant demographic of the large crowd: lots of seniors. These Second World War folk and early baby-boomers had fought and marched for freedom before, and they also knew how to enjoy themselves. This Rally was a festival:
Men in kilts, dogs in dresses,
Shaven heads and long blond tresses
Sea of flags in reds and whites
Placards claiming civil rights
The un-vaxxed ask to keep their jobs,
while children chase the bubbles
Seniors grin at age-ist yobs
and forget for a day their troubles
Some dogs off-leash chase after fun,
Freedom the concept tugs at everyone
(F.J.)