Right or wrong, climate protesters had their say

Re Charges dropped against climate protesters, Nov. 19

I’m surprised that it is now acceptable use anarchy to block a public roadway as a form of protest. While surprised, I’m also pleased as I have a couple of broad-based social issues that annoy me and I assume many others. So now looks like all we need to do is pick a date, select a location and obstruct the movement of others in order to advance our cause. While pleased with this new-found freedom, I’m concerned that my freedom will infringe on the free movement of others, but since it is now legal to do so, why worry.

Robert Woodcock, North York

As one of the protesters arrested at the October 7 blockade of the Bloor Viaduct, I want to briefly explain why we, with reluctance, disrupted business as usual on that day.

I have been a lawyer for almost 46 years and have never before engaged in civil disobedience, but did so on this occasion without qualms. If that sounds arrogant, please read on.

As we all know, from the Star and other media, we are in a climate emergency. I want my daughter, and your children, to have a future as wonderful as my past has been, and this will only be possible if we all wake up and make drastic changes to how we conduct ourselves, here and worldwide. I only wish that this were hyperbole, but it isn’t. We are in an existential threat to our continuation as a species. Mother Earth doesn’t need us; we need her.

Please, get out of your comfort zone and be part of the solution.

John Liss, Toronto