For those of us living in downtown Toronto, this weekend has been intense and unforgettable.
This city with a global reputation for “everyone getting along” is suddenly the side of violent clashes between so-called “protesters” and police.
Many are worried about the G8 and G20 riots leaving a lasting mark on the city’s reputation.
But is that likely? I’ve been monitoring tweets about Toronto for indications. Here’s a sample.
@SassyBaybie
what the hell is going on with #toronto?
@Missy_S
My heart feels so heavy about what is happening in the city I love…Toronto…I could cry. #G20 #Toronto #Protest #humanrights
@bzaz
No tea party in Toronto. Who is rioting at #G20? COMMUNISTS #tcot
@veronicagillis
I support the #toronto cops! Gas those anarchists
@thenicolecooper
Riot. Riot. Riot. Everyone is rioting in Toronto. They dress in black. Lots of them have ski goggles. I just thought I would tell you
@vaMcWriting
Where are these angry vandals during a normal week in #Toronto? They go to our schools and eat at our restaurants; they walk among us. #G20
@conniecrosby
Seems to me civil liberties & basic human rights being violated in Toronto. Gone too far. #G20
@clathwell
What on earth is going on in Toronto? Good golly – I’m glad I’m in New York!
@PatrickTussie
I tip my hat to all policemen/women in Toronto. They’re containing those morons quite well. #G20
@ThatHolmesGirl
@StephieShaver Nah–Toronto still has to import people to do the real rioting. Nowhere near Montreal participation levels.
@shannonreardon
A quote re: the G20 summit in Toronto: “If you hate capitalism, move to North Korea.” Discuss. #G20
@InfoSomniac2
Anybody that takes their child to the Toronto protest is a moron and should be charged with child endangerment…
@jasonmerling
@TorontoPolice you want our help after attacking peaceful protestors today? Shame on Toronto Police!!
@rassberrymoon
I think there’s a hottopic in Toronto…
@Ballzinger
My city is physically and emotionally in shambles. Where is batman when you need him? #toronto #G20 #fail #policestate
@batman
Toronto: I am watching.
@batman
Riots in Toronto. Police cars on fire. #G20 hooligans run rampant in the streets. No authorities anywhere. Normal day in Gotham.
@Coreyinportland
I’ve been wanting to visit Toronto, because I’ve heard it’s a beautiful city with lots to offer, protestors are screwing that up. Stop #G20
@ohsocuteshantii
hell yeaah ,Im getting out of toronto before the protesters burn my ass! I’m almost at the border:) DUTY FREE TIME!
@HooeyJ
Heading home to Toronto soon. Should I bother setting the GPS or just drive towards the billow of smoke on the horizon? #G20
@moxywoman
I HEART you Toronto!
Do you think this will leave a black mark on Toronto the Good’s good name?