Citizens don't require a permit to assemble in public spaces and to express themselves peaceably. These are inviolable, fundamental human rights recognised by the Canadian Bill of Rights, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the foundations of Canadian society.  

The problem is, this group has a long history of violence and vandalism while protesting. Why on earth would they be granted a permit when all they promise is to harm others and damage property?  

Why do they feel the need to ruin the event that comes around only once every 4 years and for most a mere once in a lifetime to their country? Why would they want to put miserable headlines on the week of the opening of this event? We, clearly they need someone to listen and somewhere to force people to notice them so they choose, selfishly, to take the olympics as this oppertunity to declare themselves as important and draw as much attention to themselves as possible. I mean come on dressing up as punks and parading around Vancouver, I'm sorry but you can't think of any other more effective way to petition against the problems you have with where your tax dollars are going and how your city is being run? Are you going to attempt to ruin the two week event that many have worked harder than you can possible imagine, dreamed more passionately than you could ever know, parading around doom of capitalism and scaring children with your disguisting behaviour? All because you can never understand these athletes doesn't mean that you shouldn't still consider how ridiculously unfair it is for them. As Canadians we have the right to speech but does that mean that on your birthday I should come knocking with 20 friends at your door protesting or perhaps parading around your cul-de-sac just because maybe I don't like birthdays? That would make me look so little and would ruin a day that isn't about me. Like others have said it is fine to be anti-olympics but the fact that your leaders are aiming to RUIN the games is just so rude, obnoxious and self-centered when if your goal is really to change the way you are governed then maybe focus on the sponsors who make the olympics happen. Protest by not buying olympic souvenirs, not supporting these companies, NOT by destroying the olympic spirit that celebrates the excellence of athletes. We should be proud of how far our national teams have come of people like Brian Mckeever who have pushed so hard to go for their dreams that they have defied what people thought impossible. We should encourage them and reward them with fond memories because they deserve every ounce of it. I am appalled and clearly as no athletes are supporting this it's all about you because NO ONE SEES A PROBLEM with the olympics in Canada. For those of you who are fighting land claims it is hog wash, get off your butt become independent, get a job and start living. You have already willingly sold yourself to the government and who has supported your every desires at every turn and thus there needs to be an end, you can't resist transition into society forever and clearly it would do much greater a good for the aboriginal people than anything else has done. It is plain and simple manipulation of the corruption of the native system that keeps the reserves alive as saying that you can't keep traditions and still be integrated is so far fetched it is not even supportable. Look at the chinese, they live all across canada and celebrate their culture with us. We do not diminish them but we strengthen their people who in turn strengthen our country. Stop diluding yourself, and leave the dreams that you have never come to know alone!  

holy shit this province is going to shit. both from this article actually being published, to the outstanding commentors.  

Paid pro-Olympic posters anyone?  

You are so silly. We are the 2010 welcoming committee. We have never even organized a protest or march before, this is a brand new group! So I'm not sure what you are talking about. Anyhow for the folks who are interested in attending, we are providing childcare, free food, and lots of games, and our website is. www.2010welcoming.wordpress.com

Lauren  

Wow is this a collection of winners, or what?  

I see a problem with the olumpics in Vancouver. I see a legacy of $5 B in debt, which Vancouver and the province will be stuck with for the next 30 years. I see thousands more thrown out on the street, both so that a few greedy landlords could profit and because money that should have gone to housing people was spent on a circus. I've talked to a lot of people, and I have to say only two I've spoken to support the olumpics. That includes a lot of people who voted for it. They see the broken promises, the grotesque cost overruns, the corporate ownership (oh yeah, artists aren't allowed to say anything critical about the SPONSORS, even...must be nice for Coke), the environmental destruction (read Eagle bluffs, a useless road to Whistler, the disgusting hymn to highways which is the Gateway expansion, etc)...the truth is, this city has lost its way on the way to becoming "world-class". World class is supposed to mean decent working and living conditions for all. Instead we have a drug town owned by bike gangs (the real money behind whistler, IMHO). And so it goes. Having said all that, I hope those idealistic folks out there still have a nice party. I'll be out there protesting but I won't stand in your way, ok?  

Most of the people who are protesting the games arrival in Vancouver are not intending to destroy the passionate dreams of the athletes. Maybe, to some people, fulfilling a dream is not as important as fulfilling the promises made about social, environmental and budget issues, that have been broken dispassionately by our government. Wake up, this is not a dream, stop your delusions and realize the reality.  

In a free society, we have the right to do all that is not explicitly prohibited under the law; we do not need to apply to anyone for permission. Even without a permit, police can no more block the protest than they can shut down any other activity that is not prohibited by law. Indeed, protests CAN'T be prohibited by law. The right to protest is enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as the rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and free association.