Today's Ottawa Attacks

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

I just wanted to check in with everyone and make sure everyone was okay and safe.

Also wanted to make a space that anyone who, like me, is worried this may cause delays for everything, including visas, could worry about that safely. I can't help worrying, as petty as it is, that this is going to cause enhanced security checks for Canadians or something. I know this shouldn't be my first worry, but I can't help it. It feels like we've been waiting so long already and if this delays things, it'll be more waiting.

[Dualie 185]

I hope it doesn't cause enhanced security for us, but I don't think it will. I think they may go a little deeper in some cases, but every case is different and in the long run, we are all just normal people who want to join our spouses in the US.

Everything here in Winnipeg seems to be okay. The RCMP have said on the news that there are enhanced security protocols in place at the airport and at government buildings, but they don't ever say what they are. Also the military has issued a warning to military members to avoid wearing their uniforms in public while off duty. The base here is at Level 5 security, so they are checking every car that enters the base. Needless to say I don't take that shortcut anymore for now.

More than anything, Canadians should have more situational awareness. Be aware of your surrounding and who is around you. Too many people have their heads down, buried in their electronic world while navigating the real one.

[Mandiimoose 39]

I'm really super angry. I don't want my fellow Canadians living in fear of what happened. That means the terrorists win. They can't get to me though!!! I'm so sick of these people who are obviously sick mentally joining extremist religions just so they can feel like they're doing good when they murder innocent people. How delusional can you be???? Everyone on my facebook feed is crying about how the prime minister is being held in safety while civilians aren't. It's like ????? What do you expect? It's apparent that our government officials and military/security are being targeted. We should be protecting them. We are capable as regular citizens to shut ourselves away. Those soldiers that were driving were very much targeted when they were hit! Gosh. Anyways I'm fairly sure if you don't have any spontaneous trips to the Middle East you're fine.. I'm sure the government might look for that when looking over our forms. I'm mad.

[Dualie 185]

Gosh...I better remove that "Support Our Troops" yellow ribbon from the back of my car lest I become a target...NOT!! Come at me, I DARE YOU!!

I totally get you, Mandiimoose! I'm pissed too.

[LiliBurd 85]

More than anything, Canadians should have more situational awareness. Be aware of your surrounding and who is around you. Too many people have their heads down, buried in their electronic world while navigating the real one.

Well said, and so true. I think as a nation we have been shaken this week faced with a new reality. We all know these things happen but when it happens at home it makes you realize the issues at hand, and how uncertain tomorrow is. Since Monday I have trouble wrapping my little brain around how this can happen, how a French Canadian boy that I could have gone to school with can be radicalized and choose to commit such acts. The truth of the matter is it does happen and as Dualie mentioned we need to adjust our way of living to be more aware of our surroundings.

They will probably enhance security on both sides of the border which is normal and should make us feel somewhat safer. But I doubt that the fact Canada has some radicalized citizens (90 known for now) will make them doubt all visa applications for fiances and spouses. I think right now everyone should focus on the overall safety in both Canada and the USA and hope for the best.

Don't over worry about it girlfriend... no use to worry about something that might not happen

[Darnell 8,478]

You guys carrying longer knives in yer packs during the morning commute? Or other weapons? In a pinch, a pen jabbed repeatedly into the big vein on the terrorist's neck helps to bleed out quickly.

But I'm a fan of knives... Kudos for buying the Ghurkha blade - can slice at almost any angle and quickly without losing yer grip.

[sometimes I'm silly, but not on this topic] - I really hope folk step up situational awareness - not rely on INSET to finally nab the terrorist.

Edited October 23, 2014 by Darnell

[LiliBurd 85]

I'm really super angry. I don't want my fellow Canadians living in fear of what happened. That means the terrorists win. They can't get to me though!!! I'm so sick of these people who are obviously sick mentally joining extremist religions just so they can feel like they're doing good when they murder innocent people. How delusional can you be???? Everyone on my facebook feed is crying about how the prime minister is being held in safety while civilians aren't. It's like ????? What do you expect? It's apparent that our government officials and military/security are being targeted. We should be protecting them. We are capable as regular citizens to shut ourselves away. Those soldiers that were driving were very much targeted when they were hit! Gosh. Anyways I'm fairly sure if you don't have any spontaneous trips to the Middle East you're fine.. I'm sure the government might look for that when looking over our forms. I'm mad.

you need new facebook friends Obviously the Prime Minister should be held in safety... some people make no sense. They are absolutely targeting the people that are there to protect us, and as today's events showed police, RCMP, and Canadian Armed Forces came together and handled the situation, we should not live in fear and keep feeling safe even if it scary.

[Mandiimoose 39]

You guys carrying longer knives in yer packs during the morning commute? Or other weapons? In a pinch, a pen jabbed repeatedly into the big vein on the terrorist's neck helps to bleed out quickly.

But I'm a fan of knives... Kudos for buying the Ghurkha blade - can slice at almost any angle and quickly without losing yer grip.

[sometimes I'm silly, but not on this topic] - I really hope folk step up situational awareness - not rely on INSET to finally nab the terrorist.

I bought a really nice big umbrella from Shopper's Drug Mart. It has a long pointy end. I think I'll carry it with me when I walk around the big cities incase anyone decided to go crazy! I'll just bop them on the head a few times with my unassuming umbrella!

Edited October 23, 2014 by Mandiimoose

[Mandiimoose 39]

you need new facebook friends Obviously the Prime Minister should be held in safety... some people make no sense. They are absolutely targeting the people that are there to protect us, and as today's events showed police, RCMP, and Canadian Armed Forces came together and handled the situation, we should not live in fear and keep feeling safe even if it scary.

Yeah, they're all young idealists that just hate Stephen Harper because he's a "robot". See..I'm young too and though I don't pay attention too much to politics I don't base my dislike on my Prime Minister because he appears "robotic". Give me a break, and an actual argument, please.

Here's one post "Good news everyone Steven Harper is safe and in a disclosed location.... what about the rest of Ottawa?! What about the soldier that was shot an passed away, and the others shot, and the whole city of Ottawa?! But always good to know one moron is safe.."

Here's another "This is why we need a new prime minister" with this reason " What a terrible speech" . Uh...okay? I was at work so I don't know what he said but from my further reading all he did was give his condolences and whatnot and mention there's no new news? He knows nothing because the police currently know nothing >___>

Yep. Anyways, I'm baffled, heh.

Edited October 23, 2014 by Mandiimoose

[BatmanFlow 481]

just horrible as to what happened. My thought and prayers to the family and friends of the soldier that passed away

Americans arent too shabby afterall

[Dualie 185]

We just all need to be more aware. If we succumb to fear, they have won.

[thatangela 134]

I was happy with our PM's speech last night. It was sympathetic to the victims and their families, supportive of ALL Canadians and a strong statement to those who want to defeat democracy.

We will not be intimidated.

Here's a link to the text of his speech:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/10/22/stephen-harpers-speech-on-the-ottawa-shooting-full-text/

[Dagnon 1]

Ok, this is a topic I'd like to open up a dialogue about, as an American to my Canadian brothers and sisters.

My wife is the Canadian and we JUST received our NVC complete on Monday 10/20 so we are soooo close!

All that aside first and foremost it broke my heart to see this happening to Canadians, especially a service member who was doing one of THE most solemn and respectable duties he could in standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. My thoughts and respect goes out to all Canadians during this terrible tragedy.

When I spoke with my sister-in-law, very briefly about the tragedy this morning her first comment was outrage at the PM for commiting Candian Forces to assist in the attacks on ISIS. I was greatly perplexed by this reaction. Maybe my confusion is since I am an American we are generally all too quick to stick our nose in other people's busienss, but MAYBE it was because ISIS is a real significant threat to peace and security IMO.

With that, I'd like to get some other perspective to better understand an alternate point of view.

[thatangela 134]

Ok, this is a topic I'd like to open up a dialogue about, as an American to my Canadian brothers and sisters.

My wife is the Canadian and we JUST received our NVC complete on Monday 10/20 so we are soooo close!

All that aside first and foremost it broke my heart to see this happening to Canadians, especially a service member who was doing one of THE most solemn and respectable duties he could in standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. My thoughts and respect goes out to all Canadians during this terrible tragedy.

When I spoke with my sister-in-law, very briefly about the tragedy this morning her first comment was outrage at the PM for commiting Candian Forces to assist in the attacks on ISIS. I was greatly perplexed by this reaction. Maybe my confusion is since I am an American we are generally all too quick to stick our nose in other people's busienss, but MAYBE it was because ISIS is a real significant threat to peace and security IMO.

With that, I'd like to get some other perspective to better understand an alternate point of view.

Two American journalists beheaded.

I don't care where they were born or what media outlets they serve. Killing media personnel is an attack on democracy. That stirs me to my very soul, especially considering I'm a journalist by trade.

And I know that were we under attack, our American brothers and sisters would stand with us, shoulder to shoulder, just as we have stood with them in times of tragedy.

It's difficult to organize my thoughts on this. It's an emotional sticking point.

[LiliBurd 85]

I actually had a similar conversation at work today and I also find it difficult to organize my thoughts on the subject. I am not pro war, the thought of civilian casualties and the after affects of war, no matter how well we can justify it, breaks my heart. I have in fact had heated discussions with my American Fiance about the subject.

I love my country and I am proud to be Canadian and of the values we share as a nation. But in some cases we tend to be too passive about important issues and procrastinate until we have no choice but to act. The truth of the matter is even before the decision to send forces, which in my opinion should have been taken sooner, we were already under attack. By radicalizing our citizens, Isis is using a different kind of terror and no one is immune to it. Now more than ever we must stand up not only for ourselves but for the rest of the world as well. This is our business, and we must react and not cower away.

Perhaps the fact that my brother is in the Armed Forces makes it more personal, he stood guard all summer at the Quebec City Citadel, and I can only imagine the devastation of Cpl Nathan Cirillo's family. Just heart wrenching! As are so many other acts of terror that happen regularly.