I dont want to live in China. Ive been there and it sucks and people have no rights. I like Canada, and I want it to stay the way it is. Cops walking through a bar? Hardly the iron tentacle of a ruthless dictator, but I share the frustration of the OP about the attitude the new breed of police is putting out and its coming from the current governments 'law and order' style governance. I wont name any names but some of you seem to be falling right in line with how the powers that be are intimidating the public to be a bunch of spineless wimps with their asses out, ready for random inspection.
We must always put up a healthy dose of resistance to the police and opaque government actions. It keeps them crossing their T's and an eye on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, something that we are VERY lucky to have. Something the people of China could only dream of. When you say, 'You should feel lucky you dont live in North Korea so suck it up and do what the cops say" you're missing the point that we have to make sure we dont end up like North Korea, and use our fortunate position as free citizens in a fought for democratic society to remind the police and the government that they work for US, and they should do their fucking job as it was intended.
MM
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin
To your point, I do agree that we do have to make sure that the powers of the police don't violate our Chartered Rights, freedoms and make sure our gov't isn't pulling the wool over our eyes.
But, a point you seemed to miss is what do you have to worry about if the cops are just walking through a pub/bar/peeler bar? Doubt they are there checking for bartenders overpouring. More than likely looking for scumbags who are already known to them, for reasons well deserved.
As for the new laws about drunk driving, .05 is tough. So what? It gets people who already have a hard time driving sober off the streets when they've had a few pops. Throw in the more than 40km law, good! I speed, but 40 k over the limit? That's just not speeding, that's being an idiot. Remember, these cops don't just work for you, but for all of us.
Also, if you've been actually reading the papers lately, there are plenty of watch-dog groups out there monitoring the police, their actions are under scrutiny.
Yeah they work for us, in a democratic society, but for that democratic society to work properly, you got to get out and vote. Barely 55% voted in the last elections of those who were eligible to vote. Most of those were baby boomer and seniors. Most people under 40 didn't vote, and now you're bitching about our law and order society? Our gov't? Did you vote? Did you get involve in the process? If you talk about the hard fought ofr democratic rights, freedoms...then get involved if you don't like what you see.
One last thing about the cops...these are guys doing a tough job. They are well aware of their perceived rep, the current vibe of opinion. They know they never have been popular, especially now. Doubt that cop is looking for you, so if your ass is clean, you have nothing to worry about. My point is, if they have no reason to be hasseling you, don't give them a reason. If you don't like them being there, then either leave, be a hero and tell them, or just take it easy and realize these guys are just doing what they are told to do, to walk through a bar....if you feel intimidated, then just try not to pee yourself while they are there.
Seriously though, they are not there to see whether or not your beer is being poured correctly. City already had by-law officers for that.
