We live in troubled times. A faction called the ‘alt-right‘ seems to have deeply rooted itself in our society. Also known as the “alternative right,” it developed as a far-right political movement in the United States, in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its association with white nationalism and white supremacy, promoting the idea that the white identity is under threat from multiculturalism and liberalism. The movement largely operates online, where its loose coalition of individuals and groups rejects mainstream conservatism, advocating instead for racially defined identity politics focused on preserving the interests of white Americans. Essentially, the alt-right aligns itself with fascist ideologies like Nazism and Fascism.
Pickering politics
The most recent municipal election in Pickering, 2022, resulted in the election of Lisa Robinson. Robinson stirred up controversy and attitudes in the City Council with contentious statements and positions that question the respect and acknowledgement given to the LGBTQ+, visible minorities and ethnic groups in the community. Her positions have not only repudiated those of the community in general but often aroused aggressive and belligerent factions therein.
Robinson’s response to her opposition has been to consolidate her views or take them to greater extremes. This has resulted in growing and more energized opposition within the community and among the City Council members. The differences became extremely volatile. A number of the Council members began criticizing her, demanding she be punished and even removed from the Council.
Council meetings became heated verbal battles; Robinson was aligned against most of the Councillors and clearly opposed City Mayor Kevin Ashe.
Ultimately, the turmoil and opposition resulted in her suspension from the Council with a loss of Council salary a number of times.
Council today
The Mayor and City Council continue the disparity with Robinson, the heat of which has been stoked by Robinson repeating or expanding her differing views in controversial public media, local newspapers and podcast presentations hosted by supporters of extreme right-wing politics and promoters of violence and aggression.
The situation has deteriorated. The verbal assaults have become more aggressive, calling for violent actions against individual Councillors and the Mayor. One podcast presenter even called for a “bat to the face” of the Mayor and the Councillors. Supporters of this broadcaster have attended Council meetings, photographing and video recording the proceedings.
A disappointing reaction by the City
Mayor Ashe has concluded live Council meetings may no longer be safe in Pickering. As of mid-January 2025, City Council meetings will no longer be held live but instead will be virtual.
The Mayor’s course of action may be questionable. However, there is no disagreement that the safety and well-being of the Council members must be of the utmost concern and priority.
Listen to the Mayor’s statement made in late December regarding the vulnerability and needed safety of the Councillors:
Ashe_statement
Sad state of affairs
It is a very sad situation when public officials must take refuge behind walls of police security to perform their municipal responsibilities. Worse, it is a sad comment on the kind of support the community is giving its elected officials. Numerous times Robinson has declared her opposition to violence and aggression as responses to support her views. This may be hypocritical lip service, as her public statements are generally aggressive and intimidating in tone. It would be better if she gave her statements more ‘second thought’ and de-escalated the tone of her statements.
The Community needs to do some thinking
More importantly, perhaps the community needs to do some self-examination and introspection. Is this the kind of community we want where there is the threat of violence and aggression at City Hall itself? Where our Councillors feel threatened and vulnerable? Where we tolerate and accept media spokespersons flinging aggressive and violent threats at public figures? Is that the kind of community you want to live in? I don’t.
