Press Release: R.R.Q. “Assault” On the Caisse-Much Ado about Nothing

The R.R.Q. planned “assault” on the Caisses’ Montreal offices Monday (May 11th) turned out to be nothing more than a lot of hot air.

Well not “a lot” as it appeared no one was really listening anyway.

Roughly 100-125 members of the R.R.Q. and the Young Patriots of Quebec (sporting new colours for the day) turned out to mill about on the streets of Montreal Monday afternoon.

In all fairness roughly 5 or 6 people did stand by to wait for the procession to pass so they could continue on to their personal destinations. We would assume they may have heard something provided their IPods weren’t on at that particular moment and time.

Small numbers of the R.R.Q. and Young Patriot faithful came out-perhaps due to the promise of libations that were used enticed many of them there. Others due to having completed exams. While others still-simply to kill some time before their next cheque is issued and mailed from municipal coffers.

Nonetheless a fun day out for a few of Quebec’s Marxist-Socialist/Anglophobe foot soldiers.

The rally began with the usual megaphone banter. Hastily marked pieces of cardboard. Some flags. A few “Quebec is a country” left-over tees from the last referendum in 1995.

However those belting out anti-Anglophone rhetoric could barely be heard over their own “followers” who were engaged in personal conversations. Some about the NHL playoffs. Predictions. Who has the best team to go the distance. Others discussing the downfall of the Habs. Who should coach? Who needs to be moved and signed? Talks about new girlfriends-boyfriends. Some discussing what part of Canada they intend to move to after graduation in order to seek gainful employment and so on.

From time to time a weak chorus of “Anglo go home” mixed in for good ‘ol nationalist measure.

Then the moment came. The order to march. More like a request really. “Who wants to march to the building?” (en français of course) came the battle cry.

We began to move toward the Caisse.

With the accepted number being between 100-125 present-that would make 10-15% of the group D.A.A.Q. members. A warm “you’re welcome” for bolstering the appearance of the numbers for you, Patrick.

While passing yawning police we walked toward what we presumed was to be the “assault”. But alas-once we arrived it was more muffled talk. A few speeches that no one really seemed too interested in. More milling around, and private conversations.

Then it came like a shot! Ears perked. Eyes began to wander. What was it? What was it that could take the attention away from Quebec’s greatest minds ready to lead the charge to a new autonomous country? What could possibly be the thing bidding for the attentions of Quebec’s great new and independent future?… A Mentos Mints launch party.

The nationalist movement – done in by adults and children jumping around on big red rubber balls in what appeared to be white HazMat suits. Belting out music, singing and laughing. Dropping Mentos Mints into bottles of cola. As well as other fun activities.

Some began to strain to get a glimpse of what was happening down the street. Until some could no longer resist the urge to go and join the fun. Several D.A.A.Q. members reported seeing R.R.Q. and Young Patriot members had joined in the “minty fun”. Some even engaging D.A.A.Q. members in conversation, and making no mention of the “other” rally they had just been at.

Only one small incident – A few D.A.A.Q. members noted a bystander being accosted by two very “matter of fact” young men from the R.R.Q. We can only assume they were from the R.R.Q. due to their R.R.Q. tee-shirts, in unison step by step pace and the identical Fisher-Price walkie talkies they had in their possession.

They demanded to know what organization the bicycle rider was from. A D.A.A.Q. member moved closer and noted that the bystander then told them (en français) to “go away” and not bother him. They (the R.R.Q. “security”) then got on their radios, mumbled something and the bike rider left at his own pace.

No D.A.A.Q. members were confronted in any manner during the entire R.R.Q. event. We gathered several hundred photos and much video. Without hindrance or notice.

So what are we to take from all of this?

Is the R.R.Q. still a threat to the peace? After the events surrounding The Plains Part Deux, we believe they are.

Who will be their next “target”? Anglophone communities? The National Assembly? Mentos Mints? Who knows?

The one thing we did learn-It does not appear likely that they could even organize a drinking contest in the La Militante brewery.

But we will remain vigil.