This arrest began with a train trip from Toronto to Ottawa accompanied by my friend Anthony (founder of For Our Grandchildren). We arrived in Ottawa in the early afternoon and took a taxi to the University of Ottawa where training for the sit-in had already started.

When this government cancelled the long-form census I was outraged. With a degree in physics and a minor in mathematics, I know that a voluntary survey can never be accurate -- as most statisticians, social justice organizations and businesses have protested.

Dear family and friends,

Now that I have used up my 15 minutes of fame - from being arrested in Washington - it is time to get some more. I am planning to visit our nation's capital in a couple of weeks to protest our government's promotion of the Tar Sands and the Keystone pipeline. 

I wrote this opinion piece for submission to a Canadian newspaper but they decided not to publish it:

A couple of months ago, I received an email invitation to risk arrest at a peaceful sit- in intended to persuade President Obama to deny a permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Stephen Scharper's article about the Tar Sands and the Washington action

thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1051885--civil-disobedience-goes-green

After about 15 minutes on the highway we arrived at Anacostia.

We had to wait in the wagon while the previous wagonload was processed. A few of us stood up to stretch and get a bit cooler.

Today was the day I planned to be arrested and I got my wish.

After a hearty breakfast with my now friends Liz and Linda from Erin, Ontario, we walked to Pennsylvania Ave just in front of the White House.

We congregated around 10 am although our action was scheduled for 11 am. This gave the media time to interview people. As I was the first Canadian to risk arrest I was interviewed by print media and CBC TV.

Today is the day. We were trained last night in what to do and what to expect. Most of Yesterday's group were kept in overnight and may not be released until Monday. We have been told to expect the same. We will meet in front of the White House and form into rows of peaceful protestors and refuse to move until they arrest us. We have been told to bring the bare minimum with us - cash, identification and any medications. (I hope I have enough of my meds to last for an extended stay - I brought only enough for 7 more days.)
This will be my last post until I get released from jail.

I'm leaving for Washington tomorrow. I hope to be able to blog about the action when I am in Washington. 

I'm taking the train to NYC and will see Cirque du Soleil while I am there. I may also do some sightseeing since it has been a long time since I was in New York other than transitting. Maybe I'll go to see the new 9/11 memorial at the World Trade Center.