# Canadian 'dopers, Freedom Convoy? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [February 10, 2022, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186 "2022-02-10T00:07:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/401 "2022-02-18T05:22:02Z")
Seems to me the logistics of towing the trucks away wouldn’t be quite as difficult as implied in many posts above. Perhaps this is just my ignorance of trucks showing? Can’t they just unhitch the trailers from the tractors and tow (or airlift?) them separately? The trailers only have wheels at the back end (that’s why they’re called semi-trailers, get it?) so if they can’t unlock the brakes, they can jack up the rear ends of the trailers and put a dolly under the wheels. Or just back the trailer up a few feet and bring in a new tractor of their own, hitch it up, and drive away with it. Tractor/trailer hitches are standardized, aren’t they? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/402 "2022-02-18T05:33:32Z")
Surely some social workers could be of service right about now. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/403 "2022-02-18T05:59:16Z")
I saw an official last night on the tv pointing out they have made arrangements with social services, on standby, then on site, ready to intake children displaced during any action undertaken. See if that doesn’t unsettle their ‘children as human shields’ clever ruse! ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/404 "2022-02-18T07:00:13Z")
I think mental health professionals would be of more use to these poor deluded dupes. It was a good idea to start arresting the ringleaders tonight. And freezing the bank accounts of the grifters today was good too. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/405 "2022-02-18T13:08:04Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > start arresting the ringleaders tonight. Cite: > **[Convoy protest organizers Tamara Lich, Chris Barber, Pat King arrested in...](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/tamara-lich-chris-barber-arrested-ottawa-1.6355960)** > > Tamara Lich, Chris Barber and Pat King, key organizers of the so-called Freedom Convoy that has occupied Ottawa streets for three weeks, were arrested in Ottawa and charged. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/406 "2022-02-18T13:36:51Z")
> [@velomont](#): > > though I know nothing about trucks, from what I’ve read they’ve been airbraked which apparently renders them very difficult to tow I don’t know about truck air brakes per se, but as I understand it, they are the same as railroad air brakes and those I _do_ know. The brake shoes are pressed against the wheel (or brake drum) by air pressure and thanks to leaks, that pressure will bleed off in at most, a few hours. Therefore, if you expect a car to stay on the same spot, the hand brake will need to be applied instead. To apply the hand brake a wheel is turned or a ratchet lever pulled which uses the same linkages as the brake cylinder to apply the same brake shoes against the wheel. The problem is, the pressure from the brake cylinder is greater than the pressure any human can apply so if you spot a car, crank on the brake wheel until it is tight, then walk away, when the air inevitably leaks away everything’s gone slack, and the car remains where it is only by force of habit. Therefore SOP in tying a car down is to crank on the wheel until it binds a bit, pull a handle which releases the air from the brake cylinder, then continue cinching the hand brake until everything is tight again. Workers sometimes don’t get this sequence right which is why you’ll sometimes find a derail on an industrial spur. [![](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wedgestylederail.jpg) ](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wedgestylederail.jpg) Therefore I suspect air brakes will not of themselves prove to be a deterrent to removal ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/407 "2022-02-18T13:39:32Z")
How cool is that. Thanks for the info. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/408 "2022-02-18T15:13:34Z")
@Gorsnak put a bit more truck-specific info on the subject … here: > [@Ottawa Dopers, how are you doing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ottawa-dopers-how-are-you-doing/958960/40): > > After doing a bit of reading, the issue is just the air brakes. Semi air brakes are engaged by default, and use air pressure to disengage. If a rig dumps the air pressure in the brake system, all the wheels are locked. There are three ways around this: 1) fire up the truck and disengage the brakes, 2) the really big tow trucks have lines to hook into air brake systems to disengage the brakes, 3) brute force - there’s only so much friction between the tires and the road, and it can be overcome. S… More specifics are also … **[here](https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-air-brake-handbook/spring-parking-and-emergency-brake-subsystem)**. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/409 "2022-02-18T15:56:49Z")
Yup, what DavidNRockies said. The brakes are on when there is no pressure in the system. I’m not a trucker but this should be easy to over come. Imagine the amount of semis that are towed that the engine cannot/is not running. The tow truck will pressurize the brake system. I think (again not a trucker) that the air hose coupler would be VERY standardized. I also think that most of these trucks would be empty. Towing with nothing but force shouldn’t be a problem. Ever see a big articulated 6x6 motor grader? Around here used for grading gravel roads but mostly clearing snow. Being articulated, it can navigate tight turns, even though they weigh 20 tons. Ottawa must have some. If not, they are roadable with speeds of about 30mph. They also have rippers on the back. A hydraulic arm similar to a three point hitch on a regular farm tractor. I’m sure, that after chaining up the front of a tractor of a semi, it would be able to pick the front wheels of it nearly off the ground. Or at least minimize any affect of the front wheels of the semi. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/410 "2022-02-18T16:10:15Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > It was a good idea to start arresting the ringleaders tonight. I find it amusing that they arrested Lich and Barber, but left Pat King alone to keep on “organizing”. My pet theory is, they realized he’s so stupid, that letting him try to run things by himself will do more damage to the convoy than arresting him. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/411 "2022-02-18T16:26:44Z")
If the owners are taken away, and there is no one to keep an eye on them, I imagine that the semis will disappear on their own, bit by bit, as they are stipped down for parts. What is left should be much lighter and easier to handle. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/412 "2022-02-18T17:09:12Z")
14 arrests, 4 vehicles towed as of noon Friday. Numbers of MEdom protesters are dropping as more are leaving. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/413 "2022-02-18T17:24:30Z")
MEdom protesters have now brought their human shields up for protection: > Police said that protesters have placed children between police operations and the unlawful protest site. > > “The children will be brought to a place of safety.” This should (IMO) result in additional charges for those who put their children into a dangerous criminal situation. ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/414 "2022-02-18T18:05:55Z")
I think that they got Pat King just a few minutes ago. Also, there are some police or security wearing red toques - does anyone know who they are? ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/415 "2022-02-18T18:09:12Z")
Yes, they got Pat King. That was on CTV Newschannel, maybe ten minutes ago. It has been broadcasting live from Ottawa all morning. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/416 "2022-02-18T18:10:26Z")
> [@velomont](#): > > Also, there are some police or security wearing red toques - does anyone know who they are? Might be Canadian military police. [They often wear red berets](https://www.google.com/search?q=canadian+military+police&client=firefox-b-e&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi86pa17In2AhXPGDQIHS5FCH8Q_AUoAXoECAIQAw&biw=1799&bih=839&dpr=1), so a red toque makes sense for a winter uniform. ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/417 "2022-02-18T18:14:01Z")
Never thought of that. If they are, it makes sense, perhaps as a means of dealing with Cdn mil and veterans in the group. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/418 "2022-02-18T20:03:53Z")
[Class action suit](https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/convoy-class-action-claim-increased-to-306m-as-downtown-restaurateurs-join-lawsuit) against the MEdom fools has been expanded. Many local restaurants are joining the suit. They are working at increasing the number of plaintifs named in the suit: > Private investigators had been gathering information about the trucks at the demonstration, logging licence plates and tracing owners through provincial registries. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/419 "2022-02-18T20:14:32Z")
From elsewhere on that site: > **["Freedom Convoy" leader Pat King arrested live on social media](https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/freedom-convoy-leader-pat-king-arrested-live-on-social-media)** > > “I am being arrested. We will talk to you guys soon.” > counselling to commit the offence of mischief, counselling to obstruct police and counselling to commit the offence of disobeying a court order. Question: is “counselling to commit” the approximate equivalent of a charge in the USA of “conspiring” to commit a crime? ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2022, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186/420 "2022-02-18T20:21:34Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > [Class action suit](https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/convoy-class-action-claim-increased-to-306m-as-downtown-restaurateurs-join-lawsuit) against the MEdom fools Above and beyond the monetary penalty (and I really hope that the lawsuit is successful) this might, though I kind of doubt it, prove to these people that their positions are actually despised by the people whose city they’ve invaded and occupied. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186.md?page=20) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-freedom-convoy/959186.md?page=22)