# Canadian Parliament Attacked **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 22, 2014, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149 "2014-10-22T14:18:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/181 "2014-10-23T19:10:23Z")
I hope every journalism student sits down and watches Peter Manbridge’s coverage, live as events were unfolding, on the CBC, from yesterday. It was outstanding. I don’t think they broke away for commercials for a couple of hours! Events were confusing, reports were conflicting, rumours were flying, and through it all his coverage was reasoned, calm, measured. Oh, and honest and factual, too. The CBC earned every penny of it’s funding yesterday, in my mind! ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/182 "2014-10-23T19:12:00Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > So a lone gunman should cause us to spend millions of dollars a year in added security and completely change the nature of the Parliament buildings. That’ll show em. Indeed. I’m of the opinion that ‘closing the barn door after the horse has escaped’ types of reactive security are pointless and undesireable. Increasing security is always a trade-off - with decreasing access to and openness of the facilities and persons so protected. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/183 "2014-10-23T19:16:49Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > So a lone gunman should cause us to spend millions of dollars a year in added security and completely change the nature of the Parliament buildings. That’ll show em. Well, what do you think should be done? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/184 "2014-10-23T19:19:47Z")
This was the second attack by an ISIS-wannabe on Canadian soldiers in a week, wasn’t it? Is he going to be the last? ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/185 "2014-10-23T19:21:49Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > Indeed. > > I’m of the opinion that ‘closing the barn door after the horse has escaped’ types of reactive security are pointless and undesireable. > > Increasing security is always a trade-off - with decreasing access to and openness of the facilities and persons so protected. What if there are still some horses left in the barn? ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/186 "2014-10-23T19:22:07Z")
Well since we simply must do something to stop these constant succesful attacks on Parliament, I guess you could install ways to segregate parts of the building quickly. So we don’t have to be so embarrassed by seeing MPs piling chairs against doors. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/187 "2014-10-23T19:27:58Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > What if there are still some horses left in the barn? So we invest millions in increased security for parliament - and the next gunman chooses to attack on the TTC, at rush hour, rather than parliament. Or we could increase security everywhere - failing to remember the dictum, “he who defends everything, defends nothing”. Or how about this: take reasonable security precautions, and accept that, no matter what we do, there is nothing that can ensure perfect safety from attackers that are willing to die in attacks, and get on with our lives. After all, in both recent terror attacks, the system basically worked: the attackers were immediately stopped (dead, in both cases) after having initated their unpredictable rampages. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/188 "2014-10-23T19:31:26Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > Well since we simply must do something to stop these constant succesful attacks on Parliament, I guess you could install ways to segregate parts of the building quickly. So we don’t have to be so embarrassed by seeing MPs piling chairs against doors. Yes, I suppose you are right. Clearly the bad guys have abandoned their cause completely given yesterday’s failure on their part. It would be inconceivable that they might return in a year or two with multiple numbers, auto weapons, and body armour. That would be inconceivable, as they are simply incapable of unprecedented, shocking acts against unsuspecting, vulnerable, complacent targets. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/189 "2014-10-23T19:32:58Z")
An excellent use of analogy, Sir. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/190 "2014-10-23T19:43:12Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > Yes, I suppose you are right. Clearly the bad guys have abandoned their cause completely given yesterday’s failure on their part. > > It would be inconceivable that they might return in a year or two with multiple numbers, auto weapons, and body armour. That would be inconceivable, as they are simply incapable of unprecedented, shocking acts against unsuspecting, vulnerable, complacent targets. It’s not inconceivable. What is your proposed budget for the creation of Fort Parliament? ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/191 "2014-10-23T19:53:52Z")
> [@Malthus](#): > > So we invest millions in increased security for parliament - and the next gunman chooses to attack on the TTC, at rush hour, rather than parliament. > > Or we could increase security everywhere - failing to remember the dictum, “he who defends everything, defends nothing”. I am well aware that we can’t defend everyone from everything all the time. Rather, I’ve only suggested all along that we properly defend Parliament. > [@Malthus](#): > > Or how about this: take reasonable security precautions, and accept that, no matter what we do, there is nothing that can ensure perfect safety from attackers that are willing to die in attacks, and get on with our lives. > > After all, in both recent terror attacks, the system basically worked: the attackers were immediately stopped (dead, in both cases) after having initated their unpredictable rampages. The precautions in place yesterday were not reasonable and the attacker was not immediately stopped. We knew soldiers were vulnerable and yet the (perhaps) two most visible and symbolic soldiers in the country were left vulnerable and one thusly died. Then, the single assailant armed with (I believe) a basic weapon was able to defeat the guards at the door and reach deep into the building to finally meet defeat by the freaking Sergeant-At-Arms who had to go back to his desk for his gun. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/192 "2014-10-23T20:02:48Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > I hope every journalism student sits down and watches Peter Manbridge’s coverage, live as events were unfolding, on the CBC, from yesterday. It was outstanding. I don’t think they broke away for commercials for a couple of hours! > > Events were confusing, reports were conflicting, rumours were flying, and through it all his coverage was reasoned, calm, measured. Oh, and honest and factual, too. The CBC earned every penny of it’s funding yesterday, in my mind! I agree - Peter Mansbridge did a terrific job. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/193 "2014-10-23T20:03:41Z")
I don’t see what the fuss is all about. In an open society, public buildings are going to be potential targets. You want a parliament immune to any possibility of an attack, then maybe North Korea is for you. One idiot with a gun isn’t cause for everyone to shit their collective drawers. The most moronic of the Hate Radio hosts, Michael Savage, was blasting Obama for not calling this a terrorist attack. Again, what is the big fucking deal? Is the responsibility of the president, whenever someone is shot by a Muslim, to sprint to a microphone and shout “Terrorist! Terrorist! Olly olly oxen free!” We have an ongoing campaign against terrorists and one made a somewhat successful attack on Canadian soil. To the right wing, this is Obama’s fault why? ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/194 "2014-10-23T20:11:52Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > I see that you are in the USA. I hold dual citizenship and plan to retire to Canada in a few years. I am disgusted at the security theatre that has been going on in the U.S., and I hope that Canada will not have become U.S. Jr. by the time I get back there. Canada’s people and institutions are strong enough to weather such piss-ant attacks as yesterday’s. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/195 "2014-10-23T20:14:57Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > I hold dual citizenship and plan to retire to Canada in a few years. I am disgusted at the security theatre that has been going on in the U.S., and I hope that Canada will not have become U.S. Jr. by the time I get back there. > > Canada’s people and institutions are strong enough to weather such piss-ant attacks as yesterday’s. Please explain to me how you’ve excluded the reasonable possibility of attacks stronger than yesterday’s. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/196 "2014-10-23T20:15:10Z")
As a result of this the Cadets and Jr Rangers are activities are being [suspended](http://globalnews.ca/news/1631842/cadet-and-junior-canadian-ranger-activities-cancelled-nationwide/), so much for business as usual. Is this the way it’s going to be, that we start giving up everything we do because some lost, ignorant assholes want us to live in fear? I can’t tell you how much that pisses me off. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/197 "2014-10-23T20:17:04Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > It’s not inconceivable. What is your proposed budget for the creation of Fort Parliament? Well, given yesterday, my proposed budget is “More”. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/198 "2014-10-23T20:23:05Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > Please explain to me how you’ve excluded the reasonable possibility of attacks stronger than yesterday’s. I see no reasonable expectation that such attacks are likely to occur in Canada. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/199 "2014-10-23T20:23:46Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > I agree - Peter Mansbridge did a terrific job. Mansbridge has also done a terrific job interviewing various political figures, including [President Obama](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esfZD9hC2f8), Hillary Clinton, Stephen Harper, and many others. To my mind he is THE voice of CBC News and arguably the best journalist and newscaster on the air today, anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149/200 "2014-10-23T20:28:35Z")
> [@Shamozzle](#): > > Commenting on events that actually occurred and concluding that they are unacceptable is not “chicken littling”. > > I see that you are in the USA. Tell me, if a lone gunman made it deep into Congress and presented a real threat to Representatives would you conclude that security levels were “good enough” It did happen. [1998 United States Capitol shooting - Wikipedia](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Capitol_shooting_incident_(1998)) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-parliament-attacked/702149.md?page=11)