"Ottawa attack: MPs fashioned spears while Harper whisked into closet"

[james_davis_nicoll]

Some positioned themselves on risers that flanked doors, ready to attack an assailant.
[...]
“There were 15 flags up at caucus and all but two were taken down,” one MP recalled.

“These guys were up there holding these spears ready to impale anyone who came in,” the source said.

Comments

[maruad.livejournal.com]

I loved the photo the CBC had used to show that Harper was alive and well. I can't decide if, in retrospect, it is funnier that they pointed out the photo had been taken in 24 Sussex or that they pointed out the partially filled wine glass next to Harper.

[marfisa.livejournal.com]

I suppose attacking the gunman with spears improvised out of flagpoles would have been their best means of self-defense if he'd actually gotten into the room. But insisting on keeping the spears as trophies and triumphantly waving them around when the guy never even got into the caucus room to be confronted by them seems a bit vainglorious, not to mention bloodthirsty.

[david wilford (from livejournal.com)]

One wishes there had been a handy copy of “The Cask of Amontillado” in the closet Harper was whisked into so he could pass the time well.

[autopope.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I prefer the slightly juicier version of the headline I tweeted: "Ottawa attack: MPs made spears from flagpoles to defend parliament, while Prime Minister Harper hid in a closet". It's equally truthy and infinitely more tabloid. I wonder why the Globe and Mail didn't run with it ...?

[(Anonymous)]

I'd be a lot less inclined to mock Harper for this if he hadn't spent the past decade lecturing us on the need to be strong.

Objectively it's a perfectly reasonable thing to do during an attack. But coming from the guy who takes every chance he finds to posture in front of soldiers and go one about how we must be Strong! Proud! and Free! ...

[martinl-00.livejournal.com]

I suggest folks mail Inuit soapstone sculptures to Harper so he won't have to hide next time.

[awesomeaud.livejournal.com]

Why aren't we hearing more about the *unarmed* guard at the door who grabbed the gun and was shot in the leg, giving those inside enough warning to get ready to take him on?

http://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/4941903-wounded-security-guard-const-samearn-son-hailed-as-hero/

He's the biggest hero of the day in my books.

[chaotic-nipple.livejournal.com]

Free health care AND spear wielding legislators? Canada sounds better and better...