Opinions were mixed on the sidelines of yesterday's G-8 protests, but one message was clear: Calgary has no patience for violence.
Friends Jessica McIsaac and Sarah Hood, both 16-years-old, applauded the protesters for peacefully supporting what they believe in, admitting they didn't see eye-to-eye with most of their opinions.
"Violence isn't the way to solve anything. If they want to do it peacefully, hey, have at it," said McIsaac.
Lilian Silberman said it's baffling how protesters can rail against a system that brought them such prosperity.
"Standing in this beautiful city, how can they say down with capitalism. It was built on capitalism," said the 67-year-old Calgarian.
Chuck Maybee of Denver, Colo., marvelled at some of the protesters, many of whom he wondered were sincere in their views.
"You have to appreciate the irony of a guy selling anti-capitalist T-shirts," Maybee sneered.
Hanne Baziuk, 63, clapped and laughed as the procession passed by, applauding demonstrators for their colourful banners and larger-than-life caricatures of world leaders.
"I'd walk with them if I could, I love seeing free speech," she gushed.
More surprising to Wayne Plasier than the size of the crowd, which dwarfed the march against the World Petroleum Congress, was the police presence.
"I couldn't believe how many cops showed up," he said.
Harry Carpenter and his wife wondered what alternatives those demonstrating against capitalism and globalization had in mind.
"It would be nice to see a clear platform, let's see their solution," said Carpenter.
And while the demonstration ended without incident, there were some victims.
Restaurant workers at Eau Claire blamed the demonstration for poor sales.
"They're protesting that the G-8 is affecting their lives, well, they're messing around with our lives," said Lance Wark, kitchen manager at Cajun Charlie's in Eau Claire.
"I gotta support my kid, and I can't do that if we don't have any customers."
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