A Freedom Convoy organizer says there is no room for extremists, racists, or violence in the movement, and blames legacy media for perpetuating narratives that say otherwise..“If there were any extremists or any violence, they would not be welcome here and they would be ostracized by our group,” said Sheldon Reuther, of Calahoo..“And if you talk to any of these truckers … none of them are racist.”.Instead, his Edmonton Slow Rolling group is all about “love, light and truth” and made up of very regular Canadians..“We range from business owners, to nurses that had to leave their occupation, to students that have been impacted by (the mandates), to me as a single dad with kids about to go into school … (and) be masked up.”.Reuther talked to the Western Standard about the legacy media’s role in perpetuating the idea that truckers are extremists..“I have not seen or witnessed any (violence), but I also understand how media works. First, we (the truckers) didn’t exist. Then we were extremists. Their game is pretty tired.”.Reuther initially got involved with the convoys after making an impromptu trip to Ottawa with the Freedom Convoy, with a vlogger who had broken down in Calgary..On the way home, he created the Edmonton Slow Rolling group on Zello to do “slow rolling” or slow moving daily convoys of about 20-25 people. Weekends in Edmonton are closer to thousands..The Zello channel describes the group as “slow rolling to end all mandates and restore our charter..“We have been shown our charter is worthless when a state of emergency is declared or created..“We are sons and daughters of this country and we are standing with our brave truckers and farmers. We are here until all mandates drop, charter is restored and strengthened, and the people responsible are held accountable..“I encourage everyone that realizes the lies join us and help change Canada,” continued Zello..“This is our moment to institute real change and time we start showing the world that it is all of Canada that is rising!”.Reuther says the purpose of the convoys is “to raise awareness and attention and show other Canadians that we are united not divided like the media says, and to gather support for our cause.”.He said protesters in every province will be slow rolling to their respective legislature buildings on Saturday..“We want to be heard. It’s been so long … we have been in the shadows..Reuther said he has not witnessed any mischief or illegal activity associated with the truckers, and his Zello channel won’t even tolerate swearing..“We don’t have negative conversations, all of our cheering each other on and that’s what this move is about.”.Reuther says the support has been heartwarming..“So many people come out of the businesses waving at us supporting us … streets lined with people crying and cheering us on.”.Convoys from Sherwood Park, Nisku, and Acheson, as well as the Edmonton Slow Rolling group, are anticipated to converge in Edmonton at the Legislature grounds at 1 pm on Saturday..Amber Gosselin is a Western Standard reporter..agosselin@westernstandardonline.com
