Ezra Levant’s Rebel News 2021 recap highlights Pastor Arthur Pavlowski’s global defiance of COVID-19 restrictions, Monstrosity Burger’s $60K fine and community protest in Winnipeg, and the O’Briens’ "protest wedding" against lockdowns. David Aiken exposes Justin Trudeau’s alleged media bias during an Indigenous protest, while David Menzies captures Toronto’s chaotic homeless encampment humor. Benji documents Melbourne police firing tear gas at peaceful protesters, including injured construction workers. Levant frames these stories as victories for civil liberties amid government overreach, vowing resistance in 2022 despite media suppression and escalating crackdowns. [Automatically generated summary]
Tonight is part two of the best of the Rebels in 2021, where our journalists tell you what they think the best part of last year was.
Of course, visually is how we tell our stories through the video medium.
So let me invite you to go to RebelNewsPlus.com and become a subscriber.
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You get the video form of these podcasts.
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So please consider helping out.
All right, here's today's podcast.
Tonight, part two of the best of the rebels from 2021.
It's New Year's Eve.
This is the Ezra Levant Show.
Why should others go to jail when you're a biggest carbon consumer I know?
There's 8,500 customers here, and you won't give them an answer.
The only thing I have to say to the government of a wide publisher is because it's my bloody right to do so.
Adam Sos here for Rebel News.
As the year comes to an end, we take the opportunity to reflect back on what we've done this year, on the incredible stories that we've told.
It has been a privilege to be out there telling the other side of the story when other media outlets simply ignored them.
When asked to pick my favorite story of the year, I found it a near impossible task.
We've met so many incredible people and heard and shared their stories.
But push come to shove, the story of Pastor Arthur Pavlowski, the pastor who defied government restrictions and opened his church despite COVID-19 and then faced arrests, made international headlines.
trials and tribulations were known the world over and we were there unlike anyone else to tell his story.
My choice for favorite video of the year is not one that might have been covered extensively.
It wasn't a big dramatic story, wasn't a big win, and it wasn't even a big headline.
It was just a small, short, unassuming video with one of my favorites, David the Menzoid Menzies, making a few jokes and making people smile.
And quite honestly, 2021 has been such a terrible year for so many people that support Rebel News that I figured we could all use a smile.
And if you didn't get a chance to see this one, because so much content has come at you in the last month, I wanted to make sure people saw it because it made my day.
And I think it shows that the Rebels here at Rebel Media are just regular people.
We pull our pants on one leg at a time, like anyone else.
And if you're David Menzies, you just happen to be a little funnier than most people as well.
While there is much to complain about when it comes to this tyrant, the black leather trench coat ban really struck a nerve with me, folks.
Just think of the tagline from Jaws 4.
This time, it's personal.
Justin Trudeau's Bus Ride00:15:00
You see, my beloved black leather trench coat dates back to the 90s, and I've been wearing it for a whole lot longer than Kim Jong-un has been wearing his trench coat.
Bottom line, I've never set foot on North Korean soil, but I did get as far as the demilitarized zone some 10 years ago.
And if I ever go back, I will yell across the no man's land that is the DMZ, paraphrasing the classic Charlton Heston line regarding gun control.
I'll give you my black leather trench coat when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
And yeah, folks, like I said, I'll make this proclamation from the south side of the Korean border because we all know what happens to those making impolite statements on the north side.
2021 has been quite the year in many aspects with so many different stories, so many interesting stories.
It's hard to pick just one that stands out from the rest.
From covering the migrant crisis in the UK, the absolute overreach of the Montreal police resulting in my colleagues and I being detained, and the countless stories of individuals who have been on the receiving end of these unjust measures we have been seeing over the past year.
But for my number one moment of 2021, I'm going to have to give it to Monstrosity Burger.
Now, Monstrosity Burger is a restaurant in Winnipeg that refused to check people's vaccination status.
They refused to implement mandatory mask wearing.
So law enforcement in Winnipeg gave them over $60,000 worth of fines.
They removed their liquor license and they closed their restaurant for indoor dining.
So the community in Winnipeg gathered outside of Monstrosity Burger and basically had a picnic protest where they were still allowed to give takeout.
So everyone ordered takeout and they just simply showed support for the restaurant.
Check it out guys and see why this is my number one moment of 2021.
We love Monstrosity Burger, and we love what they stand for.
My heart just is, I don't even know what to say.
It's just crazy.
Yeah, it just feels really good.
We're not tolerating this.
Like we're drawing a line in the sand.
This can't go on.
So it's really, really important for us to get out and support these guys.
I understand since the last time we spoke, there's been a bit of an update.
They pulled your liquor license, correct?
Yep, the following day, after we were served to close our indoor dining, they came and pulled our liquor license.
So now we're dealing with that.
Well, today we, the owners, Dave and Paulina, really wanted to show their gratitude to those that are supporting us the way they are.
Oh, we're here to support Paulina and Dave and this amazing establishment and everything they represent.
Exactly.
We're here to support a business owner, two of them, in their endeavor to show other business owners that all you lack is the courage to stand against these health orders and open up your business.
I am out here to support the people who are against mandatory vaccination.
Supporting Monstrosity Burger and everyone here, Mad Pro Choice.
We want to support local that we can go and get what we want when we want, like we should be free to do at any point in time.
So it's kind of nice to know that there are people out here willing to make an effort.
And it's nice to see that there's other people here that are like-minded, that are willing to take some time.
Like I just said, we're standing in the parking lot.
I'll wait an hour.
I don't care how long it is.
Just to support the people that are willing to support us.
So community supporting community.
So we're here.
We're ordering food.
As you can see, we're surrounded by a lot of good energy and good vibes.
So that's why we're here.
We're just here to hang out, eat some good food, and enjoy each other's company.
So Producer AD asked me to make a year ends video for the Rebel Montage.
And I was thinking what video to make.
Most of you have seen the curfew reporting and all of that and my latest Florida videos.
Check it out if you haven't.
But I thought I'll make a video of me feeding Gators because I'm living the Florida life.
Now, Florida, we feed Gators, or at least I do.
Not sure.
Oh, I'm also holding my lovable Yinta award that I won this year.
So I'm the guy that's supposed to go off topic.
So here I am, going off topic, non-serious news, just watching feeding gators.
That's about it.
Hopefully, 2022 is a better year.
Big, open, big, and close it up.
We're two.
One, two, three.
There we are.
Good job.
Good job.
Let's go over here.
Hold it, hold it.
Hold it, hold it.
Come on.
Come on, man.
Good job.
One, two, three.
There we are.
Good job.
Andrea Humphrey here with Rebel News.
You know, it wasn't an easy task to go through all of those reports mentally, of course, and decide what my favorite one is.
But I'm confident I did so.
There's been so much madness to cover.
And it's been a pleasure and an honor to bring you guys the other side of the story.
But I thought for this, for the best, my favorite to recap with Hughes, it's going to have to be something that made me feel amazing.
And I know made you guys feel amazing too.
And that, hands down, was the protest wedding.
Cam and Casey, who now share the last name O'Brien, were having none of the tyrannical restrictions being put against them.
This was during the lockdown.
This was when you couldn't have everybody you wanted at funerals.
You couldn't have everybody you want at weddings or worship services or what have you.
And they said, you know what?
By the way, they took a week to make this decision.
They said, we want to get married.
And a week later, their protest wedding was planned.
I think I found out about it maybe the day before from Pastor Art Lucian, one of the protests, or sorry, one of the preachers who kept his church open.
We covered that as well.
And he said, you got to come down.
We drove four hours to get to the protest wedding.
And on the way, I got the bride and groom to be number guy.
I said, listen, I know you don't know me.
We're covering your protests.
Would it be awkward if we show up at your house in the morning before you come and capture those special moments to share with all of you?
And they said they needed a few minutes to think about it.
And they said, yes, you guys are welcome.
So we got to share the most intimate beginning moments with them and go through their whole day.
And I got to say, I've kept in touch with Cam and Casey.
They are doing well, still in love, still fighting for freedom.
And this was just such a magical time.
Take a look.
People in Canada have suffered a lot over the last year.
And a lot of it has been from COVID restrictions.
Things like freedom of religion, the right to be able to open your business and see loved ones and friends.
But let's not forget the celebration of marriage.
Weddings, a cultural thing that we do, that we held high, has been limited.
And in British Columbia, it's to only 10 people, including the bride, the groom, and the person doing the marriage ceremony.
But not today.
I'm with Cam O'Brien, who is bravely doing one of the, maybe the first that's happened in Canada.
I'm not sure.
A protest style wedding to Casey.
How are you feeling?
I'm feeling really good.
It's definitely an opportunity to share and show people that no matter what's going on, you can really celebrate what you're meant to celebrate and what God intended us to celebrate.
Absolutely.
We are so honored from Rebel News to be able to cover this special day with you.
And we can't wait to see your future bride.
So, Casey, this is Casey.
How are you feeling on your wedding day?
I'm feeling good.
This is like really exciting.
I feel like it's just happened so fast, but perfectly, if that makes sense.
Yeah.
Let's get a little bit, let's know a little bit about your guys' relationship.
When did you guys know you were the one for each other?
Well, for me, it was August 12th, 2017.
That was the same day for me as well.
And that's the day that we met.
And they gave their lives to Jesus.
I want to introduce to you Cam and Casey.
Come on up here.
Thank you all.
Wow, I look for all that when you are so beautiful.
I just want to, I think this might inspire a lot of people.
I know this is inspiring, but I want to share my story.
We truly believe we're here on earth.
I mean, all of us are here on earth for a purpose.
It's just whether you tap into that or not.
And so for both of us, it's like we know we're here for big things and we just let God guide us.
You know, the spirit universe, whatever that means for people.
But for us, it's like a very clear calling.
I feel like, you know, no matter what we do in life, there's always going to be haters.
Ain't that the truth?
Right?
Like truth.
Hashtag truth.
Whether you're getting married during a pandemic, you're starting a business or you're trying to, you know, be successful or whatever it is.
Like, it's like, there's always going to be people that are going to like you and people that aren't going to like you.
And I'm just standing in the truth that the people who are connected to this wake up.
And that's what this is about.
Absolutely.
Well, let's go get married.
So, friends, in family, and those who are just simply watching on the Canadian firewall, we know that this is not necessarily normal.
We're not in normal days.
And but this young couple, as a sign, wanting to get right with God, being saved last week, we needed to celebrate this moment with you all and with the internet and even with the rebel news.
We welcome Rebel News here today.
Hi, everyone.
Chief Ideographer from Mocha Bizergan is here.
First of all, Merry Christmas.
I hope you're enjoying your time.
Thank you for your continued support.
And I would like to share with you now my favorite part, my favorite time, my favorite moment of the year.
And that was when I went to BC Victoria Island.
Now, it was such a crazy year.
Lots of assaults on civil liberties with pandemic.
And I've witnessed arrests, I've witnessed assaults, I've witnessed so many things.
I've speaking to so many people.
But my favorite part was when I went to BC Victoria because Justin Trudeau was giving a campaign speech there.
This was before election.
And they wouldn't let me in because they said, you know, the usual thing, they don't see me as a journalist.
But all these people they let inside as journalists were actually PR campaign agents because when Justin Trudeau's bus was blockaded for half an hour, they all disappeared.
They were nowhere to be seen.
But me, who was not allowed inside, was there and recording.
And the media didn't pay attention to that.
They failed to capture it.
And then they failed to publish my footage or mention it.
And on top of all that, they denied it.
They said David Aiken said, oh, it didn't even happen.
It never happened.
It never took place.
And why?
Why are they doing that?
Because they are PR agents, public relations agents.
They don't want to damage the narrative.
The model that they constructed for Justin Trudeau as a caring liberal who cares about indigenous people and Indigenous issues.
Well, look at what this Indigenous lady had to say about it.
Yeah, they wouldn't want to record that part because it certainly goes against the narrative.
But after all, Justin Trudeau is the guy who goes on surfing on the first day of Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Like, what a joke he is.
Anyways, Merry Christmas.
We are unarmed.
We are not touching these officers.
We are not doing anything illegal.
This is public property.
And on top of that, this is unseated land.
We have to go out to gather.
When we want to gather, when we want to gather, we are allowed to gather where we want to gather, when we want to gather.
These cops do not get to tell us where we stand.
This land is unseated.
And that badge on you, that Sanit police badge, is illegitimate.
This is a reminder because I don't know what these cops are going to do next to me, but I just want to remind you that Justin Trudeau is in this bus right here, and we're standing in front of it.
All we are doing is standing in front of this bus.
Nothing that we are doing is illegal.
Nothing we are doing is violent.
I have nothing on me that could harm him.
He didn't even acknowledge them.
There were dozens of journalists there and some that traveled with Justin Trudeau.
But every single one of them all of a sudden disappeared.
I was there recording with both of my hands at times.
But the media that Justin Trudeau bribed you with your own money not only failed to document this, but they also refused to show my clips that I published two hours later from the incident.
Justin Trudeau does not give a f about indigenous people.
Justin, why don't you engage with the protesters?
Justin Trudeau does not give a f about indigenous people.
We're all broke.
And on top of that, they said that it never happened and it was completely fake news.
2021, what a year, you guys.
And my favorite clip of the year is actually just a small portion of one of David Menzies' many trips to homeless encampments in Toronto.
Protesters and Whistles00:03:49
It even starts with this like transgender, possibly crazy person across the street from the park attempting to direct traffic with a whistle and dance.
I don't know.
I think there's a beer in their hand.
Well, that's one of the protesters of the homeless encampment being demolished.
She or he, I really don't know which folks.
And I don't want to misgender the person is now on a corner occasionally blowing a whistle.
I guess she's protesting a four-way stop.
Yep, so far so good.
It looks like maybe she has a career as a traffic warden or he.
Oh, it's all so confusing, isn't it?
But it just goes to show that these encampments are not just rampant with drug use and unsanitary conditions.
They actually have tons of mental health issues too that don't belong in a public park where little Jimmy and Sally are playing.
But on the other side of the street, there's a guy, a man drinking in the middle of the afternoon next to a park, which we all do, of course.
He's heckling David Menzies and calls him over.
Now, this man has a lot of questions for David.
Yeah, Rebel News.
My bad.
Okay.
So you called me over, sir?
You ever find a rebel yet?
What do you mean?
A rebel.
You know what a rebel is?
I'd like to point out that the beer this man is drinking is actually called a cold shot.
It's a small but highly alcoholic beer that's basically meant for college students to get drunk off of.
And this guy is pounding them next to a public park on a Wednesday afternoon.
And that's denoted by the pile of beer cans nearby.
So the conversation quickly evolves or devolves, I guess, into this man asking if he can borrow David Menzies' suit.
Every day is his birthday, of course.
50 Cent must be proud of him.
And yes, of course, his shirt he mentions is 100% cotton.
Take a look.
This is my favorite clip of the year.
You know what a rebel is?
I think so, but in what context are you?
Don't explain it to me because I don't know.
I'm an uneducated guy.
Okay.
Let's hear your side.
You called me over here.
I called you over?
Well, you just did a second ago.
Okay, that's fair.
Yeah, I did.
So did you want to weigh in on this homeless encampment?
On what?
On the homeless encampment being disassembled.
Yeah.
Were you a resident of the encampment, sir?
I'm entitled to my own finger opinion, but I'm not going to share with you.
Oh, okay, then why'd you call me over?
Why did I call you over?
I like your suit.
Well, thank you very much.
I don't like you.
Okay, well.
You know what?
That's the beauty of the society we are in.
I need a suit.
I got to go to a special function.
Can I borrow that?
What's the function?
Never mind.
I don't have to tell you that.
Well, you brought it up.
It's my birthday.
Oh, happy birthday.
How old is it?
Every day of the week, every day of the year.
Happy birthday, sir.
How old are you, Turning?
Who me?
Yes.
Not bad.
Not bad.
Are you old enough to drink alcohol legally now?
Who me?
Yeah.
No.
No?
Oh, okay.
All right.
Well, never.
19, I'm sure, is just around the corner.
19?
Yeah.
Okay, then.
When I hit Peeby, I'll let you know.
Please, I scared you.
Please, I scare Easy.
Yes.
That's your lie.
How about those leaves?
What do you make of their season this year?
Yeah, you're wearing a leaf shirt.
I'm wearing the shirt.
I'll tell you why.
It's 100% cotton.
I like that.
Okay, then.
All right.
It's clean, too.
Okay.
You like the color?
Who the f cares what you like?
See you later.
Okay, thank you.
Really?
Who cares what I like?
G'day, my fellow rebels around the world.
riot Police Encounters00:05:11
Oh, my God.
It's the end of 2021, and I can't believe it.
You know, I joined Rebel officially in September of 2020, my second day.
I was arrested, tackled to the ground.
And to be honest, at the end of 2020, last year at this time, I thought I'd experienced the craziest year.
And the truth is, I hadn't seen anything yet because 2021 has been the most insane year of my life.
And trust me, I've had a pretty insane life.
So there's been some pretty crazy years, but 2021 beats them all.
And I was asked to actually share, you know, I don't know, the highlights of my telling the other side of the story here on the ground in Melbourne.
And I guess, you know, I don't know if they're favorite moments, but I was honored to be there to share with you the other side of the story.
But some of the moments that stick out for me is because I never imagined my wildest dreams that I would witness, let alone report on Police in this so-called democracy turning on peaceful protesters.
You know, if you remember, I was standing there reporting and tear gas flying around me, pepper spray, rubber bullets, gangs of counter-terrorism squads in armored vehicles tackling women and children.
It was absolutely insane.
And again, I was honored to be able to tell the other side of the story.
And none of this was possible without your support throughout.
You know, some of the images that we brought exclusively to Rebel News to you guys were shared around the globe throughout mainstream networks and alternative networks.
And most importantly, nobody would have seen it without you.
So thank you for making 2021 possible for letting the world know what's really happening here in Melbourne, Australia in the name of health.
But we're heading into 2022 and we don't know what the world has in store for us.
But what I can tell you is we're going to be back on the streets telling out the other side of the story from the front line with your ongoing support.
And I am so grateful for that.
So thank you for 2020, 2021.
And thank you for sticking by us through to 2022.
Have a happy new year.
So you just started spraying everyone.
There was so much media there.
And I reckon so many people from the media just got sprayed.
We're just covering what was happening and they just started spraying everyone.
Today you're actually working for mainstream media.
Yeah, for the age.
And it makes no difference with the police, my friend.
They just looked at me, aimed at me, and they just went for it.
I worked all over.
I worked in Latin America, Asia, you name it.
You know what?
I've been in Latin America in Chile when there's riot police, when they see the full riot police coming towards you, you just lift your camera, show your media card, and they don't even touch you.
Here, move, you know, you felt it.
Oh, that's a whole the riot.
So he's just literally targeted the media.
Oh my god.
Oh my god.
Benji, get back.
Benji, get back.
That separated the groups firing tear gas.
It just suddenly kicked off.
There are hundreds of riot police now.
The crowd has separated.
Half have gone that way, the other half in there.
Yep.
Come out of the way.
And we've just seen what has unfolded here where riot police in an armored vehicle that they have not deployed till now in protest.
In fact, I've covered protests here for years and haven't seen that.
That was meant to be counter-terrorism, I believe.
And now they are marching towards the crowd again to engage them.
Unprovoked.
There was zero violence from protesters.
Let's make that clear.
There was no violence from protestors.
This is one of many construction workers injured by the unprovoked police violence on Melbourne Street.
He'd been shot in that counter-terror police assault we just witnessed with this rubber bullet.
His head is bleeding, and the man is clearly struggling to breathe from the tear gas and violent arrest.
I don't have to tell you that.
Well, you brought it up.
It's my birthday.
Oh, happy birthday.
Press Freedom Struggles00:02:36
How old is it?
Every day of the week, every day of the year.
Happy birthday, sir.
How old are you, Turning?
Who me?
Yes.
Naba.
Are you old enough to drink alcohol legally now?
Boomi!
Yeah.
No.
No?
Oh, okay.
All right.
Well, never.
19, I'm sure, is just around the corner.
19?
Yeah.
Okay, then.
When I hit PB, I'll let you know.
Please, I scared you.
Be the first one I call.
Please, I scare Easy.
Yes.
That's your lie.
How about those leafs?
What do you make of their season this year?
Yeah, you're wearing a leaf shirt.
I'm wearing their shirt.
I'll tell you why.
It's 100% cotton.
I like that.
Okay, then.
All right, it's clean, too.
Okay.
You like the color?
Who the f cares what you like?
See you later.
Okay, thank you.
Really?
Who cares what I like?
G'day, my fellow rebels around the world.
Oh my god, it's 21, and I can't believe it.
You know, I joined Rebel officially in September of 2020, my second day.
I was arrested, tackled to the ground.
And to be honest, at the end of 2020, last year at this time, I thought I'd experienced the craziest year.
And the truth is, I hadn't seen anything yet because 2021 has been the most insane year of my life.
And trust me, I've had a pretty insane life.
So there's been some pretty crazy years, but 2021 beats them all.
And I was asked to actually share, you know, I don't know, the highlights of my telling the other side of the story here on the ground in Melbourne.
And I guess, you know, I don't know if they're favorite moments, but you know, I was honored to be there to share with you the other side of the story.
But some of the moments that stick out for me is because I never imagined my wildest dreams that I would witness, let alone report on the free press when you saw what just happened.
Melbourne, Australia, sixth lockdown, because we only have one chance to get this right.
Boy, they're great.
I love our team.
And who knows who's going to join the Rebel ship, the good ship Rebel, in 2022.
Unfortunately, I think so many of the battles will continue.
I don't see it being an easy year for civil liberties or for freedom, but we'll fight as hard as we can.
Until next time, on behalf of all of us here at Rebel World Headquarters to you at home, good night.