Just gonna throw a few things out for disscusion, I again applaud you for educating yourself on things outside your border, I get just about all of mine from these boards and have needed to put my foot in my mouth on occasion, so I can appreciate the effort.
"Organizers had said the event was not a statement of support for the U.S.-led war in Iraq - but many speakers made it clear they believe Canada should be involved."
"Local media estimated the event drew about 2,000 people, while organizers put the number at 12,000. Police refused to provide a number."
I'd say 5000 out of a few million is not overwhelming. In our little town of 11000 we had an estimated 1000 at the anti war ralley earlier this month. But the numbers are irrelevent.
I think Steven Harper would be the Canadian equivalent of your, what Pat Buchanon?
What I thought was rather interesting and baseball related was the people on both sides of the God Bless America at the Blue Jays home opener. The many Americans and Canadians who saluted, those who sat and those who booed, if I can find an article I'll post it.