Sailing On River Thames
Photo GH
Showing posts with label Occupy London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Occupy London. Show all posts
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Pre-Occupied London PT 3: Rome wasn’t built in a day
I receive thoughtful responses to my posts at times, and I’m thankful for them, and a recent one forms the backbone of this post along with a few more of my own impressions.
The sender of the email below may not be surprised. He knows about my busy workshop, that I don’t throw anything out before I turn it over in my hand a few times, because - you just never know - it could be turned into something useful.
CL writes (in response to Pre-Occupied London PT 2):
Honestly, I'm conflicted by the Occupy movement, Gord. On the one hand, Occupy isn't presenting a coherent message and this hurts their cause. There are too many voices speaking about too many issues and it's tough to latch onto anything other than a feeling that people are pissed off for a hundred different reasons. That doesn't invalidate any of their issues, but the reality is that the rest of us need some focus. In short, they need a single voice (a single spokesperson?) and a concise viewpoint.
(GH interjects; the above is almost identical to many of my own thoughts. E.g., the lack of “coherent message” afflicts the cause, for certain. There are alos, however, a few eloquent spokesperson's for the movement).
The Labour movement (come on down Sid Ryan) seems to sense this and is attempting to insinuate themselves into the discussion. (I won't lump Glen Pearson in there because he's simply trying help Occupy gather and present their thoughts). My knee-jerk reaction to Big Labour here is that it's more of the same - the same old face, the same old strident voices, and the same old gripes. I don't think they speak for Occupy, but are using the opportunity to further their own agenda, which may or may not intersect with the Occupy message (it's hard to be sure sometimes). I don't where I'm going with all this other than to say I'm confused by it all. I'm willing to listen - but what is it I'm supposed to hear? Nov. 20, 2011
Raise your hand if you agree, for the most part, with the tone and direction of CL’s response. As I thought, along with my hand, I see several others. (If you’re wondering how I see your raised hands, all I can say is, it’s a gift).
I wrote back:
CL, you're not alone when feeling conflicted, skeptical (e.g., of Big Labour's intentions) and confused. The majority of observers, including me, can't easily pin down the Occupy movement. (The 'nail, Jell-o and wall' scenario springs to mind.) "Too many voices", as you say, is a big problem when looking for a concise overview (from Occupy London).
I'm glad G. Pearson volunteered to set up a panel of community-minded people and I look forward to the panel's first discussion in December. Come on along.
["Is there a '60s feel to the Occupy movement?": photo GH]
As per my first column re Occupy London, I can understand the intentions of some occupiers. My next one shares info re the upcoming panel. Though it's all a bit messy right now, what with Labour's involvement (full intentions unknown) and a myriad of voices, I feel there's some good being done and that will be done in the future.
(Honestly,) I'm reminded of some of the turbulence of the '60s, and apart from Dylan's squeaky voice, it wasn't all bad. GH
Today, allow me add a couple of other general thoughts about the Occupy movement.
One. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Two. You just never know, the movement could turn into something useful.
Please link to a recent related post by Glen Pearson.
As well, please link to recent related post by James Shelley, co-ordinator of City Symposium (incl. community-based panel’s first public discussion re themes connected to Occupy movement).
***
Please click here to read Pre-Occupied London PT 2
.
The sender of the email below may not be surprised. He knows about my busy workshop, that I don’t throw anything out before I turn it over in my hand a few times, because - you just never know - it could be turned into something useful.
CL writes (in response to Pre-Occupied London PT 2):
Honestly, I'm conflicted by the Occupy movement, Gord. On the one hand, Occupy isn't presenting a coherent message and this hurts their cause. There are too many voices speaking about too many issues and it's tough to latch onto anything other than a feeling that people are pissed off for a hundred different reasons. That doesn't invalidate any of their issues, but the reality is that the rest of us need some focus. In short, they need a single voice (a single spokesperson?) and a concise viewpoint.
(GH interjects; the above is almost identical to many of my own thoughts. E.g., the lack of “coherent message” afflicts the cause, for certain. There are alos, however, a few eloquent spokesperson's for the movement).
The Labour movement (come on down Sid Ryan) seems to sense this and is attempting to insinuate themselves into the discussion. (I won't lump Glen Pearson in there because he's simply trying help Occupy gather and present their thoughts). My knee-jerk reaction to Big Labour here is that it's more of the same - the same old face, the same old strident voices, and the same old gripes. I don't think they speak for Occupy, but are using the opportunity to further their own agenda, which may or may not intersect with the Occupy message (it's hard to be sure sometimes). I don't where I'm going with all this other than to say I'm confused by it all. I'm willing to listen - but what is it I'm supposed to hear? Nov. 20, 2011
Raise your hand if you agree, for the most part, with the tone and direction of CL’s response. As I thought, along with my hand, I see several others. (If you’re wondering how I see your raised hands, all I can say is, it’s a gift).
I wrote back:
CL, you're not alone when feeling conflicted, skeptical (e.g., of Big Labour's intentions) and confused. The majority of observers, including me, can't easily pin down the Occupy movement. (The 'nail, Jell-o and wall' scenario springs to mind.) "Too many voices", as you say, is a big problem when looking for a concise overview (from Occupy London).
I'm glad G. Pearson volunteered to set up a panel of community-minded people and I look forward to the panel's first discussion in December. Come on along.
["Is there a '60s feel to the Occupy movement?": photo GH]
As per my first column re Occupy London, I can understand the intentions of some occupiers. My next one shares info re the upcoming panel. Though it's all a bit messy right now, what with Labour's involvement (full intentions unknown) and a myriad of voices, I feel there's some good being done and that will be done in the future.
(Honestly,) I'm reminded of some of the turbulence of the '60s, and apart from Dylan's squeaky voice, it wasn't all bad. GH
Today, allow me add a couple of other general thoughts about the Occupy movement.
One. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Two. You just never know, the movement could turn into something useful.
Please link to a recent related post by Glen Pearson.
As well, please link to recent related post by James Shelley, co-ordinator of City Symposium (incl. community-based panel’s first public discussion re themes connected to Occupy movement).
***
Please click here to read Pre-Occupied London PT 2
.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Pre-Occupied London PT 2: Occupy movement has legs
[“Those who study social movements in Canada and the U.S. say the Occupy movement has just begun and has already had greater success than expected.” Nov. 16, London Free Press]
Tents have been taken down in some cities in Canada but the movement doesn’t seem to be going away.
This causes some to gnash their teeth and say, “They should go get jobs!”
Others hope for positive change to come out of the movement.
In perfectly average, pre-occupied London, the city in which tents were dismantled first, Occupiers’ general assemblies still take place in Victoria Park daily and a citizen-based panel has formed to take discussions a step farther by inviting Londoners to Wolf Performance Hall at the Central Library for a series of discussions re relevant issues beginning Dec. 13., 6:30 p.m. [Link to citysymposium.com for more details.]
While the Occupy movement has relatively young legs, those legs appear to be sturdy and may be ready for a long-term march.
["Some have the spirit of persistence.": photo GH]
When asked about the possibilities of success with the panel discussions in London, panel chair Glen Pearson (Director of the London Food bank and former MP) told me the following:
“There is a chance this might not be a successful process. Citizens at large across the country aren't revealing a collective yearning for change - yet. I want to help my community to respond to the present economic and environmental challenges effectively, but it will be a long struggle. You do these things because they are the right thing to do, not because you are assured of success. I have a responsibility as a citizen - we all do - and I only seek to fulfill it.” (Nov. 19)
Like Mr. Pearson, individuals and groups who believe in doing the right thing are often not easily dissuaded from pressing forward. Believing that “the present economic and environmental challenges” are great keeps them in the game even though “it will be a long struggle.” And like Mr. Pearson, many feel a sense of personal responsibility as a citizen of Canada to face challenges head on and not back away.
Occupy Toronto doesn’t seem to be going away either.
A blog post entitled ‘Occupy Toronto Day 35: Labour solidarity rally’ by John Bonner shares the following:
At the C.D. Howe Institute, protesters filed into the building and walked to the second floor where they were met by building security who temporarily prevented them from entering a corridor outside the room where the roundtable assembled.
"It was you and the policies that you guys advocate that actually caused the economic collapse speculating with our futures," said Joel Duff, Communications Director, Ontario Federation of Labour.
"Why doesn't the C.D. Howe Institute want to listen to the people whose lives you are affecting with your policies?"
With the assistance of police, the protesters were allowed to enter the room in order to clear the fire exit.

"You can't just arbitrarily take away rights of workers and not expect any push back," said Sid Ryan, President, Ontario Federation of Labour, referring to Minister Raitt's "political interference" during the Air Canada and postal workers strikes.
"There's a price to be paid when you take away the right to free collective bargaining, the right to strike," said Ryan. "When you (Lisa Raitt) use bogus excuses to try and take away the rights from workers, you will find that we will dog you every step of the way across this country." rabble.ca, Nov. 19
[Please click here to read the full article.]
Perhaps in the face of government interference legs grow a bit stronger in order to push back. I think we’ll see more of this type of action. For example, I won’t be surprised if our federal Conservative government, confident in the light of its first majority, interferes in other ways, i.e., in other labour negotiations, hoping to take away the rights of workers, the powers of unions, etc. Other groups may also push back, so to speak, as the government strips environmental and social programs to reduce the deficit and pay for the next scheduled round of corporate tax cuts.
And, in my opinion, as more Canadian citizens see or sense injury to families, communities and natural surroundings, see the emptiness of an excessive consumption-based lifestyle, the more sturdy legs will appear in direct or indirect support of the Occupy movement.
C’est la vie.
***
Please click here to read Pre-Occupied London PT 1.
.
Tents have been taken down in some cities in Canada but the movement doesn’t seem to be going away.
This causes some to gnash their teeth and say, “They should go get jobs!”
Others hope for positive change to come out of the movement.
In perfectly average, pre-occupied London, the city in which tents were dismantled first, Occupiers’ general assemblies still take place in Victoria Park daily and a citizen-based panel has formed to take discussions a step farther by inviting Londoners to Wolf Performance Hall at the Central Library for a series of discussions re relevant issues beginning Dec. 13., 6:30 p.m. [Link to citysymposium.com for more details.]
While the Occupy movement has relatively young legs, those legs appear to be sturdy and may be ready for a long-term march.
["Some have the spirit of persistence.": photo GH]
When asked about the possibilities of success with the panel discussions in London, panel chair Glen Pearson (Director of the London Food bank and former MP) told me the following:
“There is a chance this might not be a successful process. Citizens at large across the country aren't revealing a collective yearning for change - yet. I want to help my community to respond to the present economic and environmental challenges effectively, but it will be a long struggle. You do these things because they are the right thing to do, not because you are assured of success. I have a responsibility as a citizen - we all do - and I only seek to fulfill it.” (Nov. 19)
Like Mr. Pearson, individuals and groups who believe in doing the right thing are often not easily dissuaded from pressing forward. Believing that “the present economic and environmental challenges” are great keeps them in the game even though “it will be a long struggle.” And like Mr. Pearson, many feel a sense of personal responsibility as a citizen of Canada to face challenges head on and not back away.
Occupy Toronto doesn’t seem to be going away either.
A blog post entitled ‘Occupy Toronto Day 35: Labour solidarity rally’ by John Bonner shares the following:
At the C.D. Howe Institute, protesters filed into the building and walked to the second floor where they were met by building security who temporarily prevented them from entering a corridor outside the room where the roundtable assembled.
"It was you and the policies that you guys advocate that actually caused the economic collapse speculating with our futures," said Joel Duff, Communications Director, Ontario Federation of Labour.
"Why doesn't the C.D. Howe Institute want to listen to the people whose lives you are affecting with your policies?"
With the assistance of police, the protesters were allowed to enter the room in order to clear the fire exit.

"You can't just arbitrarily take away rights of workers and not expect any push back," said Sid Ryan, President, Ontario Federation of Labour, referring to Minister Raitt's "political interference" during the Air Canada and postal workers strikes.
"There's a price to be paid when you take away the right to free collective bargaining, the right to strike," said Ryan. "When you (Lisa Raitt) use bogus excuses to try and take away the rights from workers, you will find that we will dog you every step of the way across this country." rabble.ca, Nov. 19
[Please click here to read the full article.]
Perhaps in the face of government interference legs grow a bit stronger in order to push back. I think we’ll see more of this type of action. For example, I won’t be surprised if our federal Conservative government, confident in the light of its first majority, interferes in other ways, i.e., in other labour negotiations, hoping to take away the rights of workers, the powers of unions, etc. Other groups may also push back, so to speak, as the government strips environmental and social programs to reduce the deficit and pay for the next scheduled round of corporate tax cuts.
And, in my opinion, as more Canadian citizens see or sense injury to families, communities and natural surroundings, see the emptiness of an excessive consumption-based lifestyle, the more sturdy legs will appear in direct or indirect support of the Occupy movement.
C’est la vie.
***
Please click here to read Pre-Occupied London PT 1.
.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Pre-Occupied London: “Turn on the Christmas lights, kids!”
[“In London’s Victoria Park, where there were tents and 100 protesters, there are now fallen leaves and a few strollers. Where there were protest signs, there are now Christmas lights.” Nov. 16, London Free Press]
When summer is over and students are back in school most Londoners look forward to a pleasant fall. Those that have trees in their yard ready their rakes.
As Hallowe’en approaches Londoners stock up on mini-chocolate bars and kisses wrapped in black and orange paper. Many carve pumpkins for the porch and hope traffic at the door slows down in time to watch Coronation Street on TV at 6:30.
Then comes Remembrance Day, then news of the Santa Claus parade, then the dusting off of Christmas signage and Yuletide decor by local businesses and the writing of seasonal cards and shopping lists by parents (over-stressed Visa and Mastercard in hand) and every young child who wants something special on the 25th.
Then comes New Years Day - excellent! - followed by minor festivities related to Valentine’s Day, first day of spring and the Stanley Cup Playoffs before the next highly-anticipated summer season begins.
Ahhh... summer time. BBQs. And then around we go again.
Though many Londoners will be too occupied with regularly scheduled programming to notice (or untangling strings of lights so they can holler "Turn on the Christmas lights, kids!), R. Richmond of the London Free Press penned a thought-provoking article related to the Occupy movement yesterday.
He writes: “Across North America this week, the experience of the Occupy London camp is being repeated, with Wall Street’s camp emptied Tuesday and Toronto’s teetering on the edge of eviction.” (Nov. 16)
Then he asks a “question left behind: Can a movement that began with occupation live on when its camps are vacant?” (Link to full story)
I think it can, and there are positive signs that it will, perhaps in a new form, even here in ‘perfectly average’, ‘pre-Occupied’ London, the town in which Occupier tents were dismantled and removed ahead of any other city.
A community-based group shared this morning at a small press conference that it intends to converse with Occupy London, collect information re societal concerns from other members of the community and make use of an open door at City Hall to inform city politicians of important concerns that can be addressed.
[G. Pearson, J. Shelley, K. Dixon, S. Wilson, S. Quigley, E. Sheppard: photo GH]
Am I hopeful that questions raised by the Occupy movement will be addressed at a local level?
Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the road is long, but with good hands on deck (the community-based group has many good hands aboard) some good questions can be raised, solutions explored and progress can be made.
More to follow.
***
Please click here for more news about the Occupy Movement.
Raffi’s blog at rabble.ca
An earlier post by GH
.
When summer is over and students are back in school most Londoners look forward to a pleasant fall. Those that have trees in their yard ready their rakes.
As Hallowe’en approaches Londoners stock up on mini-chocolate bars and kisses wrapped in black and orange paper. Many carve pumpkins for the porch and hope traffic at the door slows down in time to watch Coronation Street on TV at 6:30.
Then comes Remembrance Day, then news of the Santa Claus parade, then the dusting off of Christmas signage and Yuletide decor by local businesses and the writing of seasonal cards and shopping lists by parents (over-stressed Visa and Mastercard in hand) and every young child who wants something special on the 25th.
Then comes New Years Day - excellent! - followed by minor festivities related to Valentine’s Day, first day of spring and the Stanley Cup Playoffs before the next highly-anticipated summer season begins.
Ahhh... summer time. BBQs. And then around we go again.
Though many Londoners will be too occupied with regularly scheduled programming to notice (or untangling strings of lights so they can holler "Turn on the Christmas lights, kids!), R. Richmond of the London Free Press penned a thought-provoking article related to the Occupy movement yesterday.
He writes: “Across North America this week, the experience of the Occupy London camp is being repeated, with Wall Street’s camp emptied Tuesday and Toronto’s teetering on the edge of eviction.” (Nov. 16)
Then he asks a “question left behind: Can a movement that began with occupation live on when its camps are vacant?” (Link to full story)
I think it can, and there are positive signs that it will, perhaps in a new form, even here in ‘perfectly average’, ‘pre-Occupied’ London, the town in which Occupier tents were dismantled and removed ahead of any other city.
A community-based group shared this morning at a small press conference that it intends to converse with Occupy London, collect information re societal concerns from other members of the community and make use of an open door at City Hall to inform city politicians of important concerns that can be addressed.
[G. Pearson, J. Shelley, K. Dixon, S. Wilson, S. Quigley, E. Sheppard: photo GH]
Am I hopeful that questions raised by the Occupy movement will be addressed at a local level?
Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the road is long, but with good hands on deck (the community-based group has many good hands aboard) some good questions can be raised, solutions explored and progress can be made.
More to follow.
***
Please click here for more news about the Occupy Movement.
Raffi’s blog at rabble.ca
An earlier post by GH
.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Occupy Wall Street and occupy Bay: “Why?” PT 3
[“The winters [in New York State] are really hard... the real underemployment rate must be at least twenty per cent. A lot of people are working part-time jobs when they want full-time jobs.” Ernie Logan, page 5, Death of the Liberal Class]
London and region may be told the unemployment rate is 8 - 9 per cent but it’s very likely higher when you consider that many people are under-employed, doing part-time work when full-time is needed to keep the proverbial wolf from their door.
Many who think 8 per cent means 8 per cent, that 92 per cent are doing quite well, have been lulled to sleep by the calm, reassuring voices of men like PM Stephen Harper, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada, who together will only speak calmly for fear of causing more unrest than there already is in the hearts and minds of a growing number of Canadian citizens.
They’ll say, soothingly, “We’re not as bad off as other countries. Look at Greece, for Heaven’s sake.”
“Our fundamentals are sound, our heads are above water, all is well, invest in Canada,” they’ll add in hushed tones.
Please don’t believe all you hear from such men. While they hope and often infer the markets and economy will recover they ignore many indicators that their high-cost Market First philosophy is fast approaching its expiration date, like an expensive bottle of almond-flavoured homogenized milk in a dairy case that many pass by for lack of funds or a decent job.
[“The road is long. And we have many miles to run.”: photo by mojo]
There are too many critical global trends they say nothing about - yet greatly shape our lives - but can no longer ignore just for the sake of an inflated lifestyle.
In Dr. Ron Nielsen’s book, The Little Green Handbook, seven trends are examined in detail. They are as follows:
The population explosion (7 billion as of Oct. 31)
Diminishing land resources
Diminishing water resources
The destruction of the atmosphere
The approaching energy crisis
Social decline
Conflicts and increasing killing power
Nielsen says, “Even though some global problems might already be out of our control we can identify a great number that could be resolved by rearranging priorities and changing our attitudes, aims and styles of living.” (pg. xiv, intro)
Social decline and lack of decent long-term full-time jobs may be enough reason for many occupiers to occupy streets of significant address in several counties but critical global trends may also drive people onto the streets.
If Nielsen has left any out, please let me know.
And if Canada’s political and financial leaders continue to only hope for and speak of the resumption of a “business as usual” way of life, listen for other voices.
More to follow.
***
Please click here to read Occupy Wall Street, occupy Bay: “Why?” PT 2
.
London and region may be told the unemployment rate is 8 - 9 per cent but it’s very likely higher when you consider that many people are under-employed, doing part-time work when full-time is needed to keep the proverbial wolf from their door.
Many who think 8 per cent means 8 per cent, that 92 per cent are doing quite well, have been lulled to sleep by the calm, reassuring voices of men like PM Stephen Harper, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada, who together will only speak calmly for fear of causing more unrest than there already is in the hearts and minds of a growing number of Canadian citizens.
They’ll say, soothingly, “We’re not as bad off as other countries. Look at Greece, for Heaven’s sake.”
“Our fundamentals are sound, our heads are above water, all is well, invest in Canada,” they’ll add in hushed tones.
Please don’t believe all you hear from such men. While they hope and often infer the markets and economy will recover they ignore many indicators that their high-cost Market First philosophy is fast approaching its expiration date, like an expensive bottle of almond-flavoured homogenized milk in a dairy case that many pass by for lack of funds or a decent job.
[“The road is long. And we have many miles to run.”: photo by mojo]
There are too many critical global trends they say nothing about - yet greatly shape our lives - but can no longer ignore just for the sake of an inflated lifestyle.
In Dr. Ron Nielsen’s book, The Little Green Handbook, seven trends are examined in detail. They are as follows:
The population explosion (7 billion as of Oct. 31)
Diminishing land resources
Diminishing water resources
The destruction of the atmosphere
The approaching energy crisis
Social decline
Conflicts and increasing killing power
Nielsen says, “Even though some global problems might already be out of our control we can identify a great number that could be resolved by rearranging priorities and changing our attitudes, aims and styles of living.” (pg. xiv, intro)
Social decline and lack of decent long-term full-time jobs may be enough reason for many occupiers to occupy streets of significant address in several counties but critical global trends may also drive people onto the streets.
If Nielsen has left any out, please let me know.
And if Canada’s political and financial leaders continue to only hope for and speak of the resumption of a “business as usual” way of life, listen for other voices.
More to follow.
***
Please click here to read Occupy Wall Street, occupy Bay: “Why?” PT 2
.
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