London, Ontario, you’ve had quite a bit to say over the last couple of weeks. I’m glad because personally, I think many of you have been quiet for far too long.
If you are curious, discussing, criticizing or congratulating the occupation of Victoria Park, then it’s working. Welcome aboard the Occupy bandwagon. As I’ve warned, it’s sure to be a long ride so you may not want to sit for the whole time and watch. Again, I encourage you to get up, get out and get talking. Talk to your friends, neighbours, relatives and strangers and find out if you are alone in your thoughts, for or against the movement, and why. We can only benefit from this dialogue. All of us.
Reading comments on Twitter, Facebook and local news websites since the London occupation began on October 22nd has been interesting, to say the least. There have been many comments of support from people in London who say they “get” what the occupy movement is about. Some see why there is a need for the physical occupation while others do not, but overall they support the message(s) the occupiers are trying to convey and will patiently wait for future messages and action.
Sadly, it seems there are just as many negative comments regarding the occupation, if not more. Many people still don’t understand, and others proclaim they do understand but disagree with the movement as they just don’t relate. Understandable. No movement can expect 100% support. If it were possible at this point in time, there would be no reason to protest, the world would be full of Pollyanna’s, and peace, love and harmony would prevail. (I will continue to hold out hope that one day this will happen.)
It is also understandable that some of you are becoming annoyed with the protesters, have concerns, and would like them to leave the park. Reasonable comments say they wish no harm on the protesters and only want to see an end, or a demand, or a resolution, or something!
Others, however, are really up in arms and have gone so far as to make physical threats against the occupiers. Folks, if any of you reading this are getting red in the face when you think about the movement and the occupiers, or are wishing physical harm upon them, then you need to cool your fuse, Dynamite. If a peaceful occupation makes you that angry, the problem is likely – no, definitely – not the fault of the movement, or the protesters. I’m just saying.
The most common, and rational, comments and concerns I have come across are as follows:
- Many fear the park will be ‘wrecked’ by the occupation and the taxpayers will foot the bill;
- Some are upset that the bylaws are being disregarded, and in favouring a few, it is unfair to all;
- Some feel they are not able to enjoy the park in the same manner they could before the occupation, and worry it will disrupt the upcoming festival of lights;
- Others worry that time and energy is being wasted by city politicians who’s time could be better spent working on “bigger, more pressing issues”;
- The city parks department has concerns about getting sprinkler systems drained so pipes around the park don’t burst with the freezing temperatures that are soon upon us.
These concerns should be acknowledged and accepted, because they are valid. Who will repair the grass in the spring if it is damaged, and at what cost? Is it fair that the protesters can camp out in Victoria Park for as long as they like and anyone else, doing it ‘just because’, would be fined? What will happen during the festival of lights if the tents are still there? Is the city wasting time on listening to and dealing with to the Occupiers? And will they move the tents to accommodate the city to prepare for winter?
Reasonably, the occupiers should fix any damage that may be caused to the park, and I’m confident that they would. These people are concerned with changing the world, not destroying it. They have also gained support of several large unions, so finding the money for repairs should not be an issue.
Why should they be able to stay? Because, in my humble opinion, our Charter of Rights and Freedoms – the document that gives us the right to protest and peacefully assemble – trumps any bylaw, any day. I know many of you will disagree, but my position will not waver so it isn’t worth your effort. My grandfathers fought in two wars for you and I to enjoy those rights, and I take them seriously. ‘We’ cannot camp at the park “just because”, because “just because” is not a valid enough reason. I like to hope that eventually we will agree that wanting to change the world one heart, one mind, one day at a time, is.
The festival of lights will go on, concessions will be made and perhaps the tents occupying that small corner of Victoria Park will be decorated. Maybe by then a more defined, cohesive message will have emerged from the movement and they will be able to share it with visitors to the park. Christmas is, after all, the season of peace, goodwill and sharing.
I do not believe city officials are wasting time that could be spent on more “pressing” issues. The issues of each person occupying the park, and those at home supporting the movement, are pressing issues. Every single one of them. Their concerns about the future of our city, province, country or world are just as valid as yours. We can only decide what is pressing to us, personally, not everyone else. And it is the job of our elected officials to listen and engage with us, even though a Councillor or two may tell you that your voice is heard only on election day. “Democracy should not be a scheduled event that happens every four years.”
Will the occupiers move the tents for the city parks people to do their job? Personally, I would think them unreasonable if they didn’t. To refuse could be perceived as combative and obstructive, and this is not a combative or obstructive movement.
With all of the above said in support of the Occupy London, Ontario movement, I must also offer up some honest criticism. I know many supporters and occupiers will agree with me when I say: It is time to do something. I mean really do something.
There has been very little action from the camp, and little to no protest. I know of only one march that has taken place, aside from the first day. There are signs erected around the camp, which is set up quite comfortably and neatly, but there has been no active protest or marching in or out of the park. By many accounts, the General Assemblies are not well attended and have focused mainly on logistics. Next to nothing is being addressed, and consensus has been hard to reach. That needs to improve for this movement to be a success, immediately.
It’s time to sink your teeth in to this movement, London Occupiers. March, demonstrate, make a noise! It is the only way your support is going to grow, and that is something you really need to work on, now. You are coming to a crucial breaking point between the public taking your occupation seriously and wanting to listen, or getting fed up, walking away and tuning out. Get your message(s) together, start talking and keep the public talking. Good or bad, dialogue is what you want to create, but you need to generate it and keep it going before your chance is stripped away.
I and many others are rooting for you. We are hopeful that you and the worldwide occupy movements will continue unabated and undisturbed. We are trying our best to defend your right to occupy and protest. But London Occupiers, we need something from you. We need to see and hear you, every single day until everybody is listening. The people of London are waiting, Occupiers. It’s your call now.
the pollyanna papers 