By Jon Orrell
Fascinated by the misreporting and inspired by Peter’s review into reading “Treasure Islands” I have visited OccupyLSX to see what’s up.
I found a well organised and clean camp that did not block access. They had a meeting area, library, seminar university tent and composting site. On the first occasion “Sermon on the Steps” took place with many speakers from various faith groups. One took a Transition perspective and hooked the audience by highlighting greed in bankers then challenged us all on greed in our materialistic lives to move to simpler living.
The protesters were very committed to non violence and keeping the site free of drugs and alcohol thus denying detractors any negative ammunition. The second occasion resulted in the masked banner photo during the Lord Mayor’s parade. The book chapter I read was perfectly choreographed with the procession and illustrated the interplay of financial power embodied in city institutions backed by military force. All mapped out in the book. All displayed for those with eyes to see in the pageantry and procession.
The numbers in the camp were modest. The cheering crowds large. How curious that people facing environmental and economic catastrophy celebrate the golden coaches of capitalism that rob them of pensions, public services and a future ? How to raise awareness of our common predicament for the 99%? A challenge for OccupyLSX and Transition. Hope these few words helps a few wake up to the state we are in and a hope for a better world.
The occupy movement on the Transition Network:
