It’s time to talk honestly about collapse - no matter how others may respond.
We live in the midst of multiple crises - economic and political, cultural and ecological - posing a significant threat to human existence at the level we have become accustomed to. There’s no way to be awake to the depth of these crises without emotional reactions, no way to be aware of the pain caused by these systemic failures without some dread and distress.
Those emotions come from recognizing that we humans with our big brains have disrupted the balance of the living world in disastrous ways that may be causing irreversible ecological destruction, and that drastically different ways of living are not only necessary but inevitable, with no guarantee of a smooth transition.
This talk, in polite company, leads to being labeled hysterical, Chicken Little, apocalyptic. No matter that you are calm, aren’t predicting the sky falling, and have made no reference to rapture. Pointing out that we live in unsustainable systems, that unsustainable systems can’t be sustained, and that no person or institution with power in the dominant culture is talking about this - well, that’s obviously crazy.
Regardless of others' reaction to talking honestly about collapse, it's essential we continue; no political project based on denying reality can be viable for the long term.
But to many of us, these insights simply seem honest. To be fully alive today is to live with anguish, not for one’s own condition in the world but for the condition of the world, for a world that is in collapse. What to do when such honesty is unwelcome?
In June 2010, I published a short essay online asking people who felt this anguish to report on their emotions and others’ reactions. In less than a month I received more than 300 messages, and while no single comment could sum up the responses, this comes close:
“I feel hopeless. I feel sad. I feel amused at the absurdity of it all. I feel depressed. I feel enraged. I feel guilty and I feel trapped. Basically the only reason why I’m still alive is because there are enough amazing people and things in my life to keep me going, to keep me fighting for what matters. I’m not even sure how to fight yet, but I know that I want to.”
I didn’t ask for biographical information, so there’s little data on the age, race, or occupation of the respondents. Nor did I ask specifically about political or community activism, but the letters reinforced a gut feeling that dealing openly with these emotions need not lead to paralysis and inaction. People can confront honestly a frightening question - “What if the unsustainable systems in which we live are beyond the point of no return?” - and stay politically and socially engaged.
One respondent, a longtime community organizer, put it succinctly:
Recently several of our visionary thinkers have moved from the illusion that ‘we have 10 years to turn this around.’ They now say clearly that ‘we cannot stop this momentum.’ It takes courage and faith to speak so plainly. What can we do in the face of this truth? We can sit face to face and find the ways, often beyond words, to explore the reality that we are all refugees, swimming into a future that looks so different from the present. We can find pockets of community where we can whisper our deepest fears about the world. We can remain committed to describing the present with exceptional truth.
What happens when we tell “exceptional truth”?
First, we often feel drained by it. Another respondent observed:
“My personal ambition seems to decrease in proportion to the increase in world suffering. I think that’s part of my emotional reaction to crisis. I don’t think I am fully alive. I’m not depressed, just weirdly diminished.”
Second, we encounter those who don’t want to face tough truths. Many wrote about isolation from family and friends who deny there are reasons to be concerned:
“I’m a drug addict with over 20 years clean, and I know all about using up my future and farting out lame excuses. I promised myself an honest life to stay clean, and the double-edged sword is that I started seeing just how much our culture swims in denial.”
Sometimes people accuse those who press questions about systemic failure and collapse of being the problem:
“People get angry at me for it and call me ‘dark’ and ‘negative’ and ‘sinful,’ telling me to instead move to the ‘light,’ ‘positive,’ and ‘love.’ Whatever.”
Regardless of others’ reactions to talking honestly about collapse, it’s essential we continue; no political project based on denying reality can be viable for the long term. We need not have a crystal ball to recognize, as singer/songwriter John Gorka put it, that “the old future’s gone.” The future of endless bounty for all isn’t the future we face.
How can we open an honest conversation about that future? It isn’t easy, but it starts with telling the truth, from our own experience, like this 70-year-old woman who lives in a rural intentional community:
I’ve lived long enough now to be very aware of how different the world has become, how the cycles of nature are off kilter, how the seasons and the climate have shifted. My garden tells me that food doesn’t grow in quite the same patterns, and we either get weeks of rain or weeks of heat and drought. This is the second year in a row that our apple trees do not have apples on them. But most people get their food in grocery stores where the apples still appear, and food still arrives, in season and out, from all over the world. This will soon end, and people won’t understand why. They don’t see the trouble in the land as I and my friends do. I grieve daily as I look on this altered world. My grandchildren are young adults who think their lives will continue as they have been. Who will tell them? They can’t hear me. They, and many others, will have to see the changes for themselves, as I have. I can’t imagine that anything else will convince them. My grief for the world, and for them, is compounded by this feeling of helplessness because there is no way we can have the collective action you speak of when the ‘collective’ is still in denial.
The work of breaking out of denial is less about specific actions and more about the habits and virtues we must cultivate. Far from that rural community, a 35-year-old woman working in an office in Chicago summed up the task:
“We really need to take it back to the basics and keep it simple. This reminds me of one of my own quotes I thought of a few months ago - ‘be humble or be humiliated.’ I think I’m a simple person. I try to avoid making things more complex than they have to be. I try to focus more on what I need versus what I want. ‘Be humble or be humiliated’ is my own personal reminder.”
Her personal reminder is relevant for us all, individually and collectively. Humanity’s last hope may be in embracing a deep humility, recognizing that our cleverness is outstripped by our ignorance. If we become truly humble, we can abandon attempts to dominate the living world and instead find our place in it.
Robert Jensen wrote this article for A Resilient Community, the Fall 2010 issue of YES! Magazine. Robert, a journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin, is author of several books. His latest is All My Bones Shake: Seeking a Progressive Path to the Prophetic Voice. He is co-producer of the new documentary Abe Osheroff: One Foot in the Grave, the Other Still Dancing.
by Robert Jensen, September 17, 2010
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Friday, 11 November 2011
We are screwed!
We are royally screwed. The sad part of all of this is that we are doing it to ourselves and so many of us are either blinded or in denial mode.
This is not about gloom and doom. This is about facing the reality.
Here is what we can expect in the year 2012.
- Greece and Italy both bankrupt and default. More countries follow.
- The European Union collapses and enters into economic chaos.
- Many states in USA bankrupt.
- Global financial meltdown.
- Global Warming in runaway mode. Severe climate across the globe.
- Israel takes preemptive strike against Iran. US drawn into war.
We, the inhabitants of the planet, as consumers, must ask ourselves:
Why do we do this to ourselves? We are all in this together.
Change begins with you.
Change begins with you.
Hamilton 350 Blog
Thursday, 10 November 2011
We Won! You Won!
Incredible news: the President just delayed the decision on the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, effectively killing the project!
This is an amazing victory for our movement, and a demonstration of people power in action. But we can't back down now -- we need to pledge to take this fight forward, and stand up to Keystone and other tar sands projects as we take this movement forward.
Dear Friends,
We won. You won.
The Keystone XL tar sands pipeline that we’ve been fighting for months has been effectively killed. The President didn’t outright reject the Keystone XL pipeline permit, but a few minutes ago he sent the pipeline back for a thorough re-review that will delay it til 2013. Most analysts agree: the pipeline will never get built.
The President explicitly noted climate change, along with the pipeline route, as one of the factors that a new review would need to assess. There’s no way, with an honest review, that a pipeline that helps speed the tapping of the world’s second-largest pool of carbon can pass environmental muster.
It’s important to understand how unlikely this victory is. A month ago, a secret poll of “energy insiders” by found that “virtually all” expected easy approval of the pipeline by year’s end. A done deal has come spectacularly undone. Our movement spoke loudly about climate change and President Obama responded. There have been few even partial victories about global warming in the United States in recent years, so that makes this an important day.
The President deserves thanks for making this call -- it’s not easy in the face of the fossil fuel industry and its endless reserves of cash. The deepest thanks, however, go to the incredible, diverse movement that helped ramp up the pressure to give the President the room to make this call. And it means so much that this day is shared by our allies around the world -- the people who have stood in solidarity, signed petitions, and organized actions to let us know that you’re fighting in this movement right along with us.
Our fight, of course, is barely begun. Some in our movement will say that this decision is just politics as usual: that the President wants us off the streets -- and off his front lawn -- until after the election, at which point the administration can approve the pipeline, alienating its supporters without electoral consequence. The President should know that if this pipeline proposal somehow reemerges from the review process we will use every tool at our disposal to keep it from ever being built.
We're collecting pledges to take the fight forward, and redouble our efforts to fossil fuels. Will you sign on?
If there’s a lesson of the last few months, both in our work and in the Occupy encampments around the world, it’s that sometimes we have to put our bodies on the line and take to the streets to make our voices heard.
We'll be stepping up our efforts in the months ahead, expanding our work to take on all the forms of ‘extreme energy’ now coming to the fore around the world: mountaintop removal coal mining, deep sea oil drilling, “fracking” for gas and oil. We’ll keep sending you updates; you keep letting us know what we need to do next.
Last week, scientists announced that the planet had poured a record amount of CO2 into the atmosphere last year; that’s a sign of how desperate our battle is. But we take courage from today’s White House announcement; it gives us some clues about how to fight going forward -- and not just in the US, but in every corner of the earth.
I’m going to bed tired tonight. But I’ll get up in the morning ready for the next battle, more confident because I know you’re part of this fight too.
Onwards,
Bill McKibben for the 350.org Team
P.S. Victories need to be shared. Let's make this one fly all over the web: share it on Twitter here and share it on Facebook here.
Hamilton 350 Blog
This is an amazing victory for our movement, and a demonstration of people power in action. But we can't back down now -- we need to pledge to take this fight forward, and stand up to Keystone and other tar sands projects as we take this movement forward.
Dear Friends,
We won. You won.
The Keystone XL tar sands pipeline that we’ve been fighting for months has been effectively killed. The President didn’t outright reject the Keystone XL pipeline permit, but a few minutes ago he sent the pipeline back for a thorough re-review that will delay it til 2013. Most analysts agree: the pipeline will never get built.
The President explicitly noted climate change, along with the pipeline route, as one of the factors that a new review would need to assess. There’s no way, with an honest review, that a pipeline that helps speed the tapping of the world’s second-largest pool of carbon can pass environmental muster.
It’s important to understand how unlikely this victory is. A month ago, a secret poll of “energy insiders” by found that “virtually all” expected easy approval of the pipeline by year’s end. A done deal has come spectacularly undone. Our movement spoke loudly about climate change and President Obama responded. There have been few even partial victories about global warming in the United States in recent years, so that makes this an important day.
The President deserves thanks for making this call -- it’s not easy in the face of the fossil fuel industry and its endless reserves of cash. The deepest thanks, however, go to the incredible, diverse movement that helped ramp up the pressure to give the President the room to make this call. And it means so much that this day is shared by our allies around the world -- the people who have stood in solidarity, signed petitions, and organized actions to let us know that you’re fighting in this movement right along with us.
Our fight, of course, is barely begun. Some in our movement will say that this decision is just politics as usual: that the President wants us off the streets -- and off his front lawn -- until after the election, at which point the administration can approve the pipeline, alienating its supporters without electoral consequence. The President should know that if this pipeline proposal somehow reemerges from the review process we will use every tool at our disposal to keep it from ever being built.
We're collecting pledges to take the fight forward, and redouble our efforts to fossil fuels. Will you sign on?
If there’s a lesson of the last few months, both in our work and in the Occupy encampments around the world, it’s that sometimes we have to put our bodies on the line and take to the streets to make our voices heard.
We'll be stepping up our efforts in the months ahead, expanding our work to take on all the forms of ‘extreme energy’ now coming to the fore around the world: mountaintop removal coal mining, deep sea oil drilling, “fracking” for gas and oil. We’ll keep sending you updates; you keep letting us know what we need to do next.
Last week, scientists announced that the planet had poured a record amount of CO2 into the atmosphere last year; that’s a sign of how desperate our battle is. But we take courage from today’s White House announcement; it gives us some clues about how to fight going forward -- and not just in the US, but in every corner of the earth.
I’m going to bed tired tonight. But I’ll get up in the morning ready for the next battle, more confident because I know you’re part of this fight too.
Onwards,
Bill McKibben for the 350.org Team
P.S. Victories need to be shared. Let's make this one fly all over the web: share it on Twitter here and share it on Facebook here.
Hamilton 350 Blog
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Occupy message being corrupted
by Jacob Kearey-Moreland, special to The Packet & Times
I did not say, nor have I heard of any elected Canadian official speak negatively against the unprecedented global occupations. I have heard both our finance minister and prime minister focus attention and criticism on certain aspects of the movement, while ignoring its complexity and diversity, thus deflating Occupy Canada. I have repeatedly noticed in mainstream papers, radio and online, deliberate and unknowing attempts to delegitimize and denigrate the people.
In person, I have watched very long media interviews of occupiers providing illuminating commentary on the movement and global political economy. The shepherd reduces these profound ideas into inedible sound bites which are then fed to the sheeple who regurgitate them.
The problem with the corporate media is that it is extremely hard to summarize complex global issues and social phenomenon in the limited space provided between advertisements. This biased one-way information stream inevitably misrepresents reality. It forbids intellectual, civil and fruitful debate, which is necessary for democracy.
The way in which social media have been harnessed by Occupy, technically and formally, is revolutionary. Previously alienated people are now talking with each other, online and in person, for long periods of time, about complex and controversial political issues. Through dialogue, people are able to reach higher understandings and make collective decisions that benefit everyone.
The fact of the matter, the fact that the media and our leaders continue to ignore, is the growing inequality of power and wealth in society. This extreme inequality isn't just bad for our health, the environment, for our kids, for justice or for democracy, but it is even bad for our economy.
Monopolization and oligarchy stifles competition and innovation, it produces ultimate power which then corrupts and collapses — see 2008 recession, U.S.S.R., Arab Spring and present-day U.S. Perversely, the corporate-state doesn't just allow monopolization, but encourages and rewards it with taxpayer bailouts, subsidies and bonuses.
Small government, big business and free-market fundamentalism championed by conservative parties at home and abroad contributed to exceptional levels of global development and profits. These profits have not been justly distributed, nor are they sustainable.
Billions in the global south, especially women and children, are shouldering the negative health, environmental and social conditions brought upon them by unfettered free trade. A minority of us in the global north consume as if gluttony was a virtue and not a sin — no wonder the obese debt we're in. Despite this reality, many of you have the nerve to complain that we are taxed too much. As if we don't have enough already. The stress on the backs of billions will be relieved by mass uprisings. I really hope it's peaceful.
Globally, we are now economically, culturally and politically interdependent to such an extent it renders municipal, provincial, and national governments powerless against global economic forces. The majority of us can no longer exercise our power through traditional political institutions because they are either structurally outdated or wholly corrupted. In reality, most of our votes don't count. Realize your power, represent yourself by participating. Vote now! Occupy Orillia and the world for a new kind of politics. Find us on Facebook, or occupyorillia@gmail.com to participate in democracy, 100% welcome.
Jacob Kearey-Moreland is a local resident and student at the University of Toronto studying philosophy and sociology. His founding and co-ordinating of Orillia Community Gardens demonstrates a sustainable alternative to current monetary-market economics. Contact him at jakop79@hotmail.com
Hamilton 350 Blog
I was pleased to read the response to my previous column in The Packet this week from Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton, as I know him to be a smart, well-meaning and hard-working public servant. However, just like our leaders and media have misrepresented the Occupy Movement, thus discrediting it, so has Stanton misquoted my words in an attempt to discredit me. Out of self-defence, I will focus briefly on the misunderstandings and the problem with traditional media. Out of respect, I will then attend to the underlying issues and values occupying the table; mainly growing inequality, injustice and democracy.
In person, I have watched very long media interviews of occupiers providing illuminating commentary on the movement and global political economy. The shepherd reduces these profound ideas into inedible sound bites which are then fed to the sheeple who regurgitate them.
The problem with the corporate media is that it is extremely hard to summarize complex global issues and social phenomenon in the limited space provided between advertisements. This biased one-way information stream inevitably misrepresents reality. It forbids intellectual, civil and fruitful debate, which is necessary for democracy.
The way in which social media have been harnessed by Occupy, technically and formally, is revolutionary. Previously alienated people are now talking with each other, online and in person, for long periods of time, about complex and controversial political issues. Through dialogue, people are able to reach higher understandings and make collective decisions that benefit everyone.
The fact of the matter, the fact that the media and our leaders continue to ignore, is the growing inequality of power and wealth in society. This extreme inequality isn't just bad for our health, the environment, for our kids, for justice or for democracy, but it is even bad for our economy.
Monopolization and oligarchy stifles competition and innovation, it produces ultimate power which then corrupts and collapses — see 2008 recession, U.S.S.R., Arab Spring and present-day U.S. Perversely, the corporate-state doesn't just allow monopolization, but encourages and rewards it with taxpayer bailouts, subsidies and bonuses.
Small government, big business and free-market fundamentalism championed by conservative parties at home and abroad contributed to exceptional levels of global development and profits. These profits have not been justly distributed, nor are they sustainable.
Billions in the global south, especially women and children, are shouldering the negative health, environmental and social conditions brought upon them by unfettered free trade. A minority of us in the global north consume as if gluttony was a virtue and not a sin — no wonder the obese debt we're in. Despite this reality, many of you have the nerve to complain that we are taxed too much. As if we don't have enough already. The stress on the backs of billions will be relieved by mass uprisings. I really hope it's peaceful.
Globally, we are now economically, culturally and politically interdependent to such an extent it renders municipal, provincial, and national governments powerless against global economic forces. The majority of us can no longer exercise our power through traditional political institutions because they are either structurally outdated or wholly corrupted. In reality, most of our votes don't count. Realize your power, represent yourself by participating. Vote now! Occupy Orillia and the world for a new kind of politics. Find us on Facebook, or occupyorillia@gmail.com to participate in democracy, 100% welcome.
Jacob Kearey-Moreland is a local resident and student at the University of Toronto studying philosophy and sociology. His founding and co-ordinating of Orillia Community Gardens demonstrates a sustainable alternative to current monetary-market economics. Contact him at jakop79@hotmail.com
Hamilton 350 Blog
Friday, 21 October 2011
Don't discount Occupy protest
by Jacob Kearey-Moreland, special to The Packet & Times
Twice a day, hundreds attend the general assemblies which can last hours, where people discuss everything related to the occupation. They focus on logistics, committees, and proposals put forth by the people which are then voted on and adopted by the community. They use hand signals and the people's microphone to efficiently communicate with each other in large groups and rotating facilitators ensure the general assemblies are run fairly, smoothly and fruitfully.
The general flavour of politics being discussed is how to organize and increase awareness of the perverse inequality of wealth and power in society, and the corresponding decline in the quality and quantity of life on this planet. We discuss ways in which we can enrich and empower people and communities to address local issues. There are too many issues to mention here, however, some include fractional reserve banking, treatment of indigenous peoples, the oil economy, corporate media, military industrial complex, eco-genocide, state support of failing corporations and corporate support of our failing state.
Many things regarding the Occupy Movement I've heard in the media and from our leaders have been attempts to discredit, delegitimize, and denigrate the people. Prime Minister Stephen Harper does not believe the occupations in Canada are justified because our banking system is much stronger than the Americans, and our economy is recovering. Canadians should politely shut up and be thankful for what we have, not want anything more, and not want anyone else to share in what we have.
Harper spins the focus of the movement in order to delegitimize it. In reality, Canada's banking system, like most others, enables private banks to print new money out of thin air through fractional reserve banking (Google it), essentially creating money out of debt. This debt-based monetary system sustains inflation, structural inequality and the "debt crisis." Global and local austerity measures will not resolve the crisis, but rather shift the debt burden onto middle-class and working families, and their children.
Harper doesn't acknowledge fractional reserve banking, or the hundreds of other serious ethical and human rights issues caused by corporate corruption and greed globally because his policies and failed leadership are only making them worse.
Ignorance or the inaction of others does not excuse us of moral responsibility. Our individual and national economic "success" is dependent on the continued exploitation of billions of people around the world and the destruction of nature itself. Please wake up. I implore you to educate and empower yourself by pursuing alternative forms of media, and most importantly, getting together with others in your community to resolve this madness. We can do better. Occupy Orillia.
Jacob Kearey-Moreland is a local resident and student at the University of Toronto studying philosophy and sociology. His founding and co-ordinating of Orillia Community Gardens demonstrates a sustainable alternative to current monetary-market economics. Contact him at jakop79@hotmail.com
Hamilton 350 Blog
Emerging citizen occupations around the world are micro-societies based on the fundamental principles of equality, non-violence and direct participatory democracy. They are models for the future and in many ways, the occupation itself could be the "one demand." Despite the cold and continuous rainfall, there are anywhere between 200-300 people staying overnight in St. James Park in downtown Toronto, known as Occupy Toronto. Every day, the occupation grows as thousands of people pass through the park to participate in the various activities and events.
The logistics tent deals with the logistics of running and maintaining the village. There is a medical tent, staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses and alternative health practitioners, legal aid, media, library, music, arts, culture and food. Every day, the food tent serves thousands of free, donated vegetarian meals to anyone who's hungry, including many homeless people in the neighbourhood. It is supported by St. James Anglican church which is providing sanctuary, water and energy. Trained marshals and the morale crew ensure the security and happiness of every occupant. In addition, they have a growing number of committees which are open to the public focused on specific events, projects or actions.Twice a day, hundreds attend the general assemblies which can last hours, where people discuss everything related to the occupation. They focus on logistics, committees, and proposals put forth by the people which are then voted on and adopted by the community. They use hand signals and the people's microphone to efficiently communicate with each other in large groups and rotating facilitators ensure the general assemblies are run fairly, smoothly and fruitfully.
The general flavour of politics being discussed is how to organize and increase awareness of the perverse inequality of wealth and power in society, and the corresponding decline in the quality and quantity of life on this planet. We discuss ways in which we can enrich and empower people and communities to address local issues. There are too many issues to mention here, however, some include fractional reserve banking, treatment of indigenous peoples, the oil economy, corporate media, military industrial complex, eco-genocide, state support of failing corporations and corporate support of our failing state.
Many things regarding the Occupy Movement I've heard in the media and from our leaders have been attempts to discredit, delegitimize, and denigrate the people. Prime Minister Stephen Harper does not believe the occupations in Canada are justified because our banking system is much stronger than the Americans, and our economy is recovering. Canadians should politely shut up and be thankful for what we have, not want anything more, and not want anyone else to share in what we have.
Harper spins the focus of the movement in order to delegitimize it. In reality, Canada's banking system, like most others, enables private banks to print new money out of thin air through fractional reserve banking (Google it), essentially creating money out of debt. This debt-based monetary system sustains inflation, structural inequality and the "debt crisis." Global and local austerity measures will not resolve the crisis, but rather shift the debt burden onto middle-class and working families, and their children.
Harper doesn't acknowledge fractional reserve banking, or the hundreds of other serious ethical and human rights issues caused by corporate corruption and greed globally because his policies and failed leadership are only making them worse.
Ignorance or the inaction of others does not excuse us of moral responsibility. Our individual and national economic "success" is dependent on the continued exploitation of billions of people around the world and the destruction of nature itself. Please wake up. I implore you to educate and empower yourself by pursuing alternative forms of media, and most importantly, getting together with others in your community to resolve this madness. We can do better. Occupy Orillia.
Jacob Kearey-Moreland is a local resident and student at the University of Toronto studying philosophy and sociology. His founding and co-ordinating of Orillia Community Gardens demonstrates a sustainable alternative to current monetary-market economics. Contact him at jakop79@hotmail.com
Hamilton 350 Blog
Friday, 14 October 2011
A message from a G20 street medic and detainee
Hello occupiers!
I wanted to share with you a note posted on Facebook by Selena Flood. The note is below, and you can find it in it’s original format by clicking here.
As people are preparing and organizing for occupations across North America, I hope that I may offer some information that will help deal with what could transpire, especially to my friends who are attending Occupy Toronto.
I wanted to share with you a note posted on Facebook by Selena Flood. The note is below, and you can find it in it’s original format by clicking here.
As people are preparing and organizing for occupations across North America, I hope that I may offer some information that will help deal with what could transpire, especially to my friends who are attending Occupy Toronto.
My experience at last year’s G20 in Toronto was first one of a person curious about the event, to jumping into a team with my two best friends and an experienced street medic as violence began to unfold, and later kettled with over 100 others and detained for 20 hours. While watching videos of police response to Occupy Wall Street, the scenes unfolding are far too familiar. I’d like to say this couldn’t happen in Canada, but it wasn’t that long ago that it did.
Despite the best intentions of the critical mass to uphold a peaceful and non-violent protest, the risk of those who may choose to provoke instances of violence (whether police or protester) puts everyone in danger. From my experiences at the G20, these were five of the most important lessons learned and recommendations I would make to those attending occupations:
THE PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED
In Peace and Solidarity,
Selena Flood
Hamilton 350 Blog
Despite the best intentions of the critical mass to uphold a peaceful and non-violent protest, the risk of those who may choose to provoke instances of violence (whether police or protester) puts everyone in danger. From my experiences at the G20, these were five of the most important lessons learned and recommendations I would make to those attending occupations:
- WATCH YOUR EXITS. To avoid being kettled or trapped in a dangerous position, be very aware of your surroundings. Stay away from police lines and always be aware of your nearest exit should you need to vacate.
- BRING LOTS OF BOTTLED WATER FOR THE MEDIC TEAMS, AND OTHER MEDIC SUPPLIES. This was one of the hardest things as a medic to keep on hand, and most essential to clean out wounds, tear gas, or for those suffering from dehydration. If you are attending, please bring extra bottles of water for the medic teams. You may also want to keep a rag of cider vinegar in a ziplock bag to reduce impact of tear gas should it be deployed.
- WALK, DON’T RUN. It’s instinctual to want to flee in a dangerous situation, but keep your pace steady to avoid injuring others. If you see large crowds running, don’t be afraid to shout “WALK”. I was amazed at how effective this was in slowing people down.
- PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR ENERGY LEVELS. With the high energy that comes from crowd demonstrations, you can quickly deplete your energy and become dehydrated. Keep snacks and fluids on hand, and keep an eye on the people around you as well.
- STAY CALM AND HELP OTHERS DO THE SAME. This can be especially important in situations where tensions are escalating. Watch out for your fellow brothers and sisters in solidarity and maintain a calm presence in all situations.
THE PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED
In Peace and Solidarity,
Selena Flood
Hamilton 350 Blog
Tapping into the zeitgeist
by Jacob Kearey-Moreland, special to The Packet
The Occupy Wall Street movement is a global grassroots, youth-led crusade toward participatory democracy. Hopefully, through mass non-violent participation, we will be able to revolutionize this outdated power-structure.
The website occupytogether.org, an unofficial hub of global occupations, recently listed 819 cities in which occupations were occurring or being planned. How can this movement have spread so quickly around the world, when most people still know little to nothing about it?
I have witnessed the movement spreading virally through existing social networks and online communities that have been ignored or misrepresented for years by mainstream corporate media. It has formed coalitions of thousands of like-minded groups and individuals. They are finally focusing their collective energy upon the root causes of their common struggles: institutionalized corporate corruption and greed over human co-operation and need.
It has literally and metaphorically tapped into the zeitgeist. Initially inspired by a series of online documentaries viewed by millions of people, the Zeitgeist Movement is one of the largest and well-organized online activist communities. As a global network, it has been instrumental behind the scenes, helping to spread and support the occupations.
The third film, which you can watch for free online, called Zeitgeist: Moving Forward, covers topics such as socialization, health, poverty and violence. It exposes systemic inequality, inefficiencies and corruption within our global monetary-market system. Our global economy is methodically bankrupting everything: people, families, households, banks (ironically) and countries. It is depleting all of our planetary resources, which unlike money, we need for survival.
Not only is our current system of production and exchange horribly inefficient in supporting the needs of humanity and life in general, but this system and paradigm is preventing us from realizing a society that far surpasses anything we can possibly imagine.
The Zeitgeist Movement promotes a non-violent transition to a resource based economy, one in which all of the world's resources are the common heritage of all the world's peoples. Production and exchange of life-supporting goods are managed with sustainability, equality, human health, love and life as the primary motivations.
With today's technology, it is possible to engineer an economy and society so productive and efficient that traditional notions of labour, markets and money would be rendered obsolete; this is the goal, seriously.
This movement is not about blaming individuals for our common problems, expecting others to change their values or lifestyles overnight. It is about being the change ourselves. It is about inspiring and empowering each other through education, resources and community, to make meaningful long-lasting change in our own lives and in the world around us. It is about finally coming together and talking about the real issues we face and how to work together for the betterment of society.
I, as well as millions of people, have been inspired by this movement, and other movements of people and ideas that are converging and gaining vitality every day as occupations grow.
My generation has grown up in online communities, collaborating and sharing with people all over the world in new and innovative ways. As such, we have fundamentally different values and beliefs than other generations and it's starting to show. For the first time on a global scale, communities born in virtual space are permanently occupying physical space; they are creating websites and real sites that anyone can visit and contribute, too.
Jacob Kearey-Moreland is a local resident and student at the University of Toronto studying philosophy and sociology. His founding and co-ordinating of Orillia Community Gardens demonstrates a sustainable alternative to current monetary-market economics. Contact him at jakop79@hotmail.com.
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