Take the space while we can at the Occupy LSX

Last night I finally went to the Occupy the London Stock Exchange camp in St Paul's churchyard after almost 2 weeks of occupation. So much has been said on the media about the occupy movement...that  discredited  the political effectiveness of  the camp in the middle of city that I thought it is time to go and judge by myself.

Climate Camp or the “do it yourself” approach

When I arrived at the camp in St Paul's I recognised the made of Climate Camp. I entered a "hot drink" tent, sit down with the people there and felt at home almost immediately.  One of the people in the tent confirms that climate camp was the force behind.... They have a long history of occupying fields across the country and therefore very practical skills he said. A Russian musician attracted by the sound of the piano gave us some news on other occupied places in Europe...reminded us that in UK with all  its repressions we can still speak out that's more than they can do in Russia. Later I asked a young guy in his twenties if people really leave their tent at night as the media was insinuating. He admitted that some did. Most people have a job to go to he said. 

Jesus was threatening the Temple income as much as the camp is today at St Paul’s

On Friday 28th November St Paul's cathedral reopened after citing health and safety reasons for its closure because of the Occupy London camp outside. According to some people I spoke to at the camp all the health and safety measures have been discuss with the council and addresses. So what was the real reason to remain close!? What the safety inside the church as to do with tents outside in the churchyard ? I wonder!  I know I am not a safety expert but it sounds absurd! From a PR perspective it looks pretty bad.  Charitable clergies expulsing unarmed and peaceful protestors! The fact that they are re-opening shows that they are losing the battle and acknowledge that the camp is here to stay. St Paul's lost £20,000 per day since its closure. Why did they close in the first place?

This current situation reminds me of when Jesus raided the Temple and attacked money-changers for defiling a holy place. The leaders of the Jewish establishment realise that he threatens their power, and so do the Romans, who fear that Jesus has the charisma to lead a guerrilla uprising against Imperial Rome.
The religious and political establishment at the time of Jesus are not much different from today's institutions that collude with power for some favours and obscure interests.  Jesus was threatening the temple income just as the camp is today. 

Conclusion:

Whether or not the cathedral authorities take court action to evict the camp, it will have a disastrous publicity on the church. Even if they manage to evict them it will take at least 3 months for a court order to be acted upon. In the meantime, the movement strengthens...

Slutwalk – When policemen share the same mentality as the rest of the male culture

After the Slutwalk march in London on Saturday 11^th June, I felt the need to reflect on what women and men told me about their reason to be there.  I read about rape, attend talks… until I understood how all this connected to feminist politics.

The trigger

It began on 24^th January 2011, when a policeman walked into Osgoode Hall Law school in Toronto, to tell women how to avoid sexual violence “I’m not supposed to say this, “Sanguinity said. “However, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised.”

This triggered a wave of protests that started on 3^rd April in Toronto, Canada, and spread to major cities in the world in US, Portugal, Brazil, Australia, Amsterdam, Sweden, Denmark, New Zealand, Argentina, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico…..

SlutWalk was a reaction to not one officer's remark, but to incessant sexism that discriminates women and justifies rape, violence and oppression.

D-Day – Saturday 11^th June, 2011

On Saturday 11^th June, 5,000 men and women marched under the “No means No, Yes means Yes” slogan toward Trafalgar where the talks took place. Although each women and men had their own particular reason to be there, each one gave an insight on the overall matter. 

Men’s inability to control their impulse – when the roles are reversed

The first belief Slutwalk aimed to challenge was that women were responsible for their own rape because of what they wear. The exposure of women’s flesh through clothing was justifying rape. I really find society complaisant and indulgent toward men’s inability to control their urges and blame women for it. In this scenario men’s reverse the roles and become victim of women who must have done something wrong.  “She was asking for it” they sometimes say.

Policemen share the same cliches as the rest of the male culture.

Moreover, this sexist remark from a Police officer showed how the male police mindset is often similar to the stereotypes views of rape that are shared by the rest of the male culture. Policemen are often reluctant to face up and believe a rape complainant which might explain why only “6% of complaints result in prosecutions” and “40% of adults who are raped tell no one about it”. 

All forms of violence towards women are against the law; therefore it is the responsibility of the police to hold perpetrators to account. If they choose to ignore it they became complicit with the perpetrator in his abusive behavior which will repeat itself. One female protester said that police’s failures to hold perpetrators of rape into account are responsible of manslaughter and should be prosecuted.  

The facts about rape: 

• “Any female may become a victim of rape. Factors such as extreme youth, advance age, physical homeliness and virginal lifestyle do not provide a foolproof deterrent or render women impervious to sexual assault.” According to Susan Brownmiller.
• 80% of the women who are raped are victimized by someone they know.

My views on what’s next

I think we should not stop here and start building a strong movement. The Uncut decentralized protest group is a great inspiration for direct action. Why not organize regular and spontaneous protests in front of police stations across the country just to remind police officers that our fight is not over. This culture of silence and abuse of power needs to end. 

Reference:

Against our will, Men, Women and rape by Susan Brownmiller

Slut Means Speak Up, a campaign launched at Slutwalk London to tell the world that rape is never, ever the fault of the victim.Official site: http://slutmeansspeakup.org.uk/about

http://www.womenagainstrape.net/ 

My letter to Brent Council Executive to Save Local Libraries

At the Attention: ANN JOHN OBE (Strategy and policy co-ordination)

Email: cllr.ann.john@brent.gov.uk

Dear Ann,

I am a resident of Brent, living in Dollis Hill, although my library in Willesden High Street has been saved this time around, I am deeply concerned by the consequences for other residents of the borough living in Kensal Rise, Barham Park, Cricklewood, Neasden, Preston, and Tokyngton.

I have read the Intervention plan from the "Save Kensal Rise Library" campaigning group, to keep running the library at 2/3 less than current cost while improving services. 

Why do you stubbornly persist in going ahead with the closure of the libraries when there is clearly a cost effective alternative?

At the start of the year Brent opened a public consultation to supposedly ask residents ' opinion on the closure of libraries. I believe you received an unambiguous "NO". So why do you ask your citizens' opinion if it is to do just the opposite? To make us believe that our say counts in this democratic society we live in?  It does not seem so!

This decision you are making against the overwhelming majority of Brent residents will have a damaging effect primarily on the level of literacy among kids from disadvantaged social backgrounds.  Secondly you are taking from "us" a community space that plays a vital role in social cohesion.  

My voice is joined by 8 other Brent residents living in my house and many more I believe.

I urged you to have a minute of reflection, come to the libraries, talk to residents and think of the consequences of your decisions. When the Brent executive meeting comes on Monday 11 April at 7pm  remember all the residents that have faith in you to represent them, save the libraries. 

Your sincerely,

Sandra DeA

RESPONSE FROM: LESLEY JONES (HR, diversity, local democracy and consultation)

Dear Sandra,

No one is happy with the possibility of libraries closing. It is a sensitive and emotive issue.  But with the savage cuts imposed on us by the coalition government, we have no choice if statutory services are to be maintained. It is not Brent councillors being stubborn but councillors attempting to manage the situation central government have created for local authorities.

For at least 12 years senior library managers have advised councillors that there was a need to review locations and “rationalise” our libraries if we were to maintain buildings and reach national library standards. They have advised over the years that maintaining all libraries was not sustainable in the long term. No administration in the past 12 years has had the courage to heed this advice because it is such a sensitive issue. With the Libraries Transformation project, we are committed to have remaining libraries open each day, with a good level of new stock and other facilities.

I do understand the feeling expressed but we have not choice but to make severe cuts in ALL service budgets. This year the cut is £37m. By the end of the month we will have to start planning for the further reductions government expects us to make - around £100m over four years.  We will have lost around 500 council jobs at all levels by the end of 2011.

It is appreciated that community groups put in considerable effort to produce business plans and that there were some good aspects in almost all.  They were thoroughly evaluated.  However, it was made clear to all wishing to consider a business plan to take over a site that there should be NO cost and NO risk to the council. Unfortunately, no plan achieved this basic aim and some did not take account of essentials such as employment law or health and safety aspects. All assumed contributions from the council over one or more years, contributions we cannot afford to make, either now or in the near future.

Regards.

Cllr Lesley Jones

References:

Save Kensal Library - campaigning group

Facebook - Save Kensal Library!

Sarah Teather was on the panel for BBC Radio 4′s 

NewStatesman - Zadie Smith speaks out in defence of libraries

Save Kensal Rise youtube video

Willesden & Brent TImes: Brent Council to close six libraries in the borough despite residents’ protests

Guardian - Library campaigners demand public inquiry into closures

Independent - Overdue! The fight to save our libraries begins
The bookSeller - Campaigners hand in 6,000-strong petition over Brent library

March For The Alternative - Why they are here and who they are 26.03.11

The March for the Alternative was organised by the TUC and joined by UK Uncut, a self-organised direct action group.

While the Trade Unions marched toward Hyde Park where this film was made, the UK Uncut under the "Shut Down London" operation was targeting "Tax Dodgers" retailers. Their philosphy is non violent and consist in entering the shops, in this case Fortum and Mason and do "sit-downs" with their placards. Obviously shoppers don't feel like buying anything... then the shop manager has to shut down... Mission accomplished :-)

In this film the protesters have been asked why they are here and who they are. 

While interviewing people from different walks of life, I realise that they all shared a common characteristic. They care for others. They are conscious of the implications of these Public Service spending cuts on their friends, family and local communities.

There was half a million of people coming to London from across the UK to show their opposition to this Tory Libdem lead government spending cut bill. Many citizens that aspired to change, voted for the Liberal Democrats at the general election thinking that it will make a difference. Most of them, feel deeply betrayed and question the true value of democracy. If we are in a democracy, why is it that our "representatives" once elected do not keep their promises. Does our voice count? This government instead of acknowledging the overwhelming opposition to Public Service cuts, they use the media propaganda of the state to divert the public opinion from this truth and focus on minor incidents that have been made bigger than they really are.

What's next?

The people that came to the protest know that all of this is no true. Until we rely on the BBC to tell us what's happening we will be kept submerge from real consciousness and unable to fight for our rights to health, education, settler.... It is time to get back our power and be listen to. Keep up to date.

References:
Filming and Editing: Sandra De Andrade
Interviewer: Liz Rojas

Music: Zapac Test Drive

The End of Poverty film

“End of Poverty?” a good question. It is the title of Philippe Dias documentary that received numerous awards and recognitions. This week The Tipping Point Film Fund organised the screening at the Lexi cinema.

I always wondered how people can be hungry and poor when nature can produce anything we need to at least not to be hungry.

One of the most striking scenes was a group of Kenyan farmer showing their devastated land and dying animals. Just two miles away, a foreign corporation has just opened. A recent built dam has destroyed all their cultures bringing cholera and other forms of deceases. To make things worse, the rice produced in their land is sold abroad and does not even nourish their own people.

The economical system and financial institutions created by the west keeps developing countries under-development.  This neo-liberalism system is the continuation of colonization. It sucks all the wealth produced in poor countries in debt repayment to the West creditors.

Through the imposition of debt, the countries lose their sovereignty…. letting external vested interests dictate the country policies.

It is happening here:

Until recently Europe was protected from the side effects of the market. Now it is happening here! The financial crisis has justified savage cuts in the welfare system and the selling of public service units (Gaz, Water, Electricity, Telecommunication….) to private interests. There is no real political alternative, the “right” says large fast cuts and the “left” says cuts but not so fast. Their argument is we have too much debt! Non sense! We always had debt! It is part of the functioning of the capitalist system.

Critics:

From the floor – in the audience someone pointed out that English subtitles were only use when black speakers were speaking when American-Asians clearly had an accent. I think it is a pity that the film director did not challenge his own prejudice. In my point of view, the film is a bit too long partly due to the large quantity of interviews. Philippe Diaz could have cut on few speakers. Some discourses were repetitive and did not add further information. Moreover, some historic explanations about the colonisation were simplistic.

Conclusion:

The “End of Poverty?” is very rich and triggers many questions that need to be investigated separately. A long debate about aid followed in the audience.The successful role of UKUncut in the organisation of grassroot spontaneous protests to expose tax-doding corporations.

Further reading that reinforce the idea of western economies responsibility in the extreme poverty of the South.

http://www.newstatesman.com/international-politics/2011/02/pilger-fascism-bahrain-egypt

Panel discussion speakers:

Andrew Simms - the New Economics Foundation

The New Economics Foundation is an independent think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being...

John Hillary - War on Want: 

War on Want fights poverty in developing countries in partnership with people affected by globalisation. they campaign for human rights and against the root causes of global poverty, inequality and injustice.

This film is supported by:

Share the world resources

STWR advocates for essential resources such as food, water and energy to be shared internationally under the agency of the UN in order

A day embedded in the student protest – Sat 29 January 2011

I joined a small group of activists to produce jointly a film covering the National Protest organised by NCA£C and lead by students to tell the story that is not getting told.

My contribution to the project was the filming of the character embodied in Flaminia, an Italian masters degree student at Goldsmith University.

If it does not play; click here.

Last Saturday 29 January 2011, I joined Flaminia at the National Protest meeting point in Mallet Street, London. She was with a few other students from her university getting ready for the march.

This National demonstration was called by National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts in the absence of action by NUS (National Union Student). 

Aaron Porter, the president of the National Union Student has been asked to step down as he has lost his legitimacy in representing students since last November protest that saw students hurt, arrested and prosecuted. Students’ words are hard but irrevocable “Aaron must step down”. At the core of the recrimination a profound let down explained in Laurie Penny’s article. 

So why are students protesting when the university raise in tuition fees to £9,000 per year bill has already  been voted in Parliament since December 9^th December 2010?

They see their fights against the raise in tuition fees as part of the Tories’ ideological spending cuts strategy. They don’t understand why they should be paying that amount of money when corporations like Top-shop, Vodafone…. are avoiding billions in taxation as UK uncut pointed out. Moreover, they are worried about their future and the prospect of finding a job in this current economical climate. What support is the state going to give them? 

Since the overwhelming majority of the population seem apathetic` at the daily announcement of spending cuts, students feel compelled to act for all of us in the hope that their fight will trigger a wake-up call across the society.  They dream of a unified movement where cleavage of class, age or sex ceases to fight a common goal following the path of their bothers in Tunisia and Egypt. 

You could see the disappointment of the students when they realised that their protest was losing momentum at the Egyptian embassy…still they are not defeated they will return more united than ever having learned from their mistakes. 

Read about :

The story of UK Uncut by Samira Shackle

Join: 

http://www.facebook.com/ukuncut

http://www.facebook.com/NCAFC