the "Occupy" movement in Canada

[juniperjune]

They want free hydro and food, they want food from a Montreal food bank. Hummmmm..... they can bi**h about the establishment but they sure do ask a lot from it.

[erin9mmm]

But I don't get Toronto? Maybe I'm just dense, but I really don't get what the protest is all about.
I've tried searching through various media sources, read some posts on their FB wall, but the only recurring theme seems to be "make the rich poor and the poor rich", sort of a take on Twain's Prince & the Pauper. Except, I don't think these folks realize that Mark Twain was a satirist. .....

I was confused about that too but was afraid to admit it.
IMO they just give off the impression of wanting a free hand out.

[Natalka]

Glad this thread is here, and great to read opinions of others.

However, PLEASE read someone's posting fully before commenting upon it - things are written in context and should be kept as so - in the case of this thread, referring to the 'occupy' participants, not people on SC, or the population in general...

[TudorChick]

They want free hydro and food, they want food from a Montreal food bank. Hummmmm..... they can bi**h about the establishment but they sure do ask a lot from it.

i feel this way.i have been down and out but never thought "hey i outta blame my hard living on all the bigwigs" i never thought that because i was too busy Working and trying to make something of myself.sorry to anyone who is for this ,but get working!!!! disability is another story but i have seen many able bodied young people walking around in edmonton,smoking a joint and being "part of the cause".this is good for people like them.a place to live ligitimately and free food...etc.this has gone on long enough i think....get them out!!!flame me!!!!

[Andit]

I am quite willing to bet that 99% of the "occupiers" don't have a real clue as to why they are there in the first place. it is "something to do" for them. Hey let's go camp out for a while, get on tv etc. We'll make up some signs that say absolutely nothing and then sit there and play our guitar, sing songs, smoke dope etc. etc.

That's what it looks like, when I go past there on the streetcar.

If you don't like your government, then get off your butt and VOTE! Voter turnout in the last Ontario election and the last Federal election were at or near all time lows.... if you don't vote then you are not allowed to b***!!!

I've been involved in various activities over the years (political campaigns, advisory boards, neighbourhood associations, etc). & while there may have been one or two folks that are akin to the "occupy" folks who made an appearance, only the folks who worked full time could ever be bothered to do any of the nitty gritty work.

What is R&D??

As the clever Penguin already posted, research & development. To think, I might have been responsible for discovering the yummiest thing since Kitkats, if it weren`t for that evil govt.

I get so ... I don't know ... angry at the apathy people have about what's going on around them. It seems we're all just zombies, being led around by those in power who have no disregard for people who are trying to make a go of life, but feel helpless. At least it's a start and they're doing SOMETHING.

You`re right that folks really should get more informed of what is happening around them. But how many of us (folks in general, not specifically those on here) would do even a little thing for others? How many would carry home groceries for an elderly or disabled neighbour? How many would bring food to a neighbour just home from hospital? Or feed a stray cat? Or give a tourist directions? Or so much as hold a door open for someone?

I remember seeing news footage of Jonestown as a kid, & what frightens me is how eerily "occupy Toronto" folks resemble those folks.

I do agree with them that media can be terribly biased. But how many folks actually do real research or just rely on yet another form of media (just because a social movement purports to tell the truth doesn`t make it so)? I`ve always loved this quotation: there are three sides to every story - your side, my side and the truth.

I don't understand why this discussion seems to revolve around university graduates. Not everyone has the gift other have of being able to acheive high grades, but that doesn't make it any less important for them to find decent jobs.

I think it`s because so many of the "occupiers" are students or have concerns regarding tuition fees.

Yes, camping out, singing Kumbia isn't going to change the world, but at least someone has noticed that just perhaps the odds are stacked against the regular "Joe" and that dishing out hundreds of thousands of dollars in severance to CEOs or government employees who have made a mess of their organizations and OUR government is simply not to be tolerated.

I have all sorts of friends who are regular "Joes". I can`t think of a single one who blames the govt for their life. That includes the fellow working in a factory for minimum wage (despite dealing with a serious illness) while his wife stays home to raise their 3 kids.

& just to play devil`s advocate, if our govt is not to be tolerated, then what sort of govt do you propose? The American model? Or European model? Or perhaps a dictatorship or oligarchy? (Sorry, Lynn, I don`t mean to pick on you, I`ve just heard these sorts of things so often in the news these days, I`m using your words as a jumping off point ). How many of these folks have ever actually been to a country that has something other than a real democracy?

Change is made by small steps. Yes, this will probably fizzle out....but even if they lost the battle, the war may still continue...

But why does it have to be a war? Why can`t things change peacefully?

And like you....I respect everyone's opinion...even if they're wrong... JK!!!

"You may be right, I may be crazy, but I just may be the lunatic you`re looking for."

Eeek, I`m having a Billy Joel flashback. Save me!!!

As rag-tag as the protesters are, they are being financially backed by a lot of left wing organizations. The movement is just out there to cause chaos and distractions. When the movement seems to be fizzling out, that's when they will be most dangerous.

I fear more folks will die before this is over, for the sake of the "cause".

I was confused about that too but was afraid to admit it.

Glad I wasn`t the only one, given that it's my usual state.

Glad this thread is here, and great to read opinions of others.

However, PLEASE read someone's posting fully before commenting upon it - things are written in context and should be kept as so - in the case of this thread, referring to the 'occupy' participants, not people on SC, or the population in general...

I don't think anyone meant it as an insult, I think it was meant as gentle teasing (at least that's how I take most things posted - might explain why folks think I'm odd ).

i feel this way.i have been nksdown and out but never thought "hey i outta blame my hard living on all the bigwigs" i never thought that because i was too busy Working and trying to make something of myself.sorry to anyone who is for this ,but get working!!!! disability is another story but i have seen many able bodied young people walking around in edmonton,smoking a joint and being "part of the cause".this is good for people like them.a place to live ligitimately and free food...etc.this has gone on long enough i think....get them out!!!flame me!!!!

I'll wait til the bitter weather gets here to flame you. Our weather here is much too nice to start a fire.


Thanks again, everyone, for all the opinions. I am so very happy that we can all stay civil & respectful. Now if only the rest of the world can take a page from this book.
Tha

[roseofblack25]

That's what it looks like, when I go past there on the streetcar.




I've been involved in various activities over the years (political campaigns, advisory boards, neighbourhood associations, etc). & while there may have been one or two folks that are akin to the "occupy" folks who made an appearance, only the folks who worked full time could ever be bothered to do any of the nitty gritty work.




As the clever Penguin already posted, research & development. To think, I might have been responsible for discovering the yummiest thing since Kitkats, if it weren`t for that evil govt.




You`re right that folks really should get more informed of what is happening around them. But how many of us (folks in general, not specifically those on here) would do even a little thing for others? How many would carry home groceries for an elderly or disabled neighbour? How many would bring food to a neighbour just home from hospital? Or feed a stray cat? Or give a tourist directions? Or so much as hold a door open for someone?

I remember seeing news footage of Jonestown as a kid, & what frightens me is how eerily "occupy Toronto" folks resemble those folks.

I do agree with them that media can be terribly biased. But how many folks actually do real research or just rely on yet another form of media (just because a social movement purports to tell the truth doesn`t make it so)? I`ve always loved this quotation: there are three sides to every story - your side, my side and the truth.




I think it`s because so many of the "occupiers" are students or have concerns regarding tuition fees.




I have all sorts of friends who are regular "Joes". I can`t think of a single one who blames the govt for their life. That includes the fellow working in a factory for minimum wage (despite dealing with a serious illness) while his wife stays home to raise their 3 kids.

& just to play devil`s advocate, if our govt is not to be tolerated, then what sort of govt do you propose? The American model? Or European model? Or perhaps a dictatorship or oligarchy? (Sorry, Lynn, I don`t mean to pick on you, I`ve just heard these sorts of things so often in the news these days, I`m using your words as a jumping off point ). How many of these folks have ever actually been to a country that has something other than a real democracy?




But why does it have to be a war? Why can`t things change peacefully?




"You may be right, I may be crazy, but I just may be the lunatic you`re looking for."

Eeek, I`m having a Billy Joel flashback. Save me!!!




I fear more folks will die before this is over, for the sake of the "cause".




Glad I wasn`t the only one, given that it's my usual state.




I don't think anyone meant it as an insult, I think it was meant as gentle teasing (at least that's how I take most things posted - might explain why folks think I'm odd ).




I'll wait til the bitter weather gets here to flame you. Our weather here is much too nice to start a fire.


Thanks again, everyone, for all the opinions. I am so very happy that we can all stay civil & respectful. Now if only the rest of the world can take a page from this book.
Tha

I wanted to go past it and see what it was all about last time I was in Toronto and I was literally two blocks away but didn't have time. My friend took some pics when they were on yonge/dundas with their signs and I still didn't get it LOL!

Damn government!!! I think you should still invent the yummiest thing since kit kats! I would be happy to taste test
I actually had a guy give us directions last time I was in TO! People say Torontonians are rude, but I haven't seen it yet. This guy looked like he could tear someone a new one, yeah we were kind of scared haha, but he was super nice helping us find our way after we went down some random dark street at night and got turned around LOL

I'm wondering how far into winter they are actually prepared to camp out for?? I mean protesting during the day is one thing, it's another to be stupid and freeze to death for a "cause". Then again how do the homeless in Toronto do it? I see so many of them out in the winter...maybe they could take up residence with the tent city? Free food and shelter sounds like a luxury they would enjoy.
Which brings me to another point. Why are protesters allowed to set up a tent city in the park but I bet a homeless person would be kicked out so fast...

[Andit]

I`ll be curious to see whether any of the protestors who claim to be `green`& supporters of the environment will stick around to clean up the park & repair some of the damage done (estimated to be upwards of $50K).

[Andit]

Which brings me to another point. Why are protesters allowed to set up a tent city in the park but I bet a homeless person would be kicked out so fast...

Cause homeless people don`t have tents?

Actually, where I live, there is a tiny park that was full of garbage. The neighbours got together & cleaned it up (it was full of needles, condoms, really scary yucky stuff). They put up a fence, divvied it up so that part of it was for kids (they bought playground equipment) & the other part was a mini dog park. Then some drug addicts with a tent moved in. The neighbours complained. The next thing you know, the city ordered the removal of the fence & the playground equipment, since it hadn`t been sanctioned. & the tent dwellers were allowed to stay.

[erin9mmm]

I`ll be curious to see whether any of the protestors who claim to be `green`& supporters of the environment will stick around to clean up the park & repair some of the damage done (estimated to be upwards of $50K).

That's a good point!

...Actually, where I live, there is a tiny park that was full of garbage. The neighbours got together & cleaned it up (it was full of needles, condoms, really scary yucky stuff). They put up a fence, divvied it up so that part of it was for kids (they bought playground equipment) & the other part was a mini dog park. Then some drug addicts with a tent moved in. The neighbours complained. The next thing you know, the city ordered the removal of the fence & the playground equipment, since it hadn`t been sanctioned. & the tent dwellers were allowed to stay.

Wow, I'm speechless!

[roseofblack25]

Cause homeless people don`t have tents?

Actually, where I live, there is a tiny park that was full of garbage. The neighbours got together & cleaned it up (it was full of needles, condoms, really scary yucky stuff). They put up a fence, divvied it up so that part of it was for kids (they bought playground equipment) & the other part was a mini dog park. Then some drug addicts with a tent moved in. The neighbours complained. The next thing you know, the city ordered the removal of the fence & the playground equipment, since it hadn`t been sanctioned. & the tent dwellers were allowed to stay.

LOL Well someone should share their tents so that they have shelter too!
Shame about the park They should have moved out the tent dwellers after everyone fixed it up and made it a nice place.

[saraL]

I think this applies to the thread. It's Keith Olbermann reading the statement released by The Wall Street protesters. I think the last part of the video relates to what is going on in Canada. Also: I have intelligent, caring, activist friends in Toronto and I take objected to "99% of the protesters don't even know what it's about". . .or perhaps they are the 1%. . .

[Andit]

I think this applies to the thread. It's Keith Olbermann reading the statement released by The Wall Street protesters. I think the last part of the video relates to what is going on in Canada. Also: I have intelligent, caring, activist friends in Toronto and I take objected to "99% of the protesters don't even know what it's about". . .or perhaps they are the 1%. . .

May I ask what, specifically, applies to Canada? I truly do not mean to offend & certainly have no wish to disrespect your friends' opinions, but I respectfully disagree with the content posted in the video. & I do not come by my opinion blindly, I know full well how biased the media can be. Out of curiosity, have your friends followed the money trail of activist organizations (PETA, WSPA, GreenPeace, etc)? I don't trust press releases or mantras, I like to read financial statements to get to the truth of the matter (right now I'm on the hunt for a reporter with a large following willing to investigate a large charity that fudges the truth in their ad campaigns).

I wish your friends the best (tell them to stay warm & dry). I just hope that they & the others occupying the park will do their part to clean it up & repair the damages.

[saraL]

Andit, not offended at all! Unfortunately I think you misunderstood the video. Keith was simply reading the statement that was put out by The Wall Street Protesters. That wasn't his opinion and had nothing to do with any kind of bias. They put out that letter so that people would understand what was going on and what they are fighting for (and against!) and Keith Olbermann simply took it and read it on air.
(And not to get off on a tangent, because it is oh so easy, my friends and myself are very anti-peta. There is lots more I could say but we can talk about it another time. Let's just say that I agree with you that that money trail shows their true colours and they are not so nice. On the other hand, I personally know very little about GreenPeace, maybe you could forward an article or two my way to enlighten me!)

The part that I was think applies to Canada, and everywhere (because this should be a global thing), was the end of the statement that reads as a call for others to join forces. They are not even just talking about taking part in protests but in protesting in your own little way. (I recently read a great article talking about the amount of people switching from their banks to smaller credit unions and how it is hurting big business but also making them wake up.)

I will certainly pass on the well wishes. I know they are in a group and are safe together. There is a good community vibe. I know most people want to and have turned up their noses at them for protesting because of a few bad apples (there absolutely are silly kids in there just wanting to be part of something "cool" and annoy their parents LOL) but they are considerate, kind and have brought down lots of recycling bins to make sure that their trash is not only picked up but disposed of properly!

[Darth Penguin]

What's wrong with People Eating Tasty Animals?

[Andit]

What's wrong with People Eating Tasty Animals?

No, no, no. That's not politically correct! It's supposed to be *Persons* Eating Tasty Animals.