In Halifax, as in many cities, we have protesters downtown taking part in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. I understand what the protesters are complaining about - the Beast of Corporate Greed scares the schniz out of me too. And like the protesters, I haven't many good, clear suggestions what ought to be done about it. It's capitalism, whatcha gonna do? (My favourite quote about the whole thing so far is I something I heard in passing on the news, where one of the protesters borrowed a slogan from the gay community and declared "We're here, we're unclear, get used to it!)
So anyway. All that is fine. These questions are important.
Today in the news you'll find the mayor of the city wants the protesters to move out of the parade grounds so the place can be prepared for some city stuff - such as the Remembrance Day ceremony. Because this is Nova Scotia and we are Really Nice People, he's even offered them space on the Commons. No doubt the city will continue to provide porta-potties for them there, too. But I heard some of the protesters talking on the news this morning, saying they don't think they should move.
Excuse me? What?
Shame on you. This is Remembrance Day. You have the Right to Protest because people fought and died for you to have that right. You owe those people more than just respect, but you can start there. Pack up your stuff. Come back later if you want to, but Remembrance Day is not about you.
2 comments:
*Stands and applauds*
Here here
Hear hear! They're crowded around the square outside my office building, here in Montreal.
I do like the idea, but the actual fact of these protesters is falling far short of the mark. They don't seem to know what they want, so how long are they going to stay out there?
And the worst part? They're only there during the day. It's cold at nights, so they go on home - more than half the tents are empty.
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