Tent City and Lively Afternoon.

[citihound]

Had a lovely potter around my environs yesterday - need to mark it out once in a while... (discreetly of course) and ended up at the 'tent village' by St Pauls for a snuffle about.

Close up its all very chilled man and looked quite comfy- not at all as scruffy as it looks on TV.. Theres a piano tent for impromptu sing songs - (I jest ye not there were strains of 'imagine' as I padded up) A library, many stripey blankets and artful decoration, recycling area and I think they must have good wi-fi too as their ipads seem to be working well. There was some good natured banter going on but I have to say all seemed extremely civilised -even a sign saying 'God Loves Bankers 'which seemed particularly forgiving! If it all stays at this level the city community may be sad to see them go!

Today may hold a different story... 5.000 police lining up for the 10,000 student protest. The final stand off is at the bottom of my building by London Wall which was busy being boarded up this morning. Also just seen a little rather ominous note that says that the Police Met police have baton rounds, which are like rubber bullets. Question is - 'shall I stay or shall I go go.....

[sylvi]

I don't envy you today with all those students coming to town and the police with all those rubber bullets,is this a cue for a song lol!! sylvia.xx

[Hidden]

Hello Citihound great to hear the news from the ground.

everyone has very strong opinions on the current situation there - both pro and against. It is interesting that we are debating and getting involved in issues that would have previously sent us yawning off to bed.

I think that is a good thing and maybe the chat, the debates the protests will colletively make our politicians really take on board different views and put a bit of effort into manufacturing and persuade our economy to grow in a different direction instead of relying totally on the financial institutions.

There appears to me a lot of good will about to make positive change or am i living in my utopian world again.

[cathie]

My husband called in at st Paul's last week and gave a similar report. He said it was like a breath of sanity and normality in the middle of the city. He used to work hear there - not a banker, but for a lefty magazine. He was shocked at how posh it was and the conspicuous consumption. There are lots of these tent cities around the country and that makes it easier for us to see for ourselves. I live in hope too!

Xx c

[Hidden]

I have never been much of a 'protester' really, just got on with my life and accepted the status quo and grateful for my pension. However I feel that myself changing my mind. The government and sometimes the media likes to portray these protesters as professionally lefty wiedo's nothing to do with the rest of us. Daily Mail crys they should get a job! straight from Dale Farm etc. I detect a difference here and it is refreshing to here that fellow bloggers are feeling the same. I find myself agreeing with the idea that there could be an alternative to the city and big finance, that 'the market' need not be all controlling. I would certainly visit the camp, if I was in London. The only sadness for me is the right pickle St.Paul's got itself into over this.

[Hidden]

As you all probably know, there are "Tent Cities" in most of the larger cities and some much smaller ones, all over the US also. It's an Anti-Wall Street movement, being called "Occupy". That is exactly what they are doing.

It started out very peacefully, people going about daily life, doing their laundry, cooking on charcoal grills, etc. Even cleaning the streets around them, but with that many people in a park or on some streets, sanitation became a problem. Then came Police force, then things have gotten ugly and violent.

I haven't read anything regarding how long they intend to do this, but there are so many factors they need to consider. Like children, schools, cold weather, the flu and other communicable diseases etc. Perhaps they've made their point and it's time to go home. Loret

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

i've been following the New York ones Loret - i am inspired that ordinary people are trying to peacefully put across another point of view and say its a very unfair world that we are currently living in. I think that the same message has attempted to be put across for many years but it was less vocal.

[Hidden]

Exactly Mads. The mere numbers all over the country should be making the people in Washington think twice before voting against every possibilty of changing the way things are.

These tent city people merely wanted to make a stand. The Police and National Guard are now trying to force them to go away. That is infringing on their freedom of speach, so I highly doubt they will arrest very many and charge them with anything. The violence out in Oakland was the result of the use of force, but there were some demonstrators doing more demonstrating than just sitting there! So, if they want to continue the "Occupy" movement, they will need to cool it, and avoid destroying store windows and cars and the streets. I am sure the original founders of the movement did not have that sort of behavior in mind.

On the flip side, more practical view, it is getting colder, diseases are being spread very easily in such close-knit communities, challenging medical personnel to care for them, thus tapping on Medicaid or private insurance if they hold it. Not to mention the overcrowding of emergency rooms and clinics to handle the increases. So, 'nuff said, perhaps they've made their point and should consider going home.

I have not heard of any political candidates visiting these groups. Have you? Seems like anybody wanting to be a public official would be right there talking to these people and getting their viewpoint.

Thanks for responding, Mads. Great to have someone to share with. Have a nice weekend! Loret