#11 | theoccupiedtimes.com | @OccupiedTimes 01MAR2012 ST PAUL’S CAMP

CLEARED CARMEN VALIDO Bailiffs, assisted by police, launched the eviction via several mobile livestreams. action to clear the long-standing At around 2 a.m., and without any verbal EVICTION MARKS END OF THE London camp at St. Paul’s this week. warning, police and bailiffs tightened the Shortly before midnight on Monday, 27th kettle around the wooden structure and February, bailiffs, officers in riot gear and began to dismantle it. According to legal BEGINNING FOR occupYlsx police vans began to draw together to observers that were present at the scene, enforce the eviction order sought by the the police acted with “too much haste and Corporation - the archaic not enough caution”. Several protesters governing body of London’s financial were forcibly pulled to the ground and district - that had been upheld in court last stepped on by riot police for acts of week. As this enforcement was underway, peaceful resistance. By 3:20 a.m., the last the nearby ‘School of Ideas’ community remaining protesters had been dragged centre was also evicted, in violation of from the structure. When questioned ongoing court proceedings, with the about the disproportionate show of force, building later razed to the ground. representatives for the City of London Since the rejection of the appeals Corporation and the City of London Police case before the Royal Court of Justice had “no comment” for the Occupied on February 22nd, most valuable items Times. Legal observers reported that and a number of tents had already been while there were around 20 arrests for removed by protesters from the site at St. obstruction of police work, the majority Paul’s in anticipation of police action and of activists on site complied peacefully based on fears about the disregard for with the eviction order. The last of the protesters’ property. Since Friday night, occupiers chained himself to a tree; it took occupiers had held a permanent and an hour and a half to remove him. peaceful vigil on the steps of St. Paul’s Protesters who had withdrawn to the Cathedral in anticipation of the eviction. steps of St. Paul’s also found themselves Through the camp’s General Assembly confronted by police. Officers claimed it was decided to endorse individual that church officials had asked them to responses to the eviction, and legal clear the front of the cathedral under guidelines were distributed throughout Section 14 of the Public Order Act - the the camp and online to inform protesters threat of “serious public disorder, serious of the possible legal ramifications of damage to property or serious disruption various forms of resistance. to the life of the community”. While On Monday afternoon, several police observers watched from received an phone call from the upper balcony of St. Paul’s, units someone claiming to work for the City in riot gear dragged protesters off the of London, who warned of preparations church steps. Occupiers who wanted to for an imminent eviction. Shortly after collect their personal belongings were midnight, activists alerted through phone sometimes refused access, and saw their trees and tweets began to arrive at St. bags trashed by bailiffs and city workers. Paul’s. City of London police set up a Around 3:30 a.m. the last protesters were cordon around the perimeter of St. Paul’s removed while chanting “Shame on you!” preventing anyone from entering the and “You work for us!” to police officers. area after 12:30 a.m. At the site of the No church officials were visibly camp, most occupiers had gathered on present to witness the forcible eviction the Cathedral steps - considered by many of peaceful protesters from the cathedral a safe zone, since the church’s land was steps, and , the former canon not covered by the eviction order - while chancellor who resigned in against around 20 protesters gathered on top of church chapter’s decisions regarding the a wooden structure that had been erected camp, was prevented from entering the from pallets and kitchen shelves in front site. Fraser described the eviction as of the cathedral. Shielded by police in “a terrible sight” and “a sad day for the full riot gear, bailiffs began clearing and Church of England”. Tammy Samede, a

CARMEN VALIDO breaking up tents while some protesters supporter of Occupy London and litigant- prayed, sang, danced and broadcast the in-person before the High Court, >> Editorial After four and a half months of peaceful, Occupy was never about critiquing shortly after its eviction, the government storm and helped sound the warning bell. prolonged protest, the authorities finally religious establishments, but since are metaphorically bulldozing liberaries and History will also note that the established called time on the St Paul’s in the landing on the steps of St Paul’s obvious access to higher education for many. men and women of our age responded with early hours of Tuesday morning. antagonisms between faith, morals and These scenes were precipitated last dismissive scorn and references to their Riot police and bailiffs, enforcing the established religion have been exposed Wednesday when Occupy LSX somewhat deluded idea of “common sense”. will of the 1%, were confronted by peaceful which are not unconnected to Occupy’s predictably had its appeal rejected at the OccupyLSX’s case was not destined defiance from occupiers who were joined central issue of finacial inequality. Royal Courts of Justice. The case was to be successful in court but it did put in solidarity outside of the police cordon When given a choice between looking fought on a narrow plain encompassing forward a strong public defence of the right by many other occupiers and supporters. after the people and looking after their only the vagaries of land ownership and to meaningful protest. Protest is not about CONTENTS The shadowy, undemocratic City of London accounts, the chapter’s agenda became the question of whether the encampment being ‘allowed’ to walk from A to B, wave PAGES/ Corporation were aided in arranging the obvious. Giles Fraser resigned from his blocked a public highway. Let’s try to banners, then return home only to see 01 News eviction by the craven cowardice of St. role as Canon stating that he couldn’t stand ignore the risible irony of the City of London that the government is proceeding with its 02 Editorial 03 The School of Ideas Pauls’ clergymen, who, despite having by and watch violence being perpetrated Corporation positioning itself as protector illegal war or unmandated privatisation Finsbury’s Budding Community previously suggested they would provide in the name of the church. When highly of the “public good” when the spacious regardless. It is about the right to make a 04 A Battle In Greece, A War For Us All “sanctuary” in the event of a violent eviction, respected members of the clergy are walkway in question is one of the last prolonged case for genuine change. Whilst Of Acceptable Muslim Democracies decided instead to invite police to physically leaving their positions in order to escape remaining examples of publicly owned land it is to be commended that legal process & British Interests remove peaceful protesters from the steps restrictions on their own ability to act in the entire Square Mile. Given that the legal was respected in this country - unlike in 05 Egypt’s Second Wave Don’t Weigh Our Anti-Imperial Struggle of the church - just as Giles Fraser feared. morally - restrictions imposed primarily system was devised in line with political the violent clearances of Occupy camps On Syrians Alone Fraser, who was prevented by police from by financial concerns - it becomes clear and economic values that favour the one elsewhere - it remains the case that the 06 Madness: A New Approach passing through the cordon, tweeted the just how deeply the power of finance per cent, it was always likely that the parameters of debate are set by the media, 07 Occupy Mothers next morning: “Really proud of the way has penetrated every area of our society. Corporation’s claim to the land - home to politicians and institutions of the very London 2012: The Real Winners 08 Occupy After The Camps Occupy conducted themselves last night.” How can there be such a thing as ethical hundreds of people these past four months system we are here to dismantle. There are It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over A cathedral spokesperson had told capitalism when even establishments without hindering pedestrian access in the profound implications, verging on tragedy Horizons & Prospects the Evening Standard back in December, whose very business is ethics cannot slightest - would be upheld. or farce, when the people who control how 09 Occupy London Timeline “The only radical alternative would be extrapolate one from the other? If the case were fought on a moral or political discourse is conducted then appoint You Can’t Evict An Idea 10 putting [protesters] inside the cathedral. A second Occupy site, the School of ecological plain there would be no contest: themselves to judge the validity or success 11 You Can’t Evict An Idea 12 The State Is Failing The Homeless We have said all along that what we do Ides, was also evicted simultaneously, Occupy would win hands down. History, to of our protest against them. As long as the How Should We Be Tackling Homelessness? not want is for this to end in violence. If immediatley after bailiffs moved in, with be written by a world stupefied at our era’s targets of our actions are also the dictators Homelessness Statistics [during an eviction] they run inside, the the building flattened to the ground just inaction on climate change, poverty and of the form our dissidence takes, we risk 13 Life On The Streets doors are not going to be shut. Everything hours later. It’s worth noting that while global inequality, will record that Occupy the being stifled into adopting methods of Occupy London’s Homelessness Statement 14 The Real Jubilee: A Movement has been discussed.” the School of Ideas was literally bulldozed saw the coming demonstration designed to fail. For Financial Justice The Ot’s Guide To Credit Default Swaps 15 Move Your Money! Money Talk$: Yanis Varoufakis Regular repetition of the Occupy motto parks, Tesco superstores and luxury 16 The Great Debate “you can’t evict an idea” must not breed apartments. What looks like public space Asking The Occupiers complacency. We have work ahead of us to has been privatised and monopolised, as 17 On The Soapbox: Betty be at the heart of the transformation that demonstrated by the recent injunctions Stalwarts Of Occupy 18 Industrial Food – & How To Avoid It we all know is necessary; this work will at Paternoster Square and Canary Wharf. Guardians Of The Future require active participation not distracting Unions have been neutered and the 19 Crossword / Poems disputes. We must be honest with ourselves established Left has contorted itself out 20 Placard that Occupy LSX, towards the end, was of all recognition. Those whose moral characterized less by vibrant political grounding would naturally align them CREDITS activism and more by insecurity and drift, against neo-liberalism have been scattered CONTRIBUTORS/ Michael Richmond fuelled by the destabilising threat of eviction to a diaspora of causes: environmentalism, Judith Shossboeck and the inevitable tribulations of a social ‘third world’ poverty, efforts to salvage the Emma Fordham experiment in full media glare. Slavoj Zizek’s Labour Party and practical attempts to live Ragnhild Freng Dale advice to bears repeating despite capitalism by retreating into private Danny Nemu Flaminia Giambalvo here: “There is a danger. Don’t fall in love worlds of postmodern cynicism, Eastern Kit Marsters with yourselves, with the nice time we are practices and like-minded echo chambers; Steven Maclean having here. Carnivals come cheap—the all the while failing to confront the common Martin Eiermann true test of their worth is what remains the enemy. This reinforces Mark Fisher’s Mark Kauri concept of Capitalist Realism whereby the Natalia Sanchez-Bell day after, how our normal daily lives will be David Ferreria changed. Fall in love with hard and patient capitalist elite, lacking organised opposition, Clara Rivas work—we are the beginning, not the end.” claims that ‘There is no Alternative’ while CARMEN VALIDO Pedram Shahyar Some voices from across the political mainstream culture continually cements Philip Thomas spectrum have suggested that Occupy this as our ‘reality’, reproducing capitalism Anna Minton Jane Chelliah should jettison the homeless and mentally every time it fails. All that is offered now the nomads eviction has made us, will visit Squares, , Occupy LSX and all Todd Gitlin ill to avoid presenting a messy appearance by policymakers in the West, locked into every London borough, creating bursts the other camps worldwide are not mere Andy Marlow or to give ourselves an easier ride. This their dogma, is ever uglier, more hopeless of free-thinking across the city, returning signifiers of protest, they form islands Kathleen Kelly fails to recognise that we are all part of versions of the status quo. to St Paul’s at the end of July - this time with separate jurisdictions. The collective Tim Jones the 99% and that many people without Fortunately there is hope to be found without the tents. Where politicans so endeavour and refreshing honesty found Marloes Nicholls Michael Sabbagh secure homes or with shaky mental in the freshness, savvy and subversive often fail to connect with and listen to in “occupied territory” differs so starkly Wail Qasim health have been integral to the Occupy humour of networks such as UK Uncut, people, Occupy will reach out across from the surrounding society that it Rupert Read Movement - including having contributed Move Your Money, Frack Off and the student all preconceptions of class, ethnicity or begins to subvert social norms, cutting Marc Lallanilla invaluably to this newspaper. A statement movement as well as Occupy and those who employment status. We will visit places through the humming anomie of modern Hannah Borno Wasi Daniju agreed by consensus this month confirms protested the demolition of the community too often in the blindspot of justice; places life. The has become Ben Cavanna that Occupy is a movement committed to at Dale Farm. These groups, via a diversity where riots took place last year and where an uncontrollable meme, a worldwide Carmen Valido working in solidarity with the homeless. of tactics- including putting bodies on the the BNP have made gains, parts of society and technologically-networked Paris Brian Leli The occupation of public space has line- are beginning to plot a course for where the boom was never felt as well Commune, a space that frees people’s Ilias Bartolini been crucial to the global uprisings of 2011 the Left to escape its straitjacket of self- as those where community and creativity previously privatised imaginations to Juan Manuel Peña DESIGN/ and the St. Paul’s camp will be missed defeatist defensiveness. Movements are are thriving. We need to learn about local not only dream of but also to practice Tzortzis Rallis by many. Its prominence and symbolism beginning to assert strong values around issues and to find common cause, so that alternative ways of being. This is what Lazaros Kakoulidis provided a platform for occupiers to which we can build a new consensus. we can connect and work with as many authorities around the world fear about KEY PHOTOGRAPHY/ interact continuously with the public. Together we have the chance to force this people as possible. the global Occupy movement and why Matthew Myatt PRINT RUN/ 2000 Copies Evictions of camps in other countries post-crisis period to be a transformational One of the best parts of being involved they see it as something that has to be WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO/ have sometimes caused the activism that moment in UK history in the way that 1945 with this newspaper is the opportunity extinguished before the flame can grow Aldgate Press, E1 7RQ established them to fizzle out but OLSX has and 1979 began to redefine the country’s it gives us to engage with passers-by and spread. As far as the ruling elite are CONTACT US/ stood strong in the belly of the beast for prevailing ‘common sense’. whilst distributing it. Many have already concerned, there can be no space allowed [email protected] over four months, engendering hope that Post-eviction, new occupations, decided whether they sympathise with or to practice alternatives or even to discuss foundations have been laid for a movement events and direct actions will fill the are dismissive of our cause but in either them, despite the increasingly obvious Support the far stronger and more sustainable than the void left by St. Paul’s. The unique social case they are remarkably often willing to disintegration of their own ideology. fabric of our tents. Part of Occupy’s power atmosphere of Occupy must go ‘on the converse about the important aspects The struggles of ordinary people to is that it unites radical and progressive road’ with flash mobs in train stations, of life: meaning, happiness, the kind of confront entrenched powers are as old people under one banner. Occupy first, outside galleries and at national society and life we desire, the type of planet as history and what history teaches us to raise awareness of injustice. If enough landmarks. Effective tools of coordination we will be leaving future generations if is that our efforts must be both smart our rapacious consumption continues and persistent. We have to grow to love By donating £1 for your copy you people join our cause, then Occupy to halt and communication will become even will pay for five copies of our next the flow of capital and to undermine the more vital, as will regular convergences unabated. These are not the conversations adversity, a word not to be feared by anyone issue. Alternatively, donate online: one percent’s exploitative systems. Above - in the form of General Assemblies and ordinarily had at our nation’s bus stops or who has camped all winter on London’s in our post office queues, never mind in streets. We have to keep coming back for www.sponsume.com/project/ all, stay unified and keep growing. National Occupy Conferences - of the the deflective, trivial discourse of Question more, armed with fresh focus, new ideas support-occupied-times Thirty years of neo-liberal culture has movement’s driving forces: people, passion left a legacy of atomisation as normality. and determination. Occupy’s future will lie Time or politicians’ interviews. and bold hearts, because as Voltaire said “It © All information in this paper The space for public assembly has in initiatives such as this summer’s ‘Occupy This is what the occupation of public is dangerous to be right in matters where is free for non-profit distribution disappeared into a landscape of business Near You’ walk: Occupy London, acting as space has achieved. Tahrir and Syntagma established men are wrong.” >> agreed. “I am religious. To see the that I had been in many years.” Ronan later, the demolition of the abandoned police sweeping across God’s doorstep McNern, a member of the media working school was underway. Reports later is very upsetting. Even during a war, group, agreed: “This is where we built suggested that the possession order Finsbury’s Budding churches are sanctuaries, priests are a community, of occupiers, homeless for occupiers at the School of Ideas Flaminia always able to move between opposing people and others. People lived here, had been signed by Secretary of State Giambalvo sides - but apparently not here.” According people came for weekends. Their homes for Justice Kenneth Clarke. Community to Anon, another Occupy LSX supporter, are now being destroyed, their tents are While the eviction of the St. Paul’s “Maybe we should seek sanctury from being taken. It is demoralising. What camp was an emotional moment for As the St. Paul’s encampment chapter between belonging and isolation. a Mosque, because the Christian church happens to the right to assemble? Will many occupiers and ended the world’s of Occupy London closes, Finsbury’s In its transition to self-reliant totally let its own followers down”. we be allowed to express our views here longest occupation (and one of the blossoming eco-village is preparing to sustainability the project’s key To many, the camp at St. Paul’s again, or is that right reserved for the largest), many supporters expressed accommodate some of the occupiers targets are energy, food waste and had become a real home over the past Queen and the privileged?” optimism about the weeks and months forced by eviction to relocate their construction. The issues raised by four months. According to a statement By 6 a.m., around 70 protesters ahead. Tammy Samede said: “This passion, politics and possessions. the eco-village have resonated with a released through the Occupy London were left without shelter. While the City of eviction is about tents, not people. They Public spending cuts have left number of organisations external to website, “We’ll miss Occupy London London Corporation promised to provide can remove our camp but they cannot the square’s owners, the Borough Occupy. Particularly notable in it list Stock Exchange but not because of the accommodation on the night of the eviction, silence us.” According to Ronan McNern, of Islington, with an overstretched of partners is the architecture firm tents, or even the kitchen shelves: it they failed to demonstrate taking steps ongoing projects such as Occupation legal team. Although officially Archetype. The studio is developing was a makeshift, loosely cooperative, to ensure that vulnerable individuals had Records, Working Group initiatives and declaring the site an “unauthorised a low-cost demountable pavilion occasionally quarrelling and fiercely access to shelter, counselling, and food. the two weeks of protest that are planned occupation”, the council is “reluctant” made from structural newspaper idealistic group of people who came At the nearby School of Ideas, around May Day will carry the momentum to devote potentially millions of bales and reclaimed timber pallets together to achieve something around 15 occupiers were evicted, forward and signal that the movement pounds to evict the protesters. for the protesters, built accordingly to extraordinary. The relationships forged despite the fact that court proceedings has outgrown its initial “camp stage”. Walking into Finsbury Square on the Walter Segal method. The Swiss during these strange and beautiful were still underway and the building Jamie Kelsey-Fry, a member of the media a grey Sunday morning, visitors are architect developed a self building four and a half months still have much - which had been established in and citizenship Working Groups, agreed: confronted with an eerily barren site. architectural system, using primarily further to run.” Says Tammy Samede, the name of Occupy to serve as a “Movements move. This was the first Yet scraping below the surface one reclaimed material. This model, which “I had nothing but my tent, a change community centre - was considered step, but Occupy is about so much more finds a thriving community, rebuilding will guide the majority of the camps’ of clothes and a few books. But over a legal squat. By 6 a.m., bulldozers than a single camp. If anything, this is the itself from its ashes. infrastructure, takes two months to the past months I have been happier had arrived at the scene. Two hours end of the beginning.” In January a violent storm plan and two days to build. devastated a large part of the camp’s The path to completion of the eco- infrastructure, giving the occupiers an village will unavoidably be a long and ‘opportunity’ to rebuild the site and winding one. The majority of occupiers to realign with its original mission. involved in its construction have never The first Finsbury Square General been involved in a similar project. Assembly, held on the 22nd of October, Thus, as Margarida says, “Flexibility is ratified that due to its setting, the ethos key and we work on a trial-and-error of the camp would be constructed basis. While we do have models to around concerns for eco-friendliness inspire us, diversity is essential. What and sustainability. However due to may work for one community might not logistics and timing constraints these work for another”. ideas were not implemented during the Despite the many obstacles, initial camp construction. ranging from the technical skills Margarida, one of the main required for sustainable projects to proponents of the sustainable the unforgiving weather, the potential rebuilding project explains that of the project is immense. Margarida “Environmental aspects are not argues that while the Finsbury separate from economic ones, and Square project is perhaps not an that’s something we have to put on obvious course for Occupy to take, it the table as part of Occupy.” is absolutely at one with the social, At present, the eco-village is political and economic messages comprised of two model houses, a of the movement, as “during the geodesic dome and a wooden yurt, coming year we will see thousands of which is under construction. The families losing their homes. Projects houses are built and insulated with 100 such as this are a creative way to percent reclaimed material. The dome bring communities together and

CARMEN VALIDO is an art installation donated by British empower them, in the spirit of self- artist Alex Hartley. Nature has been sustainability...”. In this small central a constant theme in Hartley’s work, London square, people of all ages are which seeks to explore the connection learning the skills to help them build between habitation and wilderness, their own futures. The School of Ideas Emma Fordham

In a derelict school on Featherstone Street in Islington, radical Plans hatched at the School of Ideas have already borne ideas took root. On 11 February the School of Ideas opened fruit. One such plan was ‘Rockupy’ – a collaboration between it’s doors after free-thinking squatters took possession of the members of Occupy London, musical artists such as Kate previously abandoned building. Open-plan, primary-coloured Nash and Sam Duckworth (Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly) and local classrooms, a gym, an assembly hall and overgrown playgrounds teenagers who, in the course of one intense and inspired day, were transformed into workshop and meeting spaces, a donation- produced, recorded and promoted their own song. based cafe, a cinema, meditation space and more. Less than three Dave Brooks, a teacher and part-time occupier, was weeks later, the school was not only evicted but demolished. impressed by the day he spent talking with other educators Those occupying the building had been excited by the and occupiers at the School of Ideas. “These articulate and possibilities it represented. The idea was for members of the committed people have inspired me to become involved in diverse local community to use the space as a community transforming citizenship lessons in schools in my area,” he said, resource, for their own projects. Members of Occupy London had going on to explain that “The citizenship curriculum meshes been using the school as a workspace and a place to connect with the Occupy movement’s mission. Occupy isn’t just about with local residents. Visitor Fiona Brennan felt that the School economic injustice – though it has been very successful at of Ideas had the potential to provide “an inspirational injection of highlighting that – it’s also about how we think, communicate positivity” into the once vibrant but now fragmented community. and treat each other. These are exactly the things we should be Approximately fifty people attended the first School of discussing in schools.” Ideas Community Assembly. Occupiers introduced participants Those care-taking the school on Featherstone Street knew to consensus-based direct democracy. Small groups held they faced eviction but expected the authorities to proceed brainstorming sessions about what to do with the reclaimed according to the rules and laws usually applied to squatted school building, then fed back to the Assembly. Ideas for how buildings. Despite the unexpected brutality of a night-time best to use the space included solar panels and permaculture eviction with no forewarning, in which belongings were trapped gardens - if the building could be secured for long enough - as inside the building then bulldozed along with it, the plans made well as games, art and education. After the Assembly many and hopes raised during this brief occupation will continue to people wrote letters to the local council and the owners of the flourish. The cat is out of the bag - or, as occupiers like to say, land – a housing development company – explaining that they “An idea cannot be evicted”. Squatters will continue to open would like to utilise the space creatively rather than letting it up buildings and Occupy London will continue moving into stand empty or be demolished. The feeling of the Assembly was communities and neighbourhoods – by being invited into fully that even a few weeks’ use of the building could be helpful in functioning schools and colleges as well as by continuing to fostering community cohesion. We now know that the Assembly, reclaim under-used public spaces. those letters and the community were ignored The encampment in St Paul’s Churchyard was the Occupy The school was, for its brief incarnation as the School of London nest and now the fledglings are flying. In the coming Ideas, used for workshops, skill-shares, performances and as months occupiers will be marching, networking, teaching, gallery space. The ‘Free University’, begun at the , facilitating change and kindling hopes. They will be creating took up residence in the school. A broad range of subjects, independent media and music and they will be highlighting everything from political to esoteric philosophy to corruption. Court orders and wrecking balls cannot stop the BEN CAVANNA renewable energy, were on the curriculum. public repossession of education, democracy and justice. A BATTLE IN GREECE, A WAR

David FOR US ALL Ferreria y the tens of thousands they descended on parliament in an intervention by the public against the politics of theft practiced by the Greek government and Of acceptable Clara Rivas demanded by foreign creditors. They filled subway trains and side streets en route to Syntagma Square. They even filled the Muslim Democracies B square itself until the three lines of riot police (always a sign of bad politics in action) unleashed tear gas for hours, but still the crowds refused to disperse. & British Interests The outpouring of indignation was but one convulsion of a Greek patient subject to the madness and inhumanity of Turkey has been praised as a successful But there is more. The UK and the neo-liberal laboratory. It was a convulsion shared across example of how ‘Muslim’ and Turkey’s agreements to increase their Greece, from the south on the island of Crete, to the north ‘Democracy’ are not mutually exclusive ties include further contracts between in the city of Thessaloniki. Out of the depths of disinterest terms. As it becomes increasingly the Turkish Defense Industry and British held by Greek lawmakers, they passed the latest round of difficult to justify economic and military multinational BAE Systems. Turkey’s savage cuts by a near two thirds margin, ensuring further ties with long-established dictatorships desire to become the world’s tenth largest suffering and further insurrection by a people living through such as British links with Gaddafi or economy are more than strong enough to the controlled demolition of their livelihoods. Mubarak’s regimes, along comes justify the links between the two countries. Those inflicting this destruction have no intention of Turkey to provide European premiers What would happen if the UK letting the carnage be contained. They have the opposite with the option of a new discourse of government was to bomb and kill 35 intention. With Greek politicians gutting the wages and what relations with a self-proclaimed of its citizens as happened in Turkey’s living standards of Greek workers, so too must Portuguese, Muslim democracy ought to look like. South Eastern district of Uludere last Italian, and Spanish politicians prove their own devotion to Specifically, Erdogan’s Justice and December? Could we imagine that the Troika (the European Commission, the European Central Development Party (AKP) promotes a the majority of media outlets, clearly Bank and the International Monetary Fund) by marching conservative practice of Islam whilst controlled by the state, wrongly their citizens into the same abyss. But their fanaticism all along are increasingly being joined by the middle class embracing the traditional accentuated labelled these citizens as terrorists and will be their undoing. Having slashed wages in half, the and business owners. This critical mass of Greeks will expressions of Turkish nationalism therefore the massacre as justifiable? It Troika has made Greece unliveable for its residents. When soon embark on the task of undoing the damage imposed attached to the politician’s profession is well known how the voices of dissent a government makes a country unliveable, its people will upon them by their Troika government. and called for by the outdated Turkish are treated: jailed, threatened - or both. respond by making that country ungovernable. This toxic Just as the tide of austerity starts in Greece and legal system. AKP has recently been portrayed equation won’t be unique to Greece. washes over Italy and the Iberian peninsula, so must Winner of the 2002 elections, the then also as successfully winning the With the prospect of wages being slashed in half as they a Greek revolt ignite its way West. If people in Spain, newly formed AKP changed as needed power struggle with the once- have been in Greece, what other reasons are needed for Portugal and Italy delay this task of dismantling Troika the previous policies of the religious unbeatable Turkish army. In reality, Spaniards, Italians and Portuguese to fill the squares and rule, it only gives them more damage to undo later. conservative Refah to legitimize the they are doing away with any possible paralyze the streets with a show of their strength in numbers? This is damage that can be avoided by joining the expectations of a new class of business contender, paving the way for a “What the parliament does, the street can undo” isn’t just a battle being fought by Greeks today instead of leaving men. AKP profited in popularity terms virtually uncontested rule. As Nihat slogan. The streets can be a rival institution to parliaments the battle to be fought later, and in isolation, by each via brotherhoods which were not part Ali Ozcan states: “...the success of dominated by members who confuse their seats for a individual country. of the state nor civil society and further ‘democratic control over the military’ popular mandate to rule on behalf of the bankers. No such Last summer, Greeks took to Syntagma Square, joining developed instrumentalisation of religion is not measured by succeeding in mandate has been given. The need for the streets to restrain the struggle of tens of thousands of Spaniards in Puerta in Turkey. One of the most popular at the locking up the top general or putting parliament becomes all the more urgent for countries like del Sol. Now, Puerta del Sol and all squares beyond and moment is the Fetullah Gülen movement, a high number of officers into military Italy and Greece where democracy has been suspended and in-between must reinforce the crowds who have assembled which manages to combine Islam and penitentiaries as is the case in Turkey.” unelected technocrats serve as prime minister. in Syntagma. The Troika officials and their henchmen in free market philosophy, and focuses on With an educational system The this week demonstrate to me that Greeks parliaments must be exiled from power. It’s the same indoctrination via educational institutions that accentuates Turkishness until it have nearly assembled a street power to rival that of demand that came from Buenos Aires over ten years ago: all over the globe. becomes a racist formula, Erdogan’s parliament. The youths and unions who have been fighting “Que se vayan todos - They all must go!” In spite of their religious tendencies, AKP betrayed its own attempt in 2009 to what is most convenient for those deal with the country’s institutionalised countries promoting the free international inequalities. The prosecution of civil flow of capital is AKP’s stance on society and human rights advocates, capitalist policies. Firm believers in opposition members and anyone that privatisation, AKP makes a perfect ally does not buy AKP’s populism has for European countries seeking further shown exactly the undemocratic path economic options in a dire scenario whose AKP has chosen. The so-called fight ideological coordinates are dictated against terrorism that takes shape by market forces. Using the common in the KCK Operations is a suitable language of the free market, UK and excuse: “In this situation, the Prime Turkey have engaged in a love affair of Minister and AKP are trying to control sorts, where they are both unable to admit a political party by using the authority to each other’s deficiencies. The religious of the judicial system and the power of tinge has been utilised to legitimise AKP’s the law. This means they are trying to policy within Turkish borders, inasmuch establish custodial rights [over BDP].” as it has provided the UK premier with an Yüksel GENÇ, Bakırköy Women’s and easy discourse of artificial tolerance. Children’s Detention Center. Going beyond the discourse, how Repression in Turkey is brutal. exactly are these countries benefiting Censorship is commonplace. Acceptance from each other? As Recep Tayyip of difference is almost non existent. Erdogan said over a year ago, “this is Yet Erdogan and his entourage of the golden age of Turkish-UK relations.” businessmen campaigned in the Middle However Turkey has not yet achieved a East marketing their product, a Muslim welfare state. Its long standing issues of democracy that apparently works. working conditions, access to education, With an urgent need of an uprising within of women’s and minority rights, amongst its borders that liberates its citizens of others have been only partially invested an abhorrent and excluding nationalism, in, and those struggling for any of these Turkey stands as an awkward ally for are in fact in need of urgent international anyone that not only speaks of true THANASSIS STAVRAKIS support, not profit-seeking investment. democracy but also practices it. EGYPT’S SECOND WAVE Pedram Shahyar

January 25th marked the first army. This is nothing less than a Herculean controlling more than 20% of Egyptian situation. Whilst during the summer the anniversary of the Egyptian revolution. challenge for progress in Egypt. economic output. Due to this structural army was pretty successful at isolating A year after the first mass protests filled But what has this revolution already power, huge popularity and a lack of big the movement, new crackdowns the streets of Cairo, we saw the second achieved? A lot of success is related to rivals, it was again no surprise that the and killings destroyed the legitimacy wave of the revolt. institutional demands: the former state Generals didn’t seek to transfer power to of the SCAF as of the Again, Tahrir Square and many security apparatus was dissolved; Mubarak an elected civilian government. Instead, revolution despite the propaganda in other places across the country were is on trial; a parliament was elected, with their goal is to establish a system that state media. The commanding generals overcrowded by the masses, with the moderate Islamists of the Muslim follows the Pakistan model, where the has under-estimated the strength and more protesters than even optimists Brotherhood in the centre together with army stays independent and dominant over resilience of the popular uprising. A had expected. These people were not conservative liberals, Salafists have the political sphere. Yet the politics of SCAF post-revolutionary society cannot be celebrating the revolution but protesting emerged as the right opposition, and eventually alienated the newly empowered ruled by military force alone. While the the ruling Supreme Command of the liberals and Socialist form an opposition conservative block of Islamists. They army was accepted as the guardian of Armed Forces (SCAF). Since autumn, on the left. After thirty years of living under are pursuing the Turkish model, where the transition period, it is not seen as a the world had witnessed a wave of social a perpetual “state of emergency” decree, the civilian public sphere is controlled by legitimate new ruler. The generals are unrest, large demonstrations and riots. the army lifted restrictions in January. In a religious groups who are taking more and still sitting in the saddle, but the harder After January 25th, dozens of football few weeks a new president will be elected, more political control. they attempt to restrain the horse, fans died during a massacre at Port Said. and he will be responsible to nominate When Egyptians took to the streets the wilder the ride of the Egyptian Further protests marked the anniversary the government. Free and independent again, SCAF began to lose control of the revolution becomes. of the resignation of President Mubarak on parties, unions, and a variety of social February 11th. movement organizations have emerged Egypt is not calming down anytime everywhere. Following the new culture soon. The unity of the revolution is now of empowerment in the revolutionary broken. While the army was seen as a process, there is a new structure of the guardian of the revolution a year ago, political sphere in Egypt – a development today’s crowds are fighting against the that cannot be overestimated in a influence of the military. The Western country that was always ruled by kings view of the revolution has changed as and generals. well. Instead of enthusiasm, concern and However, the army plays a very disillusionment dominate the media picture important role in Egyptian politics. these days. In news reports, the revolution Confronting SCAF and the political appears to be unfinished and failing to power of the armed forces is a historical accomplish its goals. challenge for the revolutionary movement. However, this is the same Western Not only has the military dominated view that failed to catch the roots of the state for decades, its history is also the uprising before – a perspective that inextricably tied to the rise of the Egyptian does not understand the nature of real state after the end of colonial rule. The revolutions. Of course, this revolution is anticolonial struggle of the 1950s under not “finished” - no big revolution was ever Nasser inspired the whole region and complete after one year! Any revolution cemented the historical legacy of the is an ongoing process, and it is amazing army. Since then, Egypt has had a strongly to observe how fast the one in Egypt is militaristic culture. After the revolution, the changing society. army was the only central and powerful Real revolutions result in a deep structure that could promise to secure transformation of the political and social some kind of order and the transition power relations. The ruling and privileged period to democracy. Thus the hegemonic classes can never be beaten with a dominance of the army was not too single blow. January 2011 marked the surprising. However, it is surprising how breakdown of the central layer of the police fast this power was lost again. state in Egypt. The second wave is now The army is not only a military unit, about to break the political power of the but also a political and economical force,

DON’T WEIGH OUR ANTI-IMPERIAL STRUGGLE

ON SYRIANS ALONE David Ferreira

There’s great alarm over the fate of Syria’s Revolution In any circumstance, as leftists in the West, we must as the stalemate in the country leaves it subject to own up to our own failings that leave an international order external forces capable of dislodging its beleaguered where revolutionaries have nowhere to turn when the combatants. For the regime, it can rely on its Russian and dictator they fight plays by “Hama Rules”. They’re left with Iranian benefactors to provide diplomatic, financial and limited options while some like Joseph Massad righteously military aid. For the opposition weathering military sieges wield against them a yet to be assembled ideal method to in Homs, Hama, Daraa, and the suburbs of Damascus, defeat Assad without any external help to even negate the such natural allies are not so readily found. support Assad is receiving from Iran and Russia. In the absence of natural allies, the opposition within We would be foolish not to credit the judgment held Syria may soon or have already sought out the assistance by those in Syria who’ve waged an ten month campaign of either Western powers or regional Arab states aligned against the regime. No one can say they’ve hurried to with the West. This potential alignment has struck the turn outside for help. They delayed escalation to armed most well placed suspicions of the West’s intentions, but struggle despite the brutal repression throughout 2011. it plays best to audiences in London and New York who They insisted on continuing their peaceful revolution even are inclined to both support the popular revolution in as Libyans achieved success in military battle. Syria while opposing any foreign intervention, whatever We, like the tyrants of the Arab World, underestimate differing forms it could take. the Arab revolutions at our own peril. Tunisians renewed The article “Imperialism, Despotism, and Democracy their revolution after the fall of Ben Ali to ensure his in Syria”, by Columbia University professor Joseph Massad regime fell down with him. Egyptians are also undergoing isn’t for an audience in besieged Homs. I’m at least hoping this process in challenging the military state which he wouldn’t argue to irregular fighters in Homs that they produced Mubarak. Libyans, having lived through direct confront Assad’s tanks with what inadequate weapons international intervention while toppling Gaddafi, have they salvage from Assad troops just so he can be assured demonstrated to the world that their revolution is still in they surpass the highest of ideological purity tests. This is their hands,taking to the streets of Benghazi to protest the a test in blood that can result in a staggering death toll. It transitional government’s combined lack of transparency was a test some from the safety of London wished on the and commitment to change. revolutionaries in Benghazi. Just as we shouldn’t understatement the Arab It’s a difficult situation and we owe it to ourselves and revolutionaries, we shouldn’t assign them our the people in Syria to acknowledge it as such. From that, I’m responsibility to defeat imperialism. That victory is to incapable of arguing an effective model to balance the need of be seized through collective struggle by those living Syria’s revolutionaries to make tactical choices with our need in the West and those who’ve been made subject to it. here in the West to maintain solidarity without abandoning our It certainly won’t be won on the back of an Assad tank opposition to interference by the nations we reside in. shelling the ill-equipped defenders of Homs. MADNEss -A New Approach Philip Thomas

he Occupy The statement also highlights the benefit from the globalization of Western Movement’s importance of diversity and difference concepts of madness. My colleague Suman achievements, in which I would relate to the way we Fernando points out that international drawing attention make sense of ourselves as human organisations have great influence to matters that beings, the myriad ways in which we in shaping non-Western countries’ are fundamentally understand our suffering, distress and interpretations of and responses to their important for madness, in the face of the globalisation populations’ mental health needs. He every single of Western concepts of mental illness draws attention to the ‘Grand Challenges Tone of us, have been remarkable. In and diagnoses. in Global Mental Health’ programme, this article I will outline what critical Why? Who stands to gain from the coordinated by the US National Institute psychiatry is, then offer a personal globally homogenized approach to treating of Mental Health in low and middle- view of the resonance between critical mental distress? Second only to the arms income countries. Service user groups psychiatry and Occupy. Finally I will industry in the USA, Britain and Europe, and community organisations have had contrast what I and others have called the transnational pharmaceutical industry little, if any, say in its development. The a global understanding of “madness,” is the most profitable sector of this flawed programme assumes that categories based in a Western, technological and unjust economic system. Despite the of mental illness like schizophrenia and world view, with local understandings economic uncertainties of the last decade, depression as defined by the American of psychological difference based in a the pharmaceutical industry maintained Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and rainbow of communities. its position in the Fortune 500 list of Statistical Manual are universals, and that In January 1999 a group of over most profitable companies. On average, they arise from ‘molecular and cellular’ twenty consultant psychiatrists working in company profits fell 53% in 2001, but the disturbances in the brain. But it pays scant the NHS met in Bradford because of deep profits of the top ten US pharmaceutical attention to the interests and concerns of concerns about the direction in which companies rose by 33%, to $37.2 billion. the communities for whom such Western psychiatry was heading. These concerns They were the most profitable sector in concepts are alien. Non-Western cultures related to the Labour government’s the US, reporting a profit of 18.5 cents for envision quite different responses to proposals to increase powers of every dollar of sales. The financial strength madness and distress, based in local, coercion in mental health practice, the of the industry reflects a 30-year trend. The cultural and spiritual support systems. growing influence of the pharmaceutical so-called “Decade of the Brain,” declared Only the pharmaceutical industry benefits industry on the profession, and the by George Bush Senior in 1990, saw a 50% from the globalization of biomedical Juan Manuel Peña rise of biomedical explanations for and increase in drug company median profit as psychiatry, a process that risks irreparable technological responses to madness. a percentage of revenue. In 2006, global harm to diverse indigenous beliefs and Since then the Critical Psychiatry Network spending on prescription drugs topped healing systems across the globe. outcome of madness in terms of cure This isn’t a romanticized view. Local has campaigned actively in alliance with $643 billion, even though growth slowed Global knowledge purports to be and risk, leading to stigma and social systems of knowledge and support are radical survivor and service user groups. in Europe and North America. The United universal, relevant to all cultures at exclusion. It seeks these outcomes already well-established. There is the work In my own view, one not necessarily States accounts for almost half of the all times. Its epistemology is tightly through unsustainable, top-down of survivor groups like the Hearing Voices shared by all who identify themselves global pharmaceutical market, with $289 defined, and protected by terminology, systems of ‘care’ that are little more than Network, Mad Pride, and community as critical psychiatrists, many affinities billion in annual sales followed by the EU jargon and notions of expertise. Its medication delivery systems. development projects such as Sharing can be found between Occupy and and Japan. Emerging markets such as interpretive systems include science and In contrast, the epistemology of local Voices Bradford. In Britain there is a critical psychiatry. Occupy London’s China, Russia, South Korea and Mexico biomedicine, psychiatry and cognitive systems is heterogeneous, its values are strong, radical tradition of community Initial Statement itself is something outpaced that market, growing a huge 81 psychology, as well as sociology. It participatory and democratic, based in development originating with the Quakers, I and many of my colleagues would percent. US pharmaceutical industry profit espouses the values and beliefs of social justice, diversity, and sustainable Robert Owen and so-called ‘utopian’ certainly endorse. The demand for growth was maintained as other industries global capitalism, demonstrated by human relationships. Its interpretive socialism, and the cooperative movement. authentic global equality is particularly saw little growth. According to Time the pharmaceutical industry’s vigorous systems are truly diverse, encompassing Further afield, its ideals resonate strongly significant, along with a call to prioritise magazine the pharmaceutical industry marketing campaigns. It seeks to all forms of spirituality, lay belief systems, with Gandhi’s Ashram, Julius Nyerere’s the world’s resources for caring for is - and has been for years - the most exploit human relationships and the as well as the social and political struggles work on Ujamaa (familyhood) in Tanzania, people and the planet over the wealthy, profitable of all businesses in the U.S. environment for its own purposes, shared by oppressed and excluded groups. and Paolo Freire’s critical pedagogy in corporate greed and the military. It calls It follows that the industry has serving corporate interests such as It functions economically on the basis of Brazil. Community development and for a sustainable economic system that immense influence on the medical those of the pharmaceutical industry, the social bartering, black or grey economies related forms of community action and benefits present and future generations, profession as Joanna Moncrieff’s excellent World Health Organisation, governments based on local trust and inter-connectivity consciousness-raising can play a central and calls for an end to government paper Is Psychiatry For Sale? outlined. and professional elites like the World between households and families. Poverty role in drawing together marginalized and actions that oppress people globally. But there are other organisations who Psychiatric Association. It sees the and the need to subsist mediate people’s oppressed groups and enabling them to day-to-day priorities, and this serves the challenge and respond to the sources of interests of ordinary people, those who their oppression. experience madness, their families, activist It was an inspiration meeting with groupings, and communities. It sees people and discussing these issues madness as part of the human condition, in a recent talk I gave at Tent City a journey towards enlightenment, or as a University. I hope that the interrelated Shamanic phenomenon. It too is concerned debates surrounding both Occupy and with crisis, but it negotiates risk within the the desperately needed change to our community. It sees the ultimate outcome approach to madness will continue to of madness in terms of social inclusion and grow together. recovery, delivered through sustainable Philip Thomas is Co-Chair of the local support systems. Critical Psychiatry Network

BEN CAVANNA BEN CAVANNA L ONDON 2012 Anna -THE REAL WINNERS Minton

The increasing frenzy around the 2012 Olympics Sites within the park, from the Olympic village to the masks a hidden bailout and a dubious social legacy, says Olympic venues, will all be run by private companies and Anna Minton. sold off piecemeal to the highest bidder - although the Landmark events always reflect the social and debacle over the sell-off of the Olympic stadium revealed economic realities of the time which in this case is the how easily these deals can collapse. tax-payer funded bailout of an economic model in crisis. Meanwhile a £1bn bid by the Wellcome Trust to In 2008, as the government prepared its bailout of the buy the Olympic Park and village and create a ‘Silicon banks, another less well-advertised bailout was also Valley for Europe’, in conjunction with two universities, underway, this time to save the Olympic project with and providing a museum, social housing and 7000 jobs, public funding increasing by a massive £5.9 billion. was turned down by the Olympic Park Legacy Company. The initial proposal for the Olympic park and village, Apparently, it didn’t offer ‘value for money’ to the stated that it would fall to the private sector to borrow taxpayer. The Olympic village has now been sold to a the majority of the finance – with the government, consortium led by the Qatari royal family. Lottery funding and London itself making up the rest. Another much-touted aspect of the legacy is the However, an investigation by the House of Commons provision of affordable housing. The masterplan for the Public Accounts Committee reveals that less than two park promises up to 11 000 new homes. Currently, we per cent of the Olympic budget has ended up coming know that the Olympic village will definitely provide 3000 from the private sector. homes from 2013, half of which will be ‘affordable’. As The budget is now around the £10 billion mark, a always, the definition of ‘affordable housing’ is slippery figure which does not include the escalating costs of the especially since changes brought in by the Coalition mean security operation. Commentators claim the final budget that housing associations can charge up to 80 per cent of could top £20 billion. market rates for social housing - prices far out of reach So what are we getting for our money? for the majority in the Olympic boroughs, which include The real importance of London 2012, as the some of the poorest parts of the country. organisers continually remind us, is not about sport but Local people are increasingly being edged out of the about ‘the legacy’ – the wholesale redevelopment of a picture In 2004, Lord Coe, chair of the Olympic bidding large swathe of East London. committee, former Mayor Ken Livingstone and John The chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and Biggs, then deputy chair of the London Development Agency, signed an ‘Ethical Olympics Pledge’ in return stusmith_uk former banker, Baroness Ford, often mentions how the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the Festival of Britain, are for local support, giving guarantees on housing, jobs and the inspiration for London 2012. The Great Exhibition training, promising that 30 per cent of construction jobs left Britain with a legacy of museums and public spaces would be set aside for local people. But after London won including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural the bid, the Olympic Delivery Authority refused to honour History Museum and the Science Museum. The Festival of the agreement, on the basis that the ODA was not in Jane Britain in 1951 left as its legacy the Royal Festival Hall, existence when the agreement was signed. Occupy Mothers Chelliah one of finest public buildings in the country. The true legacy of the Olympics is this litany of The legacy of London 2012 includes the Westfield collapsed deals and broken promises by a confusing array Stratford City, the open air shopping mall through which of quangos and companies. An Olympics in tune with the which to make a mark. Before October visitors to the Games must pass and the Queen Elizabeth public spirited legacy claimed could only have gone ahead 15, there was no other place at which Olympic Park - the first new park to be built in Britain if the concept of the ‘public good’ retained some meaning a feminist mothering movement would since Victorian times. But despite its royal moniker, and a in today’s political discourse. Instead this term was quietly have been accommodated. Gender campaign for Royal Park status supported by local people removed from legislation in 2004 reflecting the extent to equality is a never-ending struggle and Newham Council, the Olympic Park will not be a Royal which the market has squeezed the notion of the ‘public - when one throws mother equality Park. Instead, it will be a private park, comprising a series good’ out of politics. Given the context, the Olympics have into the mix, it often sinks to the of private developments overseen by a new quango, the never stood a chance of fulfilling a public spirited legacy bottom. To be an ambitious mother Olympic Mayoral Development Corporation, which mirrors in tune with 1851 or 1951. in UK mainstream society is viewed the London Docklands Development Corporation set up by Anna Minton is the author of ‘Ground Control: suspiciously. Fathers are allowed to the Thatcher government in the 1980s. Fear and Happiness in the 21st Century City’. be ambitious for their sons but the same does not apply to mothers. Yet having ambition is part of being a feminist mother, and I am fed up of UK feminist movement has not been girls being viewed as only being good able to achieve this much. WASI DANIJU enough to have ambitions of being The Occupy movement has WAGs or who are expected to shop globalised a mother’s worry, and I am What do you think your child’s life will incessantly. I wanted to be part of a thankful for this. As a feminist mother, look life in 10 years? My daughter is community where the debate was I deplore the patriarchal notion of 12 years old now and in 2022, at the extended beyond these narrow confines. motherhood which places a mother’s age of 22, she will have taken her There isn’t anywhere else where my worry firmly in the private sphere of place in the world as an adult. My hope daughter would be able to participate in the domestic domain. The difficulties is that she will be living in a world in discussions about political governance that our children face require a solution which opportunities for people will be and money structures. that comes out of a coalition-building distributed fairly and evenly; and one in I now have the means to contribute consensus that reflects the fact that some which she will be treated equally as a to a worldwide movement that is the of the drivers of global inequality were woman in every sphere of her life. engine for global debate in which terms caused by global actions or inactions. This is my dream for her. But like ‘capitalism’ and ‘equality’ have all Feminist mothering is about dreams can be shattered by many become part of the “Occupy” debate. reshaping societies so that mothers are variables. One of those variables is an In a single week in January, three recognised as both contributors to, and environment in which inequality acts as British political leaders, an American recipients of, global justice. That, it seems a barrier to our ability to fully participate President (Bill Clinton in the Financial to me, is also the aim of the Occupy in society. As a feminist mother, it is Times), Bishop Desmond Tutu and an movement. Mothers have an interest in not just my daughter I worry about but international gathering of world political how dividends are paid out in areas such other children too. Feminist mothering and business leaders (Davos) have as climate change, monetary inequality, is about creating a level playing field for discussed capitalism. allocation of natural resources and all our children. This is the success of the Occupy government policies. Being the mother A mother’s instinct when confronted movement. It has brought into of a starving child is a political as well as with a problem is to try and solve it. The mainstream discourse debates and a humanitarian issue. Being a mother Occupy movement has enabled me to arguments over fairness that once is always wrongly talked about in the convert my worry about the obstacles were only discussed at local levels narrow terms of ‘choice’: A mother either raised against our full participation into over local areas where, for example, stays at home or goes out to work. There positive action. The movement’s focus certain low-income groups of people is so much more to mothering than that on inclusivity and equal access to its lived together in underprivileged and this is why mother activism is on the resources has let me convert my raw circumstances or of areas of high rise through the Occupy movement. maternal instinct to redefine the terms unemployment. The Occupy movement Occupy provides a strategic of inclusion in modern society into does not just recognise equality but, far opportunity for mother empowerment mother activism. I launched a feminist more impressively, addresses equality and it has brought a vibrancy and mothering group, UK Outlaw Mothers, as a diversity issue. By this I mean dynamism into my life, which has led to at Tent City University in November. that women have been recognised in a genuine positive transformation in the Occupy LSX is an unparalleled debates and discussions as being single way I am bringing up my daughter. opportunity for ordinary people like mothers, mothers on welfare, working By Jane Chelliah, UK Outlaw Mothers WASI DANIJU me who are seeking a platform from mothers and disabled mothers. The [email protected] Occupy After The Camps Todd Gitlin It Ain’t Over Martin The occupations were brilliant. They created facts on the on this score.) That movement needs to spread. The fact that Eiermann ground—many grounds. They pumped oxygen into the global Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande agree on taxing the sales Till It’s Over atmosphere. They are, or were, not only symbols of a need of commercial paper is not proof of dread co-optation, as some (community, shelter, expression) but public spaces for contact, in the movement maintain, but rather a measure of the popularity With Occupy camps around the world ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE information, and conversation, as well as attractors of the of the principle. The fact that the Merkel government prefers some threatened by eviction, it is easy to The Durban Climate Change curious. At their best, they are, or were, recruitment centers. At Europe-wide tax expedient other than the direct tax needs to be pack up and go home. But many of Conference in December 2011 failed their worst, they were the opposite. addressed—especially by those more knowledgeable than I. In the the issues that drove dissenters into to yield the strong guidelines that But the merits of the encampments are largely beside the event, the more countries can be corralled into imposing such a tax, the streets of Athens, Madrid, New many had hoped for. Some emission point now because the authorities took a hand, often a heavy the better, in order to prevent capital flight toward the exception— York or London remain unsolved. reduction goals won’t become effective one, to bust them up. So now the question is, how can the most the moral bottom. ECONOMIC CHANGE until 2020, others are made porous useful functions of the encampments be carried out in other But one way or the other, of course lightning-fast trading, While Occupy has helped to put by a myriad of small-print exceptions. ways? What becomes possible now? with all the attendant volatility, and the rewards that accrue the issue of inequality back on the It remains questionable whether the For one thing, direct actions need to continue—partly to the 1% of the 1%, should be discouraged! Of course agenda, the problem persists. Debt “Rio 20+ Conference” on sustainable because they gin up enthusiasm, partly because they ensure beleaguered governments pummeling the majority need the continues to grow, income inequality development in June 2012 will produce that the movement continues to exist in public sight, and partly tax revenue! There are lots of questions about how stringent continues to rise – and vast resources better outcomes. Meanwhile, human because they can win concrete victories. When the actions are the tax ought to be, but the principle is a sound one that are being spent to keep the global habitation continues to extract a well chosen, and (crucially) nonviolent, then the movement benefits both the movement and the larger public. “Make it economic system from tumbling large toll from the environment. In attracts the public eye. (When the black bloc moves in, however, more expensive to lurch,” as the economist Jared Bernstein into the abyss. According to recent 2011, around 13 million hectares of the movement repels. Not all publicity is helpful publicity.) nicely puts the objective. calculations, payments towards Greece woodland were lost to deforestation; Actions need to be chosen with a mindful eye to both symbolic As for the camps, public spaces matter, but not so will total 145 billion Euros. Yet the annual global CO2 emission have meaning and concrete consequences. much as ends in themselves. Indeed, it seems to me that, effects are hard to see - unemployment reached more than 30 billion tons. Choices of direct actions and specific campaigns are obviously in general, the effort exerted to maintaining the camps is in Greece continues to hover near SOCIETAL CHANGE matters for local deliberation, but also for collaboration. One size energy not exerted to carrying the movement outward—to 20%. Meanwhile, international hedge NHS cuts, tuition increases, does not fit all. In the States, a number of Occupy groups have working out joint efforts with unions and other groups, so funds are considering suing their reduced expenditures on housing and gotten good results by targeting empty houses, or resisting bank that the oligarchs are isolated. Occupy groups should figure debtors for property rights violations. pensions – the politics of austerity foreclosures, or disrupting foreclosure auctions. Homework has to out how to best support workers like those employed under Regulatory initiatives such as the manifest themselves in the middle be done to see where victories ought to be most possible. Actual wretched conditions by the awful Taiwanese- corporation Tobin Tax are being discussed, but of society. Since George Osborn success in keeping people in their homes is the sort of victory that Foxconn, which is subcontracted to build electronic stuff opposition from lobby groups and the announced 7 billion pounds in welfare tells the rest of the world, outside Occupy, that this is genuinely a in China for Apple, among other companies. Carrying the British government continues to be cuts in 2010, the laundry list of movement that works for the 99 percent. message beyond the movement’s immediate circles is hugely fierce. Despite the crisis, the logic government spending cuts has only In general, it’s valuable when a number of encampments important. Teach-ins, or other educational events about of laissez-faire and the rhetoric of continued to grow. Income inequality focus on common targets where they can compound their the workings of the global economy should be tailored to austerity continue to hold sway within in the UK is rising more quickly than in nonviolent force by combining. That kind of leverage makes communities that are not jaded about this sort of thing. mainstream discourses. any other OECD country. In 2011, the victories more likely. In that spirit, has targeted The global resistance to plutocracy requires ongoing POLITICAL CHANGE top 10% earned twelve times as much JPMorgan Chase foreclosures; Occupy , ingenuity of tactics—as long as the movement is nonviolent In the UK, the government has as the bottom 10%. The top 1% earn US Bank foreclosures; and there’s talk about a national campaign and not hijacked by black blocs of one sort or another, whose tried to marginalise and defame over 15% of overall wealth in the UK – focusing on the Bank of America, which holds a huge number of parasitic seizure of the media spotlight is a gift to the billionaires dissenters. Despite historically and pay income tax rates that are lower fraudulent subprime mortgages and might well be particularly who would rather have the population obsessed with smashed low approval ratings – 13% for today than they were in 1980. vulnerable to a concerted campaign. windows and what the media call “violent clashes” (whoever the US Congress -, parliamentary LEGAL CHANGE I also think the time is coming when concerted cross-national starts them) than with incursions upon their privileges. When the politicians continue to govern with Once controversial policy proposals campaigns could resist the plutocracy, win results, and encourage focus is on the brutality of the police—or the contemptuousness staggering indifference towards the are codified as law, they become much movement growth all at once. Some shared research and of the black blocs, or both—the plutocrats pop their corks. We voices of their constituents. On a harder to change or repeal. Yet even consultation might be able to establish which multinational banks ought not to help them change the subject. European level, the idea of citizens’ the law itself is far from uncontested. are especially heinous and vulnerable in the damage they’ve done Todd Gitlin was the third president of America’s Students for participation is caught in the The conservative desire to repeal the across borders and the impunity with which they’ve gotten away a Democratic Society (1963-64), and helped organize the first bureaucratic web. The democratic Human Rights Act, debates about with it. Holders of shares can clamor at stockholder meetings. (As national demonstration against the Vietnam War and the first process has often been reduced financial regulation, and the increasing I write, Bank of America stock is selling for less than $8 per share.) Wall Street against bank loans to apartheid to the ritualistic participation on restrictions on the right to protest – Occasions for inventive civil disobedience are legion. South Africa. He teaches at Columbia University and has election day. And even that is especially in anticipation of the 2012 It’s also promising that some kind of consensus seems to be written 15 books, of which the most recent, Occupy Nation: The declining: In 2010, UK voter turnout Olympics – illustrate how much the growing among European governments that financial speculation Roots, the Spirit, and the Promise of Occupy Wall Street, will be hit 65%, the third-lowest since the legal sphere has become a political should be taxed. (Europe has for years been way ahead of the U. S. published electronically by HarperCollins in April. end of World War II. battlefield that concerns every citizen.

Horizons & Prospects Occupy London’s Working Groups Pt. II

With each day now taking us further to restore our broken link to nature. The • Campaigning for a global reduction in towards Spring and the warmth of the group has decided to work with other net carbon emissions. -Peter Colville year ahead, the plans and blueprints occupiers and other occupations and ECONOMICS WORKING GROUP drawn up in wintry months by Occupy organisations, using events and other Occupy may have lost the right to maintain London’s working groups are thawing to outreach activities, combined with direct a physical presence, however, just because fruition. Multiplying. Gaining traction. actions, in the following areas: tents don’t occupy St Paul’s that doesn’t Beneath the bells of St. Pauls and • Raising awareness on and actively mean that the movement doesn’t occupy through the wires of e-mail groups and opposing false solutions to environmental a valuable place in society. And let’s message boards, dozens of working groups problems (such as biofuels) remember one thing, which is central to pursing their respective goals are looking • Supporting a genuine “Green New the existence of Occupy in the first place. of the Occupy camps is currently being same research backing up the same styles ahead to new horizons, with plans to carry Deal” including shifting from taxing The camp may be at the steps of St Paul’s shoved aside by what I believe is becoming of direct action channelled through the further the narrative of a movement seeking labour to taxing carbon emissions, and but actually we are there because we an increasingly worried and embarrassed same media approach. This process, once social, economic and environmental justice supporting the campaign for 1m new are camped outside the London Stock state is in the long run, of little tested and refined could then lead on to a from its tarpaulin roots at the gates of the climate jobs Exchange. And we are camped there consequence. Now that the movement situation where there are global occupy London Stock Exchange. • Exposing corporate lobbying and because of the gross injustice inflicted on has established itself in the UK and in the working group hubs that will lead on to Following our previous look at the unethical environmental practices, and society by banks and a complicit financial world, moving the tents will make little to global days of action in the same way. origins and achievements of selected demanding tougher regulations system. That existed before the tents no difference at all. We are not sure that it was ever our OLSX working groups to date, here • Exposing major environmental arrived on that day in October. It continues The future of the corporations working place to remain isolated and to be simply we present a glimpse of some of their destruction and human rights abuses now and, unless there is radical change, group has already started. No longer a machine that churns out statements and considerations for the future. overseas (such as land grabs and tar the banks and the financial system will focusing on just releasing statements, the policy through the assembly and courts ENERGY EQUITY & sands), especially by companies listed continue to harm society, which will bear group is currently working with indigenous the relevant media. At least, once our ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP on the LSX the scars for generations to come. That is activist groups on three continents, initial statement was out, it became more The Energy, Equity & Environment • Supporting measures such as justification enough for Occupy to continue three Occupy camps in Switzerland, UK exciting to us to consider ways whereby we Working Group was created to highlight replacing GDP and profit with alternative to fight for the very many who’s lives have Uncut, the Australian Miners’ Union, the can connect up with other groups – inside the fact that to continue with ‘business indicators of commercial and social been made worse by the very few. It is Economics WG, the Outreach WG and and outside of Occupy – in order to target as usual’ would simply be to allow large success which take account of social not enough to stand by and watch the car other centres of relevant expertise to specific corporations. Reaching towards corporations and an over-centralised and environmental factors heading for another crash. Fundamental to create a national day of action around one national and global days of action seems government to continue looting the • Supporting the re-localisation of food averting disaster is to move towards new corporation (by the time this goes to press, the ideal way to have the most impact on resources of the planet which belong to production, smallholder agriculture and economic structures that lead to greater you will probably know which one it was). those often nameless practitioners of what us all by right. If we destroy nature, then permaculture equality and economic security for society We also intend to help shape the we have called a ‘psychopathic’ form of we are destroying the conditions on which • Strengthening environmental law at large. That is what the Economics national WG hubs that will allow for WGs behaviour that is unsustainable, unjust, human survival and the survival of all so that it protects human health and Working Group has been working on and across the UK and Wales to link up, share undemocratic and... embarrassing. species depends. In EEE we believe that biodiversity will continue to work on and demand. skills and work towards co-ordinating Our long term aim is to have at least power should be handed over to local • Supporting the campaign to Change will come. -Tom Moriarty national days of action where all the taken part in calling time on the often communities and responsible providers recognise the rights of nature and to CORPORATIONS WORKING GROUP Occupy camps are focused on the same destructive and insane behaviour of of goods and services, and that we need criminalise ecocide The fact that the tented presence of many target for the same reasons, with the corporations. -Jamie Kelsey-Fry 1/Occupy London Stock Exchange 2/Occupy London Finsbury Square 3/Bank Of Ideas 4/Occupy Justice 5/School Of Ideas OCCUPY LONDON 1/OLSX TIMELINE 15OCT 09OCT 09TH OCTOBER 2011 16OCT London’s first General Assembly held on Westminster Bridge. Plans are set in motion to 18OCT occupy the London Stock Exchange.

15TH OCTOBER 2011 2/ Occupy London emerges on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Organisers state their intention to 26OCT highlight and address social and economic injustice OLFS as part of a global movement for real democracy. 22OCT 16TH OCTOBER 2011 27OCT Initial Statement Released. Over 500 people on the steps of St. Paul’s collectively agree an Initial 28OCT Statement raising concerns with economic and social injustice, and expressing solidarity with other 05NOV occupations around the globe.

09NOV 18TH OCTOBER 2011 3/ Tent City University opens. 12NOV 22ND OCTOBER 2011 BOI Finsbury Square camp established. 15NOV 18NOV 26TH OCTOBER 2011 The Occupied Times of London #1 is published. The first edition of paper is printed; a run of 2,000 copies consisting of 12 A4-sized 19NOV pages featuring comment, news, features, cartoons and event listings.

27th OCTOBER 2011 25NOV St. Paul’s Cathedral canon chancellor Giles Fraser resigns in eviction protest. Fraser states he could not support the possibility of violence “in the name of the church”. The move follows Fraser’s efforts to clear police 30NOV officers from the cathedral steps and words of support for Occupy London’s right to peaceful protest. Protesters BEN CAVANNA are “deeply moved” to hear of his resignation. 06DEC 28TH OCTOBER 2011 15TH NOVEMBER 2011 frontman Thom Yorke, Massive Attack member 3D, 07DEC Activists call for the democratisation of the City City of London Corporation launches legal action and members of UNKLE put on a gig at B.o.I. as a of London Corporation. Occupiers publish first list for eviction. “thank you” to Occupy London. of demands calling for an end to the Square Mile’s unconstitutional power and influence. 18TH NOVEMBER 2011 07TH DECEMBER 2011 Protesters occupy Bank of Ideas. The taking of Occupiers discuss reform with Financial 15DEC 4/ the disused UBS-owned office block is billed as Services Authority. FSA CEO Hector Sants meets a ‘public repossession’. Plans set in motion for representatives of Occupy London to discuss the use of the site as a free Bank of Ideas (no reform of the banking sector. OJ 18DEC bailout required) to educate, inform and serve as 20DEC a platform for ideas and skills exchange for those 15TH DECEMBER 2011 19DEC that have lost their nurseries, community centres Jesse Jackson supports Occupy London. Acclaimed and youth clubs to government cuts. civil rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson speaks at the steps of St. Paul’s. He states: “The occupiers’ cause 19TH NOVEMBER 2011 is a just cause, a moral cause. They should not Occupy London hosts first national Occupy be dismissed but heard – listen to their message. 25DEC conference. Occupiers from 17 camps across the Banks got bailed out, people got left out. Protesters UK converge in London for a weekend of talks, are criminalised but not a single banker has gone to workshops and planning. jail for their crimes, the corruption and greed which 2011 drove the global economy to the brink of collapse.” 25TH NOVEMBER 2011 General Assembly endorses demands on City of 18TH DECEMBER 2011 2012 London Corporation. Three demands produced by Energy, Equity & Environment Group hosts Big Corporations Working Group reach GA consensus. Green Day. A day of talks, workshops, art, music, Occupy London demands that the City of London and activities highlights the link between economy Corporation: and environment. 10JAN 05TH NOVEMBER 2011 • Publish full, year-by year breakdowns of the Occupy London marches on Parliament. Some 2,000 City Cash account, future and historic. 19TH DECEMBER 2011 activists set off from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Parliament • Make the entirety of its activities subject to the High Court eviction proceedings commence. Eviction Square to spread the message of the occupation Freedom of Information Act. hearing commences. Judge Keith Lindblom is later movement to the wider public. No arrests were made, • Detail all advocacy undertaken on behalf of the shown around the camp at St. Paul’s by occupier Max. despite heavy police presence, as protesters declared: banking and finance industries, since October 2008. 18 ‘We are the 99 percent. You are the 99 percent!’ 20TH DECEMBER 2011 19JAN 30TH NOVEMBER 2011 Occupiers take over Old Street Magistrates JAN 09TH NOVEMBER 2011 • Occupy supports UK-wide N30 Public Sector Courthouses. Plans are outlined for the site to hold Occupy supports students. The national student Pensions Strike. “trials of the 1%”. strike against cuts, tuition fee hikes and • Xstrata 21 put spotlight on the 1%. privatisation receives support from NUS, trade Twenty one arrests are made at mining company 25TH DECEMBER 2011 25JAN unions and Occupy London. Xstrata’s offices after Occupy London activists Christmas Day celebrations at Occupy London. storm the site to highlight inequality (Xstrata CEO Some occupiers attend cathedral Sung Eucharist 5/ 12TH NOVEMBER 2011 Mick Davies was the highest-paid chief executive of and enjoy a meal at the camp, with donations Not the Lord Mayor’s Show. Occupy London’s a FTSE 100 share index company in 2011). from the public. 30 alternative festival diverts Lord Mayor’s coach outside SOI St. Paul’s. Rt Revd Michael Colclough, Canon in 06TH DECEMBER 2011 10TH JANUARY 2012 JAN Residence at the cathedral, gives the camp his blessing. Musicians support Occupy London. Radiohead Finsbury Square camp makes long-term ‘eco 09FEB village’ plans.

18TH JANUARY 2012 Judge rules in favour of City. Judge Lindblom pays tribute to protesters’ conduct, but backs City in eviction calls.

19TH JANUARY 2012 Occupy Justice commence “trials of the 1%”. Trials get underway focusing onwar crimes and the implications of the Legal Aid Bill.

28 28 25TH JANUARY 2012 Bank of Ideas clears out. The threat of eviction FEB FEB prompts occupiers to clear out the first incarnation of the Bank of Ideas.

30TH JANUARY 2012 Bank of Ideas evicted.

09TH FEBRUARY 2012 School of Ideas launches.

TH WASI DANIJU 28 FEBRUARY 2012 OCCUPY 2.0 St. Paul’s and School of Ideas evicted. YOU CAN’T EVICT AN IDEA YOU CAN’T EVICT AN IDEA The State is Failing The How should we

Homeless Andy Marlow Kathleen Kelly It was on a Tuesday morning some of the judge to balance these two be tackling weeks ago that three of us nervously competing rights and, inevitably, stepped into the waiting courtroom. the judge chose to favour that of the Even before the trial began, things landowner. In his mind, it was an had already started to go wrong. open-and-shut case of him owning Fearing disruption of the proceedings the land, so could we please get off. homelessness? from noisy protestors, the judge had We lost the case and were ordered to restricted entry to one ‘McKenzie vacate the premises “forthwith”. The official story of homelessness friend’ (a non-legally qualified Nevertheless, despite his bravado is one of rising numbers. We are representative) and two others. in court, the landowner’s solicitor seeing increased applications to local The colourful ensemble who had later praised the presentation and authorities and rising numbers of rough turned up in support from Occupy construction of our legal argument. sleepers. But like every story worth Exeter, including Bonzo the Public Although the judge dismissed it as an hearing there’s more than one side to the Repossession Clown and ‘General irrelevant factor in the case, it remains story of homelessness. Assembly’ in his military garb, a fact that Article 11 of the International On the one hand we have the were left awaiting the verdict in the Covenant on Economic, Social and official numbers – of those who have corridor with baited breath. Cultural Rights, a treaty which the UK approached and who qualify for help This was not the first case we had has signed, gives the State a duty under from a local authority or are counted as seen that day. Immediately before International Law to provide access to rough sleepers. On the other are those had been the possession proceedings adequate housing. Crucially, the UN who don’t ‘qualify’ under the definitions for the original encampment of Committee on Social, Economic and for either of those counts and who won’t Occupy Exeter on Cathedral Green, Cultural Rights (CESCR) has stated that show up in official statistics. Whilst they which the General Assembly had economic recession is no excuse for may be in contact with services they decided not to contest. Instead, we failing to fulfil this duty and that, in fact, won’t always be counted within official had chosen to move on to our second this duty “continue[s] to apply and [is] statistics on homelessness. This could site, an empty building abandoned perhaps even more pertinent during be because they have never approached several years previously when the times of economic contraction”. a local authority for help or because they owner ran out of money to develop A cursory glance at the news are ‘hidden’ from view. it. From the start it was fraught with will tell you that the State is failing in Those who qualify for a main for help with accommodation from their between homelessness, mental health difficulties, like the lack of disabled this duty. Devon County Council has homelessness duty can get help with local authority going into the private rented problems, drug and alcohol dependency, access and the worrying creaking recently agreed to cut over 200 beds finding accommodation from their local sector. Being accepted as homeless is not street activities like begging, sex work or sound whenever you tried to ascend for the homeless. Westminster Council, authority. The last year of complete a golden ticket to a social rented tenancy shoplifting, and experience of institutions the staircase. These difficulties instead of tackling the cause of the figures for 2010/11 showed a 10% and that’s especially true of areas with such as prisons. Whilst 25% of people meant that in the end, Occupy problem by providing better housing increase in those accepted as owed this high pressure on housing, like London. using these services did indeed have decided not to fight the case in court and welfare services, is planning to accommodation duty – the first increase Households can spend long periods in homelessness as their main problem; as Occupy, but rather to allow those pass a bylaw banning soup runs for in seven years. There’s no reason temporary accommodation waiting to find another 25% had as many as 16 other who wished to stay in the building to the homeless. Overall, reports the to expect this upward trend to have a more settled housing solution. problems including homelessness. Low defend it themselves. For those who BBC reports, rough sleeping has risen changed when the next set of annual Before I go on to talk about what threshold services weren’t set up to deal stayed, it soon became their home. by 23% in one year. While the same figures for 2011/2012 is released in the happens if you don’t qualify for this type with this level of complexity. The level This was the cornerstone of our report includes a pledge from the summer. There’s not space here to go of help with your accommodation; I have of expertise support workers need to legal case. Article 8 of the European government to give an extra £18.5 into detail on the five legal hoops you to be very clear that by international deal with the extent of mental distress Convention on Human Rights protects, million to councils in order to help have to successfully jump through to standards England does have a strong is also striking. Seventy nine per cent among other things, the right to a tackle rough sleeping, it also includes qualify for this duty. A common sticking system of homelessness protection. of service users reported anxiety and home. Importantly, this right can be criticism from housing charity Crisis point though is whether a person or Not as strong as Scotland where the depression and 38 per cent had attempted invoked whether or not the person that current law may be failing single someone in their household qualifies distinction between those in priority need suicide. The most complex needs claiming it lawfully possesses that people who are homeless by not as in ‘priority need’. You are in priority for help and those not will be abolished were experienced by homeless men, home, so it has potential use for considering them a priority. need if you are: pregnant (or live with this year. The main problem with a particularly those in their 30s. squatters and occupiers. There are also In light of this growing crisis, it someone who is); are responsible for system that defines categories of people Services face a massive challenge some tentative suggestions from recent seems at least the lesser of two evils to dependent children; have been made who do and don’t qualify for help is that co-ordinating the other agencies involved in case-law that it may be raised in court allow those without a home to shelter in homeless by a disaster like a fire or some people will inevitably be on the working with people. If we’re serious about not just against the State, as was the abandoned buildings overnight, rather flood; in some cases if you are 16 or 17 outside of the system. tackling homelessness and rough sleeping original intention of the Convention, than to strictly enforce the landowner’s or a care leaver; or if you are particularly So what happens to those people we must turn the rhetoric about joint but also against private landowners. property rights with the result that vulnerable. Vulnerable means that you who don’t qualify as being a priority? And working into a reality. We know that support Of course, if we had a right to people are forced to spend another are more likely to suffer injury or harm if what is the main problem people face: workers are crucial in helping people get occupy under article 8, the landowner night out in the cold. you sleep on the streets than someone is it the lack of a home or are there even their lives back on track. But where support also had a right to peaceful possession Andy Marlow is an active member else would be. I’ll come back to this more pressing problems in their lives? workers do take on this role they can feel of his land. It was therefore the task of Occupy Exeter issue of vulnerability later on. Until recently the answers to these isolated and out of their depth. The reasons for homelessness in questions were an unknown quantity. Spending cuts pose a real risk. The official statistics are varied but relationship We now know that official forms of lack of a budget ring fence means that the breakdown has always been a strong homelessness such as approaching a gloves are off. Homeless Link’s survey feature. Some of you may find it surprising local authority or accessing a hostel of needs and provision found that 63 per Homelessness Statistics that despite the recession, mortgage happen very late in people’s journeys cent of services that had funding cuts had repossession accounted for only 3% of towards homelessness. We looked at low reduced staffing levels, closed services • 61,000 households (excluding the intentionally health problems. (Some individuals may be counted homelessness acceptances between threshold services, the sort of services and/or reduced their contact time with homeless) in England were officially recognised as in more than one category). July and September 2011. The type of where you might expect people’s main clients. However, if we’re serious about newly homeless by their local authorities in 2010. • Numbers of rough sleepers in London have been • The number of newly homeless households has rising since 06/07 (2,997) to 09/10 (3,673) housing you get if you qualify for this duty problem to be homelessness, to find tackling homelessness we need to use fallen sharply each year since 2003 and the 2010 • Government cuts are likely to place up to can vary – it could be a social or a private out how many were also experiencing these funds to deliver more flexibly figure of 61,000 households is only a third of the 269,000 households into serious financial difficulty. rented tenancy. We will see an increase in other issues. We defined this as ‘multiple tailored, individual support services. 2003 number (202,000). Half of these households – up to 134,000 - will the numbers of households who qualify exclusion homelessness’: the overlap These are challenging times but • Homeless males die 22 years earlier than average, have to move or be evicted. 72,000 of these are with the lifespan of young females shortened by 17 years. families, equating to 129,000 children. Of these, there are opportunities. The current • Recent government figures showed that 26,400 35,000 households are likely to approach their local housing minister is serious about people approached a local council for housing help in authority for homelessness advice and assistance, tackling homelessness with a £400m the first three months of 2011, a rise of 23 per cent and Local Authorities will be under a duty to provide Homelessness Prevention Grant and compared with the same period last year. temporary accommodation to 19,000. another £20m for the transition fund to • In a year, 75,000 young people had to seek help • Historically, homelessness is a ‘lagging indicator’ from services because they were homeless. That following an economic downturn – meaning tackle rough sleeping. Campaigns such means 1 in 100 young people in the UK experienced that it can be expected to rise for some years, as the Homeless People’s Commission homelessness. independently of policy impacts. which give voice to homeless people to • The main cause of homelessness in the UK is • A 1997 study found that 22% of “street homeless” had influence policy around homelessness and family breakdown, usually between young people a military background. By 2007, this figure was 10%. the Making Every Adult Matter Coalition and their parents or step-parents. Many homeless • 40% of homeless people have served a term in jail. young people have experienced long-term conflict in • As many as 60% of homeless people have a led by Homeless Link, Clinks, Drugscope the home, often involving violence. mental health problem and Mind are also active. These give me • A large majority of rough sleepers in London are • On average, homeless people die at just 47 years old. hope that whilst the media profile around males. The latest figures suggest that only 1 in 10 • Homeless people are 13 times more likely to be empty homes might steal the limelight people contacted were females. the victim of violence. • A quarter of those accepted as homeless and in • 3975 people slept rough on London’s streets last year. there are people working away on the priority need by English local authorities are from ethnic • The highest number of rough sleepers were in the things you need to have to go with a minorities. This means that ethnic minority households London borough of Westminster (128) home, such as rebuilt relationships with are, overall, around three times as likely to become • 97% of homeless people want to work but only supportive family and friends. homeless as the majority White population. 2% work full time. Kathleen Kelly is a Policy and • In a London study of those rough sleepers whose For Help: Shelter Helpline - 0845 458 4590 Research Programme Manager at the support needs were known, 33% had drug problems, Centrepoint - 0845 466 3400 BRIAN LELI 48% had alcohol problems, and 30% had mental Salvation Army Homeless Service - 020 7367 4865 Joseph Rowntree Foundation Life On The Streets

The Occupied Times: How long have you your professional status which in my case very wealthy area, you would expect these been homeless? is musician, music producer and legal people to be the kind who wouldn’t even Kay: Well this is the second time I became executive- three job titles- they all imply want to smell you! But they were most homeless but this time I’ve chosen to that I’m self-employed. Department of helpful compared to people in the Angel. I become homeless because I just did not Work and Pension regulation states that think many people are hesitant about how like the circumstances in which I found you have to be available for work, they you [a homeless person] will react. myself in after having been homeless for verify that you’ve been looking for work H: It was different. Some people treated the first time. and that you should accept work when it you good and others wouldn’t even Herman: I’ve been homeless for roughly is offered to you. But after six months the give you the time of day, especially if the last three years. I also had an earlier jobseeker’s agreement is no longer valid you smelled a bit sometimes. I had one period when I was much younger, in my and you have to change to something occasion where maybe I didn’t have a teens which lasted about a year or two, else. I’ve been playing music since I shower for a couple of days or something with lots of moving about. was 16, I even refused higher education and basically you could see they were because I knew I wanted to be creating turning up their noses at me. And another music for my whole life. I came to Britain day, I was walking down the road and As part of this for that purpose because I grew up in I was stopped by one of these…what section focussing France. So, all the time I’ve been in Britain do you call them? Joggers…she didn’t I’ve been doing that, producing music, believe I was homeless. She said, ‘Oh you on homelessness, getting involved with bands, and things look so clean’ and I’m going ‘Well actually we spoke to two like that and when I lost my business my I am, I got nowhere to live’ [laughs jobseeker’s agreement included that, so heartily.] So it’s different how they treat after two years they told me I couldn’t you and sometimes it depends on your homeless occupiers BEN CAVANNA carry on as ‘self-employed’ and must find appearance and your attitude.

about the reality of a job. I said “no.” I’m still in the process OT: What more do you think should life on the streets claiming damages in court. I hope that I’ll be done by society about homeless in in itself, because it’s such a large issue, because they fear that if they actually say win and then I can continue to do what general? people who find themselves in this what they feel then they might be banned

and what society I’ve always wanted to do all my life. There K: Well, this is why I’m here at Occupy. position aren’t a specific type. They’re all or stopped from using the services of that should be doing to is no compromise. So I stopped claiming From the speeches you’ve heard today [at sorts of different people and everyone has organisation. any benefit of any kind. the Occupy LSX homelessness talk-out] different needs. What we’ve got to look OT: How do you think the potential tackle the problem. H: Not really but what I did find was that I the common factor is this prejudgement at is the organisations that are providing eviction of Occupy LSX would impact the wasn’t aware of a lot of the services that and preconception of what homelessness these services for the homeless people. homeless community at the camp? OT: What led to you first becoming was available and that is quite important is because homelessness extends to Are they providing the services that are K: Well, someone has provided us with homeless? because if you’re not aware of it, you more than just having no home. I’ll give actually fitting for those individuals? a list of sites and places which we can K: That was unlawful eviction, a conflict just don’t bother about it you know…you you an example, at the present moment And how much are the people using the takeover but at Occupy we have a problem. between myself and my landlady. We did just go on existing. When you think that there are night shelters operating. They services benefitting from that? One of These sites require homeless people at not get on well so she gave me a notice to if you’d known about it maybe it might started at the end of November and will the things I’m concerned about is when Occupy LSX to organise themselves as a quit, I took her to court and although she have changed something about your run until probably the end of March or I see some people being banned from community project in order to be able to lost the case, I went for a weekend and circumstances. April. So most homeless people are now some day centres, how do they manage? enter transactions and negotiations with when I came back she changed the locks OT: In your experience, how are homeless circulating all over London, to churches If they’re banned where do they go? What the authorities- local authorities or the and everything so I found myself out and people treated by the police and the [who run the night shelters] in every happens after that? How much support do government. But at Occupy we are not an the case is still continuing in court. authorities? borough. So there are a large number of they really get? organisation, this is a movement of ideas. H: That was, like, family problems, you K: It depends, it depends. I think it takes homeless people who don’t or won’t use OT: What would people have been So this incompatibility, you know if we set know. Growing up, teenager and all that both sides. As far as I’m concerned I’ve this service, including me, because there banned for? up this community project there will have business. You know, just finding a way. never had any problem with the police is a strict time you have to be in these H: Organisations have rules, they have to be rules which we live by, a code of OT: Are the services provided for because if the police find me on the street places and spaces are limited. But I feel codes of conduct. I’m a great believer in conduct but in Occupy there is no hierarchy. homeless people in the UK adequate? I don’t look suspect so it depends on the restricted by these places and I know that freedom of speech and freedom of the The project is available but we need an K: It depends. It depends on the individual, individual and I believe that some individuals many homeless prefer to be completely individual so if somebody is restricted organisation. We cannot speak on behalf I suppose. I think people who simply wish antagonise the police actually and they get free and don’t want to subject themselves in what they say and how they behave, of Occupy unless we have GA consensus to have a place to stay or to live, they in trouble. Obviously there may be cases to this kind of regime. taking into account that you have to but we can support it in any way we feel don’t have any other requirement, it may [of police misconduct] but I have not come H: Well, I don’t think homelessness behave in a certain manner which shows possible. There’s no restriction on us be okay for them but I think my demand across a police officer who was aggressive. is really necessary. There’s no point. respect to other people around you in the creating an organisation which can work maybe exceeded, a little bit, just having In fact most of the police officers who have There’s enough buildings around for vicinity where you are i.e. staff and other with the Occupy Movement, and we’d have a place because most of my work I do at found me on the street have been kind of people to actually live in and one of the service users. You must show respect a physical site where activists or anybody home. I cannot spend let’s say… 16 hrs friendly. Being homeless, after a while I main problems I think is that the cost of otherwise if you don’t do that you got a can continue with the activities but it will if I’m working, doing the things I do, in a think you just become pissed off and you get property i.e rent is far too expensive. If it problem, you know? Basically, I don’t like also provide those homeless people with box, in one room. No, I need much more to a stage where you don’t trust anybody, was a lot cheaper then I don’t think we’d restrictive rules where a person cannot permanent or semi-permanent residence. than that. Especially, one big problem is they can become antagonistic, they just have this problem. But homelessness express themselves as they’d like to So those are the next steps. that most of the things I do is music and lose it and they are trapped. I’ve never had I’ve had this problem most of the time I’ve any problem with the police or authorities, been to places because I’ve had to control they just keep telling me I can’t set up my my level of noise, especially when I’m tent but I just kept moving my tent. I started playing guitar so it became very difficult in Westminster, then I moved to Chelsea & OCCUPY LONDON’S for me to find suitable accommodation Kensington and they move me and then I where I won’t disturb my neighbours. But came here [Occupy LSX at St Paul’s.] I’ve for a person who just requires a place never had any problem if you just do what HOMELESSNESS STATEMENT where they can eat, sleep, have a shower they ask you to do and you respect the that will do but that’s not for me. authorities I don’t think you’ll have any Occupy London expresses its support for the massive have to overcome are too high; they are unnecessarily H: Well, I’m not sure. There is some problem whatsoever. and growing numbers of homeless people in London and bureaucratic and dehumanising. Hostels can be dangerous service there that is quite useful and the H: Umm, I don’t really know about how in Britain as a whole. places and are often not available unless a person has a extent of the services provided I don’t they’re treated by the police. I haven’t had Having a home is a fundamental human need and history in the local area. know. But I’m more concerned about the any sort of run-ins with them myself. I right. Only with adequate housing can people successfully Homes are being lost because of cuts to housing and attitude of the establishment towards think that the authorities could actually do contribute to their community in a meaningful way. other benefits, because of job losses, wage cuts, loss homelessness. more for homeless people. Many homeless people have become part of of council housing and mortgage default repossessions. OT: Have you ever had any problems OT: How about your dealings with the Occupy London and through this have found a sense of Landlords and the rents they charge remain unregulated accessing basic services like the NHS public? community and increased optimism. Many occupiers and in some cases landlords are unscrupulous, without or benefits when you haven’t had a K: Most of the public have already a have unintentionally become homeless during their compassion and even exploit the social welfare system. permanent address? preconceived idea and I think that comes involvement in Occupy London. In essence, a part of Occupy London calls upon the City of London, on K: I don’t think that is a problem, from the homeless people they have met the homeless has become Occupy London, and a part of the Greater London Authority, on local and national especially now. I think most of the before and so when they see a homeless Occupy London has become the homeless. Together we government, on churches and on businesses to open up homeless centres they help people with person they already have an idea of what call for social and economic justice. vital space for short-life and long-term housing schemes that so every centre they have social that person may be. In the summer, Occupy London intends to highlight the issue of so that empty buildings can be put to good use and self- workers who actually deal with the there is no problem sleeping in the park homelessness and of eviction of homeless persons from help communities can be established. job centres, with the housing benefit or in public places, it’s warm. I was very refuges such as St. Paul’s Churchyard. We abhor the There are nearly 1,000,000 homeless people in on behalf of the homeless people so I surprised with Islington, for example, violence and intimidation that occupiers and homeless Britain and 2,000,000 families in need of suitable housing; don’t think that is a problem at all but because I’ve stayed in the Angel a lot. people, around the world, have been subjected to. yet there are over 7,438 hectares of public land, 930,000 my problem I don’t want that kind of Islington people have a strange attitude Occupy London has been providing tented empty homes and many other empty buildings that could thing anymore because they’re just too towards homeless people. They don’t accommodation for between 30 and 70 homeless people be used to provide homes. restricting for me. I’ve always been a like to approach you. They provoke you staying at the St Paul’s Occupy site. These people will The money to tackle these problems and implement musician, music producer and practicing with the way they look at you and talk to be affected by eviction of OLSX. We believe that the City solutions does exist. Billions in bonuses, executive pay, law- I started practicing law when I lost you. They have this idea that ‘Oh, you are of London has a duty of care towards them and that they tax havens and corporate profits could be put to wiser and my business because I wasn’t satisfied homeless so you are a bad person.’ I was should be offered accommodation that ensures their safety, wider use. with the services that solicitors were very surprised when I started to hang dignity and freedom – that is, in homes, not hostels. [Homeless people include rough sleepers, sofa- providing me with so I decided to go around in Chelsea because when I sat in Existing systems and shelters fail to provide surfers, hostel dwellers, those sleeping in other insecure litigant-in-person. So when you sign a the park there people would come and homeless people with support, access to acceptable and unsuitable places and those who are considered to be jobseeker’s agreement you must state drop me £5 and £10 notes. Chelsea is a shelter, and homes. The hurdles that homeless people of ‘no fixed abode’.] The real Jubilee Tim a movement for Jones financial justice This year the Queen is celebrating her system - what we might call neo-liberal 60th ‘jubilee’ but the original meaning capitalism - began to emerge. The US of jubilee had a lot more to do with abandoned the gold standard and began righting injustice than an extra bank printing far more dollars. Controls on holiday and Brian May on the roof of capital were removed and at the same Buckingham Palace, says Tim Jones of time, oil price increases led to large jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk amounts of ‘petrodollars’ from oil The word ‘jubilee’ comes from the exporters being put into western banks. Jewish scriptures, and describing an These dollars were lent across the world ancient event occurring every fifty years. - huge amounts going to Latin American In the jubilee year everyone, remarkably, and African countries. took a whole year off from working the At the start of the 1980s, the land - not just one day - living simply off same US banks who had lent the surpluses from previous years. All debts money out, increased interest rates in were to be cancelled. All slaves were to order to control inflation. The prices of be released. All land was to be returned commodities fell - a problem for the to the original sharing between the many Southern countries dependent on Hebrew tribes. these commodities for export. Many Latin Jubilees were instituted in order to American and African countries were restore a sense of equilibrium into the unable to pay their loans to the bankers economy. People working on the land and the ‘third world debt crisis’ was born. got in debt when harvests failed. To feed Rather than allowing these countries their families they borrowed from their to go bankrupt, or instituting some form of ILIAS BARTOLINI neighbours – supposedly without being jubilee, the powerful pushed for so-called charged interest, though many found ‘bailouts’ by the IMF and World Bank - ways to get round this law. As debts effectively repaying the banks, and simply accumulated and families became unable transferring the debts. At the same time to pay, they had to sell off their land to they insisted on structural adjustment; But the indebted are beginning to their creditors. Rent was charged on austerity, and rapid radical deregulation fight back. In the late-1990s The Jubilee the sold land, so as creditors got richer, and liberalisation. The result: countries lost 2000 campaign was launched, calling THE O T’S GUIDE the debtors got poorer - and their debts their ability to make democratic decisions for a debt free start for 52 countries - a were only likely to increase. As David about their economic policy. Latin America jubilee that was to be declared in the Graeber sets out in his book Debt: The and Africa saw their economies decline year 2000. It was based on the work of TO CREDIT DEFAULT first 5,000 years, farmers often became for the next twenty years, and poverty and activists from indebted countries who stuck in debt and even had to sell their inequality increase. saw that the loans had done little or children into debt slavery. With continued deregulation across nothing to benefit ordinary people, but SWAPS (PART DEUX) The first known jubilees took place the world, loans and debts between had created a debt which was bleeding in Mesopotamia (the area comprising countries continued to increase and grow their countries of resources. Time again to strap on your armbands, loss. It’s so bizarrely unethical that it’s current day Iraq and chunks of Syria, rapidly. And so the debt crises continued The campaign has some impact. kick off your flip flops, and go for swim hard to comprehend that these financial Turkey and Iran) 3000 years ago where from Mexico, to Thailand, South From 2005, thirty-two countries, mainly in the dark waters of the derivatives instruments of doom could have been rulers would periodically cancel the Korea and Indonesia, then Russia and in Africa, began to have significant market. Careful not to swallow anything allowed to exist. debts – and they can be interpreted as Argentina, and a few years ago reached amounts (around $130 billion) of debt – this water is toxic. And not just exist. Flourish. either an act of benevolence, or a safety the US, UK and Eurozone. cancelled. But to qualify, governments Last edition, you’ll remember (how “Allowing naked CDS trading resulted valve to prevent economic collapse or Today we live in a world of huge had to keep following IMF and World could you forget?) we talked about in the creation of a massive gambling violent overthrow of the lenders. debts. The debt owed by everyone Bank neo-liberal policies. Credit Default Swaps: how they’re a opportunity – a lottery of unprecedented Nowadays, of course, we do not have in the UK – individuals, companies Other governments took matters kind of insurance against risk. Let’s say size” (Willem Buiter, in the FT, March the benign safety valve a jubilee brings to and the government - is 950% of our into their own hands. In 2001, Argentina, you own a chunk of debt – some Greek 2009). It created a casino of doom. society, instead inhabiting a permanent annual income. The total debt owed to in the middle of a debt crisis, defaulted government bonds, for example – and you And here’s what’s super-creepy: it’s debt economy. During the Wall Street crash foreigners by the most impoverished on its debts, devalued its exchange rate want to insure yourself against a default been estimated that Naked CDSs are up and great depression, in the early 1930s, countries still stands at $930 billion, an and brought back controls on capital. on the debt, you buy some risk protection to 80% of the credit default swap market. 24 governments defaulted on paying their increase of $300 billion since 2006. After a few months of turmoil, its (a CDS) – you pay the CDS seller some When someone as money hungry as the debts. This was, however, followed by a Whilst slavery is formally abolished, in economy grew strongly. money, in return for your money the billionaire convicted fraudster and serial period of relative stability because from many parts of the world the burden of debts A real jubilee would allow us to stop seller underwrites the debt. So if the currency crasher George Soros calls them 1945 to the mid-1970s, just four countries still denies people their freedom. A family and examine what sort of society we are Greek government defaults, it’s payday. “toxic”, you should take note. Of CDSs he had to default on paying their debts owing with a large mortgage and negative equity living in and strive to ensure everyone’s The CDS has a value (it’s a pledge to says: “Only those who own the underlying to a global system of regulating loans and are trapped where they live. Deeply indebted needs are met. In a modern context it pay), and can be traded on, like any other bonds ought to be allowed to buy them” debts across the world which limited the countries, from Greece to Jamaica, have would mean radically reducing debts, derivative. Tony Crawford, a campaigner – and not sold to “others who want to movement of capital across borders. their economies run by foreign powers. regulate finance and control the banks to against derivatives at petition44.com, speculate against countries or companies.” This system broke down in the Land and capital have become increasingly ensure they are run in the public interest. calls a CDS a “Non-bank Note”. He Again, to recap, just so we’re clear: 1970s when the current economic owned by a few at the top. Across Europe, this vision is explains: “a CDS is a Non-bank Note a Naked Credit Default Swap is a ‘side inspiring people again as campaigners filled out for debt signed by its ‘Maker’ bet’. It comes into existence when the call for ‘debt audits’ - public [the seller] as a promissory note to pay policy is taken out “without ownership of assessments of an economy’s debt cash to its ‘Holder’ [the buyer].” the underlying securities… Naked CDSs so that ordinary people can assess But here’s the twist. What if you don’t are the instrument of choice for those these debts and decide whether own the government bonds, but you take who take large bets against European they should be paid. The idea comes out insurance against them defaulting governments, most recently in Greece” from the global South, but debt audit anyway? It’s not your debt, but you’re (Wolfgang Münchau, in the FT, February movements have now been set up in insuring against it defaulting, so if it 2010). So when you see Greeks throwing Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy defaults, you get paid. You’re betting on a bricks and lobbing rocks, don’t forget: and France. Activists in the UK are now default. The Greek government defaults, other folk are popping champagne corks. considering following their own debt you win. The economy goes down the But let’s end on an upnote. Recently, audit campaign. toilet, and you’re flush with cash. the EU Parliament agreed on regulation The call for a jubilee goes well What we’ve just described is a designed to outlaw NCDS, regulation beyond a call for charity. It is a call for “Naked Credit Default Swap”. It is, in which is scheduled to come into force in justice. Just as it mobilised people 15 the words of Tony Crawford, “a CDS November 2012. So watch this space. years ago to combat debt slavery in the sold with no underlying security to And in the meantime, now that your toe global South, we believe it can mobilise purchasers” – and why they’re so dodgy has properly been dipped into the CDS people now to combat debt slavery is that “so-called Naked Credit Default and NCDS market, it’s time for you to everywhere, to challenge the type of Swaps make no financial sense except strip off your shorts and take a wild leap finance-run economies we live in and as surefire instruments to profit from into the whacky world of short selling, to restore the notion that we should all Non-bank Notes in default.” We’re sovereign debt, and hedge funds. Have have a say in how our economy works. talking no-strings profit created from a fun, and don’t forget to breathe. MONEY TALK$ OCCUPIED TIMES: You say Athens is in criminal miracle during the good times, also forces them to pretend that they are a “deep depression” - how does it feel to especially in Wall Street and the City. doing this voluntarily. Why? To ensure be living there? They played a crucial part in helping that the Credit Default Swap contracts (in YANIS VAROUFAKIS: People can talk the banks print their private, toxic effect insurance policies, that some hedge about little else except the crisis. You money (e.g. CDOs or collateralised funds and banks bought from other banks meet people that you have not seen debt obligations) by labelling it AAA or and hedge funds, that pay their owner for decades and instead of asking each ‘riskless’. An unholy alliance between money in case of an involuntary Greek other how life has been, you launch these agencies and the banks created default) do not ‘fire’ – since if they do then into a discussion of the ‘disaster’. The the pyramids that crashed in 2008, with those bankers that have issued the CDSs lights are going out on the city, as the results that we all feel worldwide to will end up being insolvent too (since they many families have had their electricity this day. Nowadays, I do not think they lack the money to pay out the insurance supply disconnected. Every other shop matter much. And if they do, it is the contract owners). Thus, Greece is now is now closed, even in the posh areas politicians fault - for example, when a being asked to negotiate with the bankers of Athens. Businesses that are hanging Central Bank (like the ECB) states that what hit the latter will take ‘voluntarily’. It on are readying themselves for the it will only take in as collateral bonds is like asking a mouse to negotiate with final curtain. Everyone owes money or titles with a certain minimum rating a cat as to which part of the mouse the to everyone else and no one can pay. from S&P or Moody’s, whose fault is cat can eat. And all that as a precondition Jobs are a mirage, with unemployment it if S&P and Moody’s then exercise for the EU and the IMF granting more amongst young people reaching 45% exorbitant power? loans to Greece, that Greece will be using across the population. OT: It seems like the technocrats are to pay the bankers leading to even more crippling austerity - while being prohibited from using even a fraction of that money In the wake of the brutal austerity to boost its economy or fund hospitals. OT: It’s been rumoured that certain package - cutting 3.3 billion euros of currency exchanges are preparing for wages, pensions and benefits - which has a return of the Drachma - do you think that’s going to happen? What would just been passed by the Greek parliament, happen if Greece pulled out of the euro? Professor Yanis Varoufakis, Professor YV: It would be criminally negligent if our governments were not preparing of economic theory at the University of contingency plans for such an Athens, gives the OT his unique insights eventuality. Having said that, I think that a collapse of the euro would be awful ILIAS BARTOLINI into the dark days that lie ahead... for all of us; both those inside and those outside the euro area. Moreover, the OT: Aren’t electricity bills in Greece taking over (in Italy & Greece) - you human cost in a place like Greece from going up now, and isn’t there some new think they can do a better job? leaving the euro, while the euro remains electricity tax...? YV: No, this is not a matter of legal tender, would be appalling. Marloes YV: Both. Electricity itself has just gone personalities. It is a deep structural OT: Will people be forced to leave the Move Your Money!Nicholls up by 12% while, on top of that, the flaw in the guts of financialised big cities (Athens, Rome, Lisbon etc.) government is introducing new lump capitalism in general and the eurozone’s and go back to rural areas? This month saw the launch of Move They have ownership structures and sum taxes via the electricity bill. If it unsustainable architecture in particular. YV: A number of people are, indeed, Your Money UK, a national grassroots business strategies that are more were not so tragic, it would have been In some respects, a degree of personal leaving Athens for the countryside, hoping campaign to spread the message that geared towards benefiting people, hilarious. competence is not a bad thing. Italy’s to establish a simpler more sustainable we, as individuals, can help to build communities and the environment. OT: People talk about “the Greek Mario Monti is certainly better than life. But this is not the solution. We live a better banking system through our Move Your Money UK aims to malaise”. What exactly is it? Berlusconi. Not so our own ‘technocrat’, in urbanized, cosmopolitan societies in buying power. The campaign follows provide people with the information YV: Let me remind you that until 2008, Lucas Papademos, whose greatest which the city is our civilisation’s lynchpin. a highly successful movement in the and confidence they need to make Greece was doing rather well. The asset, in my estimation, has been his The task ahead is to made them work. US which has led to over 10 million informed decisions regarding the economy was growing faster than the readiness to act as his master’s voice Not to abandon them. people moving their money into local types of financial institutions they average in Europe, investment was on for a long, long time (his master being OT: Why is ‘debt’ so powerful? financial institutions. want to support. We also hope to the rise both in the public and the private the European Central Bank). Although YV: Because the creditors possess It is clear that the banks have strengthen the ethical banking domains. So, why did Greece implode in in a way, he’s doing a sterling job, given monopoly power over the political system. failed us. The financial crisis of 2008 sector, and broaden and enhance the 2009/10? The reason is both simple and that his job description was, from day Especially after the Crash of 2008, we live saw the biggest tax payer bailout in debate on financial reform. complex. The simple story is that Greek one, to orchestrate the acceptance of under a system I call Bankruptocracy - history, and since then the UK has The first Move Your Money UK industry retreated in the late 1970s, these loans by the Greek parliament. rule by the bankrupt banks. The greater experienced the worst recession in event took place outside a Barclays following the combined shocks of the Once a lackey always a lackey! the black hole in their midst, the greater living memory. Instead of helping branch in London on 10th February, oil crises (that boosted energy costs) OT: Is there any more to give? Any more their capacity to mobilise the state in to build a productive and stable the day that Barclays announced it’s and the removal of tariff protection, so assets to strip? order to extract rents from the rest of the economy, the major high street banks annual results and a bonus pool of as to support Greece’s entry into the YV: It is important to emphasise that social economy. have and continue to persistently over £2bn. Members of the public EEC - the predecessor of the EU. At that the worst aspect of the Greek ‘bailouts’ OT: Do you think the people will ever use their enormous power to steer turned up for the ‘Better Bail-out’ to point, the losses of the private sector is that their purpose is [ITALICS]not take back control of their banking the economy through their lending close accounts, remove their money were transferred to the state sector, [END ITALICS] to asset-strip Greece. system? decisions to the detriment of society. and write letters of complaint. inflating public debt (especially as the Their purpose is to hide the true, sorry YV: Not until the middle class also Move Your Money UK believes Several more events will follow this state was utilized to employ workers and state of northern European banks. For revolts, and the political system realises that top down reform can only take month to coincide with the bonus employees that industry was shedding). this reason, the insolvent Greek state, that they must yield to the masses, or us so far; the banks won’t change of announcements of the other major Add to this mix a chronic dose of tax and its battered citizenry, is being be done away with themselves. their own accord and politicians and High St banks - RBS, HSBC and evasion (that began with the rich and asked to take on loans that it cannot OT: What do you make of the Occupy regulators are too narrowly focused Lloyds TSB. then spread down to the ‘lower’ classes) repay for a simple reason: so as to pass movement? on maintaining the status quo. Bonuses might be down this year, and you have the makings of strains them on to the insolvent banks. But to YV: It is the only ray of hope during a Banks rely on the deposits of but the sums being paid out are still in the public purse. Before the euro, pass these loans through the German particularly dark night. ordinary savers, so when you choose multiple times the average wage, and Greece managed to avoid crises through parliament, whose members do not where you keep your money, you are they are symptomatic of a system that frequent devaluations. But once we want to pass these loans, the German choosing between supporting business is acting in the interests of a few at were in the euro, the shock absorber government must demonstrate to its as usual or taking a simple but the cost of wider society. Among the of devaluations was gone. That was a MPs that Greece ‘deserves’ its loans powerful step towards a better banking long list of damning findings, research time when rivers of cheap toxic money because it is suffering, bleeding and system and a better future. By moving by Ethical Consumer Magazine has (mostly produced by Wall Street, the selling out. Thus, Greece is asset- your money you can directly support uncovered evidence that, for years, City and the large Northern European stripped in order to placate German an ethical and socially useful bank, the big banks have been paying banks) were flooding their way into parliamentarians to pass loans to the and send a message about the sort of excessive bonuses to executives, countries like Greece, Ireland, Spain bankrupt banks. society and economy you want to see. avoiding tax, investing unethically, etc. They gave everyone a false sense OT: What’s your issue with the PSI? And one you’d rather not. and providing poor customer service. of complacency, but in reality they were (Private Sector Initiative) and the debt Though most people in the If your money is sitting with any of creating a consumption-led boom. So, ‘restructuring’ we’re about to see? UK currently bank with the “Big the major high street banks, then it’s when the Crash of 2008 hit us, it was YV: My issue with it is that it is fraudulent. 5” - Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, helping to fund these practices. just a matter of time before the capital I am all for haircuts. If a loan turns bad, RBS and Santander (and their Find out more about moving which had flown in flew again, leaving then both the borrower and the lender subsidiaries) - we aren’t reliant on your money and how to get nothing more than devastation behind. must take a hit. So far, the burden and the them. There is a flourishing group involved with events this month and And given the impossibility of a fall in pain has gone only to the Greek people, of financial providers that offer a during ‘Move Your Money Month’ Greece’s currency, to absorb the shock, while the EU and the IMF are piling up safe and credible alternative. These in March by visiting our website the result is that something else had to new debt on Greece’s weak shoulders so include credit unions, building www.moveyourmoney.org.uk, our give - Greece’s social economy. that the bankers do not lose a penny of societies, banks with strong ethical page “Move Your Money OT: And credit rating agencies, how did the money and the interest due to them. they fit into all this..? The reason why the PSI is fraudulent is commitments and community UK” or follow us on Twitter @ GIAKOUMIS development finance institutions. moveyourmoneyuk. YV: These outfits performed their that it forces the bankers to take a hit, but YES Michael Sabbagh (Mike D.) The relationship between squatting and Occupy is far more complex than the The Great contrast between the camp and indoor spaces. The Bank of Ideas in London is (or was) a fine example of why squatting, especially of large spaces, is and should remain an integral part of Occupy. Debate Traditionally squats are living and communal spaces. The sheer amount of IS SQUATTING THE SAME AS OCCUPYING? community-oriented events that went on at Bank of Ideas over its short two and Both the occupation of squares and the squatting of buildings are seen half month stint is mind-boggling. From as strategies for re-claiming public space. Recently, some occupations the early days with Mark Thomas to a (Sydney, Oakland, London) have turned to squatting in order to utilise empty long evening of films, conversations and space as community centres or housing options, in particular after facing heart breaking stories with activists from eviction from parks or squares. This week we ask: Is squatting the same No Borders South Wales, to some guy as occupying? What are the pros and cons of taking empty buildings? And named “Thom”, not to mention the weekly should squatting be an integral part of the Occupy strategy? clowning and yoga workshops – Bank of Ideas was truly a community space. The ground floor provided computers with web access open to the public, whilst the first floor consisted of a large communal space anchored by the kitchen - as an ideal communal space should be. Besides all these events, Bank of Ideas housed the heart of Occupy LSX’s tech operation. There were many practical reasons for this, the least of which being reliable access to power and Internet. Anyone who spent time in the tech tents at St. Paul’s or Finsbury Square knows reliable power and Internet are hot commodities in outdoor spaces. It is easy to see how a larger, indoor and more permanent space is more conducive to tech operations. In our case, the ground floor had a general tech room and housed the live-stream team on the other side near the theater. This gave us our own separate space Banner making was always open to unpredictable London weather? while remaining in proximity to events anyone that wanted to pop in and help, I’m not sure that you can or should even and happenings. A good chunk of the but being in an enclosed area aided try. Instead, everyone should embrace third floor housed and protected servers keeping things somewhat discreet, not to the fact that indoor spaces affords the vital to Occupy LSX’s tech research and mention the difficult logistics of trying to movement unique opportunities that development efforts - which is now make a 40 foot banner on a pavement. outdoor spaces simply can’t offer. We sadly scattered and disjointed. Another On the flipside, we’re all painfully shouldn’t think of places like Bank of advantage was being the same building familiar with the rift between the Ideas solely as squats any more than St. as all the other community events: ‘squatters at Bank of Ideas’ and Paul’s as a wall-less squat. The motto all This meant that anyone could walk in, occupiers in tents on the harsh pavement along has been that Bank of Ideas, and hang out and contribute to any project of St. Paul’s. This was, on the one hand, any subsequent buildings, are truly going on. So in a way, our idea of completely understandable and on the a public repossession and as such “squatting” at the Bank of Ideas was other hand very difficult to reconcile. integral to what we’re doing. The full very different than the norm. How can you convince someone sleeping calendar of events was just one aspect Along with the technology, Bank of outdoors that her or his relationship to Bank of Ideas; we should not forget Ideas gave us plenty of room to make to Occupy is in the same league as that many important aspects of Occupy massive banners for demonstrations someone sleeping in a room without the LSX are simply more difficult, if not BRIAN LELI while being shielded from the elements. constant chiming of church bells and the impossible to conduct outdoors.

NO Wail Qasim ASKING What is the difference between occupying should be proliferating. In this way it is become synonymous with the noun. We and squatting? Presumably in this a politicised act in reaction to prevailing see this in the reclaiming of foreclosed Flaminia debate we are referring to ‘occupying’ social relations that perpetuate conditions housing in the United States which has THE OCCUPIERS: Giambalvo as the conscious political act rather where people suffer the effects of a lack of largely come out of the Occupy movement. than any given state of habitation or affordable housing. This is squatting under what has become What is your most memorable Occupy being – of course the act is politicised An occupation may well be a brand name: Occupy – one which has experience to date? regardless of a conscious decision, but it aesthetically similar in its use of spaces, perhaps even engaged in reengineering is necessary to be more pragmatic with but implies a very different form of the past to fit the brand. The tented our definitions for our intention. This is politicisation. It is a consciously political encampment which is the aesthetic now TAMMY: “When I first turned up here at I wanted a hot drink, initially I said I was to say that occupying is an antagonistic use of a space that bares significance to the synonymous with this movement has a 11o’clock on the 15th of October, there fine. But she insisted on buying me a cup act of protest defined by one’s very wider political point being made. Students historical lineage including Tahrir square. weren’t many people around. I thought to of tea or coffee, as she said it would be presence in a particular place: public occupied their universities over tuition fee We now find that both protestors and the myself, this is not going to happen. her honour,because she appreciated so squares, foreign lands and buildings are rises, UK Uncut protesters occupied the media see Tahrir, simply for its aesthetics, I sat down on the steps of St. Paul’s just much we were occupying. That was a some of these examples. Here we find an stores of tax avoiders, Greek protesters as an Occupy before Occupy. checking my phone, and when i popped beautiful moment, where I realised the overlap with the term ‘squatting’ – the occupied their ministries to protest against ‘Occupying’ is one of the political my head back up after 10 minutes there strength of the movement and how much habitation of unoccupied property, an act their government’s austerity program acts under the Occupy brand name. It were hundreds of people who just seemed I wanted to be part of this.” often political in a very different sense – a and Occupy protestors have taken to can be tempting to historically subsume to have appeared out of nowhere. It was PEDRO: “I have been here since the politics defined through necessity. This is global financial districts in protest over squatting acts under this brand as amazing. Then the general assembly with 15th of October, I can’t specify any one why I would argue that squatting is not the material and political consequences they occur, especially if they involve hundreds of people the police turning up particular experience. But generally the same as occupying. of the financialisation of the economy. In individuals or the types of individuals and kettling us. I was really frightened, but speaking the most memorable The necessity to squat is born out each of these examples the space taken who are also involved in the Occupy I was determined not to go anywhere. Then experience has been meeting so many of a very real social issue: the lack of is significant to the protest. Here we find movement. But the squatting tradition at night I was playing with a balloon and amazing people. During these four affordable housing. It is the need to a very simple distinction drawn along the as a a political act, and as the simple it went on the other side of the riot police months I have met such a variety of assure one’s material conditions in lines of political consciousness and the tradition of obtaining the means by which lines. I asked if we could have it back. they wonderful people and that is something such a society that drives one to squat; significance of space. to live, has a long history before Occupy, said no. So I started chanting: “whose I will always remember.” housing – in this case regardless of its The Occupy movement throws up and continues to occur in London and balloon?” and immediately after hundreds JAMES: “On November the 30th public precarity – is not an optional condition confusion for this distinction however. throughout the world apart from it. Both of people shouting with me “our balloon”. sector strike, using the demo units, for the adequate sustenance and To occupy becomes to Occupy – this are, arguably, responses to the same It’’s hard to say just one thing. which were those big, tall bamboo reproduction of life over any extended transition from the verb to the concrete thing, or at least the symptoms of the FANNY: “The very first morning, the structures. I was a part in helping bring period of time. Unfortunately, though noun subsumes all acts and verbs under same thing: acts of resistance against 16th of October.I wasn’t even sleeping in those into London and out on the day. empty properties are readily available, the new noun of Occupy. This means that the excesses of capital; and though a tent. I had been sleeping on a piece of They really caught everybody’s eye and often those truly on the fringes of society if something is carried out in the name their aesthetics and physicalities may cardboard on the concrete, right next to gave people a focal point, around which in fact do not have access to the skills and of the movement, it becomes labelled as be blurred, it would be wise for those Starbucks. I woke up and it was freezing, to gather. But probably more than that I support networks needed for squatting. Occupy - by the media or by protestors concerned with either to appreciate but it was a beautiful day. Then a total would say the most memorable Occupy With a housing crisis and increased themselves. Thus, when discussing and differentiate the differences and stranger just walks up to me and asks if experience is the next one.” homelessness looming, this is a skill we squatting it is all too easy for the act to advantages of the two. Like chickens, sheep, wildebeest and is underway as castles dominate the which time nearly everyone will adopt monkeys, humans are safer from board, but can a pawn push through new rules, even if the plan comes from a predators in groups. The main difference hostile territory to the end and the source with much less authority, a pawn is that we follow invisible systems as well promise of transformation? rather than a bishop. Our movement does as alpha males (so a chinless, gutless Check. The king is getting not need leaders, but we do, each of us, creep at the head of a creeping police desperate. need the courage to unleash our natural state can command almost as effectively Check again. The law does not govern leadership qualities. We do not need as a charismatic dictator). Though our your actions. You do! Dodge his knight badges or titles to speak with authority superior intelligence occasionally inspires and pin his queen. Pay attention, and and expect to be followed, because a Thoreau or Lao Tze to turn his back keep the king in check. A full spectrum following is what humans do by nature, on the system, far more intelligence lies between the black and the white, so and decency trumps rank for 90% of us. is invested into manipulating and choose your shade and raise a banner. A freethinker need only stand up and marshaling obedience than escaping it. Pawn threatens castle. Milgram suggest a game less heartless than the So what about evil? Fatally repeated his experiment with teachers one being played. Given the sorry state of torturing a friendly stranger is pretty in a group, only one of whom was the the state, this should not be too difficult. nasty, but unless you want to write off real subject whilst the rest were actors. Pawn takes castle, transforms into 65% of your species as evil, we have to When an actor refused to continue, 90% whatever he likes. look for answers elsewhere. And where of subjects ignored the technician and Checkmate in three. else would a reverend look than the followed his example. We obey until a The Irreverent Reverend Nemu good book? better course of action is presented, at blogs at www.nemusend.co.uk “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil” (Exd 23:2) It is not the people in the multitude which are evil, nor the following, but the deed. The word ‘evil’ suggests serial

Juan Manuel Peña killers and souls that are blacker than the inside of a wolf’s gullet, but ‘evil’ is more complex in Hebrew. ‘RA’ describes the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, but it also describes something quite different in a verse that always makes me giggle: “the other basket had very naughty (RA) figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad (RA).” (Jer 24:2) On the Naughty naughty, but we’re clearly not dealing with morals or Satanic possession here. (This might make you think about the tree in a very different light, if you are wont to think about such things.) Even God cooks up some “evil” [RA], Soapbox with a plan to destroy the Israelites, until REV NEMU PREACHES ‘CHECKMATE IN THREE’ Moses stands up to Him and persuades Him to change His mind (Exd 32). It is BEN CAVANNA our duty to derail schemes which lead “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do According to an observer: to suffering and destruction, even if the evil” - Exodus “I observed a mature and initially author is the supreme authority in the Back in 1961, as the mild-looking, poised businessman enter the laboratory universe. The Old Testament is absolutely pen-pushing architect of the Holocaust smiling and confident. Within twenty clear on this point, and the rabbis of Adolf Eichmann was on trial for minutes he was reduced to a twitching, the Zohar slam Noah for his atrocious STALWARTS OF genocide, Stanley Milgram began stuttering wreck, who was rapidly defending, letting God get away with investigating the question of obedience. approaching a point of nervous collapse. something so dreadful as flooding the Emma What he revealed is unsettling, but He constantly pulled on his earlobe, world without raising a stink. Indeed, the OCCUPY: BETTY Fordham contains an element of hope for the and twisted his hands. At one point he name Israel means “wrestles with God”, free-thinking subversive. pushed his fist into his forehead and and is given to Jacob after he spends all Occupier and OT reporter Emma Fordham The basic experiment begins with muttered: ‘Oh God, let’s stop it.’ And yet night doing just that. two subjects deciding by lot which he continued to respond to every word of People are not ‘Evil’ with a capital E, chews the fat with another of Occupy would be the ‘teacher’ and which the the experimenter, and obeyed to the end.” a shiver down the spine and a cameo by London’s familiar faces. ‘learner’. The teacher first watches The implication is that 65% of Boris Karloff, but we are obedient. We the learner being strapped into a chair men will obey completely an authority are horribly, mindlessly, murderously and covered with electrodes. Then the figure, without threat, coercion, or profit obedient. We are pawns marching along EM: When did you arrive at OLSX? address, what are the most important teacher is seated in an adjacent room at motive, causing extreme pain or worse predetermined courses, and our lack of BETTY: Just before Christmas. for you? a machine labelled ‘Shock Generator’. to a friendly stranger (many admitted initiative opens up a space for a king to EM: What brought you here? BETTY: I just want lasting positive A man in a white coat tells him to read in follow-up interviews that they take power. A king need only point out BETTY: I read about it in newspapers. change towards a fairer system. questions to the learner through a believed the learner was either dead or an enemy across the board, and we play I was having my own personal credit EM: Tell me three things about the microphone, and punish errors with unconscious). Milgram comments: follow the leader, goose-stepping down crisis and needed to do something current system that you’d most like to increasing electric shocks. “Each individual possesses a the track to war abroad and oppression positive about that. I didn’t know when change... After the first mistake, the teacher conscience which, to a greater or lesser at home. The 65% is not the enemy. The I turned up how long I’d stay, I’ve BETTY: Oh, I don’t know at the must flip the first switch, labelled “15 degree, serves to restrain the unimpeded 1% is not the enemy. Squatters are not just been living from day-to-day, not moment what the best three would be. volts - slight shock”. The machine flow of impulses destructive to others. the enemy, Arabs are not the enemy, thinking about the future. I can come up with some ideas... The buzzes, lights flash, a meter swings, But when he merges his person into an banksters are not the enemy, the EDL EM: What were you doing before you top financiers who messed up should and the experiment continues, with organisational structure, a new creature are not the enemy. The evil things on this came to St Paul’s? go without bonuses and fat pensions. I’d each shock increasing by 15 volts. After replaces autonomous man, unhindered planet are not individuals but systems BETTY: I was living in Hampstead, like to see a better value system based twenty errors and a 300-volt “very strong by the limitations of individual morality, which have gone bad, putrid institutions writing a book. I put the book on the on fairness and kindness. And I’d like shock”, the learner pounds on the wall. freed of humane inhibition, mindful only and calcified chains of command. Why do internet – it’s called The Buzzing Guns to replace any incompetent, unethical If the teacher expresses concern, the of the sanctions of authority.” we feel obliged to honour contracts which in the Battle for Light and it’s a book people in powerful positions with people technician explains that although the In reruns, the figure of 65% barely have passed their use-by date? for these times, there’s stuff in it that’s more able to create a more just and shocks can be extremely painful, they changes across countries and decades; Centuries ago, bishops brought symbolic of what is going on right now. I better world. I might change my mind cause no permanent tissue damage, the seventies counterculture appears their black and white Gospel to every ran out of money while writing the book. on these later, it’s a difficult question. and that “the experiment requires that to have had no impact whatsoever corner of the board on the point of a EM: What have you been doing while EM: What do you think Occupy has you continue”. The next question goes on obedience. It is hardwired into us. knight’s lance. Today the endgame staying at the OLSX camp? achieved so far? unanswered, and the technician explains BETTY: I’ve mainly been helping BETTY: On a practical level what we’ve that no answer is a wrong answer, in the kitchen. I was drawn to the done in the camp is amazing. We’ve and must be punished. More pounding atmosphere there. opened people’s eyes, we’ve had a follows, but this is the last that is EM: Why did you decide to stay? masses of public support and there has heard from the learner. The remaining BETTY: On arriving in the camp I been an enormous amount of giving questions go unanswered, and the walked into a wave of generosity. I and generosity. It is incredible how a teacher keeps increasing the voltage. didn’t have to justify myself. I was few hundred people can be fed three The experiment was rigged to welcomed and it was heart-warming. times a day - and given hot drinks study not pain-assisted learning but I had my first ever Christmas without too – from two small gas burners. obedience. Both lots read ‘teacher’, cash and for the first time I really felt And there’s no judging. Everyone is and the ‘learner’ was really a friendly the spirit of Christmas. I was given food, welcome, from the bankers to the middle-aged actor in league with the a tent... it was an amazing lesson, I’ve rough sleepers. scientists. All 40 subjects continued learnt that the universe will provide. EM: Where will you go after St Paul’s? until the pounding, at which point five EM: Is camping in the city a hardship BETTY: Finsbury Square is probably stopped. A further nine disobeyed over or a joy? the next step. I’m going to take one the next four questions, but 26 (65%) BETTY: Not hardship, not joy... There day at a time and see what happens. continued through “intense shock”, are elements of both. It has been a I want to feel as though I’m learning

“danger - severe shock”, to the full 450 BEN CAVANNA tremendous eye-opener. and moving forwards but I don’t have a volts, marked “XXX”. EM: Of all the issues Occupy aims to clear view of the future. GUARDIANS

Rupert OF THE FUTURE Read I’ve got a proposal to end the chronic culture of short-termism people of the future need to have something like a proxy vote. that we have in our politics, our electoral cycles, our business and If we don’t screw up so badly that we stop them from economics. Because when one is trying to think on a timescale of existing altogether, over time there will be far more future hundreds of years or thousands of years or hundreds of thousands people than there are present people. While “present people” of years - which is the timescale for nuclear waste, and the scale includes everyone alive today, the concept of future people on which most severe environmental changes happen - then those would include the next generation, and the generation kind of short-term cycles don’t make a lot of sense. thereafter, and thereafter, and so on. Pretty quickly, the number One starting point from which to think about the grows incredibly large. consequences of short-term thinking is the idea of “democracy” This leads to a curious paradox: In a democracy, they would itself. What does it mean? Etymologically, democracy means out-vote us every time. They would be the vast majority. So, in ‘the people rule’ or ‘the people govern’. I am sure that most order to express their proxy ‘vote’, I suggest that what we need occupiers would agree that at the present time it is inaccurate to give them is a proxy veto. I want to suggest that we need proxy to say – in any meaningful sense – that “the people govern” representatives for future people empowered in and by our political in our society. We don’t even have the alternative vote, let system to veto things that we might want to do but that they don’t alone proportional representation; we’re still waiting for the want us to do. And the people who are going to be these proxies upper house to be democratically reformed. And beyond those I’m calling “Guardians for Future Generations”, guardians to electoral reforms, we need also participatory democracy, represent the interests of these future people to us. economic democracy, and a serious re-localisation. Let there So, who should these guardians be? How should they be be no doubt: If we want real democracy, we have to be willing to selected? It doesn’t make any sense for us to vote for them, Marc Lallanilla accept vast changes in our society. because they are proxies for future people – they’re there to But even if all those changes occured, we would still be in express the votes that future people would cast if they could a society which ran the risk of being chronically short-termist. cast those votes. I ndustrial Food Why? Even if we make far-reaching changes to our institutions, I suggest that actually all of us and none of us are equally the laws that would result from such changes still focus on well positioned to be these proxy representatives for future the interests and wishes of present people – of people who are people. We need, plainly, to draw these proxy representatives & How to Avoid It alive today. They are the people who vote, and they are the from across the entire population. I suggest that the only ones whose votes alone would count even in an improved and fair, reasonable and democratic way of doing this is through There was a time – long, long ago – similar to America’s USDA organic enhanced democracy. the same principle that animates the jury system: random when all food was organic, local, fair program, which requires that farmland But a people, I want to suggest to you, is not something that selection. Anyone and everyone should have an equal chance to trade and pesticide-free. Of course, – and the plants and animals on it – be exists as a time-slice; a people is something that exists over time. be one of the guardians for future people. that era was also the time of the Black completely free of synthetic pesticides It begins in the past and goes on indefinitely far into the future. This is the idea: Guardians for the fundamental interests – Plague, the Spanish Inquisition and an and fertilizers for years. And while people in the past are hard to harm (because and for the basic needs! – of future generations, to be selected average life span of 42 years, so don’t Not all organic food, however, is they’ve had their time) people in the future are extremely at random, as jurors are, to form a super-jury. This body would get too nostalgic. grown under sustainable conditions. An vulnerable to harm. Indeed, they are vulnerable to policies that sit above our existing political institutions and have the power Today, we humans are faced with a organic tomato flown in from Mexico prevent them from existing at all. But their precariousness is to veto proposed legislation or to force a review of existing dizzying array of food choices: mangos has a huge environmental impact and, also a source of great hope. If we get things right, people in the legislation that they (the guardians) adjudged – based on their in the dead of winter, exotic liquors according to author and activist Michael future could have the chance to have a great existence and to own deliberations, based on their seeking to uphold the basic distilled in isolated rural villages, and fish Pollan, many food items travel about go on indefinitely longer into the future having that existence. interests and needs of future people, and based on the absolute harvested in distant oceans are available 1,500 miles from farm to dinner plate. We need to find a way of making democracy actually include best expert advice available – would be adversely affecting the to diners everywhere. Never before in Thus, many people are turning to local future people. We need to find a way of representing them in fundamental interests and needs of future people. the history of mankind has so much food foods as an alternative to industrial our political system. Rupert Read is a Green Party politician, head of the “Green been so readily available all year-round. foods, and in the process, getting to How could that be accomplished? Can you give future House” think tank and philosophy reader at the University of And it’s killing us. Medical know their local farmers. people a vote? Well, obviously, that’s not very feasible... So we East Anglia. Read has lectured at Tent City University on the researchers have found that, because Seafood can be a difficult dinner need to find some form of proxy representation for them. The impossibility of perpetual growth. of the countless health risks associated choice, because large-scale industrial with the typical Western diet, young harvesting techniques have caused people today are a part of the first some fisheries to crash, and many generation in history that is expected species of fish are in danger of to live shorter lives than their parents. extinction. Fortunately, there are many Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, strokes resources for choosing safe, sustainable and other health issues are stalking seafood, including some green apps for people as mercilessly today as the smartphone users. bubonic plague did centuries ago. For too many people, however, The risks of the modern industrial the thought of eating local or organic food industry, however, extend beyond foods comes loaded with some grievous human health. CAFOs (concentrated mistaken impressions. Cost, first of all, animal feeding operations) and other is a deterrent, and it’s true that some factory farming techniques have been organic foods cost more. But smart described as “a frontal assault on the shoppers have found that there are some environment, with massive groundwater foods that are best to buy organically - and air pollution problems” by renowned fruits and vegetables that are not peeled, animal sciences expert Peter Cheeke, for example, like tomatoes and apples. Ph.D. Estimates vary, but somewhere Shoppers can economize by between 18-51% of the greenhouse buying other foods that are not grown gases that cause global warming come organically and are safer to eat because from livestock production. they’re peeled - like onions, avocados In many CAFOs, the reckless use and bananas. Buying organic milk can of antibiotics in livestock poses an also save money because it’s pasteurised imminent threat. Up to 70% of all the at very high temperatures, so it lasts antibiotics used in the United States longer in the refrigerator (no more go not to sick people, but to healthy tossing out a container of spoiled milk!). animals. Experts fear the overuse of Another misconception is that these drugs is creating a vast army of eating healthy, sustainable food means “superbug” bacteria that is completely eking out a hair-shirted existence of resistant to the most powerful antibiotics cold gruel and raw vegetables – yet in our medical arsenal. nothing could be further from the truth. What can you do? Plenty- and Epicureans delight in the complexity fortunately it doesn’t involve hoeing a and variety of biodynamic wines and row of potatoes in freezing weather like a organic chocolates, and beer aficionados medieval serf. Along with the numerous speak in glowing terms of the rich taste food choices available to consumers of organic beer. Grass-fed beef and today are a surprising variety of foods organic eggs are known to have a more that are as healthy for the environment succulent flavor than industrial meats. as they are for you. So dig in – there’s plenty of great First, consider buying fruits, food available in large cities and small vegetables and other produce that is villages alike that are healthy, sustainable organically grown. Certification varies and delicious, and they avoid the worst BRIAN LELI from country to country, but most are aspects of industrial foods. Bon appetit! 1 2 3 4 IMPERIALISM crossword: michael richmond 5 THE EMPIRE SHITE’s BACK 6

Down Across 7 1. Tyrannical and capricious Roman 2.Privateers of the Spanish Empire who Emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty decimated the indigenous population of whose name translates as ‘little boot.’ (8) the New World through a combination of 2. Ancient powerhouse and city-state brutal suppression and epidemic. (13) 8 which fought three wars with Rome 7. A modern form of transnational before eventually being conquered by hegemony that is more subtle than them. (8) 3. Mark Twain described his just economic exploitation or military conversion to anti-Imperialism in this colonisation. Casual Rim Multiplier 9 10 quote from 1900:”We have gone there (anagram) (8, 11) 8. The Belgian to conquer, not to redeem. It should, it Empire, ruled by Leopold II, committed 11 seems to me, be our pleasure and duty to some of the worst atrocities in this make those people free, and let them deal country during the entire “Scramble with their own domestic questions in their for Africa.” (5) 10. Indian empire own way. And so I am an anti-imperialist. which oversaw large-scale territorial I am opposed to having the eagle put expansion, architectural exploits like the its talons on any other land.” Which Taj Mahal and was succeeded by British 12 13 14 country that America interfered with is colonialism. (6) 11. Capital city of the he referring to? (3, 11) 4. Expansionist Achaemenid (or First Persian) Empire, 15 sultan of the Ottoman Empire. (8, 3, 11) built by Darius the Great. (10) 12. The 5. Mongol ruler, grandson of Genghis. “king” of this ancient empire would spend Blank Haiku (anagram) (6, 4) 6. Author most of his time in Memphis. (5) 14. In of The Age of Empire. (4, 8) 7. Long- a clear act of imperialism the Soviet 16 17 ruling Empress. (9, 3, 5) 9. This Old Union removed the government of which World imperial power became the only country in 1956 after their anti-Stalinist European nation to be ruled from one leader, Imre Nagy, withdrew from the of its colonies when Napoleon chased Warsaw Pact. (7) 15. Penultimate its ruling family out of the country (and ruling dynasty of China. (4) 17. Name the continent.) (8) 13. In their pathetic for the head of state in the Islamic desperation to remain relevant after Empires. (6) 18. Co-wrote “Empire,” a Britain’s post-imperial decline, our work on modern-day imperialism, with 18 financial imperialists have turned many Michael Hardt. (7, 5) of our former “possessions” into one of these, so that they could continue to steal from other countries (mostly “legally”) and profit from their people’s misery. (3, 5) 16. Which John, in his 1902 work “Imperialism,” posited that empires are driven not by patriotic pride but by an oligarchic ruling class whose unequal dominance of their own nation-state leads Poet’s Corner them to subjugate foreign countries in order to open new markets and find new LOST GENERATION sources of profit. (6) Lost degenerates with long coat and hood Deep pockets carrying all you believe good, Waste, filter through your hands touch and grab Make sure for certain recheck you still have, Lost in the day with your routine and time Check all your pockets is all still fine? Emptied, used or lost, it is not well, Fear not for capitalism! We’ll get the hard sell!

Lost degenerates you must have collapsed, Where have you gone? They have no grasp! Streets are emptied, derelict decayed, We have the control, degenerates wrongly enraged.

Feel the wrath of us the degenerates of our times We take heed in these troubles these political crimes, You! With your tie and un-creased white shirt Speaking of justice with head out the dirt, Look at us when we are as clean as you! Despondent from answers and lies we are roué, We are the people the whole flock of this hour The creators, the artists, the revolutionary power! Seize all you can from the wisdom of old Insert their knowledge, examine and remould, They are naïve to the present destruction Lost in their affirmations with corruption.

Lost degenerates with long coat and hood Deep pockets carrying all you believe good, Realise the old clock has past its time Has ticked for too long and lost its chime, Globalisation has been born and sprung Has woven its web and meticulously spun, Run ragged with pride, gluttony and greed, They have ripped all nations to let the vultures feed, Degenerates take of your coat, let down your hood Speak proudly of the fighters, who previously stood, Surrender nothing to their power of will, You are the freeman of democracy read the bill!

We are the lost degenerates who’ve been suppressed! We have watched with heartache the nation regressed!

Let us all be one and one for all, let us pick up all who fall! Let us march together now with frenetic stimulation Let us spread shanti in each and every nation. By Thomas.c.Batten Photos of Robert Montgomery’s billboard poems in Old Street evict us AND We mult iplY

OCCUPY LONDON