'The 99%' camped around the Christmas tree in Leeds City Square seemed to be having a Saturday morning lie-in. When I passed by, there was no evidence of 'Occupy Leeds' protestors, only sealed-up tents. This is a small section of the global 'Occupy' movement, one of many such camps in UK cities, the biggest and most publicised being the one outside St Paul's Cathedral in London. They seem to have identified a problem ('all the power and money [is] in the hands of a corrupt and self-serving top 1%') but as yet I haven't heard any solutions. Whilst not unsympathetic to them or their ideals, I suspect many of those involved across the country are serial activists - not so long ago they were all climbing trees as 'eco-warriors'. Methinks the 50% of the 99% who have jobs might be contributing to their upkeep (though it's sadly true that a lot of young people who would love to have a job can't get one right now).
The imposing building in the background used to be the main Post Office in Leeds. Seems to me that we owe the 1% of Victorians quite a debt...
Someone in New York had a placard saying they should "occupy a desk" - Agree
ReplyDeleteInteresting to read your post Jenny -we have the same here at the moment - Occupy Adelaide - looks like it's world wide!
ReplyDeleteWe feel the frustration of the "99%," but the movement is still waiting for leadership. Still, when there is that much discontent world-wide, revolution is surely afoot. And saying "let them eat cake," John, isn't going to avoid it. Jim
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about the 'serial activists.' We have them here too. I think in many cases they are useful puppets. And the 1% they are ranting about are the job creators.
ReplyDeleteI'm not unsympathetic either but I agree with your analysis Jenny. There is no doubt that many of the local Occupy leaders were 'professional' protesters.
ReplyDeleteThe movement is not in the news here at the moment and the camp was removed by the city a few weeks ago.
I often think of the buildings, art works, etc. that we wouldn't be able to enjoy if it weren't for the 1% of past generations.
In France , we have some demonstrations, but no camps. Not yet, at least..
ReplyDeleteI think that's very in fashion now a little everywhere and you are certainly right !
ReplyDeleteOooh... this is a hot button! I am not going to get started or you may not be able to remove me from my soap box. LOL! I leave only a few statistics: 1% of Americans own 40% of America's wealth; the heirs of Sam Walton of Wal*Mart fame own as much as the bottom 30% of Americans; CEOs of top American corporations have seen an increase of over 35% in their income over the last 12 months of economic crisis, many of these bankers that were bailed out with tax payers' money. You don't think there's something very wrong with this picture that bears taking a closer look? (I am not American; nor am I a socialist.) Oooops! I got started! But only started... :-)
ReplyDeleteIt seems the places where the Occupy movement is going on is also where we have the highest standard of living in the world. Not to say that the rate of unemployment couldn't or shouldn't be lower, but I wonder if they don't have their targets confused.
ReplyDeleteAnd just to add a note about unemployment: If the hyper-regulation, innumerable fees, and taxes were lowered on the employers, they could afford to hire more employees. If you want to stay competitive, those expenditures cannot simply be passed on to the consumers. They'll simply leave...for someplace they can purchase it cheaper. This is why some companies out-source their work...which means even more unemployment for the country of origin. And it's why Walmart can have such low prices. Remember China? The Occupy people should direct their anger at policy makers, not the employers or [most]corporations who would like to give them a job but can't.
ReplyDeleteIt will all be corrected eventually. The high salaries will gradually go down. Those with real wealth usually invest it wisely to the benefit of many. On the other hand, corruption will always be with us, and is often self-defeating.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I think I'll just say Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
ReplyDeleteAlas! it was ever thus . . . we live in a capitalist society . . these things happen, and every so often when things go pear shaped a group of folk sus out what is happening and try to alert the rest of us to effect a change . . I do beleive Our Lord had a thing or two to say about the money lenders in the temple . . . . and so life goes on . . . .
ReplyDeleteThere are a couple camp outs here too, but the nights are so cold I wonder how they hold out. It's been reported that many are homeless, very sad. ~Lili
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