Parents meet-up at St Pauls/Occupy London?

[zelda200]

Hello all - would anyone be interested in meeting up at St Pauls on Wednesday 26th under a parents-for-change sort of banner?

I went to the start of the protest on Sat 15th (with my two kids, 3.5 and 1.5), and was struck by the need for more so-called ordinary people to be there, as otherwise it might get dismissed as just the "usual suspects" (far-left agitators etc). I think just from talking around that a lot of parents think this is important for our kids' future. I would like to take a stand against the growing inequality in this country.

Anyone interested in meeting?

Thanks

Not interested because I think it's wrong to keep holding St Pauls to ransom the way the protestors are doing.

How far would you go with equality though??

As far as Lenin?? Castro???

Agree with cogito

Good on you Zelda. Wish I could join you, but logistically it's impossible. The protesters are not keeping St Paul's to ransom. There is no need at all for St Paul's to be closed - it's obviously being done for political reasons.

GohWee: what exactly was the fire service advice then?

Speaking outside the cathedral on Friday, Dean Knowles said: "I have written an open letter to the protesters this afternoon, advising them that we have no lawful alternative but to close St Paul's Cathedral until further notice. With so many stoves and fires and lots of different types of fuel around, there is a clear fire hazard. Then there is the public health aspect, which speaks for itself. The dangers relate not just to cathedral staff and visitors but are a potential hazard to those encamped."

It's a shame that this key London landmark, originally so happy to accommodate the protestors, now finds they're biting the hand that fed them.... and is regretting it daily. They need to be moved on.

I agree with congnito. Are the people they are protesting against being in the slightest bit effected by this? They are causing trouble but only for the people kind enough to initially offer to host them

No Sirzy they are not affected at all. Their dole money gest paid to them regardless.

If there was a fire within a tent or tents how do you think they would do any damage to St Paul's - a huge sturdy, granite building some distance away from the tents.

I completely oppose any protest at a place of worship. Especially if that place of worship has politely asked that they remove themselves.

Shame on anyone who wants to protest there.

I just don't think the country is behind these self appointed guardians of equality.

If there was a fire within a tent or tents how do you think they would do any damage to St Paul's

I don't know how it was worded exactly, but perhaps they mean if there was a fire at St Pauls then emergency services couldn't reach them because of the protesters?

As for the good that the protests are doing I reckon that if the bankers look out the windows and see them there they will be filled with remorse and change their ways at once.

Or not...

I am behind them. Some of the clergy at St Paul's have also spoken in favour. I have also read reports suggesting that there is no logistical need to close, but of course the closure is not doing the protestors any favours in the media.

They actually wanted to set up at another location but were prevented IIRC.

I am really, really surprised at this thread. I thought that the Occupy camps had quite a groundswell of support. I am the ultimate middle class, middle road mum and have been moved by the thoughtful debates and interesting questions these camps are prompting.

I URGE anyone who thinks this is just a protest by soap dodgers to look at site, please. wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/

Considering St Pauls survived the Blitz I'm sure it will cope with the bunch of time wasters farting around outside it now.

In answer to you Zelda, I can't get to the London one, but we have a mini one in Bristol that I have been over to offer sleeping bags and the like. Really interesting bunch of people, certainly not who I expected to meet. I recommend that everyone who dismisses this as time-wasting actually speaks to one of them or goes to one of the twice daily discussions and just... listen.

Just read the 99% site - just don't believe that 99% of the world is afraid they won't meet next months' rent. I'm not wealthy, a banker or any of those '1%' stereotypes but certainly feel no affiliation with this 99% as described here.

onagar: I saw on the news a statement that the camp was blocking fire access to the entire north side of the cathedral, and the fire service said the building could not be open to the general public for as long as access was thus prevented. This position is supported by the public statements from the Cathedral (which CES has linked) and aerial photos of the camp show the blockage to the north.

GohWee is saying that statement is a lie, which is why I asked for the actual fire service statement. Lies do need to be exposed - and can easily be done so in this case by an authoritative account of the fire service's actual advice, which she claims knowledge of.

Sorry Oranges and Zelda - I'm sure some have interesting things to say - but am far too busy working to go and listen to them.

Issynoko

I think you have hit the nail with your previous comment.

Most of us do not identify with this "99%".

Perhaps you are in the 1%? Those of us who have no money worries on a day to day basis, free healthcare, education etc are in a tiny minority. The vast majority of the world's population lives in poverty. The economic system we have perpertuates this situation.

At least these people are doing something, and being noticed. I wish I had any faith it would make a difference.

Was a link to this posted in the Daily Mail or something? Seem a lot of 'new' posters all appearing from nowhere to criticise.

I refer to you to my other thread, pointing out that just under 90% of all votes on a poll on the Guardian website (C 50 million users per month) are IN FAVOUR of the Occupy stance.

I know many, many people currently living on the edge at the moment - ordinary, well-educated, middle-class people, with 'good' jobs. The protesters absolutely represent the views of the vast majority of the British population. Even on that bastion of radicalism, Any Questions on Radio 4,
, when the audience was polled, a clear majority were in favour of the Occupy protests.

Anyone who claims otherwise is either incredibly naive or one of the 1% (or paid by them to write spin on internet sites).

And you think a self-selecting poll of Guardian readers is representative?

I have no quarrel with St Pauls (who are the only body who this camp is having any impact on whatsoever), so would not consider joining.

I wouldn't want to camp outside a mosque, synagogue or temple either when neither the religion nor the edifice was the target.

If anyone thinks the bankers will look out of their windows & instantly be overcome with remorse at their wankerish ways is naive.

Protest by all means, but go & do it somewhere were it inconveniences THEM not the Great British Public who are trying to get around,worship get wed whatever, & the tourists who like it or not help our economy greatly & provide jobs for a LOT of people in London.