Re: Occupy Victoria vows to battle on, (News, Nov. 9)
I congratulate you on covering the recent events in Centennial Square but I do question your choice of the word “battle” in the headline.
I have visited the square a few times recently. I have seen only solidarity, friendship, determination and courage demonstrated by people, yes, citizens of Victoria, who want to draw attention to the fact that our present system is not working for the majority of people in our country. Why, then, is there a tendency on the part of the media to look for (provoke?) aggression and confrontation?
I’m sure there are probably almost as many reasons for being there as there are campers. They have been holding general meetings to come together and understand each other. Peacefully. Determination and conviction, yes. A battle mentality, no.
I also question Ken Kelly’s assertion that the assemblage has “resulted in fewer people shopping downtown.” If, indeed, there are statistics to verify fewer shoppers, Mr. Kelly might consider that perhaps it is the economic chaos worldwide and the rising unemployment rate that are affecting everyone’s shopping. The police say that the camp has been “infiltrated” by “street people and drug dealers whose interests have nothing to do with Occupy Victoria.” Let’s please remember that street people are (gasp) also citizens of Victoria who are being marginalized by our system.
Arrest the drug dealers and the thieves who are making off with campers’ property.
Protect the courageous citizens who are exercising their democratic right to peaceful demonstration.
Sumitra McMurchy
Victoria