The public pavements of St.Pauls Cathedral are still laiden with anti-capitalist protesters. The media answer few vital questions, and are mostly portraying a negative image of the tent cmmunity. So of course, I pack a bag, grab a pen and paper and head down to find out for myself whats going on, firstly on Saturday night - the 22nd October.
It's just at that time of day when it's getting cold and dark when I arise from the underground of St.Pauls tube station. Walking the short distance to the cathedral, I spot two people with large rucksakes and sleeping bags. I ask the pair if they are planning to stay at St.Paul's tonight and they happily reply that they are hoping to, if they can, as there might not be any spaces left. I walk with them.
Cautiously approaching a tent, half expecting to be denied access, or immediatley fobbed off to the rumoured 'media tent', I am pleasantly surprised to find a low lit tent offering tea and a good selection of biscuits. There I am welcomed, and talk to others queing up for tea. I come across two 16 year old sixth formers from Brighton, who are here for half term. The two eargerly approach a gentleman with a radio asking for volunteers for nightwatch. They are signed up as I approach them, wondering if I will be snubbed or found out as some sort of non-believer of the tent cult... They ask me about myself, so, I hesitantly go with telling them I'm a student journalist, feeling very protected by the word 'student' infront of it. Neither of the young boys shows any hesitance or presumptions and carry on talking about their various arguments of interest, completely uninhibited. Young and enthusiastic, they've only just arrived themselves but are very friendly and offer to show me around, asking if I need a tent and point out a donations tent, advising me on the free shelter and essentials that are available to all.
After glancing at the tent city and identifying a 'Zygeist' film being projected at the 'Occupy cinema' (a large peice of material where films are projected onto, with seats and carpet), it seems dinner is ready. I am told repeatedly to help myself to food, so I follow the crowd to the food tent, here large pots of hot rice and curry, with bread and fruit and more biscuits and cakes are laid out on large tables. I and others form an orderly que for food. There is a trolley for dirty plates and serviced washing up points. Although the tent is dimmly lit I can make out piles of tinned, fresh and packeted food behind the tables. All donations. In the wait for food, I'm shocked to learn, according to one young woman, that philosophy is being cut back across universities and colleges in an attempt to make the subject elitist: to stop the lower classes from questioning and thinking the way that philosophy teaches. Among the numerous different people that talk to me, there are also whispers of the police supporting the protesters, showing complaicency rather than opposition. The police have not intervened or kettled anyone, even at the march earlier on that day. The march was so succesful that the protesters managed to set up a second camp at Finsbury square. Then the light goes off in the food tent. There are all but a couple of small torches to serve food by, time to go.
I swap names and numbers and head home, feeling touched at the friendliness and openess of everyone I encountered, also at the offer of food and free shelter, there was also, I heard, a university and I walked past a library offering free lectures and books. No one seemed to hold of or show any reservations for not being a highly active protester, no one asked if I was going to portray them negatively...maybe slightly niavely.
Although there haven't been many 'answers' to speak of, just lots of debating and swapping of ideas, I resolve to return very soon, and also to visit the new site at Finsbury square. I leave with almost a sense of enlightenment: I suddenly feel empowered to be nice to everyone I meet on the way home, in anyway I can.
My second visit to St.Pauls is on the following Wednesday. The police are jolly, standing talking light heartedly to campers. I notice as I make myself a cup of tea in the tent I first went to on Saturday, that there appears to be more older people, 50 years and older, a contrast to the plucky 16 and 17 year olds I had interviewed before, but all of them were friendly, open and non chalant. There is an older man, who directs a guy in front of me in a suit, to the media tent rather abruptly, after I realise - he wa a journalist. I ask if I should follow him, the older man asks who I write for, I replied for myself, on a student blog. The gent smiled and said I could stay, seemingly less unsettled by someone not writing under the economic and political restraints the man before me may have been under.
I also learn later on at the 'general meeting' which is held on St Pauls steps at 7pm - that the telegraph had printed information about protesters staying overnight at the camp - that 1 in 10 tents is occupied. Claiming to have used 'thermal heat' camera's from helicopters to get snaps of unoccupied, cold tents. Maybe this is why the reception to journalists is a little frostier than last time.
I take my tea, being told there is a shortage of mugs - I reassure the tea makers not to worry, I will bring my mug back soon. Next I am very surprised to come across two children. They are painting a sign that says 'Occupy surplus'. I ask an onlooking woman what the sign is for. 'It's for the surplus of donations given to the camp, it's all in that tent over there, we're making a sign so people know there is surplus if they need anything.' I offer to help the children painting the sign.
I ask the two children: Do you know why people are here? They reply: 'to protest.' I ask them, to protest
against what? 'the banks, banks are evil!'
On Monday, for children there was an education event, giving an explanation as to why the camp exists, and how there are many different groups, but all of them are protesting towards making a better world.
There are events and meetings and groups advertised everywhere, from childrens fun days to lectures and debates, to music and readings, there's a lot going on here. I am shown artwork that was created by the childrens mother: an amusing cartoon of bankers with wheelbarrows of money, calling mockingly to hooded and masked looters, carrying electrical goods. 'Amatuers.' reads the speech bubble from the suited men.
I walk about dipping into discussions and asking questions. I find out that there are elections held for all decisions made by the camp, and around 3,000 people were at St Pauls on saturday the 22nd to hold the ground amid fears of being moved.
On the outskirts of the camp there are backpackers taking pictures and various accents observing and trying to figure out what's going on, in hindsight the camp has turned into somewhat of a tourist attraction.
I ask a new friend, a female aged 20 who had a job interview the next morning, what it's like to sleep here: 'it's not very comfortable because its on the cobbles, and you know, it's cold and wet sometimes.'
I overhear a debate between a young male protester and a Londoner called Jonathan who makes it clear he is not in favour of the protest. Jonathan asks repeatedly: 'Whats the solution? Whats the answer?' The young protester opposite him offers the idea of a re-evaluation and re-distribution of wealth, and adds that even if it's not the right answer, capitalism is the wrong answer if nothing else. Jonathan fights back that redistribution is just not economically viable. Jonathan then seems very confused when the young man diverts to bringing up the subject of the purpose of currency: trading differently valued items fairly. Jonathan seems to have grasped this concept if nothing else the man has said, he nods and agrees: 'Yes, if I have nine apples and you have one, you have to trade something with me so you can have enough apples.' I step in and ask Jonathan: 'What if you just give me four apples, then we would both have five apples and the conflict of trade is irrelevant.' Jonathan looks at me as if I have gone quite mad:
'WHAT? Just GIVE them to you?' I nod, smile and walk off, leaving this greedy, closed minded man confused with the concept of sharing.
I'm not sure what my preassumptions were of the camp, or what other peoples are, but I was very surprised to learn that there is no alcohol or drugs allowed on site, and there may well be a smoking ban imposed. I am also told during discussion that 87% agree with the protesters according to the gaurdian, there are other flyers about stating: 'We are the 99%.' In reference to the economical fact that 1% of the worlds population owns 99% of the worlds wealth.
A hive of media interest, helicopters fly overhead and a T.V journalist sets up in the middle of the tents, whilst a loud protester repeatedly walks through the shot shouting. The T.V journalist broadcasts that most of the tents are empty...whislt groups of people surround her.
There is also an open prayer room tent, welcoming all demoninations of faith, but the library from Saturday, has somewhat diminished since. Still erect is a tech tent, info tent and the media and food tents.
Next, I chat to a policeman, I ask him what the camp has been like this week:
'Peacful mainly.' He replies, eying up my notebook.
What do you make of the camp I ask: 'It's different!' He smiles.
Infront of us petrol is being lifted into a cage and locked for health and saftey. So this is the 'health and saftey concern' that St.Paul's closed over...some petrol, that is in a secure container, not being in a building site type cage, and locked. After the local firebrigade visited the camp and flagged the storage of petrol, the protesters sorted it safely that day. A protester walks up to the policeman and declares the camp is not growing amid other health and saftey concerns, thanks to Finsbury Square now homing new arrivals. The policeman goes on to tell me Finsbury Square is also peaceful, the police are constantly offered refreshments all the time by the camp and they have not been instructed to remove people, yet.
A protester then directs me to a to guy with feathers in his hat - rumoured to have come from dale farm and to be somewhat of the leader, whether this is true or not is still unkown, but I'm told he's a 'good person to talk to.'
I approach him on the steps of St.Pauls, and ask him if it's true he is from Dale farm....he avoids all my questions skillfully. When I ask him: how long have you been at 'Occupy'? He replies: 'are you saying that I am occupying this land?' Asks me to follow him, whilst a band with amplified guitars plays revoulution songs in the background.
The feather capped man leads me to a large monopoly board art peice, donated by the infamous graffiti artist Banksy. He points to a sign, tied to a lampost next to it, with the redefinition of 'occupy' outlining that he is a 'beneficiary of the land', to 'occupy' might suggest the capitalist notion of owning something.
Whilst digesting this sign, an elderly gent approaches us and jokes: 'why are you stopping me from entering the house of god?!' The guy with feathers in his hat jokes back: 'we're not! The dean is, I have him on video telling us to get out we're costing him money!!'
Among the redefinition of the word 'occupy' are posters for a family funday including music, balloons, face paint and arts and crafts. There is also a 'bankers got bailout we got soldout' sign, a wish list of needed donations and a 'we support the open st.pauls cathedral group ' petition. A schedule of events and various petitions are all in the info tent nearby with various leaflets, phamplets, magazines and jumbled paper peices of information.
Next to the info tent is the a large tent packed with people who have come to listen to an older women with a megaphone who is talking about greed and finance.
I talk to an observer of the monopoly board, asking why her why she's here, she says: 'It's just nice here.'
In about ten minutes theres a general assembly to be held, so I help myself to some spicy soup and bread and take a seat on the steps of St.Pauls whilst the band finish playing.
There are 'co- facilitators' who start the meeting by saying there are many issues they're working on, there is a call for representatives from 'working groups'. The 'working groups' refer to the various groups of volunteers that run different sections of the camp.
The kitchen staff are first, they need more lighting, a finsbury square speaker wants to start a football league...to the strong dislike of someone next to me. A chap called Andy, who is a media reopresentative takes the mic to inform everyone at the general meeting of lies of large media groups using thermal cameras, 'gutter journalists - who get their news from the gutter.' and announces that there will be a media training workshop at finsbury square at 8pm, on talking to the media. I make note to try and sfind this workshop.
The central london debating society is present too, Sean from the society declares there is going to be a debate about 'occupy.'
A Sam steps up to gather support to stop the war coalition and is planning a vigil, he asks the crowded steps for volunteer speakers.
There is a health and safety group, who claim all is well. The info tent is in need of new systems, and the kitchen need help, and security need night watch peoplel
Vera - from the 'tent city university', says all are welcome, as is feedback and there is now a calendar of the uni's events online at:
http://www.workshopofnonevidence.com/ and Ian, from outreach makes all aware there will be a 6.45am meeting to help with the electricians strike, marching to Blackfriars.
Lastly is the good bit, the bit I haven't seen reported anywhere else so far. A statement. A global statment that Occupy is working on, the main points these protesters all agree on are:
*to seek a global system that is just and sustainable
*equality (someone behind me mutters: that's already been done in the human rights act, I reply with: well it hasnt been very well inforced then has it?
*real democracy, with lots of local systems, no more groups of a handful of 'important leaders' making incredibly large decisions on behalf of, and affecting millions people, so no more: IMF WTL, G8 G20 etc
*the media cannot be monopolised by the few - as a journalist in the making, I thoroughly agree on this one.
*All major decisions to be transparent, to be made by people not corporations.
These are the major demands the camp stands for and would like to see a change in, there are many other debates that are on a tangent with the above, but these, as was publicly read allowed at St.Pauls, are the things I have not seen repeated... so for all of you that wonder what exactly they are protesting against, what they would like to change, and what 'answers' do they have, this is the truth about St.Paul's protest camp.
Next up to speak is Hannah, from 'The Occupied Times of London' paper, who's first edition was to be released the following morning at 11am, there was also a thanks to banksy for his interacive art donation.
Belinda is last to speak, representing children she asks for protesters to assemble at the family courts
in support for thursday morning because of injustice being carried out in the family courts.
I then head to
Finsbury Square for the media workshop announced previously.
When I arrive there is another general meeting is going on. A group of about 30 people are sitting down, as individuals stand to speak. There are hand gestures given to allow everyone to signal any comments or opposition on what is being said. I am told again to help myself to food and drink as two police chat idly to a couple of guys. There is community tent, kitchen, media and info tent, much like St.Pauls but a lot smaller. I do notice some parked up police riot vans, they are empty, but easily accessible. The meeting is drawn to an abrupt closure as, starts to rain...
One speaker, just before people disperse for shelter, asks for a group decision regarding electric bike generators. He explains to the group it would be a lot of money, I'm guessing donated money: £2,000 for only 2 bikes, to generate their own electric to charge laptops and phone - but points out they would then generate their own power, and have no dependancy to corrupt energy suppliers.The group decide to agree on such an action at a better time, but there is obvious transparency, time and importance weighted to such a financial descision, it is not made rashly or responsibly by one, or a few, but the whole camp group is informed and allowed to give their opinion.
.
As with St.Paul's there are lots of groups represented at Occupy Finsbury Sqaure: south east London against cuts, ex military, Irish, teachers, nurses, there are people from all different social classes and different educational backgrounds
I aks a protester how did this campsite start?: 'St Pauls site does not have much space, so this was an alternative site, we've been here since Saturday the 22nd.' There is one local resident here who is in walking disctance of the site that catches my attention- a self confessed wall street banker, in suit and tie.
Only wishing to be named as Liam, upon enquiring why he was here in support of the camp, he tells me to read 'Michael Day Lewis - Inside the dooms day machine' and another book on the great depression. He says with confidence, the city is dysfunctional, and the collapse of the financial system will be a historic moment.' He also quotes the help of Sir David Attenborough, quoting the national treasure to back up his argument: 'Sir Attenborough said himself, you can look it up, that "we're facing a cataclysmic change in the natural world, we have less than 40 years left if mankind continues it's behaviours" a chaotic event will occur.' well researched, Liam goes on to tell me in conversation: 'the last thing we action as humans is reason... I would be equally happy in a council flat house as a...a, 40million pound house!'. Could this be the new face and attitude of bankers? I certainly hope so.
On to the reason I came, media training there are about three of us, Liam included, that then grows to five, taking part int he class under a tent canopy, sitting on cardboard boxes and camping chairs.
Graham, the press officer of the camp teaches the class. He tells us what works with the media, 'if you want to play their game, anyway.' The main points of the hour long class on talking to the media are: speak slowly, repetition repitition, simplicity of speech, and don't by all acounts try to be more clever than you are.
Midway between this lesson, Liam shares an interesting peice of information, on a Lloyds bank whistle blower, giving the website:
www.dontbankonlloyds.com - where there is evidence published on malpractice. The truth about Lloyds TSB bank as well as St.Pauls in one night?
With it getting late, I say thanks and goodbyes, and head home.
So there you have it, no large scale health and saftey risks, no violence, not even a crazy hippy...I came across Mothers and Fathers and children, students like myself, elderly and proffesionals, and even a banker, all normal, everyday people. The main parts I take home with me from my expereince is...they're just protesting for fairness, for equality and transperency, for real democracy and are doing so by leading by example. There are no unoccupied tents, health and saftey risks that can close a cathedral, and they definitely don't want to inconveineince or upset any ONE, as in a person...any corporation is another matter.
