#Occupy Ireland

Bloody non-conformists...
... oh wait.

Passed by today and again tonight. Decent amount currently at it - about 100, I'd say. But it's hard to see who's in and who is just passing by.

They've a great spirit, but considering the vast majority of those in attendance are of the 'bearded, dreadlocked, african-jumper wearing, white middle-class boys' look, I can't see them winning many more people over. There seems to be few of the average men and women of Ireland there. Which is a pity, because this whole thing could be put down easy with it being referred to as a 'smelly hippies' thing.

They've carpet laid, and tents and a gazeebo set up now. It's a bit ramshackle currently and I'm sure they'll be taken down when a health and safety officer gets around to them (they're tied to trees and have ropes running around the square at neck height), but sure why not make a go of it- they won't be doing anything else - They could be doing a helluva lot worse things with their time.

I'm not sure how sound their knowledge on the financial markets currently are, though - one bloke told me if the banks failed, we'd be grand, because we'd just start up again tomorrow with a new bank. Another said we don't ever need banks. It's all a bit in the air and people attaching their own meanings to it currently, but you can't govern the minds of a random group of people's minds I suppose!

Saturday night was getting going when I was leaving and they were already getting hassled by drunks and morons. On top of that they're in a fairly unsheltered and open area, so the temperature will drop fast tonight and they'll be hit with winds all night. There doesn't seem to be enough tents either, so if the rain comes, it could get fairly miserable.

All in all, I'd be surprised if it lasts til Saturday, but I kinda hope it does. Just to see what happens.
And in case they're reading (they've internet access) - good luck lads!

Unfortunately, the Socialist Workers Party have taken over what would have been a worth while protest, yet again.

SafeSurfer wrote: »

Rabble

1. A tumultuous crowd; a mob.
2. The lowest or coarsest class of people. Often used with the.
3. A group of persons regarded with contempt:



If you use this term for the protesters. What word do you use to describe the people they are protesting against?

My post would just be full of asterisks if I was. ^_^

But of course when I use the term "rabble" I mean 1, not so the rest. Well maybe 3.

Millicent wrote: »

Where you there long at all? I have to disagree on the turnout -- I was at the protest this afternoon (2-5) and I was actually surprised at the mix of people. Sure, there were the stereotypical dreadlocked hippies and posers, but I mingled with a few older people, younger people, varying nationalities, different classes etc.

Would be nice to see an even greater blend, but it's early days yet.

P.s. I'm neither smelly nor a hippy, though I have been a member of the liberal, pinko PC brigade a few times on AH. "Pinko" next to "liberal" always got me. :pac:

I was there from 2-4 to see what was going on and for about 40 minutes after half 8 (because the gig I was supposed to be at was cack - and they were doling out jobs to do at this stage; security, house keeping, etc.). There was a greater mix earlier on in the day, but bar a few, it's mostly what you'd expect at this sort of thing now. As you say, early days yet. I wish them the best, but I can't see numbers swelling.

I'm sure there will be more support during the day time though, and only the hardcore will stay the night, which is understandable. I'm of the opinion this won't grow. I can't see us lasting as long as the Spanish or Greeks - mostly due to climate and the location they chose. Somewhere more sheltered, nearer public toilets and cheaper food outlets would have been ideal. A lot of people seem very under-supplied for the days and nights ahead too - inappropriate clothing, insufficient water supplies etc.

I think they're intentions are good, but that logistically, they're up against it.

SafeSurfer wrote: »

So if you "maybe" regard the protesters with contempt how do you regard those who they are protesting against?

Jaysus you're worse than a politician with your "putting words in other peoples' mouths" sort of way.

I dont particularly agree with them but fair play to them for standing up and trying to change things. As long as they dont hassle people going to and from their work places I have no objection to them making their voices heard.

Fairplay to them. Might go along myself tommorrow. If any good comes from it? Don't know until we try!