Occupy Vancouver takes over the Vancouver Art Gallery
Right now I’m on scene at Occupy Vancouver and it is quite a scene. There are easily 2,000 people on site right now and growing every minute.
The general assembly, which began at 10 a.m., has just ended. The discussion was primarily focused on how to communicate and make decisions, vital ground-laying for a long-term occupation. Now speakers are beginning to address the masses.
A march has sprung up along Hornby Street as well.
It’s a pretty diverse crowd, including a lot of families. A kid/family zone has been set up, and there are many tents popping up around the grounds. It seems like anyone with any kind of issue is here; there are representatives from the Zeigeist movement, the Council of Canadians, animal liberation groups, etc. Food Not Bombs has a table set up, and the carnival band is lurking around somewhere. The BCCLA also has observers on site.
There’s a large police presence, but from what I’ve seen so far, everyone is being super respectful and kind, engaging VPD members in conversation.
It’s a little chilly in the shade. If you decide to come down, bring warm clothes.
For more pictures and observations, follow Miranda Nelson on Twitter @charenton_.
Comments
4 Comments
eaglesong
Oct 15, 2011 at 4:30pm
It is a wonderful feeling. 'We' will all be better for it.
now what?
Oct 15, 2011 at 6:21pm
What is this protest going to do?
Do you think that 0.1% is going to share?Will Corporation Greed stop?Will the banks?
Do you think anything will change? in THIS LIFETIME.?
Will you be healthier, richer,more employable,better standard of living, get a better job, a raise, more purchasing power, own a condo or home,live a better life, etc? AFTER this. will ANY ONE ever be accountable? NO.
Skywalker
Oct 15, 2011 at 11:33pm
The protest is nice and all...but where are these people when it comes to voting for our federal government? The one and only chance we get to actually change things? how come no one cares that the conservatives are leading our country who are clearly in the favor of corporations? That is when you should be out-and-aware and this enthusiastic about making changes.
GOT
Oct 16, 2011 at 10:41am
@now what? Of course you're right! Better to do nothing and just let corporations run roughshod over everybody - NOT!...the good thing about Occupy Canada (if I can assume that's where this is going) is this: if anybody in North America can change the existing pro-corporation socio-economic structure into something more equitable, it's young Canadians. They have the intelligence and staying power to see it through. Oldies like me will give it all the support we can - and we have for decades by voting in elections (!!!) for example, but this is the next generation's battle. Keep it peaceful, but keep the pressure on and don't give an inch. Personally I think a rotating consumer strike for about three months would make a big difference. It's youth who actually have the buying power - use it to leverage change. And DON'T vote Liberal in the next provincial election, but DO VOTE!!! Use your democratic right and use it strategically to drive change. That's half the battle right there. There's nothing wrong with the parliamentary system, but if only 30% - or less! - of voters are deciding your future, you're missing out on the most critical opportunity you have to make your voice heard - and the powers that count on voters' apathy to KEEP them in power will be quite right to scoff at Occupy anything as a meaningless gesture of protest by yet another wave of 'disaffected youth'. Don't let that happen. Nothing will change things more quickly than 100% turnout at the ballot boxes, and especially if it's 100% of people under the age of thirty. Start now to make that happen.