Ko-fi

Friday 18 September 2015

Unpredictable cells...

This activism thing is far from easy; often frustrating, deeply intrusive, hugely time-consuming, life-changing and although it brings us to a place of self-empowerment and a life of genuine purpose - it can drain and exhaust, frustrate and infuriate. The anti-fracking movement in particular is one that because it affects air and water - affects EVERYONE... and so the people standing up to it, come from every walk of life. We find each other unusual sometimes, question motives and tactics, think to ourselves: "I would NEVER do an action that way." etc.
For every activist action that I have disliked and not agreed with personally - I have likely done one that makes someone else feel this way. BUT so long as we are all chipping away at the edges of the target (the fracking industry and the government that gives it permission) it is good - because we are not one mass that can be attacked by industry/government - we are many little cells of unpredictable behaviour coming at it from all sides, using a huge variety of tactics. This works - we are not yet fracking in the UK! Four years ago the industry expected to be underway - now all they have is test drills and a lot of expense to go along with a very informed and growing amount of opposition smile emoticon
We are succeeding - every day that there is a frack-free UK, is down to what each of us is doing ...in our own ways. Be it sharing online, marching in demos, holding protection camps, fighting legal challenges, researching the credibility of documents, exposing corrupt politicians, bothering Francis Egan, giving evidence, holding public meetings, waving banners at roadsides, making videos, livestreaming events, fundraising for fines, risking arrest, slowing trucks, doing media interviews, engaging in debates... talking to the neighbours - it ALL helps and it ALL works in its crazy, disorganised, un-collaborated yet rather beautiful way.
I discovered early on in this, that telling other activists how to do their activism is not helpful - the best is for each to act in their own way... we then find ourselves in good company when our ways match. I feel blessed to have Nanas and Protectors as my closest companions on the journey.
The movement is vast and when bits of it upset me - I look wider... spent time yesterday loving the actions of Australian and Pennsylvanian activists and felt soothed and reassured that what we see in our immediate view - is NOT the full picture. Much love and respect to all who aim at the target with good intent.


Saturday 12 September 2015

War on Fracking

Quote before action:
When we see dictators inflicting dangerous industry or chemical attacks on their own people, we are in uproar and our government acts. When democracy is abused by governments acting in the interests of industry and influential individuals whilst ignoring the will of the people, again our government acts. Yet here in the UK, OUR government is seeking to use dangerous practices, chemicals and waste dumping that will put residents at risk for generations to come. Yet here in the UK, OUR government is indicating that it will seek  to overturn a decision made here in Lancashire by Councillors representing the people of Lancashire because it took too long and they don't like the outcome. What democracy? What safeguards? What voice the people?
 
And so it is with the deepest sadness and regret that we find ourselves, we residents, mothers. grandmothers and children of Lancashire... here today to confront what can only be described as a dictatorship. In a true democracy we would have been heard the first time and not be about to be dragged into legal wrangles that we cannot afford to win, with opponents so powerful they dwarf us and silence our voices. today we roar in an uncommon declaration of war on fracking... because if we don't take steps to protect ourselves, our government certainly won't.


Yesterday's anti-fracking action involving Vivienne Westwood, a bus-load of Nanas and a tank at David Cameron's house - all in under 2 mins! Thanks to Cheryl Atkinson for photography - words to tune under video) x




NEW WORDS to 'Dad's Army' theme-tune ...

NAN'S ARMY
(Chorus)
Who do you think you are kidding Mr Cameron,
if you think we're on the run
We are the Nanas that will stop your fracking game.
We are the Nanas that will make you think again.
Cause who do you think you are kidding Mr Cameron
If you think old England's done

The Nanas have come to your town to tell you fracking's done
We're going home this evening for a cuppa and a bun
So watch out Mr Cameron you have met your match in us
If you think you can frack us
We're afraid you've missed the bus

Chorus
Cause who do you think you are kidding Mr Cameron
If you think we're on the run
We are the Nanas who will stop your fracking game
We are the Nanas who will make you think again
Cause who do you think you are kidding Mr Cameron
If you think old England's done






Back to the Philosophical Basis

  Thank you to Ecosocialist Alliance for publishing my piece in time for last week's Green Party of England & Wales, Spring confere...