City’s cathedral green becomes a protest site
CAMPING Kitty McGrath and her daughter Izzy , three, in their tent. Picture: Malcolm Wells (120419-8817)
PROTESTERS gathered outside Portsmouth Cathedral in a bid to fight corporate greed.
Around 30 political activists braved the cold to make their points heard at the Occupy Portsmouth event on Saturday and Sunday, with around a dozen camping over on the cathedral’s grounds. One of the organisers Tim Dawes said: ‘We want to raise the issues that were brought up at St Paul’s, in London, with the local community here in Portsmouth.
‘We’re living in a completely corrupt world, full of rich people who are determined to make themselves richer, and they don’t care if they ruin the economy to do that.
Speeches were made by the cathedral’s clergy at the event who spoke about the church’s involvement in social justice issues. Dean of Portsmouth Cathedral, The Very Rev David Brindley, said: ‘We were glad we could meet the people behind this in advance. We’re sympathetic to some of what they stand for, but we don’t agree with all of it. In particular, we find it strange they should choose to stage an event outside our cathedral when the Church of England in this area supports many who find themselves marginalised or thrown into poverty.
‘But we’re always happy to debate the issues, and enjoyed chatting with participants throughout the weekend.’
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Comments
There are 42 comments to this article
Page 1 of 3
Airwolf
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 03:22 PMI'll be honest with you matt, ive seen the damage variants of canabis can cause. I did 6 months in a mental institution as a security guard in a place called cefn coed just outside of swansea. Wales has a high rate of drug dependancy especially canabis and steroids. There were many in there suffering long and short term memory loss from over use of canabis and were often prone to violent outbursts both verbally and physically. Any doctor from a psychiatric hospital will im sure tell you of similar stories and they are under no conspiracy to make money
MattMatt
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 04:19 PMTo the Watcher, thanks for your concern for my happiness but i'd rather not go to the doctors to be drugged up with "happy pills" to help me ignore what's going on. Did i make untrue statements? If i'm wrong about something i like to be informed as i only want to discover the truth. The truth may seem depressing when you write it down and you may believe i would be far happier with my mind dulled by prescription drugs. Maybe you are right, they do say ignorance is bliss. But i'd rather not live in ignorance because ignoring problems doesn't make them go away. Infact it is, in my opinion, because too many people are willing to ignore the bad and depressing things in the world that they are allowed to take place. Maybe if people woke up to all the suffering caused and all the corruption causing it, we would see positive change. The world does still have good aspects to it but they are dwindling while corruption and the subsequent suffering it causes becomes more and more rife. To Airwolf, my point regarding the catholic church and other organised religions is that they support the corruption through their refusal to stand against it. Occupy are set up for issues to be raised by all people and it is the choice of all people as to whether they want to support them. It is a great shame that people are turned off from supporting other Occupy issues because they disagree with the cannabis campaign. Cannabis is a safe and powerful medicine, it has never caused a single death and is biochemically no more of a drug than caffiene (which by the way has caused many deaths). Anti drugs people are against it because they simply see it as an illegal drug and ignore the FACT that it is a natural, non toxic plant that produces chemicals (called Cannabinoids) which mimic the healing properties of chemicals our body naturally produces (Endo Cannabinoids). Occupy is about bringing issues to peoples attention that the mainstream media is too corrupt to cover. People are free to support certain causes with out supporting others, but it is (in my opinion) a sad indictment to the ignorance of most people that they think of cannabis as a dangerous drug, when the truth is that it is safer than most foods. It is a great shame that there are people who support the prohibition of cannabis, regardless of the fact that countless sick people are suffering and dying simply because they are denied the one substance than can safely ease their pain, or in many cases even cure their illness. Though i concede that you may be right when you say that people might be put off supporting Occupy because of the ascociation with cannabis campaigns, I personally think it is very sad that this is the case. The government have lied about cannabis, like they lie about so many things, so it is Occupy's duty to help spread the truth whether people want to hear it or not. Just as most people are unaware of how our monetary system works, most people are unware that cannabis is a safe medicine that can kill cancer, and treat MS, Asthma, Diabetes, Glucoma and much more. They are unaware that the only reason why cannabis is prohibited is to protect corporate profits. Most are unaware that GW Pharmaceuticals are licenced to grown cannabis in this country to produce Sativex, a cannabis spray which has been approved as safe and effective, while Cannabis remains outlawed to regular citizens. Occupy is about making people aware of various issues and it is to their credit that they have included campaigns aimed at educated people about cannabis, rather than worrying about the controversy asociated with "illegal drugs". I realise my "rant" might seem depressing (and may have even gone off subject abit) but the truth can be depressing. Denying it or ignoring it won't make the world a better place.
Airwolf
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 03:22 PMah rational man, nice post, no im not saying dont protest, id go back to my point about focus and the example i gave about banks keeping cash reserves . Rather than a small campaign about multiple issues, tackle one at a time with focus objectives and planning and make it appeal to those on both sides of the political spectrum. One of the other causes linked to this group for example are discussions on herbal medicines and legalising canabis, the latter turns off a section of the anti drugs lobby who may like to get involved in campaigns about capitalism such as this.
Rational man
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 08:47 AMAirwolf (post 38) "Have i said her beliefs or this groups even are ridiculous?" Airwolf (post 11) "you'll see she is caught up in a whole host of barmy left wing nut-job causes." Airwolf, I agree with some of the points you have made. I think the Occupy movement does lack focus, and it probably has attracted some serial protesters. However, at it's core is a question about the stranglehold that neo-conversative capitalism has on the West, and in Britain and the US particularly. This is a difficult question for all of us to face, so entrenched are we in this system. But surely people have the right to ask if there is another way of doing things? If you are saying, no, people cannot question "the system" then where does that leave us? Before you ask, I am a white male, late thirties, married, one child, full time job, own a house, car owner. Not exactly a barmy left wing nut job.
Airwolf
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 03:14 AMMatt, i'm not sure why you've brought the catholic church up since this is church of england but there you go. As for the rest of your post, it's already been covered previously. Just because most of her mates are coming on her in support of her does not surprise me in the slightest. Have i said her beliefs or this groups even are ridiculous? No ive just said i dont agree and explained why. Yet all her mates on her seem to denigrate on my beliefs and indulge in name calling. very infantile. Kitty, my family still live in pompey, we have these wonderful capitalist devices called phones where we can communicate and talk about things like weather. Do people camp at pfc in tents? Stop making ridiculous comparisons. Theres a pic with a mother and child and two sleeping bags inside a tent at the top of this article, any reasonable person can see it's not outside the realms of possibility to come to the conclusion that it may be on overnight stay for you both. Hadly odd either to check your background, its relevant to the discussion in hand. As for your other activities aren't there already dozens of similar schemes run by the council and registerd charities? Why not donate your tent and sleeping bags to homeless people for use afterwards? As for pensions, even left wing national parties accepted the need for pension reform, hence why the majority of unions accepted the governments pension deal. People are living longer. fact. I have both an mod pension and a private one for when i retire and both will not even come close to the level of protection and money paid out compared to someone comparable in the civil service. How is that equality?
SamBoB
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 09:34 PMYeh great go get some ''happy pills' 2 dull your brain functions make reality nice n fuzzy! Yeh a long rant but I can see the truth in it and I aint depressed, just look depressing if u put it in words!
The Watcher....
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 08:43 PMMattMatt - having read your 'rant' it is quite clear that you spend each day in a state of paranoia, and that everything in your world appears to be all 'doom and gloom'! You will no doubt think that you are merely concerned about what you deem to be unfair politics and have a wish to make others aware too, as you consider your views to be correct and everyone else, who doesn't agree, incorrect! Take some advice, chill out, calm yourself down and enjoy life! Laugh, smile and see the good in the things around you as you, and your fellow campers, will make not one bit of difference! Nobody said life was 'fair' but it's a darnn site nicer than you make it out to be. I would suggest a trip to your GP for a chat, and maybe a script for a few 'happy pills', as you are clearly displaying symptoms of somebody more than a little depressed!
MattMatt
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 07:27 PMAirwolf, it is your opinion that Occupy will achieve nothing, so no one can say you are wrong about that. Time will tell. But your comments (and assumptions) about Kitty as a parent are a disgrace. Are you saying that anyone who takes there child outside on a cold day should be reported to social services, even when clearly well clothed against elements? Do you have the same opinion of people who took their children shopping on these days or is it just because Kitty is involved in a protest group you don't like? You say your assumptions were based on what you could see in the picture. I see a happy looking child, well wrapped up, lying in a sleeping bag, in a tent with her loving mum. Of course, you are entitled to voice your opinions on a forum, but when you make such ridiculous comments, don't act surprised when you are criticised for your ignorant, and incorrect, assumptions. Regarding the comments about Occupy and the YouNiversity, it seems to me that you need to educate yourself a bit (or alot). Occupy is trying to raise awareness about important issues because our media is too corrupt to tell people the truth and so many people are too ignorant and apathetic to realise what's going on. This country has a lot more in common with Nazi germany than people like you would care to admit or acknowledge. You can point to specific differences of course but you are missing the point. UK Government is not rounding up jews into concentration camps. But they are invading foreign countries with out provocation or any other genuine reason. They are imposing faschist laws on it's citizens, including outlawing natural medicines. They do continue to make us all economic slaves to central banks who hold us in a monetary system that, as a mathematical certainty, will keep us all in a forever rising debt. Fascism is fascism. Atleast Occupy groups are trying to resist it, rather than just denying it exists, even if you think their methods are unwise, they are trying. They are giving up their free time to try and spread a little truth in a world ruled with lies and propaganda. Our current system is so corrupt because most people don't know what's going on and the rest don't care. A sad situation. Almost as sad is the desire of people like you to attack people who are trying to make a difference with ridiculous statements and incorrect and unfounded assumptions. Also, if the Catholic church (or any other church) was really sympathetic towards any of these issues then they would stand against it, but just like the Vatican during the rise of the Nazis, they do and say nothing about the blatant and continuous crimes committed by the ruling classes. The human race is currently manipluated to be the only mammals on this planet that behave more like a disease than mammals - spreading destruction and death. Kitty is trying to do what she can to make the world a better place for her children, and everyone elses children, and you have the shameless nerve to try and portray her as a bad parent. You should be ashamed.
KittyxMay
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 06:49 PM@Airwolf...So you publicly state that Social Services should be called but admit it is with no other experience of my parenting and based mostly on assumptions?? Do you think that is ok? I think it is incredibly rude! You claim to have commented out of concern for my child? Or is it out of differing political opinions...for example will you call Social Services if I take them to a football match to stand in the cold? You were not in Portsmouth? So you do not know if it actually was that cold? As for the 'Serial Protester' comment, well done for wasting your time looking into my life...bit odd, but crack on ;-) I supported the N30 strike in November...where the government is cutting pensions to our public sector? This is left wing now? This is a waste of time? Occupy Portsmouth also run the Portsmouth Clothes Swap group to help people suffering in the current financial climate and to reduce waste in clothing...this is a waste of time? We are working on setting up a Food Bank to help local people and again reduce waste...again how is this a waste of time?....did you not know about these other activities? Maybe they didn't come up on your google search....maybe you should be more aware of your facts before making comments? All Occupy groups are very different and you have again made assumptions as to what we are about. @Snap..thanks for your support mate, so glad to see there are still open minded people around, pop down to our next event :-) x
Airwolf
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 05:03 PMagain atticus you and other then resort to insults instead of intelligent debate which is why small groups such as yours will never achieve anything against mainstream opinion.
Atticus
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 04:52 PMAirwolf - No one thought that it was right for women to have equal pay back then, and we only see it as moral now because of the changes that came about from their efforts. Just because you don't understand or agree with what we are doing it doesn't mean we are wrong. Honestly I have had enough of speaking to you, you are clearly far below my intellectual level and I honestly can not be bothered with your ignorance, so go ahead, have your last word and reveal in your little victory while I keep my mind on bigger and better things.
snapdog
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 04:39 PMHonestly Airwolf yes they can if it is relevant, but they don't have to be so patronizing when they do ' MATE'.
Airwolf
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 04:39 PMwell to be fair, typing on a keyboard can be miscontrued and was i the one name calling? MATE
Airwolf
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 04:13 PMsnap, honestly mate, grow up. Can no one have a counter point of view?
snapdog
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 04:02 PM@Airwolf - whatever - you just have to be right don't you..... other peoples feelings or opinions mean nothing to you at all... just close you ears and shut your eyes like you have been doing...
Page 1 of 3
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.