Stars show moved from Parade Square to Saint Antonio’s [Archive]

Waye Mason

Oct 20, 2011, 7:01 PM

http://halifaxpopexplosion.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Stars-1-300x200.jpg

Out of respect for the peaceful protest taking place at Parade Square, Halifax Pop Explosion has moved the Stars concert on Saturday, October 22 to Saint Antonio’s Olympic Centre (2304 Hunter St.). The show is a free, all ages event. Performance times have changed to the following (NOTE NEW TIMES):

Doors 11:45am
12:00pm - Papermaps
12:35pm - Carmen Townsend
1:15pm - Plants & Animals
2:30pm - Stars

Torquil Campbell from Stars adds, “Stars are excited to play Halifax and even more excited now that the Occupy NS movement has set up camp in Parade Square. We’re happy to move the concert to show support for the movement and to ensure that the camp is not disturbed in any way by our performance.”

Starting on Tuesday, October 18, the Halifax Pop Explosion has already seen record attendance during its opening two days. Taking place at 20 venues across Halifax, NS, the festival continues until the 22nd and features performances from internationally acclaimed acts such as Fucked Up, JEFF the Brotherhood, Dan Mangan, Chad VanGaalen, and The Thermals.

alps

Oct 20, 2011, 8:06 PM

Thanks for the heads up, I was wondering about this!

Keith P.

Oct 21, 2011, 12:01 AM

Clear those bums out or throw them in jail for trespassing.

cormiermax

Oct 21, 2011, 1:06 AM

clear those bums out or throw them in jail for trespassing.

+1

Waye Mason

Oct 21, 2011, 10:33 AM

This show is all ages, starts at noon. Stars goes on at 2:30.

Stars have been nominated for 2 Junos, 2 Polaris Prizes and have five internationally acclaimed albums out.

If you come, the added bonus is you can meet me, and either have a nice chat or punch me in the face, your preference.

Jstaleness

Oct 21, 2011, 12:17 PM

.
If you come, the added bonus is you can meet me, and either have a nice chat or punch me in the face, your preference.

What about a Pinata Suit Waye? Would you wear one of those?
:haha:

mcmcclassic

Oct 21, 2011, 1:45 PM

Clear those bums out or throw them in jail for trespassing.

This whole "occupy" movement has been quite interesting for me and my friends at Dal who are in commerce. I have actually had people tell me I was going to be one of those "bankers" who is going to screw the 99% and really it is quite funny.

The same students complaining and protesting at Dal are also (coincidentally?) the ones who didn't vote in the last federal election. Until the occupy movement offers valid suggestions on how to fix the rising income inequality in society, they should stop ragging on the majority ( of the 1%) who while in the financial industry have done nothing to the "little guy".

Just my two cents as a person who's in the age bracket of the protestors.

DigitalNinja

Oct 24, 2011, 1:55 AM

Those god damn bums have no better place to be!
I walked by them today and HOLY CRAP! Can you smell the BO and stench.
Camping in parade square, I bet ya if I just went there by myself one night with no protest going on to camp out they would evict me off the land before I could say occupy.

All they are, are a bunch of lazy bums! A flame thrower should be taken to all of their stuff they put there!

RyeJay

Oct 24, 2011, 3:13 AM

I'm both fascinated and hurt by the aggressive opinions toward these peaceful protestors.

Calling them all bums is cruel, though it says more about you than the protestors.

At least the bums read.

haligonia

Oct 24, 2011, 10:22 AM

I'm both fascinated and hurt by the aggressive opinions toward these peaceful protestors.

Calling them all bums is cruel, though it says more about you than the protestors.

At least the bums read.

This is sort of how I feel, but I couldn't really put it into words. You said it well, RyeJay.

Phalanx

Oct 24, 2011, 2:36 PM

Yeeeeah, I'm not getting the hostility, either. What harm are they doing? It's a peaceful protest, something that they're within their rights to do, whether you agree with them or not.

Keith P.

Oct 24, 2011, 3:37 PM

Phalanx

Oct 24, 2011, 4:44 PM

If they were violating any laws, or creating any serious problems, then the authorities would be well within their right to remove them... As they've chosen not to do so, then it's logical to conclude that they aren't actually breaking any laws, or causing any harm...

As to the protestors themselves, it's largely a 'me-too' movement copycatting what's happening in the US, but that doesn't mean that there aren't legitimate issues here as well. Let them protest. Either real issues will come to the fore, or people will give up when the weather gets a bit colder, and no harm done in the end.

Waye Mason

Oct 24, 2011, 5:14 PM

a - public protest is a part of democracy

b - everyone in NYC this summer seemed to have tattoos. Our excellent server at Lupa, a middle high end Mario Batali restaurant, had face and arm tats. I think it is increasingly provincial to judge people based on that kind of appearance/body mod.

c - the concert was great. Despite the time change, the venue change, there were about 1000 people inside and 500 outside who could not get in. Stars played 3 songs acoustic in the parking lot for those outside. I suspect if it had gone ahead at the original time and in grand parade we would have had 2500-3000 people, minimum.

It was the most successful HPX ever, the festival is a global model for how to run a new music festival, I suspect we cracked 21K attendance this year, despite the rain on Thursday.

coolmillion

Oct 24, 2011, 5:30 PM

They are occupying a public space and using it for a campsite, neither of which they have a right to do. They are denying 99.9% of the public their rights to use that space as they would normally. And worst of all, they are the usual bunch of clueless youth ne'er-do-wells who don't have any idea what they are really complaining about, but are willing to be used as dupes by the left and groups like Adbusters to advance their campaign to overthrow the system. I saw one of the kids interviewed last week, complaining he couldn't get a job. Of course, he had dreadlocks that made his head look like a lion's mane, various facial piercings and tattoos, and had the dull speech patterns of one who has consumed too much weed. No wonder he is unemployable.

Public spaces can be used by members of the public (ie anyone!) for a variety of purposes, day and night. Parade Square is still open to the public and is still being used by different groups of people in many ways. I'm unsure of what uses you claim are being denied to the public. The space is normally used by office workers and others as a place to eat lunch and get some fresh air. The benches are still there and so is the fresh air (despite the dehumanizing comments directed at the protesters above). The protesters are not denying anyone of anything. People avoiding Parade Square are likely uncomfortable with the prospect of encountering people who are different than themselves. They would likely be more uncomfortable walking down Spring Garden where they will be approached by panhandlers, many of whom are drug users.

Keith P.

Oct 24, 2011, 10:01 PM

If they were violating any laws, or creating any serious problems, then the authorities would be well within their right to remove them... As they've chosen not to do so, then it's logical to conclude that they aren't actually breaking any laws, or causing any harm...

Don't be ridiculous. This is HRM, where groups like this get away with murder. If I wanted to pitch a tent in the Grand Parade I would be out of there in a heartbeat.

Keith P.

Oct 24, 2011, 10:05 PM

a - public protest is a part of democracy

Setting up housekeeping in the middle of the city's public center is hardly that.

b - everyone in NYC this summer seemed to have tattoos. Our excellent server at Lupa, a middle high end Mario Batali restaurant, had face and arm tats. I think it is increasingly provincial to judge people based on that kind of appearance/body mod.

Yet another sign of the decline of western civilization. Tattoos are disgusting and will hopefully drop from prominence as quickly as they rose. I would hire nobody with an intentionally disfigured face or exposed body part.

Keith P.

Oct 24, 2011, 10:11 PM

The protesters are not denying anyone of anything. People avoiding Parade Square are likely uncomfortable with the prospect of encountering people who are different than themselves. They would likely be more uncomfortable walking down Spring Garden where they will be approached by panhandlers, many of whom are drug users.

They are denying the public the design aesthetics - I don't think the intent of the Parade Square was to string up blue tarps and install portapotties - and the ability to use the space as they normally would. I also imagine the stench there must be quite strong by now. Since obviously nobody in the square has a job, I suspect the percentage of panners there is rather high. As for drug users, I have little doubt a 3AM raid by the authorities on the square would reveal some interesting substances - perhaps that is a way to haul them out of there and off to jail.

DigitalNinja

Oct 24, 2011, 10:14 PM

I really have to agree with Kieth on this.
I walked through the "protest" today. 90% of the people there are between the ages of 20-30 or so. (My age bracket.) Have drealocks, look greasy, died their hair odd colors or some other sort of thing that makes them not like ordinary people.
I will admit, I orginally thought this occupy thing was cool, before it was cool. I agreed with people saying that the CEO's in the states were doing the same thing that they were doing before the global meltdown. But these people are just shit disturbers. And mark my words, nothing good will come out of this.

I'm not as hostile as Kieth is against tattoos, as long as they aren't on the face or anything like that but I truly believe that these people are just trying to disturb stuff and are essentially lazy bums.

resetcbu1

Oct 24, 2011, 10:28 PM

I wish I had a job where I could just take off several weeks or days and not worry about paying my bills , that is why I am lead to think most of these BUMS are just abusing the system we all pay into, and living off of our contributions for free , and then complaining about it! Sure there are alot of people there who can read or have a degree of some type , but educated litterate people can be lazy too !

All bums IMO!

alps

Oct 24, 2011, 11:57 PM

Dyed hair? unthinkable!

You guys are bigger curmudgeons than the folks at the Heritage Trust. :yes:

The show was great! A shame they couldn't secure another outdoor location. We saw the line and almost left but we arrived early enough that we were eventually squeezed in, though our vantage point was behind a very large speaker.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/66502b7e.jpg
(self-made image)

Waye Mason

Oct 25, 2011, 1:32 AM

Setting up housekeeping in the middle of the city's public center is hardly that.

I don't think protest should always be convenient, sanctioned, approved, in appropriate areas, and short in duration. That would kind of undermine the point.

Wishblade

Oct 25, 2011, 1:40 AM

Wow, you guys are harsh. What does it matter what a person chooses to do with their looks anyway? It doesn't nessisarly say anything about who they are.

The Occupy protestors have a right to protest and so far its been very peaceful. Also, they havn't denied the public the space at all. People appear to be walking through it like any other day infact.

RyeJay

Oct 25, 2011, 2:20 AM

All bums IMO!

We definitely are, all bums.

My student loan debt tells me so.

HaliStreaks

Oct 25, 2011, 7:50 AM

Yet another sign of the decline of western civilization. Tattoos are disgusting and will hopefully drop from prominence as quickly as they rose. I would hire nobody with an intentionally disfigured face or exposed body part.

Wow? lol really? ... jeesh... I won't (actually, I don't-) really want to be getting into it here, but I must state a couple facts about myself personally lol.. (if you or anyone else wants to get into some sort of argument, lets keep it to inbox messages) I don't know who's on the side of the declining western civilization here.. you or me... I mean, we're all working to be a more accepting culture as a whole, are we not? I have a couple of exposed tattoos and piercings, usually always an "odd" colour in my hair and wear baggy black clothing with chains, straps and an assortment of other random stuff hanging off of them; clothing which most definitely gets me "odd looks." (clothing like that- when bought new, by the way is rather pricy)

I have 2 jobs- and not because I need the 2 to make ends meet, but because I can. One is my "regular" job and the other is my self run photography business I do because that's what I went to school for. So I suppose I'm kind of like a "wierd" version of batman or something when it comes to my employment. I've got no debt from school now (WHOOOOO :notacrook:) I've got no personal debts either, I've got several trips lined up in the nearing months (Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto and debating now on looking at getting into the rollercoaster of paperwork to go to Chernobyl and Pripyat in Ukraine)

So.. kinda getting myself back on topic here.. I think what the occupy folks stand for is good idealistically, however the way they are going about attempting to do something is just silly, but this is democracy, and they can do as they wish, as can I. Friday past I was actually over at grand parade taking photos, I wandered around a bit though I spent most of my time chatting with the police that were there just kind of keeping an eye on things, they looked at me and assumed I was with occupy just based on how I looked, I basically told them exactly what I just said above to their reaction, much like "well, damn.." So you shouldn't always go basing ideas and judging a group as a whole on how they look, as you may, and more than likely will- be surprised.

jus' sayin' lol

Waye Mason

Oct 25, 2011, 10:16 AM

Ah KeithP, born 50 years too late for your world view.

Jstaleness

Oct 25, 2011, 1:54 PM

I can't choose a side here. I'm staying very neutral as I can see it from both sides. Yes most of the people protesting are in the younger age group and may not dress as the "business type". Neither have I at times and I work for a successful maritime company. Everyone I have seen interviewed appears to be very articulate and is certain of their own reason for being there. I hate corporate greed as well, but that brings me to the other side. How are they able to set up camps and appear not to be working in anyway to pay their bills? Yes, there might be vacations and time off but most have stated they are ready to stay through the winter if needed. That's a lot of vacation. Maybe a job fair company should set up a both at Parade Square and try to help some of these folks out. That way the people like me that do have jobs aren't paying the increasing tax rates for others to collect.

One final thing I wanted to say is: Who's fault is it? Is it the employers refusing to hire because of piercings, tattoos and baggy clothes? Or, is it the youth's fault for not trying to look more professional and accept the fact that having a job sometimes means looking like the rest of us?

beyeas

Oct 25, 2011, 2:34 PM

So.. kinda getting myself back on topic here.. I think what the occupy folks stand for is good idealistically, however the way they are going about attempting to do something is just silly, but this is democracy, and they can do as they wish, as can I. Friday past I was actually over at grand parade taking photos, I wandered around a bit though I spent most of my time chatting with the police that were there just kind of keeping an eye on things, they looked at me and assumed I was with occupy just based on how I looked, I basically told them exactly what I just said above to their reaction, much like "well, damn.." So you shouldn't always go basing ideas and judging a group as a whole on how they look, as you may, and more than likely will- be surprised.

jus' sayin' lol

I very much agree. In an idealistic sense, these protestors have some valid points (it is not as if capitalism is an idyllic perfect concept that can be absolved of any negative impacts on the world), and on the other hand I personally think their world view is overly naive and unrealistic. I also don't think that these particular local protests are in the big picture going to be all that effective, although I very much appreciate that they have been peaceful.

Having said all that, I will absolutely 100% defend their right to protest, to dress how they like, and to hold whatever opinions they like. In fact, the more we disagree with someones perspective, the more mindful we should be of their right to express that view. It is easy to say that people who share your opinion are in the right... not so easy to maintain that view when you disagree with them.

I always find it interesting that it is often the most conservative flag waving "God-bless freedom" folk who seem to be the first to want to shut down freedom of speech, to tell others how to dress etc. Freedom is freedom, and even more so when someone is protesting something you disagree with (afterall, that's the fundamental point of having protections of various "freedoms").

Everyone on here has pretty darn strong opinions on various topics, and are often constantly railing against the old Heritage Trust type "establishment" as being out of touch etc... we should therefore be the first to say that others have the right to hold and express opinions however the hell they want. Glass houses and all...?!

someone123

Oct 25, 2011, 5:56 PM

I don't like tattoos or piercings much but it is hard for me to get upset over what is, at the end of the day, just fashion. You have to wonder about strong opinions that oscillate back and forth every few years.

I agree that a "right to protest as long as you don't bother anybody" is basically worthless. Protest is only useful to the extent that it puts pressure on authority and informs people who would not otherwise know about the related issues. Protest is the only mechanism some people have if they want to have an impact on the government and similar organizations.

RyeJay

Oct 25, 2011, 6:39 PM

I can't choose a side here. I'm staying very neutral as I can see it from both sides. (...) How are they able to set up camps and appear not to be working in anyway to pay their bills? Yes, there might be vacations and time off but most have stated they are ready to stay through the winter if needed. That's a lot of vacation. Maybe a job fair company should set up a both at Parade Square and try to help some of these folks out. That way the people like me that do have jobs aren't paying the increasing tax rates for others to collect.

This protest isn't just about jobs and the increase of tax revenue--it is about what is done with that revenue.

Is it really that difficult for anyone (especially the rich) to see that existing economic policies benefit the few, the rich?

There are many issues we may discuss with regards to these wicked policies: burden of debt, stagnation of middle class salaries, rising prices of everything, environmentally degrading industrial activity, etc.

A protest is not time-off for a vacation. And please stop viewing this as optional for these poor people. The protestors cannot afford to hire lobbyists to court the government as corporations and special interests groups can. Protesting is the only outlet.

One final thing I wanted to say is: Who's fault is it? Is it the employers refusing to hire because of piercings, tattoos and baggy clothes? Or, is it the youth's fault for not trying to look more professional and accept the fact that having a job sometimes means looking like the rest of us?

Poor people tend to look poor.

Wishblade

Oct 25, 2011, 7:06 PM

Poor people tend to look poor.

Tattoos and the like are hardly cheap. It doesn't have anything to do with being poor, it has to do with freedom of choice. If I choose to have some tattoos, piercings, dye my hair, whatever... I shouldn't be looked down upon as some lower form of society. Some people really have to toss the parochial views out the window and be more accepting of others.

Besides, if everybody looked and dressed the same, it would be a pretty damn boring and bland world.

Jstaleness

Oct 25, 2011, 7:18 PM

Poor people tend to look poor.

That's not always true. Even people who have money (I'm not thanks to student loans) can look poor depending on what they are doing. I bet me and my girl friend looked terrible the other night at the Bedford Sobeys. We were dressed for the Haunted Hollow walk in Hammonds Plains and had mud all over our jeans and old hoodies on.

Jstaleness

Oct 25, 2011, 7:23 PM

Besides, if everybody looked and dressed the same, it would be a pretty damn boring and bland world.

In the business world that stands true. A sea of suits wherever you look. I remember the day I saw a guy in a nice suit with blue hair. It was a good day. Hopefully someday we will have a mix of both.

coolmillion

Oct 25, 2011, 8:40 PM

On a less controversial note, the Pop Explosion was amazing! I haven't been able to attend the last few years because I was away. This year was a fantastic reintroduction. Kudos to Waye and all the other organizers, volunteers and bands. Stars playing "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" was a memorable highlight. Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell = magic. :cheers:

RyeJay

Oct 25, 2011, 8:46 PM

That's not always true. Even people who have money (I'm not thanks to student loans) can look poor depending on what they are doing. I bet me and my girl friend looked terrible the other night at the Bedford Sobeys. We were dressed for the Haunted Hollow walk in Hammonds Plains and had mud all over our jeans and old hoodies on.

...Sure. But I was being rhetorical. We shouldn't be talking about attire when we should we talking about the poverty of the middle-class, who essentially are the working poor.

RyeJay

Oct 25, 2011, 8:50 PM

Tattoos and the like are hardly cheap. It doesn't have anything to do with being poor, it has to do with freedom of choice. If I choose to have some tattoos, piercings, dye my hair, whatever... I shouldn't be looked down upon as some lower form of society. Some people really have to toss the parochial views out the window and be more accepting of others.

Besides, if everybody looked and dressed the same, it would be a pretty damn boring and bland world.

I agree. Let's talk about the issues being protested.

Jstaleness

Oct 26, 2011, 12:04 AM

Here it is from cbc.ca

The mayor of Halifax says it's almost time for the Occupy Halifax demonstrators to leave, giving them a little more than a week to vacate the public square they've camped in since Oct. 15.

Peter Kelly said the city needs to clean up the Grand Parade to prepare it for a Dignity Day Ceremony by the Atlantic Jewish Council on Nov. 9 and a Remembrance Day event on Nov. 11.

About a dozen people have camped out in Halifax's Grand Parade since Oct. 15.
Kelly is asking protesters to leave by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.

The mayor also said the city has "respected the protesters' right to peaceful assembly, they have made their issues known, and now it is time for them to return the Grand Parade to the people of the Halifax Regional Municipality."

However, the dozens of protesters who have camped in the central square say they are surprised by the directive, adding they've been well-behaved.

"It would be nice if they took the time to try to come down here and figure out a way for everything to exist at once," said demonstrator James Wiseman. "It’s a Remembrance Day celebration for the soliders who fight for our rights for a free and democratic society, that’s exactly why we’re here."

The release from the mayor did not, however, mention any consequences should the Occupy Halifax protesters stay past the deadline.

Kelly also said he was open to finding an alternate venue for the demonsrators.

resetcbu1

Oct 26, 2011, 12:24 AM

We definitely are, all bums.

My student loan debt tells me so.

I feel for the people fighting student loan debt, my girlfriend/fiance also is in the same boat, and that wasn't my point exactly. I agree in principle what they are protesting , yes too much wealth , controlled by too few , and we all struggle 9-5 jobs to get by(barely) , it is enough to make you sick when you realize the wealth some people have . but I'd bet 90% of those protesters do not have student debt or a job at all and like I said, just cause a person has an education does not mean they aren't too lazy to make use of it later in life....... now that is not meant to apply to all people with student loan debt, they wanna tax the shit out of corporate business to support more people who can't support themselves...... Well if we do that none of us will have jobs at all when these companies fold or go elsewhere, not to mention if you pay a WALMART cashier 30$/hr, then the prices there go up, and so do all costs, and wages rise and create inflation then that 30$ is useless because shit is so expensive, 30$ is like 5$ ...... Endless cycle , so I say these people occupy a job bank or a job then complain!

but in your defence RyeJay there are those 10% who have a huge student loan burden, while our goverment does nothing to help these people trying to better themselves and these people have a right to be upset.

spaustin

Oct 26, 2011, 2:03 AM

A sort of irony to kicking the protesters out to accommodate Remembrance Day. The whole freedom and democracy is what our vets went out to fight for thing... Of course there is the simple practical element of Remembrance Day always draws at least 1,000 or so and they really can't squeeze in there between tents. It'll be interesting to see if the protest fades out or whether they just move to another location or reappear after Nov 11.

Jstaleness

Oct 26, 2011, 2:29 AM

Tough to say what will happen here in a few weeks. Tonight in Oakland California things are heating up as the police are now making a strong presence.

Also tonight on Pierce Morgan Live was Michael Moore. Moore fan or not I encourage everyone to watch the interview online. Subject matter was of course the protests and corporate greed.

-Harlington-

Oct 26, 2011, 3:05 AM

According to CTV news the mayor offered up the commons for there next camping trip .

DigitalNinja

Oct 26, 2011, 3:11 PM

Haha.

I read in the metro today that there are only about 12 real protestors there the rest are homeless who decided to join in.

RyeJay

Oct 26, 2011, 3:34 PM

Haha.

I read in the metro today that there are only about 12 real protestors there the rest are homeless who decided to join in.

Oh, hahahahaahahah, how hilarious. Now when those 12 real protestors are poor enough--we'll only have a big group of homeless people! Homeless people aren't real protestors. Homeless people are just considered things that are in the way of 'real' people. DigitalNinja, you are so brilliantly funny to point this out!

These homeless people have joined the protest only because they have nothing better to do--not because they're homeless........

OR: another possibility is that homelessness is a problem in Canada and that everyone RELATED to it (which apparently included homeless people) are trying to bring attention).

My god, what's wrong with my country? :( I never thought I would see the day when Canadians were so dismissive of other Canadians in need, nor the unintellectual stance toward OUR LIBERTIES--WHICH INCLUDES PROTESTING.

Jstaleness

Oct 26, 2011, 5:09 PM

There is some pretty mean things being said on the online news forums. I'm surprised at the hate that is being directed at these folks. Homeless, jobless or not these people stayed there during a massive rain storm and now cooler temperatures. That's not an easy thing to do. Right or wrong for what they are doing I think they have earned a little more respect than has been given.

Waye Mason

Oct 26, 2011, 5:24 PM

My friend Chris had this to say:

One of the major tactical miscalculations by ONS was the decision to occupy Parade square. It has not been at all disruptive of any government or financial operations (with the exception of moving one HPX show). This is a gut check moment for the protestors. Either they resist being moved or they prove that they are unwilling to confront power, disrupt state business and are only willing to protest within the prescribed rules of the ruling class. Regardless of the reasoning, if they move to the commons they are basically receding themselves irrelevant. They need to move to a more disruptive downtown space - perhaps the lawn of province house or space in front of a major office tower or bank hq.

It isn't resistance if you only go where the state says you're allowed to go.

So basically, if they move, that's the end of that for NS. Will they move? I dunno. The point of civil disobedience is to disobey. Will they? We shall see.

DigitalNinja

Oct 26, 2011, 5:52 PM

I think I wasn't making my point as clear as it should be.

I used to follow these guys, before the protests started. I'm against corporate greed and the CEO's getting paid so much etc etc... But what a lot of these guys and girls are, doesn't agree with any of this.
Much of their facebook wall posts were telling people to urge others to knit their own clothes, make their own soap, buy local farm goods (This one I agree with and I do myself. I love Olsons farm up by Windsor there for meats. If you've never been you should go, they have some of the best meat in NS. Only thing is that their beef isn't hung for long enough.)
This is just stupid and not productive.
They don't have a clearly defined goal, and many of them are just lazy. And I can state this as a fact. I have never had an interview for a job that I did not get that job offered to me. It is not that hard to find a job.
And the comment about being insensitive to homeless people... Yeah I am, to the lazy ones that don't help their selves and just want everyone else to do everything for them. Almost as bad as the girls who have babies just to collect welfare and child tax rebates etc...
I have a couple homeless friends, they have stayed at my place and I have fed them etc... But do I think they are just lazy? Hell yes.

These "protests" should be handled a lot better. They are not making a statement for others to follow, they are just there... Occupying space. A protest should have a clearly defined goal with an action plan to be put in place. Not just sleep on a public space with no real impact.

Jstaleness

Nov 16, 2011, 11:35 PM

It looks like there isn't going to a public meeting or statement release from any of the local government. The mayor of course gave his general statement where basically blames someone else.
Why is this being kept behind closed doors? What are they scared to admit? I'm willing to accept that their are laws against camping in public places so why are they so shy about the reason(s) they enforced them? They should apologize to our veterans (my Grandfather) because it looks like their fighting might have been for nothing when it comes to our right to protest and stand up for rights.