Went to DC yesterday (Friday) to participate in a public hearing on tar sands and rally outside [Bill Mikkiben was there]. Energy from environmental groups and others in opposition to tar sands was very good, I did not speak but was cheering.
Friends of the earth director came with a stack of papers revealing the cozy relationship between transcanada and
state department. NRDC speaker asked justice department to immediately take action about this.
There was a labor union “Liuana” who was in favor of the pipeline because of construction jobs. I had a chat wtih one of their guys and he told me that they understand the issues but they have been paid to be there and I was explaining to him how everyone is a slave to the economic system which is what really needs to change, he agreed.
Nearby where the public hearing was [ronald reagan building] is an occupation in freedom plaza which probably you are aware of : www.october2011.org . Had some good discussions there, several .orgs stationed there besides general public.
I participated in a march outside IMF. Had some talks with a young person that mostly understands the issues we talk about at EB and I gave the usual sites. There is another occupation nearby [in McPhearson square] which is not legally approved (the one in freedom plaza is permitted until Sunday) and both occupations are trying to coordinate.
So far no police action but they were closely tracking the marchers in cars and bicycles.
I was at the freedom plaza occupation until about 10 p.m, they have been forming committees there on various issues, the one on environment was spot-on – no-growth economics, no greenwash, real fundamental changes. Food and water committee had great items too – community gardens, local food etc.
A pleasant surprise was a remote speech by Derrick Jenson at the plaza in his usual style, really great speech appropriate to the situation [don’t know if there is a recording on any site yet]. I encourage all at post-carbon, energy bulletin to go to their nearest occupation when possible and participate in spreading awareness and contributing in whatever way they can.
