When a foot of snow fell the day before we were due to attend the General Assembly of Occupy New Haven this weekend, I thought that no one would show up and that for sure the camp would have been abandoned till the weather improved. However, I had not allowed for the courage and dedication of the core group of occupiers in this Connecticut city, where the Occupy encampment has been going strong for 99 days and is a highly visible and active presence on the green. By the time the GA got underway, there were at least 30 people in the basement of the nearby church that supports their efforts and provides meeting facilities when they are needed. We were impressed with how well the meeting was organized and how the many issues raised by the participants were dealt with in a short space of time. These varied from snow clearance, to a forthcoming presentation on the Occupy movement by a visiting professor, to a request for help refilling the camp’s water containers. A homeless participant appealed for help in making sure the local shelter complied with the law by not sending the homeless out onto the street when the temperature fell below freezing. A donation of hand-knitted hats and scarves from Knitters for Occupy New Haven in Sarasota, FL was gratefully acknowledged and the items, together with a donated warm jacket, were swiftly distributed to people who really needed them. The camp itself, despite being half buried under the snow, was orderly and several residents were keen to show us round and inside their tents, which were surprisingly warm. They really appreciate moral support especially at this time of the year. It’s easy for Floridians to miss the work of Occupiers elsewhere,but in many frigid northern cities there’s still a dedicated group of people keeping the focus of the community on inequality and unemployment.
Speaking out on issues of economic inequality, corporatism, money in politics, and protecting the public commons.
January 22, 2012
Occupy New Haven in Winter
Guest Post by Rosemary Robinson, A Sarasotan Visits Occupy New Haven (Connecticut)
Rosemary Robinson taught knitting to those from Occupy Sarasota who wanted to help knit hats and scarves for Occupiers in northern climates. Last week, she delivered the articles of warm clothing. She reports ...
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Beautiful Rosemary .... Humanity at its best!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are the best! I can barely get my wife to knit for them.
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThank you for knitting hats for the New Haven Occupiers. That was a very sweet gesture and I am sure it is was well received.
It is a pleasure to see photos of such dedication.