IN DEFENSE OF THE "iNDIGNADOS" OF THE GLORIETA DENIA-LETTER IN COSTA BLANCA NEWS ABOUT "YOBS"
by Z BJones on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Dear editor,
I`m writing in response to Mr Powell´s letter (June 4th) regarding the "Yobs" in Denia's Glorieta square.
Firstly Mr Powell, I'd like to ask you to define the term "yob". The first image that springs to my mind is one of a typical football hooligan type or ignorant yob who's only method of communication is through intimidation and destruction of public property.
Having personally been present at the glorieta almost everyday since the movement began i've yet to spot any of these so called "yobs". What I have seen however are teachers, students, I.T experts, medical practitioners, civil servants, and many other professional people both currently employed and unemloyed-an accurate representation of society today.
As for "Hippy lookalikes" No doubt some of us are blessed with a healthier head of hair than others but surely that is no reason for prejudice? Perhaps more a case of envy on behalf of those less fortunate, balding types?
As for "warzone" and "Hippies" in the same sentence surely that is contradictory in itself? One was representative of peace whilst the other brutal conflict.
I'm terribly sorry to hear that your Saturday morning coffee was spoilt by the presense of us undesirables but in case you hadn't heard, Spain is in the grip of extreme social upheaval dubbed " The Spanish revolution".
I would advise all expats to put aside your Gin and Tonics for just one moment and open your eyes to what is occurring in the country where you currently reside.
Ignorance is NOT bliss it is dangerous, and I suggest you prepare yourselves for a national movement (15M) which is growing in strength and numbers whilst gaining international support.
As for the Glorieta, well Mr Powell the "Acampada" itself decided to leave on its own terms without police intervention though we continue to hold peaceful public weekly meetings there, to which you're more than welcome to attend.
And by the way, the "Yobs" have done a wonderful job of redecorating the Glorieta structure as well as cleaning up the area and leaving it spotless. They were supplied with both food and drink by local establishments and a local church all of whom support the cause.
One suggestion, if you wish to see a real yob how about passing by your local townhall or parliament perhaps? I'm sure you'll be in good company there.
Sincerely
Z B Jones of the "Indignados" !!
martes, 14 de junio de 2011
Spanish revolution
I began by quietly observing, watching, listening. I tried in vain to contain my excitement.
I couldn't bring myself to believe that maybe, finally, society as a whole had woken up and faced what had been so brutally
obvious for such a long time: Society as we know it, is imploding.
I was sick and tired of armchair politics and of being percieved as reactionary and cynical. What was happening around
us was so clear and horrendous, I just couldn't understand the lack of rightous anger,passion and fight. What was this collective
apathy that seemed to have paralised us all?
Apart from sharing opinions online I wanted to find like minded people around me locally who shared similar feelings..
Not always easy, especially as an outsider.
When the 15 M began and the Acampadas spread across the country I found myself glued to the screen, to Facebook, Twitter;
reading the constant messages emitted from the camps as they grew in strength and volume.
Yet still,my cynicism impeded me from total freedom to celebrate.I was reluctant to believe that maybe, finally
"the people" or in other words large sections of society had come together, unified in their indignation at what they
pecieved as an unequal, unjust corrupt society that no longer allowed for even basic entitlements; a roof over one's head,
a job, a future, a system so steeped in corruption it just wasn't funny anymore-the so called " Berlusconilization "
of Spain. If we want to see clowns, we take a trip to the circus-not parliament.
As an insider/outsider it surprised me that a country with such a passion for anarchy and battle there had been no real
visible backlash against what is an extremely dire situation-had the boom years of prosperity and decadence taken the winds from
their sails? had consumerism replaced activism?
As the calls for " Democracia real ya!" ( Real Democracy now!") became louder, stronger, the rest of the world sat up
and took note,the comparisons with the Arab uprisings began.European governments were not quite as quick to praise the
actions of those protesting on their own turf.
Undoubtably our situation is not on a par with those who are dying simply for the right to protest for the freedom we
often take for granted, nevertheless as fellow human beings we are united in a common goal; it's time for real change,
on all levels and that includes each and everyone of us.
There was however one thing that concerned me; whilst contemplating the cries of indignation, frustration, disappointment and outrage all leveled at the banks, governments and financial institutions in general, I felt that there was one crucial element painfully absent: The recognition that each and everyone of us had
Contributed to this great failure known as “ Society”.
If we refuse to stop and reflect on our own actions-the consequences of which we are all suffering now-the revolution will be EMPTY, without SOUL, in other words a total failure.
All that is spoken about the banks, the government, the corruption that permeates each and everyone of these institutions is true, I am united in my disgust and outrage,
Even so we are all part of the problem: materialism, consumerism, greed, all these things have led us to where we are today.
It is now that we must recognize our responsibility; If we don’t act now and change
This will be simply a forgotten revolution in history, another failure of mankind.
A dignified revolution is something hugely profound and to achieve this
We must tap into our internal strength, cease being “Sheep” and think for ourselves.
We don’t need the media, the religious institutions or indeed a leader to guide us;
We all hold the key within.
It’s time to put aside our insecurities, our egos, wipe the slate clean and choose our direction.
There is much talk of Iceland as a model to follow; I remember reading about how many of those had realised the errors of their ways, how they had lost their “soul” in pursuit of decadence and luxury, the recognition that they had lost their way as a country. That recognition is crucial in order to achieve change.
Turbulent and yes. Frightening as it is, this is long overdue.
What I‘ve witnessed in the past few weeks has moved me like nothing before, and at times I’ve felt extremely overwhelmed by the enormity of what we are trying to achieve; in simple terms the restructure of society. I’ve suffered insomnia, information overload, excitement, fear.. and yes I’ve concluded all these feeling are akin to a turbulent love affair. Extreme highs and extreme lows…
But I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
When my children asked, “ What is this? This thing called revolution?
The basic answer was; “ Each and every one of us has made some great mistakes, and now is the time to rectify them, for ourselves, for your future and this great planet that we have systematically destroyed.”
There is a long path ahead and this only the beginning; many will grow tired and fall by the wayside but its crucial not to lose the passion, indignation and above all, hope.
I couldn't bring myself to believe that maybe, finally, society as a whole had woken up and faced what had been so brutally
obvious for such a long time: Society as we know it, is imploding.
I was sick and tired of armchair politics and of being percieved as reactionary and cynical. What was happening around
us was so clear and horrendous, I just couldn't understand the lack of rightous anger,passion and fight. What was this collective
apathy that seemed to have paralised us all?
Apart from sharing opinions online I wanted to find like minded people around me locally who shared similar feelings..
Not always easy, especially as an outsider.
When the 15 M began and the Acampadas spread across the country I found myself glued to the screen, to Facebook, Twitter;
reading the constant messages emitted from the camps as they grew in strength and volume.
Yet still,my cynicism impeded me from total freedom to celebrate.I was reluctant to believe that maybe, finally
"the people" or in other words large sections of society had come together, unified in their indignation at what they
pecieved as an unequal, unjust corrupt society that no longer allowed for even basic entitlements; a roof over one's head,
a job, a future, a system so steeped in corruption it just wasn't funny anymore-the so called " Berlusconilization "
of Spain. If we want to see clowns, we take a trip to the circus-not parliament.
As an insider/outsider it surprised me that a country with such a passion for anarchy and battle there had been no real
visible backlash against what is an extremely dire situation-had the boom years of prosperity and decadence taken the winds from
their sails? had consumerism replaced activism?
As the calls for " Democracia real ya!" ( Real Democracy now!") became louder, stronger, the rest of the world sat up
and took note,the comparisons with the Arab uprisings began.European governments were not quite as quick to praise the
actions of those protesting on their own turf.
Undoubtably our situation is not on a par with those who are dying simply for the right to protest for the freedom we
often take for granted, nevertheless as fellow human beings we are united in a common goal; it's time for real change,
on all levels and that includes each and everyone of us.
There was however one thing that concerned me; whilst contemplating the cries of indignation, frustration, disappointment and outrage all leveled at the banks, governments and financial institutions in general, I felt that there was one crucial element painfully absent: The recognition that each and everyone of us had
Contributed to this great failure known as “ Society”.
If we refuse to stop and reflect on our own actions-the consequences of which we are all suffering now-the revolution will be EMPTY, without SOUL, in other words a total failure.
All that is spoken about the banks, the government, the corruption that permeates each and everyone of these institutions is true, I am united in my disgust and outrage,
Even so we are all part of the problem: materialism, consumerism, greed, all these things have led us to where we are today.
It is now that we must recognize our responsibility; If we don’t act now and change
This will be simply a forgotten revolution in history, another failure of mankind.
A dignified revolution is something hugely profound and to achieve this
We must tap into our internal strength, cease being “Sheep” and think for ourselves.
We don’t need the media, the religious institutions or indeed a leader to guide us;
We all hold the key within.
It’s time to put aside our insecurities, our egos, wipe the slate clean and choose our direction.
There is much talk of Iceland as a model to follow; I remember reading about how many of those had realised the errors of their ways, how they had lost their “soul” in pursuit of decadence and luxury, the recognition that they had lost their way as a country. That recognition is crucial in order to achieve change.
Turbulent and yes. Frightening as it is, this is long overdue.
What I‘ve witnessed in the past few weeks has moved me like nothing before, and at times I’ve felt extremely overwhelmed by the enormity of what we are trying to achieve; in simple terms the restructure of society. I’ve suffered insomnia, information overload, excitement, fear.. and yes I’ve concluded all these feeling are akin to a turbulent love affair. Extreme highs and extreme lows…
But I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
When my children asked, “ What is this? This thing called revolution?
The basic answer was; “ Each and every one of us has made some great mistakes, and now is the time to rectify them, for ourselves, for your future and this great planet that we have systematically destroyed.”
There is a long path ahead and this only the beginning; many will grow tired and fall by the wayside but its crucial not to lose the passion, indignation and above all, hope.
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