To the Editor,
In Nanaimo, we can be thankful to our city council for its efforts to understand and work with participants of Occupy Nanaimo – part of a unique, global movement for positive change – peacefully, inclusively and compassionately.
The Occupy Movement embodies an intense desire to work toward a world that respects individual human rights, encourages education for all, universal health care, clean water, public ownership of natural resources and responsible, sustainable living.
It is allowing us to look at our problems and try to deal with them in new ways – peacefully, with consensus and collective wisdom.
I have attended four or five general assemblies and each time am excited and inspired by what I experience there with the facilitation of consensus along with consideration of all people present.
I highly recommend people check out at least one of these general assemblies. They are exciting, interesting and educational.
In Nanaimo, there are hundreds of residents, young and old, with various backgrounds and interests involved in Occupy Nanaimo and who want to continue to make use of this unique, historical moment in time where people all over the world are coming together.
Is there not something wrong when globally, $1.6 trillion was spent on the military in 2010 while every day, 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes and nearly one billion people lack access to safe water?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all look back and be able to tell our children and grandchildren that we in Nanaimo really did rise to the occasion – we listened to our hearts and worked with one another toward a new vision that included everyone.
We have a wonderful opportunity to “be the change”.
Lynn Burrows
Nanaimo