Jersey Reform Day.
This site is dedicated to the day, now officially recognised annually by the States of Jersey, to mark the anniversary of the events of 28 September 1769.
Jersey's own Independence or Bastille Day.
Because the Bailiff wouldn't give permission! Remember when in 2008 - Monty wanted a protest meeting, and Sir Philip - then Bailiff - asked it to start an hour later so as not to interrupt his lunch!
How well do people know the laws of trespass in Jersey? There is a reasonable amount of legal expertise in England which can be applied to acts of protest like occupylsx and the various Uncut actions: what about here?
We have just participated in Jersey's first ever "general" election and the Island government will soon be formed from those elected. Is that it? Shall we do no more for the next three years but sit back like obedient pets and take whatever is dished out to us? Capitalism? Corporatism? Corruption? Shall we swallow these and are we just so politically exhausted after placing our few XXXXs that Complacency is our only cohesive response now?
Remember that this blog is devoted to those brave islanders who protested on 28 September 1769 and laid down the foundations for this very democratic process - don't we have some duty to carry on where they left off?
The point about the Occupy Movement is that it defies authority and seeks change. What its demands are is less clear.
Occupying the Royal Square would be a bold step. What support there would be is uncertain. It would have to be organised. Again demands must be formulated.
Remember these last elections have seen large numbers elect their own dictator, oblivious it seems to the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of one family.
The point about the Occupy Movement is actually that it defies those who like to think they have authority, most often because they have money.
The Occupy LSX movement have scrupulously complied with the requirements of police, health & safety etc at St Paul's. But they have their own authority to be there - enshrined in articles 18-20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and so far as I can see the City of London and St Paul's Cathedral have no authority which trumps this.
We should not take the St Paul's example too literally. "Line in the Sand" was a very effective image with message attached but it would hardly be appropriate for central London. There are many and various forms of future action or activities that could be appropriate in post-election Jersey. The "Speakers Corner" initiative every Saturday was the current St Helier Constable's response to 1769 - it could be very usefull in a small way. Old pursuits like the formation of a "political party" also need to be re-considered - especially since such organisation was largely outlawed in 1769 as "seditious" and carried a potential punishment of death or transportation.
Fortunately, death is no longer an option for our government but "deportation" is still the remedy of choice for an alarming number of Jersey residents - and for a wide range of problems too!!
Human Rights and the pursuit thereof is a very worthwhile activity and as Bob Hill has discovered - is not yet such a painless or palatable policy to present before many Islanders. Five years of Occupation should - I would have thought - render all Islanders very sympathetic towards the realisation of human rights safeguards in this Island. But obviously it is not. Certainly this would be a very worthwhile cause to devote a life to and clearly the "establishment" has some reason or other to resist the standards being accepted here. Any suggestions why?
I am unable to relate the comment on not working as a benefit of capitalism. Work until we drop dead is an outmoded universal concept - even in Jersey - but the writer might like to explain his or her comment more fully. Political campaigning does not carry a minimal or maximum age limit so far as I am aware but for those who can - would urge constant political vigilance where all forms of government are concerned. As Tom Paine said in the 18th century " No matter how benevolent it might appear - all forms of government are but a necessary evil."
From reading your various comments, it's difficult to define exactly what it is you would like to protest against.
Is it corporatism, capitalism, human rights abuses, failure of progressive / socialist policies, deportation of Jersey Residents, the 'establishment' or something else I have missed ?
I think the person making the comment about not working was suggesting that the capitalist system which Jersey operates actually pays the vast majority of the social bills of this island, and enables the island to support the sick, the needy, the unemployed etc.. I guess they might resent the fact that you are suggesting that people spend their time in a permanent encampment in the Royal Square 'protesting' against the system, whilst at the same time drawing benefits from that same system to enable them to spend their time 'protesting' ?
As a 'youngster' with strong political interest and a want for an all together better human race, I have observed that living in Jersey is very much a 'talk a lot, no action' Island, because of this Jersey has remained very conservative and its only amongst the select few that wish to see change to this. If an occupy movement in Jersey is to succeed then it would need initially committed individuals to get off their backsides and start change. I personally would a movement such as this and would be there for as much as I could (but as a student still this time would be limited). Also, the occupy movements are seen to be anti capitalism, of which to a degree they are, but I see them more as I outcry from the people demanding change because they are sick of the current constant failing system. A movement like this may not have to be about abolishing capitalism, but more so about CHANGE. My only real 'fear' as to if a movement like this was set up in Jersey is to the extent of how successful it would be. It would need to be a safe, peaceful and non-lacklustre movement. Of which I believe would grow through the public as they come to realisation of the change it will be trying to inflict. But none of this starts without any action, that is the first thing which needs to happen for any of this to even have a chance.
Because no one in Jersey would be bothered to do it except for say 8 people.
ReplyDeleters
Because the Bailiff wouldn't give permission! Remember when in 2008 - Monty wanted a protest meeting, and Sir Philip - then Bailiff - asked it to start an hour later so as not to interrupt his lunch!
ReplyDeleteOccupy either the JEP, CTV or BBC and count me in.
ReplyDeleteWell if you got organised before Syvret gets jailed you would have at least nine .
ReplyDeleteHow well do people know the laws of trespass in Jersey? There is a reasonable amount of legal expertise in England which can be applied to acts of protest like occupylsx and the various Uncut actions: what about here?
ReplyDeleteCapitalism is human nature... now if you organised a protest against Corporatism then I might be interested. Corporatism is anti-free market.
ReplyDeleteWe have just participated in Jersey's first ever "general" election and the Island government will soon be formed from those elected.
ReplyDeleteIs that it? Shall we do no more for the next three years but sit back like obedient pets and take whatever is dished out to us?
Capitalism? Corporatism? Corruption? Shall we swallow these and are we just so politically exhausted after placing our few XXXXs that Complacency is our only cohesive response now?
Remember that this blog is devoted to those brave islanders who protested on 28 September 1769 and laid down the foundations for this very democratic process - don't we have some duty to carry on where they left off?
Tom Gruchy says
The point about the Occupy Movement is that it defies authority and seeks change. What its demands are is less clear.
ReplyDeleteOccupying the Royal Square would be a bold step. What support there would be is uncertain. It would have to be organised. Again demands must be formulated.
Remember these last elections have seen large numbers elect their own dictator, oblivious it seems to the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of one family.
Why would you protest against the same capitalist system that enables you and others to survive without having to work ?
ReplyDeleteThe point about the Occupy Movement is actually that it defies those who like to think they have authority, most often because they have money.
ReplyDeleteThe Occupy LSX movement have scrupulously complied with the requirements of police, health & safety etc at St Paul's. But they have their own authority to be there - enshrined in articles 18-20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and so far as I can see the City of London and St Paul's Cathedral have no authority which trumps this.
We should not take the St Paul's example too literally. "Line in the Sand" was a very effective image with message attached but it would hardly be appropriate for central London.
ReplyDeleteThere are many and various forms of future action or activities that could be appropriate in post-election Jersey.
The "Speakers Corner" initiative every Saturday was the current St Helier Constable's response to 1769 - it could be very usefull in a small way.
Old pursuits like the formation of a "political party" also need to be re-considered - especially since such organisation was largely outlawed in 1769 as "seditious" and carried a potential punishment of death or transportation.
Fortunately, death is no longer an option for our government but "deportation" is still the remedy of choice for an alarming number of Jersey residents - and for a wide range of problems too!!
Human Rights and the pursuit thereof is a very worthwhile activity and as Bob Hill has discovered - is not yet such a painless or palatable policy to present before many Islanders. Five years of Occupation should - I would have thought - render all Islanders very sympathetic towards the realisation of human rights safeguards in this Island. But obviously it is not. Certainly this would be a very worthwhile cause to devote a life to and clearly the "establishment" has some reason or other to resist the standards being accepted here. Any suggestions why?
I am unable to relate the comment on not working as a benefit of capitalism. Work until we drop dead is an outmoded universal concept - even in Jersey - but the writer might like to explain his or her comment more fully.
Political campaigning does not carry a minimal or maximum age limit so far as I am aware but for those who can - would urge constant political vigilance where all forms of government are concerned.
As Tom Paine said in the 18th century " No matter how benevolent it might appear - all forms of government are but a necessary evil."
Tom Gruchy says
GOVERNMENT FAILURE
ReplyDeleteFrom reading your various comments, it's difficult to define exactly what it is you would like to protest against.
ReplyDeleteIs it corporatism, capitalism, human rights abuses, failure of progressive / socialist policies, deportation of Jersey Residents, the 'establishment' or something else I have missed ?
I think the person making the comment about not working was suggesting that the capitalist system which Jersey operates actually pays the vast majority of the social bills of this island, and enables the island to support the sick, the needy, the unemployed etc.. I guess they might resent the fact that you are suggesting that people spend their time in a permanent encampment in the Royal Square 'protesting' against the system, whilst at the same time drawing benefits from that same system to enable them to spend their time 'protesting' ?
Don't forget that white poppies for peace can also be obtained at this time of year from the Peace Pledge Union www.ppu.org.uk
ReplyDeleteTom Gruchy says
Tom Gruchy.
ReplyDeleteDoes the fear of an independent Police Force TERRIFY THE ESTABLISHMENT?
Tom Gruchy.
ReplyDeleteUnhappy Anniversary THREE
As a 'youngster' with strong political interest and a want for an all together better human race, I have observed that living in Jersey is very much a 'talk a lot, no action' Island, because of this Jersey has remained very conservative and its only amongst the select few that wish to see change to this. If an occupy movement in Jersey is to succeed then it would need initially committed individuals to get off their backsides and start change. I personally would a movement such as this and would be there for as much as I could (but as a student still this time would be limited).
ReplyDeleteAlso, the occupy movements are seen to be anti capitalism, of which to a degree they are, but I see them more as I outcry from the people demanding change because they are sick of the current constant failing system. A movement like this may not have to be about abolishing capitalism, but more so about CHANGE.
My only real 'fear' as to if a movement like this was set up in Jersey is to the extent of how successful it would be. It would need to be a safe, peaceful and non-lacklustre movement. Of which I believe would grow through the public as they come to realisation of the change it will be trying to inflict. But none of this starts without any action, that is the first thing which needs to happen for any of this to even have a chance.