Two local groups experienced the harsh reality of our "democracy" this month. Politicians claim to represent and listen to us. The campaigners decided to put this to the test.
Article taken from Issue 3 of The Ox-Fly - Oxford's radical newsletter:
http://oxfly.theoarc.org.uk
Article taken from Issue 3 of The Ox-Fly - Oxford's radical newsletter:
http://oxfly.theoarc.org.uk
Save Temple Cowley Pools went to the Labour City Council Executive meeting on 12 January. They asked about the decision to close Temple Cowley Pools at great social expense to local residents, and huge financial costs to all of us. Bob Price, the council leader, mumbled through his answers so quietly that nobody could hear them. Democracy in action? I don't think so.
Not to be outdone, the Tory county council went one better. Several members of Oxford Save Our Services wanted to hold them to account about massive cuts to our public services - cuts that hit the poorest in our communities the hardest. Whilst not seeming to care about the impact of the cuts, the council did at least care about the safety of the campaigners.
After planning to close the entire public gallery "on health and safety grounds" and trying to persuade people to watch via a screen in a separate room, staff eventually backed down, but told them they could not sit at the front as there were cables on the floor. A lightweight foam placard was also deemed a health & safety hazard. Despite all of these apparent death traps, everyone managed to leave the meeting unscathed.
Anarchists are often asked why they don't use "democratic processes". Whilst having an element of comedy, these examples show how a few people can disempower, alienate, and ignore the rest of us.
This is not a criticism of those that tried to use our democratic processes. It is a warning that our democracy is broken. Power corrupts, and people with power become corrupted. By all means try lobbying if you want, but don't be surprised when they shut you out. Be creative and think about what other action you can take.
See: oxfordsos.org.uk /
savetemplecowleypools.webs.com
Not to be outdone, the Tory county council went one better. Several members of Oxford Save Our Services wanted to hold them to account about massive cuts to our public services - cuts that hit the poorest in our communities the hardest. Whilst not seeming to care about the impact of the cuts, the council did at least care about the safety of the campaigners.
After planning to close the entire public gallery "on health and safety grounds" and trying to persuade people to watch via a screen in a separate room, staff eventually backed down, but told them they could not sit at the front as there were cables on the floor. A lightweight foam placard was also deemed a health & safety hazard. Despite all of these apparent death traps, everyone managed to leave the meeting unscathed.
Anarchists are often asked why they don't use "democratic processes". Whilst having an element of comedy, these examples show how a few people can disempower, alienate, and ignore the rest of us.
This is not a criticism of those that tried to use our democratic processes. It is a warning that our democracy is broken. Power corrupts, and people with power become corrupted. By all means try lobbying if you want, but don't be surprised when they shut you out. Be creative and think about what other action you can take.
See: oxfordsos.org.uk /
savetemplecowleypools.webs.com