The helicopters are buzzing overhead and I, working in my City office, feel as though I am the one being herded in and watched (it's not paranoia! it's just a very claustrophobic feeling). If I feel this way, and given the recent news reports that protestors have just been barricaded in in the square around Bank station, I'm not sure that the peaceful atmosphere practiced and advocated by many of the protestors will be easily evident, and certainly will be very hard for them to put into practice.
I know that there is always an element in these protests that take anarchy to a new level, but I cannot help feeling that if the police took more of a backseat and acted more as a reassuring presence, then the reaction of this element would be disproportionate and the peaceful protestors would be on the same 'side' as the police. Get them out, get them away, and let the true changemakers have their march, and their say.
'All police leave cancelled', '4000 protestors vs 5000 police' - the way this has been reported you could feel the antagonism creeping up on the City over the past week, and you could feel it in the air in the City this morning.
I've watched 'Taking Liberties' http://www.noliberties.com/ and was upset by the over use by the police of aggression towards those wanting to partake in peaceful and worthy protests. Already today I have seen police filming protestors, who are filming the police to document who may have instigated what against who. I think this is what saddens me the most. Leaflets have reportedly been handed out to protestors to give them advice IF they are arrested. People should have the right to protest without fear of being arrested. This could jeopardise their future or current job prospects as it could lead to a criminal record. One must remember the reason for this march, and the call for hardworking people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own to march against institutions that many feel are to blame for their misfortune.
Then there were some City workers goading protestors by waving £10 notes in their faces. Really? Was this really necessary? From your banking parapet high up, looking down on those willing and courageous to protest by walking the streets under the threat of possible violence from unsavoury ranks within, and from the threat of possible arrest, because well, that just seems to be the given. Unnecessary, and pathetic.
I felt optimistic upon exiting Moorgate tube and seeing a group of people, of all ages, willing and ready to march in protest about something that they feel is wrong and injust. I felt proud that I live in a country that currently allows people to be able to do this. Then I glanced at the number of luminous jackets in proportion to the number of protestors. Was the greater number to silence? Was the camera to intimidate?
Let people speak. Even those waving ten pound notes have the right to do the same, no matter how seemingly futile. Freedom of Speech must not be muffled.
The spring in my step had waned, as had the steps of those marching due to the police barricade.
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