Source: 2023 was the year governments looked at the climate crisis – and decided to persecute the activists | Owen Jones | The Guardian . . . This year has seen a global onslaught against people agitating for more action to mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis. Courts can issue stern judgments, but so can history, and you have to wonder its future verdict on how the persecution and silencing of those raising the alarm only escalated when the scientific evidence had become so cast-iron, and when extreme weather events hammered home the imminent danger facing the human species. Here in Britain, a government which is reneging on its climate commitments – not least by expanding oil and gas licences – is simultaneously introducing repressive legislation to silence those holding them to account. After punitive sentences were handed down to climate activists, the UN’s rapporteur for climate change and human rights suggested in November that the sentences potentially breached international law. Indeed, earlier this month, the 57-year old climate activist Stephen Gingell was sentenced to six months in prison. His crime? Participating in a peaceful slow march in protest against new oil and gas licences – something that is now prohibited by the Public Order Act 2023. In the space of a month, at least 470 peaceful protesters were arrested with the aid of the raft of authoritarian measures driven through by Tory rule. . . . Protests are necessary from time to time but economics is a better answer. Finding living is cheaper and more efficient works much better than a bonfire of protest signs. Bob Wilson
people that block streets will be sorely reminded of what it is to be messed with - when/if drivers all start carrying pepper spray. Once they get douched in the eyes by mace & dragged off the street & can't find their way back to it .... it's then they'll realize there are better alternatives. .
Another way to effect change is to vote for the people/persons who best represents your views - not basing your vote on a party. Become involved in positive ways to effect change and engender others support. Be an example - caring for the earth and mirror good practices so others can see. Get off our a_ _ and volunteer for an earth day celebration, volunteer to help care for a botanical garden, plant a garden, help clean up our own cities, rivers and parks.- actually mirror the behaviors that help the earth so others can learn from you. In a friendly cooperative, peaceful way interact with others to help educate and teach good practices. Reject the principles of Cancel Culture and smile at others - listen to their views - and interact in a respectful way with others. Younger people can actually have examples to learn from and begin to understand how to behave normally and be productive members of society and support the wonderful gift of our planet. 10 Things You Can Do to Help Save Earth | HowStuffWorks
The ones blocking Congress from counting the certified votes, beating and overrunning police, breaking through doors and windows and occupying offices and the chambers of Congress, don’t for the most part seem to realize there were better alternatives. Even the main leader it was for, the one running for President, says he will pardon them and people cheer. So blocking a street? Call the police don’t be breaking the law and pepper spraying anyone. Which is assault and battery I think.
That's what we call a great, "what about" ...... equivalent to a "what about" of BLM setting cities on fire after George Floyd. Yep, one has nothing to do with the other. .
Please remember that Seattle's biggest BLM-era fire occurred in the Photoshop Department of Fox News. Fox News runs digitally altered images in coverage of Seattle’s protests, Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone | The Seattle Times
You say drivers should pepper spray the protesters blocking a street to teach them a lesson. I say you can be arrested for that. And even in jail Jan 6 criminals, many of them, learned no lessons. They may be pardoned and already some make them as heroic. How about a little pepper spray. Summer riots = Jan 6 was just a false diversion. Some agreement on that I guess. OK well the short version is go ahead and pepper spray.
As long as they are passive, non-aggressive, no a problem. Their protests aren't persuasive to me so rest their butts in jail. Bob Wilson
There's that gray area in between peaceably assembled & blocking travel of all citizens & emergency responders - becoming tantamount to kidnapping - once you restrict other's movements. .
