Okay, apparently this week is going to be a bit touch and go for doing writing; I’ve got a potential diagnosis from my shrinkydink folks and I’ll be putting a lot of energy into researching that. That doesn’t mean the world has stopped spinning; for example, the OccupyLA camp has been cleared out overnight:

Occupy L.A.: LAPD surrounds hundreds of protesters in camp
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/occupy-la-lapd-traps-hundreds-protesters-in-camp.html

Police dismantle anti-Wall Street’s LA camp
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/30/us-usa-protests-idUSTRE7AT0FO20111130

Wait… more riot gear? Seriously, what the frack is wrong with American policing? Oh, right… we went over that already last week. At least it managed to remain primarily peaceful, which hrm… oh… is the norm when people treat each other like people and demonstrate a proper level of respect, rather than assuming they’re dangerous criminals with no proof. Oh deity, spare me suffering from Lucifer’s bongo-wielding demons! *snort* Which reminds me:

What If They Sent in Social Services to Help Occupations Instead of Riot Cops to Bust Heads?
http://www.alternet.org/occupywallst/153257/what_if_they_sent_in_social_services_to_help_occupations_instead_of_riot_cops_to_bust_heads

It’s some pretty good food for thought, and jives with my personal philosophy – good breeds good, compassion breeds compassion. Bad/criminalization… it’s a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Mental health problems are rampant through society as we kill society for profits, which includes the prison-industrial complex. That’s right – jailing people is big money in America, though I presume many are blissfully ignorant of this fact.

In the meantime, feast your eyes on the public sector strike here in the UK today:

Public sector strikes – live coverage
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/blog/2011/nov/30/public-sector-strikes-live-coverage

Public sector strike to be ‘largest for a generation’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15953806

I saw a few here in and around Bedford when we were going through town today, and they brought a smile to my face. I sincerely hope that they are somewhat successful. I know the government is already trying to write it off, but that’s not a surprise. Personally, I think they and anyone getting less than 2% annual raise should be raising Cain; I’m pretty sure that was the MINIMUM we got in the military to match the annual inflation was 4%. Likewise, it is not unreasonable to be pissed off that your pension is being changed after you had been signed on with a certain set of parameters. We’ll see how it goes, but for now – I’ve got some reading to get back to. Have a good day!