There are two salient bits of news that have probably percolated to most people’s minds. They are:

Occupy London protesters take over disused court
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/20/occupy-london-protesters-take-over-court

While it doesn’t appear to have its own website yet, Occupy London welcomes their fourth camp. To quote from their press release:

‘The opening of Occupy London’s fourth occupation, will see the movement conducting “trials of the one per cent” in the abandoned magistrate’s court building which has lain empty since 1996, despite its prime location and grade II listing.’

Unsurprisingly, I am charmed. I also think that it’s a great idea that they continue to set up new camps. As the main one is on trial currently:

St Paul’s cathedral chapter tells court why it wants Occupy London to go
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/20/st-pauls-occupy-london-court

The more encampments they have, the harder it is to push them out. UBS has been trying with the Bank of Ideas, but the protesters have been granted a reprieve until next month/year.  I cackle – all the focus on these two or three, and Finsbury Square is left blessedly alone. And while I know – the government doesn’t get any filthy lucre in tax income if people aren’t legally occupying… but honestly, my heart is with the communities that have lost their centre, which much of the Occupy movement is trying to rebuild and restore. Having a community heart can bring so much pride and love to an area and its denizens, after all.

Finally, a nice little reminder of things to come out of the States:

Revolutions Don’t Happen in a Day: 5 Ways OWS Can Stay Powerful and Truly Build a Movement
http://www.alternet.org/occupywallst/153529/revolutions_don%27t_happen_in_a_day%3A_5_ways_ows_can_stay_powerful_and_truly_build_a_movement?page=entire

I’m already seeing people branding the movement a failure, or thinking that nothing has been accomplished because the world hasn’t changed in three months. I know that in this modern age, people are used to things being said and done quick quick quick – we’re all taking in so much information and detritus that it seems strange when stuff takes more than a few seconds. So while the movement might be dampened by the winter rain and snow, we are reminded that this is a fantastic planning time for the spring to come. Change will happen, change is starting to happen, and it can only continue if we all work to open a dialog and use this social space to make our voices heard, to try and improve our lives and communities. I’m still excited, and I hope you are all too.

Have a tremendous Thursday (har har), and I’ll be back with… erm… something! tomorrow.

<3