Trying to send Occupy Vancouver packing.

Tragedy struck at Occupy Vancouver. For the 2nd time in about a week a person was found unconscious. Unlike the first time where first responders managed to save the man's life, this time they were not so lucky. A young woman in her early 20's, known by others at the Occupy Vancouver camp as "Ashley", stopped breathing and never regained consciousness. She was determined dead at the hospital. Authorities say that she died of natural causes, and not suspiciously.

However the Vancouver authorities are going to use this as an argument to kick out the Occupation. Never mind that people die in Vancouver of drug overdoses regularly, and they don't shut down entire parts of the city. In fact usually when someone dies of a drug overdose, no one really cares because it's just another druggie. But have one die in an Occupy - obviously, the Occupation isn't safe.  I have not been able to ascertain if Ashley was a week-end partyer or more heavily involved, but it doesn't matter. She lost her life tragically. May she rest in peace.

I wonder if the authorities hear themselves and how stupid it sounds! The problems of the city mar  the Occupy so it must be the Occupiers fault. No it's the authorities fault for not better educating people against the dangers of drugs. Has it occurred to them that many find drugs because the situation they are living is unbearable? 

I've also read comments coming from various parts of Canada where they suggest that Occupy's police themselves and kick out everyone who uses drugs or Alcohol! Fine idea in principle, but in a free society you don't choose for others what they can put inside their bodies. You don't force parents to drug their kids to allow them in school either. [A different problem but worth noting]  I personally don't have issues with those who smoke pot. Generally they aren't the ones who get violent or who overdose or cause the problems.  

The reason Montreal and Vancouver have issues with drugs and alcohol on the site, is the same reason Vancouver and Montreal have their fair share of drug addicts and homeless who live on the street. At Occupy Montreal they are trying to recruit more social workers to help with the homeless, the drug addicts and the mentally challenged so they get services and get treated with the care and dignity they deserve and also don't give our site a bad name.