The Cuts demonstration
First of all we went to the Benefits cuts demonstration about all the cuts the Government are trying to bring in. This turned out to be mainly a socialist thing which meant that as soon as the TV crews disappeared, then so did the socialists! None of them seem especially concerned with a group with as little power as the disabled, which is a shame as their support would have been nice!
Still, those of us who wanted to support the campaign against cuts to the disabled were still planning on moving off to Trafalgar Square...but it seems the police had other ideas. First one man in a wheelchair was approached & told that actually Trafalgar Square was private property & you cannot have a demonstration there! Obviously Trafalgar square is the venue for many demonstrations & events, so we knew the police were being as honest as ever about the law, they just didn't want the hassle of policing some disabled people, so like most able-bodied they attempted to push them out of the spotlight & send them home....but this group of disabled people would NOT be silenced!
Next came the 'donkey head' incident. The police approached a lady who had made a donkeys head that was to be used in an alternative nativity play that was to be part of the demonstration in Trafalgar Square. Below is a picture of the head:
The head is made of old plastic bottles & is kind of soft & flexible. Well according to the police this 'donkey head' is a health & safety issue & the head could not be allowed onto Trafalgar Square. Ridiculous, but true!!!
Honestly we all knew they just wanted this group of disabled activists to go quietly away, but that wasn't to be the case this time!
Trafalgar Square
For the first national DPAC demonstration we had a good crowd with many disabled & carers coming together to stand against the cuts. I was very impressed by those who had braved the cold weather, almost impossible public transport system (try using the tube or a bus with a wheelchair & see how far you get!) to demand a fair deal from the Government. With banners waving & chants echoing around the monument the demonstrators surrounded the large Christmas tree in the middle of the square & made everyone aware of the terrible deal the Government is trying to force on the disabled community. Trafalgar Square has its own private security force, called "Heritage Wardens". This private security service soon appeared to try to 'heavy hand' some of the disabled out of the square..unfortunately for them, they hadn't met a Maz before & by the end of that confrontation they were running for cover under the relentless verbal onslaught of "Le Gob"
After the Heritage Wardens were seen off by Maz, the alternative nativity play was acted out (no room at the inn for any disabled people!) & the demonstrators slowly began to make their way out of the square & begin the hard trek home.
Aftermath
I think it was a good first outing for the campaign & it really helped show what the disabled can do if they have the will to support campaigns such as these. I realise that obviously not everyone will be able to make these events (you are disabled or carers yourselves!), but do try to follow the DPAC blog & come along to events, or even do your own in your area! Only by showing total resolve will we force this Government to back down & you can all continue to live with some dignity & independence.
Finally for all you non-disabled (all the students, all the activists & arm-chair critics). If you support one campaign, then support the disabled. They are the minority least able to protect themselves from these cuts, it's up to all of us as citizens to stand up to the Government & say "No!".
We at Vegeze are not "Just about the animals"; humans, the environment, & many other rights are things we care deeply about. So if you want to help, join the DPAC blog, get involved & let's all help create a world where all are free!
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