Support the Occupy Toronto Movement

The Occupy Toronto movement is now one month old. Rob Ford and the city are beginning to take steps towards removing the peaceful encampment at St. James Park in Toronto.

There is a lot of discussion in the media that the Occupy Movement message is unclear. But it really is very clear. Beneath the specific issues raised by the movement, there is a universal message; the human longing to live deep, meaningful lives. The media has not done a responsible job of elevating the discussion beyond the issues; into the more profound aspirations of the Occupy Movement.

The anger, frustration and outrage present in the movement are real, but those sentiments are equaled by its wisdom, love and desire to create a world based on compassion, unity, and love, in which people live fulfilling lives, the birth right of every human being.

This movement, at its heart, is a global exploration of human freedom.

Unfortunately the media has latched onto the small disruptive element present at the Toronto site; those individuals who are not there for genuine reasons, and who bring alcohol and drugs into this peaceful encampment. But the people who are there with the genuine aspiration to create a better world, far outweigh those with misguided intentions. We must remember this, especially to counter balance Rob Fords narrow and inaccurate view that the camp is becoming unsafe. He will use this as justification to shut the protest down. People living at the park are working tirelessly to determine how to work with the disruptive element, to ensure that they do not overshadow the broader intentions of the movement.

There is tremendous power in the act of staying. Being here, on the ground, present. Beyond the issues, this is the beating heart of this movement.

Those that Occupy Toronto, in the cold, in the confusion, fight for a greater good, a greater purpose; to contribute to an evolving view of humanity, and what it means to live descent, fulfilling lives.

Please help us to convince Rob Ford to allow the Occupy Toronto encampment to continue. Tell him that he is wrong when he says Torontonians do not support this movement. This is urgent. We must do this now to ensure the peaceful, nonviolent movement continues.

Help us to nurture the burning aspiration at the heart of this movement; a better world for all of us. This road requires patience. We will not see the ‘results’ so quickly. But the road of patience will plant deeper roots, roots that will grow from underneath, affecting how people think, how we view the world. Then, perhaps future generations will remember our city at this time, and what we stood up for.

We encourage the Occupy movement around the world to create similar petitions.

Thank You