On the Occupy Nanaimo website the group has posted a 'Donation Wish List' which is soliciting donations of items they can use for their occupation of Diana Krall Plaza.
Of particular note is a request for Marine batteries, Power inverter, Wind turbine, Solar panels and a Controller.
It would seem that discussions with our Mayor who is reported as saying the occupiers will leave on their own timetable have encouraged the group to look for means of providing their own electrical power.
I for one am a staunch supporter of free speech and do everything I can to encourage people to participate in the democratic process, but have a hard time reconciling 'free speech' with setting up residence in the public square. If this group of active citizens wish to use their right to free speech, by all means, attend the square as often as you want and say whatever you want to whomever will listen. Address city council, involve yourself in the current civic election process, learn how city hall and city council spend YOUR money, get involved in the process and be as active and vocal as you want to be.
However, that does not concede that the present occupation of a public square is all part and parcel of our freedom of speech guaranteed under our Charter.
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