Take a look, this is julie in jail a few months ago when she and some of us stood with the urban poor community to defend their houses against demolition in an area in South Jinjang in Kuala Lumpur!This was secretly taken in the
police lock up with hp camera! ha ha
Finally after 4 hours of fighting and 7 arrests (julie and other community leaders), the city hall bulldozers crushed the houses and the 14 families had to move out. I bailed out all leaders and we lodged a police report against the city hall! Well, its almost always a losing battle when it comes to defending against forcible evictions in urban poor! So the trick is to do all the defending and negotiations before the bulldozers arrive at our doorstep!
Anyway enjoy the pictures!
Julie in the truck
4 comments:
Dear Mama julie:
You are a symbol of SHEER COURAGE. we are proud of your selfless support to all.
Mama you are not only running marathon on tracks/road but also you are running an unending marathon in life for the poor people.
I do not know how I can compliment you. Our work is nothing compared to you.
I agree with Jo Hann that we need to start pre-planning (as we had learnt in Bali "Island Exercise"); But Jo Hann i feel sometimes these situations are inevitable especially when you are part of the community or gradually immersing yourself within the community.
In this case, I was remembering our last session in Bali (Sua, Myo, Jo Hann)- "what is the role of the COer and where can you draw the line of action by yourself and by community?"
However i feel at the end we need to take a stand. And that she has taken. So she has done a great job as per my thinking.
Once again Hats Off to Mama Julie from Papa Paul. I will share your detail to my daughter - I am sure she will be fan of you.
bye
Paul
yes paul it is true sometimes we cannot avoid the last minute actions...the most important thing is the people must be clear and ready whatever actions they want to take. Sometimes they may not want to make a stand and just leave the house...its their decision and readiness that counts in the end.
Now you know why I am such an avid marathon runner! My upcoming 42km run is 22 November 2009 - the Penang Bridge Int'l Marathon!
Running a marathon and being a CO shared similar characteristics -
Persistency, Courage, Patience, Determination, Positive Mindset and most importantly is PASSION. Without PASSION, we can will never go far.
We can plan and take a stand but at the end of the day, its the people who must decide their fate and course of action. I don't believe in imposing my standard of living onto others. The best is to take on the role as a facilitator instead of being their leader. By taking this stand, it will push them to be more pro-active tho it may also backfire ie very likely they just give in to the suppression..... but that is their choice.
I will have no regret cos' I strongly believe that no one can defend or change our standard of living except Ourselves!
So, Papa Paul when can we have another dance . . .hahahaaaaa
i am realy impressed by the team of COs that were there for supporting the urban poor.....but these giansts won....i think most important thing is we don't let these things go unnoticed and unopposed because if they happen without any opposition, then the government/business tycons would always come for evictions without any hesitation....
Post a Comment