Monday, May 05, 2008

Demonstration for better housing


How to attract attention on France's housing problems? By invading empty buildings and inviting the media to attend the operation! I happened to witness such a "commando action", last Thursday, as I was walking around my neighborhood to take photos. The protesters managed to occupy a 5 000 sq meter building (previously used by a school) and threatened the authorities to stay, just like they do rue de la banque (see this post and this one). Only this time the Police got them out a few hours only, after they got into the building. See the whole process in photos in this little video.

78 comments:

  1. It looks more like a party than a demonstration. We have had similar demonstrations here in San Francisco. However, they did not look fun; and, it took the police months to get the people off the property. No one was using the property -- so it was sad to watch them being evacuated.

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  2. Very interesting photo with so much to look at when enlarged. You really captured quite a scene! I agree with Lois that this crowd looks a bit like they are at a party. What's with the colored wigs? And in your video (well done by the way!) who is the hippie Elvis guy?

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  3. Katie, I'm still laughing - "who is the hippie Elvis guy?" You are hysterically funny. He does have BIG hair!!!

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  4. He has the big Elvis pompadour AND it looks like the police were shooting him with day-glo paint! What an outfit! Be sure to watch Eric's little video. I know this is a serious subject, but kinda hard not to laugh when seeing such a character.

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  5. Eric I have a question. With so many demonstrations in the city, does the citoyens usually support them all? or some of them think they get in the way of the daily life in the city?

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  6. Jeff have a nive flight, enjoy our adored Paris.
    And don't forget to take new pictures and send them to me to complete my series of photos from PDP Picnic 2006 and PDP Picnic 2007!!!

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  7. Katie + Lois, well, yes you are right ! They were demonstrating but you could tell there were really having fun! In fact I think their goal was to attract attention in the most festive way possible ;)

    The guy dresses in Elvis, in particular, was really fun to watch. You could tell he was having a blast ;)

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  8. Lynn, are you still being stalked by a kittie? My cat is very sweet. He is a Chartreux.

    http://users.thevision.net/bleugene/catskittens.htm

    They call his breed "the little blue cat from France." I would be afraid to touch a cat that I did not know. They are animals and unpredictable. You just never know.

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  9. This year - on Vicky Hugo's request - we will even try to do better than photos Monica ;)

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  10. I hope you all have a GREAT time at the PDP picnic. Perhaps some year I will actually make it to one.

    Interesting photo though. Looks like they're just having a picnic as well!

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  11. Eric - forgive me if this is a really stupid question, but I watched the video, and noticed that some of the police at the demonstration had "Police" written, in English, on their uniforms. Is this normal, in Paris?

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  12. m.k. Police is the same word in French.

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  13. Say - anyone in the SF area interested in getting a drink on Wednesday evening to cry about the fact that we're missing the PDP Picnic?? Tomate? Lois? Anyone? Plus it's nearly the 1st anniversary of the PDP-SF get together!

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  14. Katie i confess i didn't look at the vid but i'm going straight back to do so!

    Lois yes the leopard is still around my home. Eek. I totally agree, i don't go near ANY cats, so stroking is way out of the question!

    Eric i really love this photo. As Katie said, there's so much to see. People shots are wonderful; i like to look at the expressions, the clothes, ages, professions, occupations, it's all good. When taking them - don't you agree, Eric? - you sometimes don't see everything until you get back and upload them. Occasionally there's a good surprise.

    I don't think we have this sort of demonstration in the U.K. We have plenty of housing problems so it might be an idea. French demonstrations always look great fun. I half expect each of those students to have packed in their bags a gourmet meal they will whip out at any moment with a travel glass of wine.

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  15. By the way Katie i like the new photo! - you changed it, right? I have yet to do mine.

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  16. Yes Lynn, after seeing the discussion amongst the gals a little while ago, I decided to change my photo too. Your turn! I don't want to feel like I'm wearing the same outfit for months on end while hanging out in the blogosphere!

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  17. Eric oh my I wonder what do you mean by saying you'll do even better!!!

    Does it mean it will be live online???

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  18. Phx, now that it's past midnight here I can... WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

    Wishing you have a great day and party all day long!!!!!!!!

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  19. Monica, you are the best!I know where you got the info., once I thought about it! And yes, I am 21lol.
    Since I won't be home, I will celebrate in Paris with the PDP picnic bunch.
    I have lots of things I am bringing, and if I put my mind to it in the next few hrs before I leave for NYC, we will be playing SURVIVOR PDP at the picnic, with some questions I have almost finished preparing.HeeHee HEE.
    It sounds like my mystery, and very jetlagged face will turn up at the picnic,since I still can't figure out how to put it on PDP.

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  20. Looks like a nice day for a demonstration...wonder if the Cafe Mazarin is thinking about business to be gained...or lost? Housing problems, unfortunately, pervade world-wide. BTW--Your photo would likely have inspired Renoir. ;-)

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  21. I am all for such protests, and have no problem with the colourful antics of some of the protesters: but I wonder whether the seriousness of their message hasn't in some ways been undermined by their hilarious tomfoolery. It shouldn't be, of course, but my impression is that, while it is sure to appeal and seem harmless to converted, it gives the unconverted (i.e. those who most need to hear and heed their message) one more excuse to dismiss it as an event staged by people with nothing better to do - and, even worse, as a toothless tiger.

    Now, I'm not suggesting that all demonstrations, in order to have the desired effect, should be either dour or violent; I'm simply saying that, while the rationale behind the use of light-hearted, attention-grabbing stunts like a tutti-frutti Elvis may be inviolable, these tactics are also likely to bring out the worst - rather than the best - in human nature. That is, they may lead the less compassionate amongst us to sneeringly write off the pleas of those in need on the basis that they are "clowns" of one variety or another.

    In saying this, I am mindful of the fact that protests can often be at their most effective when they employ satire as a vehicle for their critiques - but, unless I'm missing something, this doesn't seem to be the case here.

    Just a thought...

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  22. Katie, Yes, that is a great idea "interested in getting a drink on Wednesday evening to cry about the fact that we're missing the PDP Picnic". We could meet on my terrace for wine, cheese, (I have macarons from France). We could also view the PDP post from time to time on my laptop. That would make it more virtual.

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  23. Lynn, You are just a doll, such drama! "yes the leopard is still around my home. Eek." You crack me up.

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  24. A big turn out full of interesting looking people! Great picture!

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  25. OMG Lois, you have macaroons from France??!! But seriously, you'd be up for hosting wine and cheese on your deck??!! I can pick up cheese at the Cowgirl Creamery at the Ferry Building after work! By the time we get together SF time, the picnic will be over and maybe Eric will have at least posted a photo! Oh this could be SO COOL, even if no one else responds. It would be the next best thing to being in Paris at the picnic! I'll pop over to your blog and we can figure this all out.

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  26. Lucio, You go to such depths; now what are you pondering;-) I remember the early demonstrations in the 60's -- they were very colorful -- "the beautiful people". They called them "sit-ins". People played flutes and painted their faces and wore unique clothing. However, that did not last, the demonstrations turned more and more violent over the years. I am all for peaceful demonstrations. Yes, many people might think that these demonstrators are not serious. That is the critical nature of the human being.

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  27. Katie, I would be delighted to host the wine and cheese SF PDP picnic. I don't have a blog. I have a website.

    I'm sending you an email with my address, etc.

    My terrace is large and can accommodate the entire SF PDP gang+.

    Yep, I you have macaroons from France.

    Thank you for your enthusiasm. Michael thought it was a good idea too -- however, he is in PARIS!

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  28. Phx you're always up for some fun and play and is always willing to entertain other people. That's why YOU are the best dear!

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  29. Lois: I'm a writer. The depths are where I live.

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  30. Picnic after 5:30 pm, Wednesday, That way our picnic will be just like the one in Paris -- in the evening. We can watch the sun go down into the Pacific.

    Menu: Katie is bringing bread, cheese and fruit. I have beer (Stella Artois), wine (Chardonnay), champagne (Piper Sonoma), cognac (Hennessy). I have pate and cornichons, salami and Jarlsberg, and an assortment of petite quiche. If we have left anything out and it is your favorite; bring it along.

    I have macarons and French cookies.

    We will have enough food for any last minute SF PDP procrastinators.

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  31. Lucio, You are really funny -- drama. Still laughing.

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  32. You've captured this well Eric. I can never understand demonstrations in France, and this one is no different. I guess the month of May will be full of them this year!

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  33. Happy Birthday PHX!

    Lois, be sure and leave a comment in the Forum and then you might see if you have other takers for your SF get-together.

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  34. Happy Birthday PHX??? Well, I know what song I'll sing on Wednesday...

    Ok, ladies, I confess: I have never had a macaroon. Maybe this year is the time.

    Thank you for the wishes, Monica. Now I am curious about Eric's comment, too.

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  35. phx-cdg: Bon anniversaire!

    PS Sorry about the tardiness of my felicitations, but the elevator from the depths is old, temperamental and extremely slow - like me in the mornings.

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  36. Michael, I didn't want to get anyone confused with the Paris picnic. The SF PDP gang is small -- I'm guessing at most there are six or seven of us. Anyway, thank you for your positive input. You're a gem.

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  37. I have never had so many good wishes for my birthday from so many CONTINENTS!This is FUN! Thank you all!

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  38. Happy birthday PHX!! I wish you a nice day.

    No time to comment now, I'm going to school (Yes Monica, I'll answer you later on Fb!).

    BTW, 7.30am and 37 comments...what happened yesterday night?..

    Guille,tanned but working.

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  39. PHX Happy birthday!
    What do you mean Survivor PDP? Like a quizz?

    Lois: Congratulations on GF!
    You will have to watch out or you will end up convincing some people to come to the SF picnic instead the Paris one specially with all these macaroons!

    Michael: we better get some more macaroons for our picnic.

    Lynn: I don't like cats either, specially in my garden!

    Monica: You told me yesterday I was the best! Make up your mind... who is the BESTEST? lol

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  40. Lucio

    I'm all for prostest too and agree withn you enotirely that some protestors/protests undermine their own cause.

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  41. Bonjour Eric,

    Vous avez un blog magnifique! Non seulement vos photos et vos vidéos sont de très bonne qualité mais aussi vos messages sont agréables à lire.

    Ça fait 9 ans que je ne me suis pas rendue à Paris donc je visiterai régulièrement votre blog pour avoir les nouvelles de cette ville que j’aime bien.

    J’ai regardé la vidéo de la manifestation. Cet “Elvis Guy” m’a fait éclater de rire aussi! :)

    Salutations d’Istanbul,

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  42. Rose: As you know, I am not one to stir up controversy (LOL), but I do feel that important ends are often contradicted by flippant means, and I would to think that a cause as important as fairness and justice in public housing might be imperiled by a bit of otherwise harmless fun.

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  43. They did well! There are so many unused houses and so many homeless!!!

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  44. Rose: As you know, I am not one to stir up controversy (LOL), but I do feel that important ends are often contradicted by flippant means, and I would *hate* to think that a cause as important as fairness and justice in public housing might be imperiled by a bit of otherwise harmless fun.

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  45. I think both "picnics" sound very tempting!

    And Lois, I hope your job-hunting has gone well? I'm still in the midst of mine. :P

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  46. Rose you wait til you see the leopard i'm avoiding then (oh yes Lois it is).

    Happy Birthday dear Phx! Lynn-to-Lynn wishes for you!! x

    Rose there's someone else like me? I thought everyone seemed to love cats. I was cooking yesterday with my back to the open patio doors. Suddenly there was a "SSSssss!" i nearly jumped out of my skin. Yes, you guessed; it was my son. I'm suffering.

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  47. Lynn
    Did you know that Napoleon was terrified of cats and so was Henry III amongst a few others!
    So, you are not alone in your fear of cats...

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  48. Rose you are the best! But I can't help if Phx is sooo the best too. Oh and also Lynn, and Michael, Guille, and Eric and... I could go on and on...!


    LOL Guille

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  49. Very interesting, Rose.

    By the way girls - no comments about the gorgeous manly policemen in uniforms showing off their weapons? I'd have thought there'd be loads by now. I am remiss myself too! I've noticed one girl who's checking them out well and truly though. She's fourth from right, top left, sitting on the ground. A discerning eye, for sure. lol.

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  50. Eric: I think the video is superb. I loved the music too. For people attending demos like that in Australia we call them "rent a crowd".
    It would be nice to think that something might be done about housing shortages as a result.
    Have a wonderful time at your picnic tomorrow. Can't wait to see the photos!

    Lynn: have you ever heard of "fear of flying" classes? Well, I'm going to give you a "fear of cats" class when I get to Tewkesbury. I can understand fear of spiders but cats? I just don't get it sweetheart, particularly with such a beautiful little "leopard".

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  51. On the subject of cats, I have to agree with you, mme. benaut. :) I suspect they creep people out just because they don't understand them. I have one myself, and although she certainly has a will of her own (!), she's lovely.

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  52. An excellent compostion as always. I am finally in Paris! and am so excited for the picnic...
    Happy Birthday PHX I look forward to celebrating with you and the rest of the gang coming to the picnic!

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  53. Monica best amongst so many?
    No no no...'I want to be the bestest' (says the little sulking girl inside me)
    Are you sure you are not a politician or a diplomat?

    Lynn, don't feel too bad. Ailurophobia -fear of cats - is not uncommon or the worst fear to have. I have a friend who is terrified of sello-tape! And my husband works with someone who is a bananaphobic.

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  54. Lynn, Yes, I did notice ALL the police men in uniform -- and the ones wearing the blue helmets. I thought it was over-kill. The police sometimes appear to out number the crowd. (Eric said that once.) I thought the woman you pointed out (and the others looking in that direction) were looking at the Elvis guy on the balcony. It looks like he was addressing the crowd. >^..^<

    Rose, Thank you. I love hosting parties. I've have had some where literally thousands showed up to my loft. But that was when I was in my 20's -- I have calmed down since then.

    Alexandra, I am an artist specializing in Intellectual Property and Trade Secrets. My jobs these past two years have been contract jobs. When I was in court a couple weeks ago an attorney seemed irritated that I was doing contract work and not working for a firm. I told him that I was just going with the flow. It's the global economy and the field of work that I do. I prosecute and litigate IP domestic and foreign. So, if you hear of anything let me know. (You are probably thinking, what is she talking about -- I was at a networking party given by the French Chamber of Commerce here in San Francisco. I was talking to a doctor from Germany who specializes in ChemBio IP. He told me that he was contracting too and he emailed me his resume. He said, let me know if you hear of anything.) Happy job search Alexandra!

    Happy Birthday dear Phx Lynn. I was going to send you an e-card -- I couldn't find you email address.

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  55. I just want to say thank you for this blog. I recently left Paris behind to go back home (US) and I miss it everyday, but seeing your photos helps and just keeps the love for France and Paris going...

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  56. Thanks, Lois! and to you as well! Your job sounds far more interesting than what I [probably] will be doing over the summer. But oh well. One needs the money ...

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  57. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  58. Lois, that is very interesting what you do. With all of the Web 2.0 stuff, it is something we are looking at intensely where I work. For example, if someone says something on Facebook that can be seen by a competitor, it gets quite tricky. Sounds like you should have lots of work for a while!

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  59. Eric, right in the middle of all the action once more. These photos are very exciting and I just love the video.
    And there is so much to discover (like discerning eyes...LOL).

    Happy Birthday to you PHX !!!

    In general I'm not at all a jealous person, but I AM jealous of all of you going to the PDP picnic on wednesday.
    Promise to take photos, and what ever more,and Eric please make one of your famous slideshows. That would be great fun for us poor people who can't attend.

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  60. Back from school (See, Monica).
    Btw, I thought I was the best!You told me so!

    The photo reminds me of the Nanterre manifestations, but the policemen were not so nice!! This sit-in seems to be very quiet. The video is great, you played the paparazzi Eric,there are so many pictures! ;)

    What do you mean by 'we will even try to do better than photos'?!I think I'm afraid...videos? :S

    Lucio, I love the 'humour noir'(black humor?). Yours is so fun.

    Oh, Lynn, I have 3 cats. Yes, 3. He he.

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  61. Oh yeah...all the web 2.0 stuff Michael. I totally agree. I totally get it.

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  62. Oh goodness Mme what have i let myself in for? lol. Do you mean i may have to get within 20 feet of a cat? Ok then. I'll be inside my car.

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  63. Dear Eric,

    I read your blog often but do not comment. This photo, however, forces me to put in my two cents worth.

    How can people take over a building which does not belong to them and expect that the police do not kick them out just because they think there isn't enough housing in Paris (or wherever)? And I presume, knowing the French, that they just stand by and do nothing. Tell these kids to go fight to change the laws. I assume they wouldn't be very happy if someone showed up in their apartment and squatted.

    I do love the photo and video though. I imagine that this is their real aim anyway. To be famous.

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  64. Angela,
    These people expected that the police put them outside. It was the idea to attract viewers and reactions I guess.
    And I assume that the flat into which they entered was empty. I only assume. They're not violent people. The housing is such a problem in Paris, I understand the claim (and as a student I'm totally concerned actually...).

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  65. Dear Guille,

    Thank you for being nice with your response. Even if the building is empty I am sure that these people did make a mess of things and intruded on somebody else's property. For me that is just as bad as the housing problem. I guess it is just different living in a socialist country. Everybody seems to want the government to solve their problems. Thank you again for being nice to me. I am sure that I am not the majority here.

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  66. Angela, your viewpoint is interesting. You should comment more often. However the idea that they made a mess in the building previously used as a school (government property) is an assumption. We don't know about that for sure and i'm willing to see the best in them, that they wanted to make a symbolic point in order to get press coverage of the plight of the homeless, rather than a personal claim to fame. None of them seems to be posing for the cameras.

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  67. Oh no Lynn, you don't really believe that do you? Yes Angela, you should comment more often!

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  68. Sorry for my stupid question. Should have used my dictionary.

    Lucio - you bring up an interesting point of criticism. I heard an interview on public radio just the other day. The guest was the V.P. of PETA (people for the ethical treatment of animals). The man said he favored "colorful" demonstrations. He had conducted both types, and crowds respond well to, and listen to, colorful demonstrations. He described one in which he and his friends sat, in their underwear, on a bed in the middle of Boston, handing out fliers. They were criticized for demeaning their own cause. So, later he conducted another "demonstration" in the same location, but simply with handing out fliers to the public more seriously, and holding signs showing abused animals. People avoided them, wouldn't take the fliers. So, since the goal is to get the public to listen to you, and not tune you out, perhaps he's right. I find the costumes silly, myself. But perhaps people are just shallow enough that they need the silliness, to help them swallow the message.

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  69. Don't think about the majority, there is not fights or quarrels on PDP! Each point of view is welcome.

    I don't think that they did this sit-in to become famous. There is often demonstration for homeless people, at least 3 or 4 last year. And two years ago, the Don Quichotte association put hundreds of tents on the Canal Saint Martin enbankments to protest. It's never violent, it's never agressive, it's always to help people who need it and to attract the politicians' attention. If it's the best way they found to be heard, it's fine to me.

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  70. Michael, Yes, plenty of work -- forever. Or at least until the day, that people stop creating and inventing; and until the day, that people stop trying to steal other peoples' ideas. I cannot imagine either one of those things happening -- it's just human nature to create and unfortunately, to steal.

    Lynn, You are so crazy funny! "I'll be inside my car." >^..^<

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  71. Michael yes i do! lol i see no evidence of nastiness or violence in those people.

    lol Lois! I tell you if i get out of that car at that point, it'll be worth a picture!

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  72. By the way Michael, i've answered you over at mine and all i can say here is ...ew.

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  73. Saw a housing demonstration last time I was in Paris, and there actually were more police than demonstrators ( I counted). It's gratifying that these gatherings are peaceful -- but do they get results?
    We should do this in New York, where housing is so ridiculously expensive. They keep building -- but only high-priced "luxury" coops and condos. Where are the apartments for us middle-class working folks, not to mention the people who can barely afford a place to live (or can't at all)?

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  74. >> Angela, they surely expected to be kicked out, precisely, because like Guille pointed out, they wanted to attract attention.

    I'll come back to this - interesting - debate tomorrow, but now it's too late, I have to go to bed.

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  75. ok Guille you had me convinced, you ARE studying hard.

    Here´s my diplomat side girls: the PDP gang IS made of the best people in the world. Anyone disagrees? Didn´t think so!

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  76. Guille: There are those who think black isn't a colour. People with a sense of humour, however, know it to be the brightest colour of all.

    m.k.: Yes, sadly, I think some people ARE that shallow. On the other hand, I agree that the "visibility" of a demonstration can often hinge on its theatricality. We can't assume, though, that everyone who takes takes a leaflet from vegan dressed as a pork chop, and protesting against cruelty to farm animals, is going to read it - or, indeed, not use it as a piece of scrap paper on which to write their shopping list for the butcher.

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  77. Hey Katie. Sounds like fun. Count me in!

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  78. Lucio - You crack me up :)

    Oh, for a populace that would only listen to well-reasoned, well-presented argument. Ah well.

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