(Some of us don't just walk the walk even if we are REMFers, and fully admit it, ok... this comment will make sense in a minute to those who know the meaning of this)
So today was raining cats and dogs, You gotta understand, sixty and soggy in San Diego IS cold. So after getting a bulb fixed in the car went over to the sports store and got a few ponchos (all that they had, all six of them) and a couple warm hats. Then I went down there, in between down pours... and came home in one.
So today I met a couple vietnam era vets. We started talking. One of them is not just a vet, but a POW. Where does he live these days since work is scarse? On and off in the streets, with his wife. He's a medic, so he's been keeping an eye on the health and safety of the camp. We struck a long talk and he and I talked to two City College Students. They are working on a school report (and a meeting has been had, where they intend to start an occupy city college group, idealistic kids)
So they were told what OWS is about. This idea of economic justice is resonating, especially when you talk about their student debt. They listened, and mostly tried to learn.
The second vet is another Bush vet... he is staying there as well, in between a few other problems. He is also having issues finding work, seems that as a vet it is even harder to find work, Nothing personal to all civies, but apparently, from what both say, being combat vets puts a certain edge to those actually interviewing them. And they are not there for themselves, They do not expect to see these changes, they are there for their kids. Oh and there will be a march of vets on DC.
After talking to the city college kids, Heinlein and Starship troopers came to conversation and how Heinlein was not writing fiction. Also the fact that all the critical injuries the PRESS is reporting have been vets, Apparently, and I have no way to confirm this... the night of the raid one cop kicked a young female occupier in the head, and the occupier is still at ICU. Don't ask me to confirm this, I have no way... just passing it along. Legal is involved already and our lovely press (especially locally) will not go there.
Of course the living accommodations are quite spartan and the city likes it this way, yet, they are five star, compared to what the vets had during their younger years in the bush, or as a POW. More on the accommodations. The city will not let them set up tents. But in their wisdom they have allowed them to use tarps. (I laugh at their wisdom)
As to food, they are now allowing a food table... and the grub today looked pretty damn good. Between my food allergies and I know these people need it more... which means I will need to bring them some fresh fruit... no, not kidding.
No, there was no GA... kind of the weather intervened.
As I got on the trolley I struck a talk with a couple from OH. Somebody lied to them, about SD weather. She was forced to retire due to all the fun and games, and we started talking of OWS at the meta level, They are angry and were surprised I knew about SB 5. But we all realize this is one of those years, Oh and while they have never been to a local occupy, they will go visit theirs when they get home... It is spreading.
Photos as soon as el cheapo and I can have a talk. Lens cover fell off, so either I get another el cheapo or risk the better rig.
For the record I was told that those of us posting these things online and tweeting and all that are also essential... but so were the supply folks... so be it. I will wear it proudly.
Photos here
http://nadinbrzezinski.posterous.com/report-from-the-front-lines
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