My Election Platform 2022 Rod Graham Justice
Help us campaign today for a real democracy and justice for all
My Election Platform 2022 Rod Graham Justice
Help us campaign today for a real democracy and justice for all
September, 23, 2022.
My run for mayor of Victoria. Rodney Graham.
I’m homeless.
My campaign slogan is:
Stop The Persecution. Stop the Sweeps.
My background. I’ve been an activist in one capacity or another for more than 45 years. I’m 64 now. I ran a street paper in the prairies called Street Sheet. I was a correspondent for NASNA (North American Street Newspaper Association NASNA, now called International Network of Street Papers, INSP) I have a lot of hands on knowledge – I was a homeless child at one time in Vancouver, B.C., was a ward of the state at the age of 12. As a Metis man – a big Metis man - I know what it’s like to be unjustly profiled, targeted, and persecuted. Persecution of the vulnerable has become the norm in society by those not effected by injustice.
I believe the homeless are misunderstood, persecuted, and falsely accused. I believe, in every city and town in Canada a campaign to deliberately torment, abuse, and alienate the homeless and poor is underway – to keep them down and out. I’m not saying there is strategy that is coordinated, but the same inhumane policies are directed towards the most vulnerable of citizens in this country – much like in America today. There’s a reason they do this - that the public is not aware of.
Firstly, I would like to, if I’m elected, introduce, or lobby to introduce, laws to protect the fundamental rights and liberties of Canada’s poorest citizens. Presently, there are, on the books across Canada, by-laws directed at the homeless and poor. These laws violate the fundamental rights and liberties of our most vulnerable and defenseless. These laws should be repealed.
There are too many Nurse Ratcheds, sadists, and psychotic cops out there. Although the general voting public is not aware of increasing abuse of authority in these communities – the poor and needy certainly are and it comes out periodically in the media, however, it is not being made known as it should an not enough is being done to protect the rights of these citizens. Likely because it does not effect the pocketbook of the voter.
I’m not making wild, pie in the sky proposals either here – I have a clear, well thought out plan to fund the housing needed, the people needed to be hired, or where the funds would come from. There would be no need to raise taxes either. Perhaps they could be lowered. In some cities an ENTIRE THIRD OF THE CITY BUDGET GOES TO POLICE. Victoria is no different.
There has been a lot of talk about de funding the police. I think it is a viable option. I think we could re-direct multiple-millions of dollars. Other cities could do it too. I think it would be a wonderful precedent if cities across the country would do the same.
Victoria has one of, if not the highest paid police forces in the nation. As a former homeless person, and recently, a homeless person again here in Victoria, I know a bit about the street – and about what police actually do. I don’t mean to insult anyone, but I think the general public is very naïve when it comes to policing – and homelessness. Police and security are far too involved in society today – And this is by design. It’s to keep the poor, who are seen as unsightly, annoying, and disquieting – away - unseen. Police – and security are used as a tool to stifle the basic human rights of the poor. I would re-direct funds that are wasted on over-policing. I would create a new model for policing. I would attempt to encourage a new way of looking at the class system we have now and ensuring more equality – and – JUSTICE FOR ALL.
1. De fund, and re-direct resources. Millions of dollars are wasted on the police, security, landscaping, and other activities – wasted MILLIONS.
2. Housing – Immediate actions toward housing ALL of the homeless. Allow well maintained/governed encampments until housing is available. Consider, and try out the tiny homes as other cities are doing in the states. Requisition buildings not in use.
3. Repeal unjust laws. Implement by-laws to protect the poor and homeless, and or lobby to do so. Hate laws for the poor and needy - as well as for the young and the elderly. REPEAL unjust laws targeting the poor.
4. Task force comprised of volunteers from the public – citizens board made up of citizens to oversee the maintenance and management of bureaucracy at city hall. Especially in regards to equality, justice, and humanity to ensure policies and decisions are not almost entirely based on the influence of the business communities, police/security, and the powerful. Oversight over the agencies with authority over the poor – the elderly, the young, physically/mentally challenged: To oversee home care agencies, health care, Child and Family Services, and other agencies that have power and control over the vulnerable.
5. Ensure that the public libraries, including the one downtown are well funded and managed – Also the Crystal Pool. It is a wonderful facility for the family and others. Having it well maintained and running, in its present location with minimal disruption to activities and minimal disruption of the surrounding neighborhood. The family structure is the backbone of society today.
I will voice my opinions to the media. Then get out of town asap, because the police, as well as the bureaucrats and business community - are vengeful characters all – and they will be looking to discredit and silence me…My picture website: rodney-graham@magix.net
A vote for me is a protest vote. A vote that says ‘these bureaucrats are similar’ and we aught to look out for the needs of the poor and needy and be less concerned with wealth, decadence, and glamour in this beautiful city. My website:www.stoptheoppression.com
Part 2.
Now let me answer your questions.
Public Safety:
I learned that at least one of the candidates is running on the platform (Unless he changed his platform) of public safety. When I heard this I immediately thought 'I've heard this "trick" before. Use the ignorance, fear, and hate of the public. These are things that people love to jump into and roll around in. And gossip about - even relish in apparently. It makes them feel superior - and people love that - to feel superior - to feel righteous.
The homeless are NOT all criminals and drug addicts. They are simply poor and lack resources and housing of course. But they are very vulnerable. Due to the actions of the city, the business community, and the public, they have become even more vulnerable to predators and REAL criminals. Some homeless people don't even smoke or drink... many don't. Some go to church regularly. They are quite similar to everyday people, both rich and poor. But, like I said, they are very vulnerable - very vulnerable.
When the police take the meager belongings of the poor and throw them in the garbage it drives them into the arms of organized crime! When they harass them 24/7 and deprive them of sleep - police and private security - it drives them into hiding - it makes them vulnerable - more than they were even before. It often drives them into the arms of organized crime and predators. They are afraid of security and police. Also - many have mental challenges and are easily persuades and/or intimidated. This is whet drug dealers and organized criminals do.
When you use punitive and unreasonable, brutal methods and attitudes, it alienates them and makes them more vulnerable to the criminals - the REAL criminals. And this is what cities in N America have been doing. Rudy Giuliani and NYC police chief Bill Bratton really got the poor bashing ball rolling on that many decades ago and other cities adopted the theory called the broken windows theory:
Clean up the neighborhoods and 'beautify' them - get TOUGH on nuisance - get TOUGH on VISIBLE undesirables - the poor. So began the war on the poor. Victoria has had this attitude, although they have initiated many Band Aid resources. I'm going to be very careful not to insult social workers and outreach people and agencies - but, because they do not often have the resources, power, and people to do the job - they only sort of keep them alive... keep them going, but in a state that I would I think accurately describe as A LIVING HELL.
I've talked to Victorians... and they seem to have a view of the homeless that really comes straight from the system - the police, city hall, security, chambers of commerce. 'These homeless people are getting TOO MUCH help! They are not even homeless... they're lying. They steal, they are dirty, they are scary.
None of it is accurate. Like other people, there are a few bad apples - but because they are in the public - literally in the public it is very visible. I can tell you - the REAL criminals and dangerous characters are living in comfortable lodgings in this city!
Abuse of authority regarding the poor:
It happens to the homeless everyday. I've experienced it here in Victoria myself. A lot of homeless don't even get the resources they need and deserve simply because the bureaucracy of agencies is riddled with sadistic, unfriendly, poverty pimps who make a living off their backs yet the view the poor with contempt, just like many of the public, including the police, security, and media.
My own experience.
I had just arrived in Victoria and went to a resource, a well known resource center. I had to go back several times because I lacked certain information for the receptionists. It turns out that the information I lacked could have been overlooked and put aside for the time since I was in need of medical resources.
The last time I went back I was told I lacked some minuscule thing - which I had not been told I needed anyway the last time I had been in. I walked to a chair and sat down, I began looking through my wallet. I mumbled an expletive, not directed at the receptionists at all - I thought they couldn't have heard me.
But, as I sat there, a receptionist stormed over to me and stood over top of me like a Drill Sergent informing me I was not allowed in the building any longer and I couldn't seek any further 'aid' at all - EVER, and to get out or she would call the police.
Fortunately, I talked to an agency in the building - an NGO group, and their supervisor talked to the supervisor downstairs where the receptionists were, and a social worker 'escorted' me past the receptionists so I could see a doctor. I was fortunate, because I was having chest pain at the time and needed a prescription filled.
I just wonder how many people die because of the malice of some Nurse Racheds - I couldn't guess the number but I KNOW they do. Perhaps a lot of them do.
Now, having been an activist for decades I was not surprised as others might have been - I certainly didn't respond as she probably would have liked. It's an old game that sadistic 'bureaucrats' of her caliber use often on the poor. Provoke, insult, be brusk and unhelpful - then, when the person responds - call security and/or the police. And, often, when some poor unsuspecting soul does raise their voice their lives could actually be in danger - Because the police are infested with psychos who derive great pleasure from inflicting pain, duress, and trauma to others. And, of course, these poverty pimp bureaucrats - and yes, they are also in health care as well - know exactly what they're doing.
This is why I say that we need laws to protect the poor in this country.Abuse of authority is rampant. We need hate laws for the poor. The poor have no rights in this country and not only are they targeted with unreasonable abuse but they have had unjust laws implemented and targeting them! We need to repeal the panhandling, vagrancy, and other unreasonable laws. And we need hate laws to protect the poor or the abuse is going to increase, and as a result it will cause untold harm.
Why do all the proposals, plans, and promises fail?
Because the business communities - chambers of commerce don't really want the homeless and poor to be helped too much anyway! The ones with the power and clout, and the purse strings don't want real lasting solutions for the homeless.
Why?! Because they would rather have the homeless living in hell than have them sheltered, well fed, happy, and socializing in the community.
Why? Because then these people - poor people - the same people - would actually be more mobile and out in the community - socializing with - GOD FORBID - the well off, the middle class, and the ordinary person. And the business community do not want so called low class, mentally challenged, different people anywhere near the vicinity of their businesses! It's a comfort issue. And anything that makes the customer - the consumer "uncomfortable" is taboo!
I think - and this is just satirical - that if the business communities, police, security, and the so called "good" people, the good voting public had their way they would grind the poor and needy, the young, elderly, and anyone else poor, and make them into little green wafers and sell them to the tourists as a delicacy. Purely satire. But that's kind of what their attitude is - cruel and no compassion or understanding at all.
I know that people will have a hard time understanding - or even believing this because we are fed the Pablum from the system, through the media, that we are living in a great democracy.
We are not.
Crack is - has been called - the most addictive drug on earth. When given to and sold to the poor (Crack is relatively cheaper than other drugs) they run out of money and steal . It's quite simple. Yes it's a crime. But, like I said, many of these people are unsophisticated and mentally challenged. It's quite simple. Crack down on organized crime - big in Victoria! The most addictive drug on earth sold to poor unsophisticated, vulnerable citizens. This should be stopped. The poor should be protected!
Why don't the police do this?
Also simple - and hard to believe perhaps shocking perhaps too:
Because DRUGS ARE GOOD FOR BUSINESS. It feeds the upscale business - BIG business! And whatever is good for business is good. It also provides organized crime with victims - Did you know that human trafficking is also going on in beautiful Victoria? It also keeps the poor down and out which is what the chambers of commerce want. When the homeless are devastated by addiction they are immobile - in hiding - out of sight.
Human trafficking. That's also good for business. And some of these victims are your sisters, daughters, and friends...
What should be done? Re-imagine the police. For one thing - the more they are paid the less they do. They even had to 'created' fabricated crime in order to maintain their huge budget. Check out the crock pot caper - search for:
'Couple accused in 2013 plot to plant bombs at B.C. Legislature sue police'
And why:
'Why did the RCMP also break Canada’s laws in doing so? Money. Lots and lots of money.' - The Tyee. Check this article. It says it all. It's about money. Lots of money:
BC Terror Trial Verdict a Scathing Indictment of RCMP Management
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/08/02/BC-Terror-Trial-Verdict/
It's time to start, not just re-imagining the police, but society. The police merely do whatever the rich, powerful, the chambers of commerce say. If they did otherwise - whistleblowers - They would be very quickly targeted and criminally harassed - and run out of their job. Some whistle blowers have committed suicide because of the extreme criminal harassment they were objected to.
Further on abuse to the homeless. Today, September, 23, 2022. I was flipping through the radio channels when I heard a woman talking to a radio show host - about crime. There's a certain station in Victoria I will call a "shock Jock Station". As I mention, talk about crime committed by the homeless is ALWAYS brought up by certain people, including police and security. It's no coincidence either. Trump used this quite 'helpful' strategy in garnering votes. Talk about the homeless who are scary, dangerous, criminals, drug addicts... The right wing, sleaze raking, hate mongering shock jock stations are always busy at election time. No this is what I want to tell the voters out there.
The homeless are regularly assaulted, abused, and insulted, provoked, harassed by non-homeless people. It is VERY COMMON. Yet you never hear about it on the news. This is one of MANY articles regarding this subject. Search:
'Advocate for homeless says 'very common' attacks on vulnerable highlights dangers - Calgary':
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6330065?fbclid=IwAR1h01Nv6XWRkYkNbCUPMY_YvJnoGfy0ZzIupDIHcJpCJtcGfmzw_1RphqY
We are living in a corrupt, decadent, uncaring, hypocritical society.
So why don't I attend town hall meetings? Well... read the above again. That's why.
So why aren't these 'crimes against humanity' in the media?
Because the people 'on the front line' - the people who the media always refer to when writing about the 'street' - the very ones who are using, abusing, and accusing, are the ones interviewed.
The media interview the 'professionals' of course. The people, ironically, who are often portrayed in Hollywood as heroes, are not heroes at all. The cops do what their supervisors tell them. Their supervisors do what city hall tells them, and city hall does what the business community - and the public, some of the public, tells them to do. What the public also don't know is that many of the so called resources out there are merely 'poverty pimp' organizations living off the backs of the poor and helpless. They also usually don't have anything good to say about the homeless... I need to qualify that by saying that there are many, however, many people working in these agencies, both government and NGO who are wonderful people. But they do lack the resources. The city only went halfway when providing/funding resources downtown.
There needs to be oversight though. This is essential to providing caring, truly humane aid to the poor.
Now it's time to mention the public. The voting public. Did you know that 10% of all people are against everything all the time? And it is these 'squeaky wheels' who are constantly on the phone complaining about the unsightly, apparently criminal homeless!
Let's move on, again, to the real crime on the street. As I've mentioned it's organized crime behind it when it comes to drugs. And, as I've said, drugs are good for business - designer drugs. Expensive cocaine and other drugs the wealthy use. They're good for the upscale restaurants and night clubs downtown and elsewhere. And cheap crack you can get for five bucks keep the poor and homeless down and out - out of sight. They are not as visible when they are just barely living.
Drugs are good for business - Upscale nightclubs and restaurants, and the hotel industry. They also -the cheaper drugs, namely CRACK, which has been called the most addictive drug on earth, keep the homeless living in a state of confusion and need - barely living - and, importantly for business - IMMOBILE - HIDING - AWAY FROM THEIR UPSCALE BUSINESSES.
And people wonder why the police don't tackle it - and the REAL CRIMINALS.
I rest my case.. Prove me wrong. I know I'm not wrong.
Spin doctoring in the media during elections:
Interestingly, there always seem to be certain articles in the media just prior to elections. This is no accident. And the shock jocks are busy fomenting ignorance, fear, and hate:
And, interestingly, they often are directed at the apparently, scary, sinister, dirty homeless! As I mentioned previously - The homeless are not scary and sinister - There are a minority who have mental issues and they are more visible than the other homeless... But as I mentioned, they are all portrayed this way - intentionally.
The chambers of commerce, security - both private and government, and police are behind this.City hall has it's own security/investigators as well. And the people who are drawn to this 'work' are not the most pleasant of characters.
Bum Hunting
When I first came to Victoria I stayed for a month at a downtown hostel on Blanshard St. I would hear popping noises and then yelling. Didn't know what it was until it happened right nearby - right under my window. People were shooting at a homeless guy outside with a pellet gun. I first heard the gun and then the poor guy started yelling and running away. This is/was not isolated.
The homeless are spied on, shadowed, and falsely accused. The have no privacy. For a time I lived in my van. I noticed at various locations, that people would sneak up and try to look in people's vans and RV's or cars.
Can you imaging if a poor person of any kind were to do that? If they were to go and look in people's windows!? Of course with the security technology now they would be caught and probably filmed right away. And they would probably be quickly in jail!
People prowling homeless camps and bushes with pit bulls. I witnessed a guy at the harbor front around 9 Pm with a pit bull who was 'scouring' the bushes with a pit bull. I don't think he was a security guard since he had plain clothes on. And I've seen this in other parks as well. I think it's one of many instances of intimidation and harassment. Nothing in the media about that..
Summary
In summary - Yes, in regards to homeless and crime - yes, there is crime.
Crime against them!
What to do. The idea to have resources - NGOs downtown was a good idea. But they only went halfway. And since the police do not protect the homeless but leave them to the mercy of - if not drive them into the hands of organized crime - the resources are not as effective as they could be. The homeless are used, abused, and accused no matter the resources they have.
Outreach is needed for the homeless. Some are so challenged mentally they have the mind of a five year old - and isn't it any wonder the dealers have such an easy time getting them addicted to crack!?
I am talking about REAL outreach workers. Not so called outreach workers who are basically security guards for the chamber of commerce who are 'disguised as 'outreach workers. Not people who are really there to spy on the homeless and harass them in so many subtle ways... Real outreach workers who are there to help, counsel, and aid the homeless, as well as protect them.
I think - and I do not know how much - how many MILLIONS are wasted on police. But if they were to be de-funded, and the funds used to help the homeless and protect them from predators, and, of course, spent on housing, I think we could help these unfortunate citizens in a big, effective way.
De-funding doesn't mean abolishing the police - it simply means re-imaging them. Overhaul would be a good word. And strong, effective oversight! What we have now is a police force - across Canada, both national - perhaps especially national, and civic, that are out of control. UNACCOUNTABLE. Thugs for hire basically. And the private security industry is even worse.
Private security - less regulated even than the police and can, and do, get away with a lot of inhumanity and criminal harassment. And they are among the fastest growing industries in Canada today.
Besides the corruption in the system today, there seems to be a subculture in society of bullying, snoopiness, and pettiness. No other group of citizens are effected more by this disease than the homeless and less fortunate. We need to root this out of our culture in order to have true democracy. A mature, wholesome, inclusive society with justice for all.
Policing:
Corrupt to the core - from the top down. But, since so many people asked me...
If it were possible, which is a big question: Firstly, you would need strong oversight comprised of non- police to oversee this task force:
Form a task force of 'untouchables'. People who will not likely be corrupted, bribed, dissuaded. And send them after organized crime.
What you can do yourself - today:
When you hear 'hate' gossip about the homeless - change the subject. What you hear may not be true - and it may also be contrived, hateful, completely inaccurate BS.
Rise above it.
One thing I often do when I hear petty gossip is to tell the person directly, this:
'It's good that you are concerned, perhaps you could go to that particular person or persons - and talk to them about this issue you are so concerned with. Who knows, maybe you can help after all'
And when you see the unsophisticated, the less fortunate on the street - don't immediately judge them in your heart. Don't frown down upon them, don't laugh at them and suppose you are so much better yourself...
Money and stability in life are more precarious than you may think. Many people have ended up on the street - you could too. If you check you'll find many wealthy celebrities and others have been homeless at one time - even after their stardom.
'We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.'
Was it an old pirate proverb, or from somewhere else? - tell me.
'You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.'
'Learn to do good
Seek justice
Help the oppressed'
A vote for me is a PROTEST.
We need a new democracy. Real democracy.
Vote for me and let me send a message. The more votes I get the stronger that message will be.
It's time to re-imagine our society. Perhaps in a few hundred years? When will true justice and equality come to us? Perhaps in decades, centuries? I believe that someday there will be peace, equality - and JUSTICE FOR ALL.
The more votes I get the stronger that message will be.
'Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not.'
Robert F Kennedy.
oA
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