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Just stop oil protesters

(103 Posts)
Mollygo Fri 10-May-24 13:08:42

Smashing glass round the Magna Carta and claiming the government is breaking the law.

Callistemon21 Sat 11-May-24 13:47:11

MaizieD

Freya5

MaizieD

Let's get this right. They didn't smash the glass.

They attempted to smash the glass, which is clearly reinforced because it is protecting a significant historical document.

Oh that's OK then!!

I was merely pointing out that their action was not as sensational as implied in the OP and didn't merit some of the rather hysterical responses. Magna Carta was never in any real danger.

That is not the point!

Callistemon21 Sat 11-May-24 13:46:21

RosiesMaw

^They may have walked or cycled there. If they used public transport that is more environmentally sound than using a car^
They may indeed have walked or cycled MaizieD or perhaps scooted or ridden on donkeys in which case I assume they set off in plenty of time as one (the retired vicar) lives in Bristol and the other, in Swansea.
In which case I have to applaud their tenacity while decrying their misguided hooliganism

I was wondering how long it took them.

They could, of course, have electric cars which begs the questions
How was the electricity produced?
Did they have to recharge the batteries on the way, if so, how was the electricity produced at the charging point?
Where was the lithium mined for the batteries and how does sustainable and environmentally friendly is lithium mining?

After production, electric vehicles have far lower carbon emissions than gas-powered vehicles. However, the process to mine, refine and assemble EVs, particularly their batteries, is environmentally damaging. According to a report by MIT’s Climate Lab, one ton of mined lithium emits nearly 15 tons of CO2. According to the same report, burning the fossil fuels required to manufacture lithium or EV batteries contributes to high levels of CO2 emissions.

A recent investigation by the Howard Center found that the brining process, used to extract lithium hidden in saltwater, uses hundreds of millions of gallons of fresh water per year. Over-pumping groundwater can not only decrease source levels, but also damage surrounding aquifers and can cause fissures in the ground.

They could have ridden on horses, the horses producing useful manure en route. As well as methane, of course.

It's not the first time the Reverend has caused trouble and alleged criminal damage.

There must be a better way for two intelligent 🤔 women to bring this to the sympathetic attention of governments and the public than by causing criminal damage which just alienates people.

MaizieD Sat 11-May-24 13:41:02

Freya5

MaizieD

Let's get this right. They didn't smash the glass.

They attempted to smash the glass, which is clearly reinforced because it is protecting a significant historical document.

Oh that's OK then!!

I was merely pointing out that their action was not as sensational as implied in the OP and didn't merit some of the rather hysterical responses. Magna Carta was never in any real danger.

MaizieD Sat 11-May-24 13:36:17

If you are going to use vandalism to, potential destroy priceless historic assets, then I think it is reasonable to ask to what extent you are living the life you profess to want us all to live.

If they don't use Gnet how do you propose to elicit this information?

Theexwife Sat 11-May-24 13:14:06

The problem with these protests is the actions are reported which distracts from what the protests are about.

M0nica Sat 11-May-24 12:52:32

If you are going to use vandalism to, potential destroy priceless historic assets, then I think it is reasonable to ask to what extent you are living the life you profess to want us all to live.

That is not judgmental that is merely asking them to the extentto which their beleifs permeate their own lives.

We are quick to condemn hypocrisy in other circumstances, the vegan with shares in meat products manufacturer, the person expressing sympathy for the poor while introducing policies to make their lives worse.

Why shouldn't we ask these protesters how they live their principles in their own lives?

Nicenanny3 Sat 11-May-24 12:45:39

Well I've decided I don't want to stop oil, I want to burn it 🔥 I want to go on as many short/ long haul flights ✈️ to lovely places 🌴 as I can afford before I pop my clogs and drive all around the UK and Europe in my camper.

Freya5 Sat 11-May-24 12:43:05

MaizieD

Let's get this right. They didn't smash the glass.

They attempted to smash the glass, which is clearly reinforced because it is protecting a significant historical document.

Oh that's OK then!!

RosiesMaw Sat 11-May-24 12:35:23

They may have walked or cycled there. If they used public transport that is more environmentally sound than using a car
They may indeed have walked or cycled MaizieD or perhaps scooted or ridden on donkeys in which case I assume they set off in plenty of time as one (the retired vicar) lives in Bristol and the other, in Swansea.
In which case I have to applaud their tenacity while decrying their misguided hooliganism

Callistemon21 Sat 11-May-24 11:39:05

My point was: Why did they order a man to stop filming them?

What about his rights?

MaizieD Sat 11-May-24 11:30:05

Callistemon21

They thought they had the right to cause criminal damage, then sit there and glue themselves together but kept ordering a man to stop filming them 🙄

Shall we forget about the suffragettes, then? Do we condemn them wholesale for using much the same strategies?

MaizieD Sat 11-May-24 11:28:10

M0nica

I would like to know how these people live and travel. Did these protesters walk to the BM? Even public transport consumes fuel, some of which will come from gas.

Do they have heatpumps in their houses? Are they fully insulated, Do they choose the food they eat to reduce food miles? Are their homes devoid of plastic.

Before you start damaging other people's property they should show the sacrifices they are making to do as they want others to do.

They may have walked or cycled there. If they used public transport that is more environmentally sound than using a car.

Do they have heatpumps in their houses? Are they fully insulated, Do they choose the food they eat to reduce food miles? Are their homes devoid of plastic.

We have no idea. I think it's better to stop being judgemental until these facts are known. If they are never known perhaps it would be more charitable to give them the benefit of the doubt and surmise that protestors willing to go to extreme lengths probably do their best in their daily lives to reduce their carbon footprint.

If we're going to be judgemental I just wonder how many of the people leaping in to condemn this elderly couple are doing their best to minimise usage of fossil fuels in their own lives...

Callistemon21 Sat 11-May-24 10:49:04

They thought they had the right to cause criminal damage, then sit there and glue themselves together but kept ordering a man to stop filming them 🙄

Callistemon21 Sat 11-May-24 10:41:50

Luckygirl3

It is so frustrating, as often these protesters have a legitimate grievance and point to make.

I am singing in a choral concert soon and one of the pieces is a commissioned work about the pollution of the local river. We offered the Friends of the River an ad in the programme and a stall at the back so people could learn what they do during the interval. They came back to us with a ludicrous proposal for a procession with a river goddess, and blessing of river water and lights and bells .... we had to be very firm to put them off. I was furious that they should think they could just take over a concert with this stuff, but also that they are giving the naysayers perfect ammunition to dismiss the problems with all this flim flam.

Protestors often get it so wrong and their cause is lost.

There was a River Festival on last week. Usually we'd go, couldn't this year but previously they've had such stunts as a tightrope walk across the river and yes, lots of activities. (Would anyone risk falling in now, as it's so polluted?)

However, taking over someone else's production like that is just impolite. You are doing your part in drawing attention to the pollution in your way which is important and activists would just make people turn away.

Protestors often get it so wrong and their cause is lost.
Yes, they antagonise people and that is exactly what these two stupid women have done.

What would they have done if they had managed to break the glass?
Whether they broke the glass or not, it is criminal damage.

ExDancer Sat 11-May-24 10:29:42

Isn't super glue made from ethylene (or something) which is made from petroleum? It would be interesting to see if they practised what they preach.

I copied this from a webpage, and I'm such a numpty I can't find it again to give you the link. (I'll keep trying)
Ethylene is an important industrial organic chemical. It is produced by heating either natural gas, especially its ethane and propane components, or petroleum to 800–900 °C (1,470–

Cossy Sat 11-May-24 10:14:15

Absolutely ridiculous! Jeopardising our right to PEACEFULLY protest, absolutely no excuses for vandalism!

M0nica Sat 11-May-24 09:59:17

I would like to know how these people live and travel. Did these protesters walk to the BM? Even public transport consumes fuel, some of which will come from gas.

Do they have heatpumps in their houses? Are they fully insulated, Do they choose the food they eat to reduce food miles? Are their homes devoid of plastic.

Before you start damaging other people's property they should show the sacrifices they are making to do as they want others to do.

Septimia Sat 11-May-24 09:52:19

Agreed Luckygirl, extreme actions often put potential supporters off.

Luckygirl3 Sat 11-May-24 09:11:53

It is so frustrating, as often these protesters have a legitimate grievance and point to make.

I am singing in a choral concert soon and one of the pieces is a commissioned work about the pollution of the local river. We offered the Friends of the River an ad in the programme and a stall at the back so people could learn what they do during the interval. They came back to us with a ludicrous proposal for a procession with a river goddess, and blessing of river water and lights and bells .... we had to be very firm to put them off. I was furious that they should think they could just take over a concert with this stuff, but also that they are giving the naysayers perfect ammunition to dismiss the problems with all this flim flam.

Protestors often get it so wrong and their cause is lost.

MaizieD Sat 11-May-24 09:08:05

Let's get this right. They didn't smash the glass.

They attempted to smash the glass, which is clearly reinforced because it is protecting a significant historical document.

EkwaNimitee Sat 11-May-24 08:52:37

I agree with the above sentiments. This is one of the most precious pieces of our heritage.
I've been in and seen it. Any one can just stroll in and see it, (or could when I went), no security whatsoever. I would have thought ordinary glass quite inadequate for such an item. I guess things will change now.

Jaberwok Sat 11-May-24 08:44:41

Completely pathetic. I'd leave their hands glued, perhaps one of their pals can unglue them?! Or not! After all, it was their choice!

Nicenanny3 Sat 11-May-24 08:11:12

Two silly misguided old women 82 and 85 make them pay for the damage.

eazybee Sat 11-May-24 07:34:31

Two very stupid women with a history of vandalism.

RosiesMaw Sat 11-May-24 07:28:11

Two (or more) wrongs never made a right.

Age is no excuse- this is vandalism and they are a disgrace.