"Groups that carry out militant direct action are just one part of the anti-Olympics movement. Most do not carry out vandalism or arson. Those that do have targeted corporate sponsors of the Olympics as a form of sabotage (along with police & military targets). This can increase the costs for corporations seeking to profit from the Games, and could potentially deter some corporate investment. All militant direct actions that have occurred have consisted of property damage and no person has been injured as a result."
Statement above was found on their Q&A section. I can not agree with this type of activism, it is to radical and even though they say that "...no person has been injured as a result." I can't help but add a "yet!" at the end of that sentence. Though the situation is pretty FUBARed for those with low income.
Much of the protest stems from the issues of certain low economic housing being cleared out by the owners to make room for the wealthy tourists. Or owners increasing rent rates shortly after Vancouver won the bid for the Olympics causing many who couldn't afford the new rates to vacate. Which then leads some to living on the streets which has caused police to arrest them to help clean up the streets. It is a very vicious cycle that these people have been caught up in.
The other major issue is one that has been around for a while and has recently resurfaced do to the world's eyes turning to BC. Vancouver BC is technically an illegal settlement on "Stolen Native Land" as part of a royal proclamation that requires a treaty before any trade or settlement. Since this law was put in place in 1763 it has actually yet to be resolved between BC and the indigenous people.
Here is a video that hopefully explains it better then I do..
I'm also sad for the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili the 21 year old Georgian luge competitor.
