Direct Action at Drimnagh- Keeping up the Anti- Bin Tax Campaign

by Sharon . - Individual . Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:56

Hi Red Eye !

" Sharon I would be interested in hearing your view on how you think the bin charges can be defeated."
I believe the double bin tax can still be defeated if enough people refuse to pay it - but for that to happen again (as was the position earlier on in the campaign when there were more of us not paying than there are now) the existing charge would have to double or treble , which is quite likely to happen . I think it is important that a 'base' be maintained for those who , in the future - hopefully - will declare 'enough is enough' and withdraw their cooperation .

" I understand your continued opposition. Probably a majority of people in the country are against these charges but 90% plus are paying them on a national basis because they need to have their refuse collected. "
Without going off on a tangent , Red Eye , I wish to add a disclaimer in the following form - '(sic)' - to your use of the terms "country" and "national" in the above-quoted piece !
I agree with you that a majority in the State would most likely be opposed to the charges as they exist - ie without , at least , a corresponding decrease in VAT , which was increased by two-and-a-half per cent to cover the shortfall when rates were abolished in 1976 as 'unconstitutional' - but , as you say , they still pay the charge , most likely due to the fact that they are unable (time constraints , transport etc) to manage their household waste in a different manner . I , too , suffer under those constraints but , when the other 'option' is to pay twice , I stretch my day and my constitution to enable me to get around said constraints . I do recognise and appreciate that not everyone can do that , but I , personally , genuinely , could not live with my conscience were I to conform to this unjust double tax .

" You can call me a cynic but the only news I have heard of protests against the charges in the last while has been on Indymedia and they were protests in areas were the SWP, ISN or Joan Collins are standing as candidates in the general election."
Not the case , as far as I know , and certainly not so in this part of Clondalkin . Just speaking on my own behalf now , Red Eye , but I certainly would not vote for any candidate , male or female , on the basis alone of their stated opposition to this tax .
People did so , in a neighbouring constituency , only to have the then elected councillor declare that the double tax was 'not such bad value after all' . I am reluctant to name him , and his party , as I do not want to be seen as trying to 'score political points' regarding this issue .

" And in recent months they only seem to be happening in Joan Collins area. If there wasn't an election in the near future would these protests be organised? "
As the protests over this issue were taking place long before an election was on the cards , I would be of the opinion that yes , organised protests would have been held regardless .

" With an election on the horizon it would make a lot of sense to organise protests everywhere."
It would indeed . I would suggest that the householders/people themselves organise same , and not wait for some (opportunist?) politician to 'lead' them in doing so .

" The reason there are not many more protests is because there are no longer active campaigns outside of two or three areas. So is it just a coincidence that the protests that have happened are in places that candidates are standing in the election? "
As stated , there is an active campaign - 'smallish' as it may be - in this part of Clondalkin yet , of all the election junk mail we have received through the letter-box , not one of them has referred to this double tax . Indeed , at a meeting in a local public house at the beginning of this campaign , there were two members of an establishment (ie 'main') political party on the platform : they informed the audience that they considered the bin tax to be "unjust" and "a burden" on those who were already paying their fair share of taxes. After constant questioning , both of those representatives admitted that they , themselves , were actually paying same as "it was the law" ! (Again , I am reluctant to name those two chancers and/or the political party which spawned them , as I am not trying to 'score political points' in relation to this serious matter.)
Finally , Red Eye , as I have stated : my own opposition to this double-tax , as it now stands , will continue regardless of whether I am the last woman standing to do so or just one of thousands . It really makes no difference to me , although I would prefer to see the campaign revert to the strength it once had . But those demanding that I pay twice for this , or any other service , will get the same answer - 'NO!' .

Sharon .

by ABTA Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:25

I think you should look beyond your preconceived notions. People have been putting bins into bin trucks in North Wall, Cabra, Santry, Raheny, Finglas, Ballymun, Liberties, Walkinstown, Crumlin, Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and many other areas throughout Dublin. It is a coninuation of the 'We Won't Pay' campaigns. It is hardly our fault if others have abandoned it. What do you want us to do? Stop because there is an election on the horizon. I would imagine that some of the people who are continuing to take part in this direct action will not be voting for the SWP, ISN or Joan Collins. In fact I would imagine that some of the people won't even vote but that won't stop the direct action taking place. If you happened to read the Northside People this week you would be aware that direct action is taking place under the backdrop of police harrassment in some areas. This direct action will continue to take place after the election.

by Red eye Tue Mar 27, 2007 09:36

Sharon I would be interested in hearing your view on how you think the bin charges can be defeated. I understand your continued opposition. Probably a majority of people in the country are against these charges but 90% plus are paying them on a national basis because they need to have their refuse collected. You can call me a cynic but the only news I have heard of protests against the charges in the last while has been on Indymedia and they were protests in areas were the SWP, ISN or Joan Collins are standing as candidates in the general election. And in recent months they only seem to be happening in Joan Collins area. If there wasn't an election in the near future would these protests be organised?
With an election on the horizon it would make a lot of sense to organise protests everywhere. The reason there are not many more protests is because there are no longer active campaigns outside of two or three areas. So is it just a coincidence that the protests that have happened are in places that candidates are standing in the election?

by Sharon . - Individual . Mon Mar 26, 2007 18:14

Hi red eye!

For my part , the protest against this tax will continue because it is a double tax - I have no objection to paying for a service but , like many others , refuse to pay for it a second time and I agree with you that the people who keep the issue 'live' are to be commended .
I would also agree with you that the protest , and those taking part in same (as opposed to those who still support the campaign) is not now as widespread as it once was , but that alone will not change my position regarding same .
I do not agree that "the bin charge campaign has been defeated" : as stated , it is not as widespread as it once was , but the campaign itself remains on-going .
And , believe me , I , for one , am most definitely not "being used" regarding this campaign by any politician , either party affiliated or 'independent' , in order that their 'career' may benefit .

Sharon .

by red eye Mon Mar 26, 2007 16:29

The dozen or so people who took part in the protest are to be commended but it worries me why these protests are still happening. Outside of this small token protest and maybe a few other similiar protests there is no one else in the country campaigning and protesting against bin charges. The bin charges campaign has been defeated that is a reality and I am concerned that the local residents in this protest and in the few others that have happened are being used by general election candidates just to get themselves publicity and credibility.

by Sharon. - Individual. Sat Mar 24, 2007 16:30

Great to see that this unfair double tax is still being fought against - in this part of Clondalkin (near the Naas Road side of the area) we are continuing our wee struggle against having to pay twice for that one service , and we have contact with people from other parts of the constituency who are keeping the protest active in their areas .

For what it's worth , we intend to once again raise this subject with the political leeches that will shortly be knocking on our doors .
Well done to all the protestors !

Sharon .

by Paula Geraghty Sat Mar 24, 2007 12:55

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