A US visitor’s view of life at Dale Farm (From Basildon Recorder)
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A US visitor’s view of life at Dale Farm
9:00am Friday 18th June 2010 in News By Jon Austin
THE latest American graduate to dig in alongside travellers facing eviction from the huge unauthorised Dale Farm campsite is posting an internet blog about her experiences.
Susan Craig-Green is the third American visitor since 2007 to spend time at Dale Farm on behalf of the Washington-based Advocacy Project.
The human rights organisation sends representatives across the globe to work with what it sees as vulnerable people whose rights are under threat.
Ms Craig-Green is working with about 90 families at Crays Hill, helping them to mount legal challenges and improve their literacy levels.
The Oklahoma State University international relations graduate is running a literacy project for adults and secondary school-age children at the site, using traditional teaching methods, computers and the internet.
She is also advising them on legal and homelessness issues connected to the threatened eviction by Basildon Council. A keen photographer, she is posting pictures of Dale Farm residents online as part of a blog about her time with the travellers.
In her latest post, earlier this week, she suggests the travellers’ only hope of avoiding eviction is for them to engage with villagers living nearby.
She writes: “There may be no protection from eviction while they pursue other legal avenues unless their neighbours can be encouraged to engage with the travellers, recognise their humanity, and the fundamental rights that go with it, and support their residence at Dale Farm.”
She also highlights fears among the Dale Farm community and the deteriorating condition of the site as eviction looms.
She adds: “I fear, as the travellers do, the traveller community will be scattered across the country, separating families and creating yet more obstacles to them exercising their traditional way of life.
“They are uncertain every night whether or not they will be evicted from their homes in the morning, which causes them much worry and strain.
“Due to this uncertain situation, they have therefore not developed any sort of permanent relationship with their environment and much of the site is dilapidated and in disarray.
“The travellers at Dale Farm remain strong and dignified, despite their precarious living situation, overt prejudice from their neighbours and their ongoing struggle to preserve their way of life in a society designed for settled, literate people.”
Comments(35)
gitreal
says...
9:12am Fri 18 Jun 10
LOL another stupid yank.....the only engaging the locals should do is be given ammo to turf these scroungers out of town and this country.
And this line The travellers at Dale Farm remain strong and dignified - make me spew my coffee. Dignified my butt.
perini
says...
10:11am Fri 18 Jun 10
Colleen G
says...
10:47am Fri 18 Jun 10
Kim Gandy
says...
11:18am Fri 18 Jun 10
It's all so one-sided as usual.
How about doing a fact finding study in the VILLAGE, from the villagers' point of view. Or ask me, as a former resident.
Otherwise, LEAVE US ALONE and bog off back to America
thelonewhinger
says...
12:26pm Fri 18 Jun 10
Do we really need to take lessons from the nation who invented the expression "trailer trash", the nation who almost drove the indigenous population of their adopted land to extinction? Instead of pursuing some romantic idea that these groups are in some way victims this person would be better off studying the rise of the Mafia within her own country where fear and intimidation were key weapons in establishing vast wealthy empires..... Has she not heard about "the millionaires" or asked where the cash comes from to fund all the land-buying, the cars, 4x4s, mobile homes, trips all over Europe etc? Blinkered naivety or blatant trouble-making?
As for being "uncertain every night whether or not they will be evicted from their homes in the morning" Has she not even grasped the fact that our law requires notice before eviction? Somebody needs to tell her that we do not send the Sherriff and a few detachments of the National Guard armed to the teeth to do this sort of thing (more's the pity!).
Take em back home with you Ms Craig-Green - they might come up with a way of turning all that waste oil into tarmac......
Ironman
says...
12:56pm Fri 18 Jun 10
And she is right, you never get a balanced view. Just the normal one-sided blinkered viewpoint.
Another Yank attempt to poke the ol' beak into something they know nothing about. Give it a rest, these outlaws do not deserve your support. Investigate both sides and write a paper on why the British Tax Payer should continue to support these scroungers.
gitreal
says...
1:06pm Fri 18 Jun 10
These do-gooders from across the pond make me want to vomit up. Go home Susie. If you are so concerned about thse non travellers I suggest you take the lot of them back to Yankland with you, and let your governement and neighbours put up with them.
gitreal
says...
1:11pm Fri 18 Jun 10
rg/wordpress-mu/scra
iggreene/blog/tag/ir
ish-travellers/
I notice that her hubby is already twittering on about this story.
Matlpt1
says...
1:13pm Fri 18 Jun 10
Susan Craig Greene is a friend and colleague of mine, with a Masters in Human Rights, holding qualifications from both Oklahoma State, and Essex University. She has been working alongside the residents of Dale Farm for a year and a half now, to explore the complexities of their situation and help to find solutions that do not endanger the human rights of either their community or those nearby. She is not a 'tourist' or a 'visitor', but rather a long term resident of Billericay, who has had many debates and discussions with local friends and family about the Travellers, and who witnesses at first hand the complexities of life for both them and the local residents.
She is not a 'stupid yank', she is a thoughtful and caring person from a country proudly built on immigration and open to change, who has taken the time to go down to Dale Farm and learn about both sides of the situation, in a way that not one of you, hiding behind such racist bile, has ever even considered.
gitreal
says...
1:29pm Fri 18 Jun 10
So she should sling her hook and take the non travellers with her. be proud of her over there if the USA is so open to change.
gitreal
says...
1:35pm Fri 18 Jun 10
MattCG
says...
2:40pm Fri 18 Jun 10
gitreal wrote:Dear "gitreal" et al,
Matlpt1 - and just out of curiousity, is Susan collecting benefits whilst a long term resident here and advocating for the non travellers? or is this an actually paying job she is doing? As in does she pay taxes in this country for this 'work' she is doing?
Susan, my wife, is not collecting benefits. She is a full-time mum to our young children (2 and 4), both of whom were born, just like me, in Basildon hospital. I am 34, have lived in Billericay almost all my life and work full time in London to support my family. I am a UK taxpayer and I absolutely support my wife in what she does. In case this wasn’t clear to anyone, Susan's work at the site at Dale Farm is voluntary (i.e. unpaid).
I don't mean to draw especial attention to the inaccuracies and bigotry apparent in your comments, "gitreal", but it really is very difficult to answer your comments without doing that, so I hope you won't take offence. Susan does not live on the Traveller site. Likewise, "lonewhinger", Susan is not a "reformation" tourist (at least I don’t think she is…what is a “reformation” tourist?), any more than she is responsible for "trailer trash", or the Mafia. Nevertheless, props for the tarmac gag. At least you took the effort to show a sense of humour! Perini, Susan is from Oklahoma, where indigenous Native Americans do face very real problems. I'm sure she will be "poking her nose in" there, too.
I work for a large publisher and I have to say that this is really lazy journalism from Jon Austin and quite obviously written to attract attention and "oddball" comments. I have no idea why Jon didn't just call or email Susan to ask her about her photography or the other work she does, if he thought what she does would be so interesting to his readers. I don't like to speak for my wife, but I am pretty sure that she would have shared her Traveller experiences with Mr. Austin freely - both good and bad. Like every community, there are good and bad elements at Dale Farm and she has PLENTY of stories to illustrate both sides of the coin. Just. Ask. Her.
Anyway, in the interests of peaceful coexistence, I happily concede one point: Susan IS American.
thelonewhinger
says...
3:37pm Fri 18 Jun 10
MattCG wrote:Oh the what a complicated weave is wone by the G/Ts and their poor deceived supporters.
gitreal wrote: Matlpt1 - and just out of curiousity, is Susan collecting benefits whilst a long term resident here and advocating for the non travellers? or is this an actually paying job she is doing? As in does she pay taxes in this country for this 'work' she is doing?Dear "gitreal" et al, Susan, my wife, is not collecting benefits. She is a full-time mum to our young children (2 and 4), both of whom were born, just like me, in Basildon hospital. I am 34, have lived in Billericay almost all my life and work full time in London to support my family. I am a UK taxpayer and I absolutely support my wife in what she does. In case this wasn’t clear to anyone, Susan's work at the site at Dale Farm is voluntary (i.e. unpaid). I don't mean to draw especial attention to the inaccuracies and bigotry apparent in your comments, "gitreal", but it really is very difficult to answer your comments without doing that, so I hope you won't take offence. Susan does not live on the Traveller site. Likewise, "lonewhinger", Susan is not a "reformation" tourist (at least I don’t think she is…what is a “reformation” tourist?), any more than she is responsible for "trailer trash", or the Mafia. Nevertheless, props for the tarmac gag. At least you took the effort to show a sense of humour! Perini, Susan is from Oklahoma, where indigenous Native Americans do face very real problems. I'm sure she will be "poking her nose in" there, too. I work for a large publisher and I have to say that this is really lazy journalism from Jon Austin and quite obviously written to attract attention and "oddball" comments. I have no idea why Jon didn't just call or email Susan to ask her about her photography or the other work she does, if he thought what she does would be so interesting to his readers. I don't like to speak for my wife, but I am pretty sure that she would have shared her Traveller experiences with Mr. Austin freely - both good and bad. Like every community, there are good and bad elements at Dale Farm and she has PLENTY of stories to illustrate both sides of the coin. Just. Ask. Her. Anyway, in the interests of peaceful coexistence, I happily concede one point: Susan IS American.
Look it is this simple: A group of people claiming their cultural right to travel have abused planning law by building permanent structures and remaining static despite long and expensive court cases which would have removed anyone else years ago. The Dale Farm site is by no means the only such illegal development and the practice is spreading throughout the UK.
The British nation have a proud history of tolerance and compassion. Do you not think to ask whether it is morally and socially right that housing provision for just one minority (questionably ethnic) group is dealt with differently to that of any other British citizen?
Anyone living remotely near one of these sites and not aware of the activities taking place is either seriously delusioned or suffering from "Three Monkey Syndrome".
Toussaint
says...
4:06pm Fri 18 Jun 10
gitreal
says...
5:02pm Fri 18 Jun 10
Once these thieving crooked non travellers are evicted (and yes they will be) it will cost a fortune to put right.
Good riddance to bad rubbish!
EthanEdwards
says...
5:08pm Fri 18 Jun 10
For example I am unable to name any Hollywood stars who speak for the local community but the Redgraves stuck their oar in. So I pose the question which side is the voiceless side in this dispute? It's not Mr Puxon's thats for sure.
Howver any amount of 'community engagement' cannot make up for the facts.
The fact is these people broke the law for personal pecuniary gain.
They claim special status based on way of life that they no longer practice. ergo they forfeit any such status.
they have had at every taxpayers expense numerous 'days in court' and have been through every court in the land and in Europe (?).
They have lost every time.
Why have they lost? Because their case is completely without any legal merit whatsoever.
I suggest that far from being deprived of their rights they have saught superior rights and been granted them in terms of access to legal expertise than any ordinairy member of the settled community.
So without wishing to antagonise the eloquent husband and colleague I suggest that Susan get looking into matters related to the Native North American Indians. I understand the Souix want Dakota back. All yours Susan.
APR
says...
6:20pm Fri 18 Jun 10
resident3
says...
8:41pm Fri 18 Jun 10
a) Nobody cares about their plight.
This is because they have been there for years, and caused nothing but misery to their neighbours.
b) Nobody cares what you think.
You need to live with the pikey's near-neighbours to appreciate their indignation.
Or better still, invest your husband's hard-earned money in a nearby property, and witness the filthy thieving pikeys for yourself.
Walk around Basildon and ask people about their experiences of these parasites.
The stolen drain-covers, the lead ripped from the roofs of residential properties, the taxi-drivers who have been bilked, the local community who have had to tolerate this filth for the last 10 years.
They contribute absolutely nothing to the community either socially or financially.
They are a tribe that were not born here, and are not welcome here.
Kim Gandy
says...
10:13pm Fri 18 Jun 10
Matlpt1 wrote:Well this is just one of a few token lefties on here.
As a journalist myself I feel the need to correct a few things here, as Jon Austin didn't feel the need to obey the first rule of journalism - check your facts, (or even your spelling). So just for the record....
Susan Craig Greene is a friend and colleague of mine, with a Masters in Human Rights, holding qualifications from both Oklahoma State, and Essex University. She has been working alongside the residents of Dale Farm for a year and a half now, to explore the complexities of their situation and help to find solutions that do not endanger the human rights of either their community or those nearby. She is not a 'tourist' or a 'visitor', but rather a long term resident of Billericay, who has had many debates and discussions with local friends and family about the Travellers, and who witnesses at first hand the complexities of life for both them and the local residents.
She is not a 'stupid yank', she is a thoughtful and caring person from a country proudly built on immigration and open to change, who has taken the time to go down to Dale Farm and learn about both sides of the situation, in a way that not one of you, hiding behind such racist bile, has ever even considered.
Now listen to me. I am neither a racist bigot nor a numbskull. I am a former RESIDENT of that village and school governor or the school and I lived with that travesty of an ILLEGAL site for years.
I will not go into what the consequences of that turned out to be for me, nor the effects that it had on my life, suffice it to say, keep your mouth SHUT, UNLESS you have lived the nightmare.
I could use up a whole website telling you what the people of that village have suffered for the last decade but you don't want to know do you?
They put on a SHOW for people conducting "studies". They're known for it.
And if you are too gullible to recognise the pretence then I suggest you find a piece of land adjacent to YOUR home and take up residence with them and various other soap dodgers of the Unite Against Fascism variety and leave the hell alone as far as ordinary, hard working people are concerned.
And try telling my Philippino, Polish and African friends - and my GENUINE Romany friend - I am a racist.
STOP playing the racist card, it's too boring for words and is as old as the hills.
Nobody's convinced anymore, except the Great Unwashed.
Now have you a tree somewhere to hug, or some yoghurt to knit?
Toussaint
says...
12:08am Sat 19 Jun 10
And not one of you have a valid or feasable solution.
As some of you are eager to point out "they are no longer travellers".
Once made homeless,
the travellers may end up closer than you think.
Sometimes when you wish for something it does not turn out quite how you expected.
gitreal
says...
6:56am Sat 19 Jun 10
Mark D
says...
8:31am Sat 19 Jun 10
APR
says...
9:34am Sat 19 Jun 10
.
Are we supposed to be impressed ?
It speaks volumes about certain univiersity "..qualifications.."
Ironman
says...
12:32pm Sat 19 Jun 10
It happened in Ireland and presumably conformed to Euro 'Uman rights.
Quote from Shakespeare; "all is ready if your mind be so". J.F.D.I
midnight warrior
says...
12:23am Sun 20 Jun 10
vanilla ice
says...
7:44pm Sun 20 Jun 10
Toussaint wrote:How can you possible class them as homeless, when they are evicted they will still have their mobile home to live in (a static traveller with a mobile home now there’s contradiction in terms) and if that’s the life they won’t to live there’s plenty of private licensed caravan parks across Britain to stay at, but I doubt the site owners or the resident would put up with the night time comings and goings or the scrap metal heaps is open to question. The only rights these people care about are theirs, to take everything and to put back the very least they can. How anyone is still taken in by this lowlife is beyond belief. As to having a valid or feasible solution, the majority of people who pay the bills and live by the rules know the answer to that, and if our gutless politicians hadn’t become a bunch of ankle grippers it would not have got to this stage.
And so the diatribe of racist rubbish continues.
And not one of you have a valid or feasable solution.
As some of you are eager to point out "they are no longer travellers".
Once made homeless,
the travellers may end up closer than you think.
Sometimes when you wish for something it does not turn out quite how you expected.
MattCG
says...
8:13pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Toussaint
says...
10:38pm Mon 21 Jun 10
And where is your solution ?
Just another person with a lot of hot air and no facts.
If you were to follow things with any interest you would know that a number of the travellers have attended interviews at the council offices and after eviction will be classed as homeless - fact ! not my opinion but fact ! They have been offered alternative permanent accomodation within the Basildon district - fact ! What I do not understand is why so much anguish and drum banging from some of you and also Basildon council prepared to spend millions on the removal of some of the travellers when half are legally sited and after the eviction will remain.
RochfordMirage
says...
7:02pm Tue 22 Jun 10
SUBLIME and
EXQUISITE
Having contenders with the old "some of my BEST friends are ..........." just opened them up to some true sucker punches there.
Well done both.
thelonewhinger
says...
8:03pm Wed 23 Jun 10
I reckon it's always better to use your own personal experience gained firsthand than trade words.Kim Gandy and Len Grindley are well qualified to make judgements based on personal experience.
Perhaps an unannounced visit to some of these renowned ghettos or a little time spent with the local settled community or "Country People" as the doasulikeys call them would help, before you take your smug stance on this subject.
As to gutless Basildon council being pressured into granting homeless status to some of them perhaps it would have been better to have employed a private investigator to discover the other homes they have conveniently forgotten-about, as other local authorities have done. No doubt the do-gooders in our midst would deem that an infrigement of Travs human rights or harrassment of a vulnerable ethnic minority....
Firestorm
says...
1:12pm Thu 24 Jun 10
Perhaps in her next post she might suggest that the best hope of avoiding eviction is to adhere to planning regulations and stay within the law.
Just a thought , as it appears to work for the vast majority of the population
RochfordMirage
says...
1:41pm Thu 24 Jun 10
And there was me thinking this wasn't about "doasyoulikeys" but about the precious greenbelt. Ah yes, Mr Gridley, would that be the same Mr Gridley that said he'd stand by and watch if he saw another caravan alight with burning gypies inside? I guess it is.
You shouldn't assume that I've never been there, really you shouldn't.
I shouldn't assume either that most of the green-belt defenders around Crays Hill will be backing up those at Daws Heath Road and fighting for THAT greenbelt destruction either.
Just to remind you, Mr Gridley is a property developer and, according to the Echo, someone else down the same road was also told to tear down their NON approved house extension. I hope it was Mr Gridley that brought that particular incident to Basildon Council's attention.
And, Ms Gandy, I remember her well. In fact it was hard to avoid her and her green belt defending - I can only hope that her "Philippino, African and Polish" friends were in fact born UK citizens and changed their nationality otherwise she'd have been campaigning for them to NOT be in this country.
.
Just to confirm, check this beauty out:
.
http://www.facebook.
com/topic.php?uid=97
541711484&topic=1228
1
.
.
It's not just about greenbelt now is it? "Your" experts on Dale Farm are priceless, and not just "local". No?
RochfordMirage
says...
1:48pm Thu 24 Jun 10
Len Gridley, 49, who runs his own construction company which backs directly on to the camp.
He says he has been subjected to a relentless barrage of abuse and death threats from his "neighbours," but refuses to move - not least because his bungalow, worth £450,000 before they arrived on his doorstep, is now valued at just £125,000.
The crunch. NOT about Greenbelt about GREEDbelt I think.
thelonewhinger
says...
3:28pm Sat 26 Jun 10
The issue is about illegal development and special concessions for one minority group. The fact that the minority group in question is well known for its criminal and antisocial activities (sorry meant to say culture) simply produces a stronger case against it.
Bonneville Bert says...
9:08am Fri 18 Jun 10