DEMOCAFE CAMDEN
Notes of meeting held on 2nd May 2015 at the Forge, Camden – PDF

Present: Eddie Farrell (chair), Janos Abel, Denise Arnold, Alan Spence, Sarah Jolly, Clive Menzies, Mary Fee (note-taker). Apologies: Michael Mulvy (France).

Minutes of last meeting on 18th April 2015, were approved.

Climate Change

We had a  talk on a controversial subject, Climate Change.  Although some of the views expressed did not agree with the conventional opinions as outlined in the Guardian and on the 38degrees site, the talk covered some basic Science around the subject and introduced the idea of doubt in the minds of some people about how the science is now being used and interpreted.

Denise, one of our group, used to study the subject at the University of London long before it became so prominent and had an historical perspective on the climate forcers. She has nothing online to send out  at the moment so she is still compiling a set of slides to support the presentation given.  If you would like a copy please could you communicate directly with her: cookiefolk@hotmail.com.

The conversation did cause a stir and  the question was asked what our opinion as a group was. 38 degrees holds the opinion and asks for signatures on the basis that anthropogenic global warming is a serious threat to our future. This talk just showed the people who came that there is possibly another view and to keep in mind who is served by having people believe in certain ideas.  Strong opinions on different sides were expressed and the talk overran its allotted time to take up most of the meeting.

Democratic Deficit:

In relation to Magna Carta, which missed out the right of common people having rights to subsist, access to forests etc, being an example of the fact that the establishment will dilute the concept when one part of a nation challenged the absolute authority of a ruler. Janos reported that he had visited the Eco Village based at Runnymede in Coopers Hill around the Air Force Memorial in Egham, which is being run in conjunction with Occupy London, with tents and minimum facilities, including compost toilets. The authorities will want them out before the official Magna Carta celebrations, and they are under notice of an eviction will be fighting the the right to stay there.

38 Degrees:

Denise, who was sporting an NHS 38degree tee-shirt, had attended the Ian McKellen event on April 23rd – https://www.facebook.com/peoplepowerchange/posts/10155486104360788 – and was pleased to report that she had met several people who involved with 38 degrees and told them Alan has been trying to get in touch. Bryony says she will come and see us on a Saturday, and got her email address. Maddy, says will help us with Facebook.

MF/4th May 2015