Reflections from the Canal in Nyhavn, Copenhagen

I Learned Something About Myself Today

We learn things about ourselves every so often – today was one of those.

Because of the demonstrations concerning the Youth House earlier this month, I thought something similar was going on this morning when police, ambulances and even military vehicles went by my window. I looked out the back and saw they were gathered there. I needed some milk and of course wanted to find out if something serious was going on, so I went out. They stood by their cars, the policemen and the military, very relaxed and drinking coffee. Just a drill, no one had been hurt. I bought my milk and some bread, went home, fetched both cameras and went to the top floor and took a few shots.

What I learned about myself? That I didn’t want to take the camera with me when I went out. I could not take shots of a burning house, people hurt or anything like that...

Fellow Traveller / Medløber

Today, Copenhagen's mayor, Mrs. Ritt Bjerregaard, was interviewed on Danish National Television. Not the first interview concerning the demonstrations that have taken place these past few days, and probably not the last one.
In earlier interviews she has stated that she is of the opinion that any group that uses violence should not expect her or the city council to help find a new house for the youngsters that have used the house on Jagtvej 69 for the past several decades.
Today she criticizes all the youngsters that have stated that they are against violence but have not opposed the violence of the past few days. She uses the Danish word “medløber”. I would translate that as Fellow Traveller. Wikipedia explains the meaning of the phrase.

She is of the opinion that those who oppose the violence should make it clear. Where have you been the last few days Mrs. Mayor? I have only been to town once since the demonstrations started and I met two peaceful demonstrations (see last blog). And I know there have been more.

I also know that the demonstrations out on Christianshavn turned violent as soon as the police turned up in several busses. Their presence changed the scene - violence erupted.

I abhor violence and in no way will I condone the behaviour of those that use violence to state their anger or to protest.

I am against Denmark taking part in the invasion in Iraq. Or military intervention. Be it in the name of democracy or any other excuse military nations might use in their interference in other nation’s affairs.

I certainly do not condone the violence against thousands of women in Denmark every week. The violence you Mrs. Mayor probably call prostitution, buying and selling sex. I and many others with me call it violence, in no way would we call it sex.

Does this mean that you are a Fellow Traveller or “medløber”? Something you criticize others for? Or does this mean that you condone the behaviour of those who pay money to be able to abuse other people’s bodies? Or is there maybe an explanation that can be used in this instance, an explanation that frees you from responsibility? Some phrasing that makes it all ok and so very politically correct?

When are you going to insist that Danish police use the law and arrest all those that are breaking Danish law when they profit by forcing women to go into prostitution. So called prostitution is legal in Denmark, but profitting from others prostituting themselves is not legal. And those that are breaking Danish law by renting houses or apartments out for prostitution?

You have the possibility not to be a Fellow Traveller or “medløber” this coming Thursday – March 8^th. International Women’s Day. You can go out and tell us, the citizens of Copenhagen, that from now on, you will try your utmost to better the lives of these women and make life difficult for those who are engaged in trafficking. Till then, I will consider you a Fellow Traveller, a “medløber” to the hallicks and the top figures in traficking.

When it comes to the problems concerning Jagtvej 69, you have more or less stated that this is something you inherited from the former mayor and now you are dealing with it.

Mrs. Mayor: The other problem is even older, please deal with it any way you can, and you will be my hero. You have in many ways been a role model for many women and even if I do note vote for the Social democrats, I have on many occasion spoken in your favour. I will find that hard in the future as I think the way this has been handled is a disgrace. I repeat that I do not condone the violent behaviour of the violent demonstrators.

- I took the photo above downtown a few days ago. The artist behind is from Iceland, her name is Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir and she calls this wonderful piece of art "Journey". Maybe these are Ritt Bjerregaard's Fellow Travellers, I wouldn't know. (The scarves are mine and the hats too.)

Some people have stated that the youngsters in Ungdomshuset are anarchists and thus it is strange that they want the authorities to see to it that they have a house available, and for free too. Many of the young men and women there are anarchists, but not all. And, anarchism, like the rest of the world, might have changed/evolved. Just like socialdemocrats have changed these past decades, really really changed.

PS. An addition after my friend Erla pointed out to me, that it was in fact in this very house, on Jagtvej 69 that Clara Zetkin put forward the idea that March 8th be International Women's Day. And the house was in fact built by the Unions as they could not hold meetings anywhere without interference from the police.

I didn't know that, I wonder if Ritt Bjerregaard knows that. Thank you Erla.

My First Front Page :)

The next number of RYK! Magazine will have this shot on the front page. I took the picture in April for another number of said magazine, an article about Amager Strandpark, an area here in Copenhagen that has gone through a total makeover and special attention has men given to those who use a wheelchair to get around. I had set the shot up and then I saw this woman approaching so I made sure I got one with her too. This is close to the airport, so there are planes coming in for landing all the time, but I am glad that the timing turned out to be really good.
You can see it here: www.ryk.dk