Its long been said that one of the best reasons for the wealthy to provide for the poor is that if they don't, the poor (who outnumber the rich) will rise up.

In the 60's it was peaceful demonstrations and pleas for reason and compassion. My generation actually tried to change things for the better by becoming social workers and teachers - many have burned out. In Vancouver we are beginning to see something new - violent poverty activists.

In Vancouver, the Anti Poverty coalition and other groups of young, homeless youth are beginning to march and demonstrate aggressively. They are taking over unoccupied building, stealing the Olympic flag, defacing the Olympic clock, marching and confronting police officers. They are very serious about what they are doing and their numbers seem to be growing. These kids are serious.

I wonder if they will be forcefullly disbanded or if others will join them. I wonder if this will spread to other provinces and to the States. It seems to me that angry rebellion by youth is inevitable when there is so little hope. I do think that with the 2010 Olympics on the way, the government will have to deal with the homeless situation. So far, protestors have been dealt with harshly.

I hope that these young people will continue to stand up for the poor and demand better living conditions for everyone. Its going to be a long battle.