Camp for Justice
by ANDREW MacLEOD

(reprint from Monday Magazine- December 22 - 28, 2005)

David Arthur Johnston on his fight to sleep at St. Ann's, poverty and what he wants for Christmas

To some people, David Arthur Johnston is engaged in a righteous fight. He's chosen to live his life differently from most, refusing to use money and opting to sleep outdoors. It's sort of a beautiful idea, one that shows we don't all have to live in the striving culture most of us are sucked into.

His favorite place to sleep has been at St. Ann's Academy, a building owned by the provincial government. At a time when there isn't enough affordable housing in the city, and there aren't enough shelter beds to go around, his supporters argue that it makes sense for him to be able to sleep on public property. The federal and provincial governments have cut huge holes in the social safety net- so why shouldn't they see the results right there on their doorsteps?

Others, of course, view Johnston's situation somewhat differently. The managers of St. Ann's have taken out an injunction barring him from the property. He's spent several nights in jail for breaching that injunction, and his case continues to work its way through the courts.

Meanwhile, a number of tent cities have cropped up- at St. Ann's, then Cridge Park and most recently in part of Beacon Hill Park- only to be quickly disbanded in the name of law and order. For the commissionaires and the police, Johnston and his fellow campers are a headache they'd clearly rather not have.

In the interest of getting a better idea of who Johnston is, and what he stands for, we recently asked him the following questions:

What do you want for Christmas?
A public interview with the Queen of England.

What do people living outside most need?
The most dangerous thing outside is the police. The people outside, the same as those inside, need humility so they can know what to stop supporting and courage so the can.

What is your ongoing struggle about?
At one point it was just about sleep. Then it became a psychological war-zone where the police, city, and 'crown' attempt to put the focus anywhere except on their responsibility to serve good. The dance, now, is about setting a ridiculous precedent with the acceptance of the phenomenon of a tent-city in the common social fabric, and in doing so to set even higher ridiculous precedents because the catalyst which brings the tent-city also reveals the corruption of the 'crown'.

Is it about creating more shelter beds?
No. It's about not letting people pretend to have authority when they don't know how to presume innocence. It's about associating the words 'public' and 'conscientious'. It's about putting necessity over luxury and convention. It's about the healing phenomenon of having a community (tea and a burning barrel seem to be quite a therapy).

Are you on the street by choice?
Even if 'choice' existed, would I suddenly become a reason for people to justify their spite? I just am, and my ego's integrity has brought it to not use money anymore.

What portion of homeless people do you figure are on the streets by choice?
I see this question a lot and understand that it, however naively, is rooted in spite. Observing the 'now' it is evident that all motion is fated, so whatever 'choice' any have made to find themselves in whatever position they are in could be the only 'choice' that they ever could have made at that time. Now, can measuring that be a determiner of how much love we should show people? Even the most undisciplined need sleep. Who are we to not let people sleep in an attempt for them to go away? Practicing 'indiscriminate virtue' lets others see their true selves (and we all are the soul-of-life).

What role does the food bank play for people on the streets or living in poverty?
It feeds them and offers fellowship.

How effective is the food bank at addressing the roots of poverty?
To address the roots of poverty one must objectify fear. Food banks hold us over until we find the inspiration to plant food everywhere.

How successful is charity as an answer to poverty?
Charity shares spirit and spirit brings inspiration. Charity built to garner votes grows a rotten foundation.

I heard from a homeless woman this morning who was refused entry to a bathroom in a downtown church. What does that say about the church's response to homelessness?
Hypocrisy is everywhere. People professing 'christian-dom' yet not making a study of virtue; not considering why Jesus said "Be not proud." True Christians would not pay taxes, what does that tell you? What do you do when almost the entire human population is deceived? You think about patience a lot.

Why don't you use money?
It literally supports a prideful construct that would see all the world's food coming from factories. The ego did not invent the apple seed and has no right to claim ownership of it.

Your refusal to use money makes some people think you are mentally ill. How do you respond?
An unworthy opinion is just that. I know that to presume innocence of me, someone would have to consider why I say 'pride is sin'.

What one word or phrase can you not go a day without uttering?
Patience.

What was the last book you read?
The Swiss Family Robinson. I was hoping to find lots of little hints and tricks, as far as living in treehouses is concerned. What I got was Fritz and Hans shooting everything they see, then 'domesticating' the rest.

What's you favorite stress buster?
I remember that no ego (or corporation) is responsible for anything, ever.

What are you most looking forward to doing in your life?
The actuality of freedom on planet Earth. Then the appeasement of my ego's desire for a man's life.

Describe Victoria in three words.
Spirit dancing ground.

What would you give the management of St. Ann's for Christmas?
Heaven-on-Earth.

https://www.angelfire.com/apes/hatrackman