According to reports on the ground, several dozen people slept in the park after the illegal and violent raid on Liberty Square. Over 70 people remain, now on Day 3. Although tents and tables are still banned, Occupiers have brought blankets and sleeping gear. Many are calling it "The New Occupation."
In addition to holding
General Assemblies, Union Square Occupiers are providing vital jail support for
those arrested on #M17 as they are released from NYPD custody. So far, the NYPD
has made no attempt to remove Occupiers or prevent them from sleeping in the
park.
Our ability to occupy the commons in order to voice dissent is a vital political right. We do not need a permit to exist in public space. We call on all those who would stand for equality, justice, and liberation - and against the banks, corporations, wealthy elites, and corrupt politicians who have stolen our democracy and ruined our economy - to join us now."
Yes, but why
the continuing focus on a return to the parks? The problem seems obvious. When a movement becomes focused
on itself, when it seems to have only one tactic, it loses contact with the
people it is fighting with and for.
Building community is critical but so is building alliances and encouraging organization as a means for fighting back.
Saying "We Are The 99%," doesn't make it so unless there is a way for new people to get engaged. Not everyone has the time or the disposition to stand through hours of General Assembly meetings that can be unproductive.
Some of the movement's sympathizers are working or have family responsibilities. The OWS work groups are important but there needs to be more coordination with other direct action and community groups, not just more inward facilitation.
Not everyone
believes in leaderlessness. Cultural styles and generational choices can be
divisive as well as unifying.
Not everyone is
on Facebook or tweets. We can't be fetishistic about one way being the only
way!
How about a broader campaign to place stories in community papers, even "shoppers," write letters to the editors and challenge media outlets that distort the movement's outlook?
How about
speaker's committees to book an OWS presence at churches, union meetings and
conventions?
flickr image By .FuturePresent
Can't we find ways to broaden/diversify the tent and also make it bigger so others are more comfortable being involved.
Can't we more effectively occupy the mainstream so that 99% we say we speak for can speak for themselves?
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