“Denver's police officers demonstrated great restraint and professionalism as they were taunted and even physically assaulted.”
—Denver Police Lieutenant Matt Murray, via press release, regarding DPD’s clearing of Civic Center Park and removal of the #OccupyDenver tents.
You’re right Officer Murray. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to show restraint while facing unarmed people; gun strapped to your waist, baton in hand, with tear gas and mace pellets at the ready.
The officers demonstrated “great restraint and professionalism”? Really? Since when do rubber bullets and mace pellets count as restraint? Are we comparing the incident at #OccupyDenver to #OccupyOakland? Or are you implying that you could have used live rounds instead?
Because if you are asking that we recognize that Denver PD could have, but didn’t, use live ammunition….
Raid on OccupySF on going, raid on OccupyCal expected
OccupyDenver → OccupyPortland → OccupyOakland → OccupyCal → OccupyWallStreet → OccupySeattle → OccupySF → OccupyCal
All in 4 days.
Big presence of riot police even through cries of “peaceful protest” and police hiding ID and badges. No reading of Miranda Rights; OccupyCal protester told “you have no rights.” Media blackout during OccupyWallStreet raid. Destruction of personal property and police brutality all around. Use of pepper spray and beatings.
Oakland’s Mayor Jean Quan has casually stated that she was in a conference call with mayors from 18 other cities on “how to deal with the Occupations.” Looks like a nation-wide crackdown. Stay safe, Occupiers.
REMAIN NON-VIOLENT SO THE PUBLIC REMAINS ON YOUR SIDE AND THE POLICE’S USE OF VIOLENCE REMAINS UNJUSTIFIED!
Edit: MAIN CAMP IN FRONT OF FEDERAL RESERVE FOR SF IS SAFE, Herman Plaza being raided though.
On the future
We no longer have faith in the system. We no longer have faith in our currency based on faith. Our oil is running out. Our crops are dying. The weather is becoming more extreme. And civil unrest is becoming the new norm. Because “the system” has failed and because those in power seem just fine with crashing into the iceberg, we the people have decided to create a new system. One based on local resources, a new meaning for wealth, and a connected community where compassion rules over greed. It will not be easy. It will get worse before it gets better. But we will establish a new paradigm for which humanity may survive. A better world is possible. This is not a dream, this is a choice. Stay on course and see what happens. Or wake up and make a change in your life. The powers that be have already made their decision. Infinite growth with finite resources never had a chance of working in the long run. They recognized oil was running out so they began “securing”(Iraq, Libya, Iran…) the remaining reserves. They pass bills that strip us of our rights and censor our speech and access to information. They understand that we are running out and they are reacting the way any one in power would. They do what they have to do to stay in control. Personal greed and a lack of compassion have brought the world to its knees. And so we occupy. To let them know that we aren’t going anywhere. That although they have decided to leave us in the dust. We have not given up hope. We have decided to come together and unite as one unstoppable force in the face of great tyranny. The balance of power will shift when people take responsibility over their own lives. We must change the way we live our lives. Change the meaning of happiness and wealth. And evolve into a self-sustaining network.
Police stage mass eviction of ‘Occupy Denver’ activists; 23 arrested
Colorado state police arrested 23 people early this morning, hours after officers began forcibly evicting protesters from the “Occupy Denver” camp in front of the state’s capitol. Individuals arrested were facing likely charges of “unlawful conduct on public land,” according to The Denver Post. Several others were being charged with assault and impeding traffic.
The video below shows the scene from the early hours of Friday morning.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) claimed on Thursday morning that the police action was needed to ensure the protesters’ health and safety. Following the eviction, police said they plan to maintain a constant presence in the park to prevent protesters from returning.
Protesters have since taken their demonstration to the sidewalks surrounding the park, which are administered by the city.
Cold Weather, Hypothermia Challenge Occupy Denver
Cold Weather, Hypothermia Challenge Occupy Denver
Through rain, through sleet, through, Wall St.’s not getting anymore of our dough!
As winter rapidly approaches, the greatest challenge to the Occupy movement will be the weather. Occupy Denver has already started to contend with this as the temperature dropped to 20 degrees and snow has covered the city. Already, several protesters have been treated for hypothermia and it only promises to get worse from here. Despite this, the group has rededicated itself to toughing it out.
View some pictures of the first snowfall here.
The ranks will thin out but the protesters are prepared for this. Many are beginning to refer to it as their “Valley Forge moment” in reference to the brutal winter George Washington and the Continental Army endured in 1777-1778. They are preparing accordingly by soliciting professional winter gear or seeking temporary indoor locations in cities, like Boston, that are subject to some of the more vicious winters. Some are even getting advice from many of the homeless that have taken up residence at the camps. An expert is an expert when it comes to survival!
The real hazard for the movement will be “concern trolling” from city officials who may decide that it’s too “dangerous” for the protesters and will attempt to disperse them “for their own good.”
Regardless, winter will test the Occupy movement like nothing else. If it survives the harsh weather (and it will) it will have a claim to legitimacy that the Tea Party could never hope to match. At the end of every Tea Party rally, they got back on their scooters or Koch-funded air conditioned buses and went home. Occupy will have faced down police brutality, mayors and governors in the pocket of the 1% and Old Man winter himself to make their point. The Tea Party talks the talk but Occupy will walk the walk.
Read more about how the 99% plans to beat the odds here.
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