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We are the 99 percent

3/24 #LetFreedomSpring Anti-Police Brutality March, Live Updates

Posted 12 years ago on March 24, 2012, 7:29 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

#LetFreedomSpring march arriving at Union Square

Today, we take direct action against the NYPD. They have spied on us, they have assaulted us, they have kidnapped us from the streets without cause or charge. We, the 99% of people who will no longer be silent have chosen to make our voices heard. Former commissioner Raymond Kelly, we, the people have decided you no longer have a job. Any acts of brutality you order today will only serve as further evidence of your misconduct.

Read the previous article about today's actions.

3/24 Live Updates

12:27 AM: Bloomberg's private army (formerly known as the NYPD) is now using barricades as weapons against unarmed people.

12:22 AM: People's victory march has begun, leaving Union Square.

12:19 AM: Former officers of the NYPD, feel famous now. You have just brought about New York's Tahrir Square moment. By directly assaulting the people, you have surrendered your legitimacy. Occupiers, celebrate. We've won.

12:14 AM: The NYPD has begun rioting in the area surrounding Union square, leaving people feeling unsafe in their persons and possessions.

12:12 AM: An armed gang is currently kidnapping people from the street in Union Square.

12:08 AM: Definition of terrorism: The illegal use of force to achieve political goals. NYPD, you have crossed the line from law enforcement organization to becoming a terrorist faction.

12:05 AM: Barricades have been illegally erected in our park. They're in the way of public use of the public's park. They'd look a lot better on their sides.

12:03 AM: Occupiers asking who they are protecting. Bloomberg's private army refuses to answer Withdraw. Now.

12:02 AM: Occupiers resisting armed gang attempting to steal the people's park. Gang ringleader shouting on megaphone without a sound permit that the "park is closed". Stop lying.

12:01 AM: Occupiers making a stand, chanting "make a move!"

12:00 AM: NYPD goon on megaphone: No, the park is not closed. We did not close it. You will leave, or face eviction from the people's park. Immediately.

11:56 PM: NYPD officers entering the people's Union Square park. Prepare to defend yourselves against gang assault, occupiers.

11:45 PM: Former commissioner Raymond Kelly, did you think I went to sleep or something? Reports coming from the ground that you have doubled the armed gang's presence on the ground. Remember, you currently carry the legitimacy of an armed gang of violent criminals. Assault the people, and don't expect us to simply accept your violent terrorism anymore.

5:28 PM: Before I forget it, this message is directed straight at former Commisioner Ray Kelly. I know you read these. I know you will read this message. I have seen the NYPD react when I have warned it about its actions before. That park, Union Square is owned by the people and paid for by our tax dollars. Sanitation department is a service, which we may CHOOSE to use or not. Union square is our park, and neither you nor anyone else will take it from us. Read my lips: NO NEW BARRICADES. Tonight, your charade ends.

5:26 PM: Streams are down again. So, while we wait for more news or better streams, remember this picture? Get me the names and badges of those officers, preferably by picture. I know you guys got it, I see at least ten cameras in that picture.

4:47 PM: Let this message stand as a warning to the NYPD. The government IS the people. The property of the government is the collective property of the people. Under the Fourth Amendment, you are not authorized to prevent any person from access to their property. We own the very streets and sidewalks and parks you attempt to "clean" of our presence. You are nothing more than a rogue, armed militia which stands in violation of the law, and you will be dealt with when you attempt to prevent us from the use of our own property.

4:45 PM: Various working groups giving orientation in Union Square. I am receiving reports that the park can no longer hold all the occupiers, that they are overflowing into the streets surrounding. What a thing to come back to. Some of you may have noticed a change in language and tone. We have a second editor! This way, it is less likely that when I have problems, the live updates go silent.

3:58 PM: Direct Action working group about to meet behind OWS banner in Union Square. General Assembly also about to begin with info about different working groups and projects for folks to get involved with, NLG says arrestees were most likely taken to the 7th Precinct.

3:41 PM: Arriving at Union Square, police helicopter overhead. How much money and resources is the racist NYPD wasting on brutalizing a peaceful protest? Chants: ¨Justice for Trayvon,¨ ¨No justice no peace, no racist police,¨ ¨All day all week Occupy all streets!¨

3:30 PM: March at Astor, heading toward Union Square. Cops have a ton of zip-ties, looking like they´re prepared to arrest a lot of people. Huge numbers of police walking in the street alongside the march on the sidewalk at Broadway/11th St. Folks on the ground, be safe! Stay together!

3:21 PM: March takes the street at 4th and Broadway.

3:14 PM: Just witnessed another completely unprovoked arrest. Cops grabbed a random person from the crowd, threw them to the ground for NO reason. They´re just grabbing anyone they can. Many people are confronting NYPD for their earlier assault of 16 y/o girl.

3:05 PM: Arrest count possibly as high as 9-10. Chant: "This! Is! A peaceful protest! Cops! Are! A violent army!"

2:55 PM: 5th arrest reported, possibly more, near Mott and Spring. Police currently swarming the area. One young woman seen being carried away on a stretcher, believed injured by NYPD. Peaceful protesters thrown to the ground, reports on Twitter that mace has been deployed. March headed north. One 16 year-old grabbed by 5 police while alone on the sidewalk, thrown around and some clothes ripped off before being placed in handcuffs. She was carried off by shoulders and legs while crying. This is unacceptable!

2:47 PM: March near Spring and Mulberry. Cops have shut down the street, not even letting tourists pass now.

2:39 PM: Switched to a more reliable stream. At least three people arrested near intersection of Grand and Broadway after march takes the street, another arrest on Canal.

1:54 PM: Stream has stalled, last I heard was someone claiming that it is somehow illegal to photograph a building. Excuse me? If it is in public, it has no reasonable expectation of privacy. Remember, whoever it is saying that, that you are in violation of NYPD policy if you in any way attempt to prevent the free flow of information.

1:49 PM: March size is estimated between 750-100. Some saying as low as 400. People on police scanners, listen for crowd estimates!

1:43 PM: Officer who asked the front of the march where they want to go, good job on that one. Thank you for respecting our right to assemble freely on public land.

1:41 PM: NYCLU observer seen present.

1:31 PM: Current chant: "Get those animals off those horses, get those pigs off the horses".

1:29 PM: NYPD has illegally stopped all traffic to the Brooklyn Bridge.

1:26 PM: Five mounted NYPD have taken the street, blocking traffic unlawfully.

1:25 PM: Sarcastic chant is "Ray Kelly, he's our man! If he can't do it nobody can!"

1:23 PM: March is near Pace University, Tim says it might be going to 1 Police Plaza, NYPD HQ.

1:22 PM: Current chant: Na na na na, na na na na , Ray Kelly, Goodbye!"

1:20 PM: Current chant: "Wall Street Wall Street take a hike! Now it's time for general strike!" Variations, swap "Wall Street" for "NYPD".

1:19 PM: Hipster Cop has greeted Tim with "Hey Mr. Pool, what's up?"

1:17 PM: Current chant: "No justice? NO PEACE!" March has reached City Hall Park on Broadway.

1:15 PM: Tim has again rejoined the march, current chant is "Get up! Get down! There's revolution is this town!"

1:13 PM: Can someone please just give Tim an umbrella? He's back in Staples while there's a revolution going on outside.

1:12 PM: Tim has returned to the march.

1:11 PM: Courtesy of Tim Pool, we now know the Broadway Staples does not have umbrellas.

1:10 PM: Tim, the current streamer has...run a block ahead of the march to buy an umbrella at Staples? It's going to rain? Can someone confirm this? For now let's all watch Tim Pool shop at Staples?

1:09 PM: March is proceeding north on Broadway from Liberty Park.

1:08 PM: Current chant: "1! We are the people! 2! We are united! 3! This occupation is NOT LEAVING!"

1:07 PM: Current chant: "We! Are! Unstoppable! Another world is possible!"

1:06 PM: Current chant is "Hey hey! Ho ho! Ray Kelly's got to go!"

12:59 PM: March has begun, banner seen which reads "VIOLENCE WILL NOT SILENCE US". Indeed it won't. Violence by the state only makes our message louder.

12:57 PM: 99th Precinct now kicklining together.

12:56 PM: Hilarious group dressed up as mock NYPD jokingly riding bikes through the park chanting "We are the 99th precinct".

12:55 PM: Al Jazeera truck spotted at Liberty Square.

12:53 PM: Taped off areas are apparently for maintenance crews relaying bricks.

12:44 PM: Occupiers chanting "Ray Kelly has got to go!" Now, "Police state, has to go!". March begins in 10 minutes, starting from Liberty Park.

12:36 PM: Former NYPD commissioner's crimes and misactions are being listed in Liberty Square.

12:16 PM: Large numbers seen in Liberty, large numbers already in Union Square by report from people on the ground. Parts of Liberty are unexplainably taped off. What's wrong NYPD, worried we might grow bigger than you are? Here's a tip. We are the people. We've always been bigger than you are. We are the source of your power.

12:12 PM: Please excuse me for a bit while I go get a celebratory soda. Timcast just went live in Liberty Park. Embedding now.

12:11 PM: March is still inside Union Square, Park Service is trying to "break up whatever they can". Awaiting details on exactly what that means. The source who gave me that is indicating there has been no force used since the yoga person.

11:50 AM: I am getting word that a man doing yoga was arrested for resisting arrest. Silly NYPD, you need a charge before you can arrest someone. You can't "resist" an arrest with no charge. You can resist a kidnapping though, and you're legally required to assist him.

11:49 AM: I really need a stream of the events as they unfold. Also, texting me updates works well too.

11:35 AM: Welcome again.

3/24 NYPD criminal roll call

  • Welch, 7382, assaulted, kidnapped man doing yoga for resisting "arrest".

3/22 NYPD criminal roll call

  • Harris, 768, Grabbed young woman's arm, roughly shoved citizen.
  • Costanzo, 2760, Intimidated press against orders and law.
  • Jurs, 453, Baton out intimidating peaceful demonstrators.

  • Frank Balluzzi, Forcibly dismantled sign, stealing the voice of human beings. In doing so, invalidated any employment contract he has with the NYPD.

Got information? Share it with me these ways:

  • Comment on the article.
  • Go to the Freenode IRC channel #occupywallst and share.
  • Text +1 (772) 646-4548 if you are on the ground. All information is useful.

121 Comments

121 Comments


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[-] 10 points by DoubleThink (25) from New York, NY 12 years ago

I march with Occupy fairly often and consider myself an avid supporter of the movement, and the night of the Zuccotti evicition was a victim of what can only be described as police brutality. I understand the frustration that arises when peaceful -albeit disruptive- marches are met with violence by the police. There is, without a doubt, a certain amount of injustice taking place by the hands of the police. But I have to agree with others that this tone of NYPD vs Occupy is unproductive as well as dangerous to the movement we are trying to build. When we taunt officers, and chant "fuck the police," even if we are provoked, we come across as uneducated and instigative. Occupy needs a major lesson in non-confrontational protest. Let's not lose sight of what this movement stands for. Most individual police officers are good, hardworking people, but they unfortunately happen to be part of larger systematic issues. We want, no, in fact, NEED them on our side. A revolution can only become truly successful when the police/army begin to support the revolution over their superiors, and I fear this war we are waging will have only negative consequences.

[-] 7 points by DoubleThink (25) from New York, NY 12 years ago

And the dysphemisms, dear god, stop with the dysphemisms when updating the website. I know you're not journalists, but have some goddamn journalistic integrity and give us the updates without the extremely slanted language. The tone has been coming off as extremely infantile lately. This website could very easily be the place where people on the fence, or those who are not well educated on why they should support the movement could be swayed, but I highly doubt the recent posts have succeeded in that respect.

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[-] 2 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 12 years ago

If MLK and others yelled FU back in the 50's and 60's it would have sent their movement back for years. If you can't protest without swearing, you shouldn't be protesting!

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 12 years ago

Just to point out a little history, in the 60's they were shooting protesters, so we don't necessarily need law enforcement or the government in general on our side. I guess if they were on our side, then why would we be protesting in the first place? But anyway, yeah, the whole "fuck the police" thing, I participated in Wednesdays march, and I admit ... I wasn't exactly comfortable with it (but I understand the frustration of protesters, many of whom have been though a lot of shit since November, so I just kept marching). Getting attacked in the middle of the night while sleeping in a tent, in the way some of these guys were attacked, is a pretty traumatizing experience.

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[-] 7 points by Ashnyaa (7) 12 years ago

You are doing the right thing, never give up.

You truly will make a difference in this world. Have courage.

[-] 2 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

We know...we won't...and we will. :) :)

[-] 2 points by Toynbee (656) from Savannah, GA 12 years ago

This is the beginning. But of what?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVljZ35Jahg

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[+] -6 points by ibanker (-99) 12 years ago

keep telling yourself that. Such delusions of grandeur

[-] 6 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Ever notice how troll attacks increase during an Event like today's Spring Anti-Police Brutality March.

Do they think it makes a difference?

Do they think that they can control the forum?

Note: to Trolls it does not matter how you attack it does not matter when you attack. You can be slapped down at will at any time. Understand that you do nothing but strengthen the cause and movements against greed and corruption because you provide a real time example of the need to fight. Your employers have thrown away their money.

[-] 1 points by Inthesky (5) 12 years ago

Yep, U got a lot of pro-corporate types posing as posters..please do not disrupt the government...they are your friend...lets not be niave.

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[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Not opposition. Opposition to the ending of corruption - YES.

Stupidity - yes

Blind marching - yes

Support for the corrupt status-quo - yes.

Generic broad-spectrum racism - Yes

Biggotry - Yes

Denial of reality in the face of overwhelming evidence - yes.

And on and on and on.

[-] -1 points by oneAdam12 (-7) from Queens, NY 12 years ago

generic broad spectrum what? you seem really into the imaginary victim scenario. why not try being an adult..take some personal responsibility...and work on losing the lazy, angry envy thing you have going on.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

6 Things rich people need to stop saying.

Posted 18 hours ago on March 15, 2012, 8:04 p.m. EST by toukarin (309) This content is user submitted and not an official statement

  1. "Well, $500,000 a Year Might Sound Like a Lot, but I'm Hardly Rich."
  2. "Hey, I Worked Hard to Get What I Have!"
  3. "If I Can Do It, So Can You!"
  4. "You're Just Jealous Because I Made It and You Didn't!"
  5. "You Shouldn't Be Punishing the Very People Who Make This Country Work!"
  6. "Stop Asking for Handouts! I Never Got Help from Anybody!"

http://occupywallst.org/forum/6-things-rich-people-need-to-stop-saying/

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[-] 4 points by RonHamilton (19) 12 years ago

If I could sign a petition on this site to stop police brutality, I would sign it.

[-] 4 points by Quark2 (109) 12 years ago

Maybe we should Occupy the NYPD!

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[-] 1 points by Jumphrey (106) 12 years ago

The greatest place for a just man is in jail, having defied an unjust law.

[-] 1 points by Quark2 (109) 12 years ago

Beans are some of the best food on the planet.

[-] 4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Things are heating up again. The "peace keepers" do not seem capable of learning.

[-] 4 points by shadz66 (19985) 12 years ago

Please consider the following articles :

~

See that Bloomberg's & J.P.Morgan's NYPD

Can only mean "Not Your Police Department" !

Mercenary Cops are 'We The People' too and that

We try to Love All Sinners so long as they Repent !!

Yet Elite Parasites are incorrigible & unworthy of trust

As They will always seek to stifle any and all Dissent !!!

We Are 'The Enlightened Ninety-Nine point Nine, Nine'

And That Truly They are "The Darkside 0.01 Percent" !!!!

~

SOLIDARITY and Onwards and Upwards ...

~

per ardua ad astra ... ~~~ *

[-] 4 points by shoozTroll (17632) 12 years ago

Keep posting badge numbers and names.

It's good to know who stands against us.

[-] 3 points by distantdrummer (5) 12 years ago

Some of your post have me smiling and some wincing. I have been doing my thing with political art and I am familiar with protest. It is great to see your spirit of discontent and unwillingness to mindlessly accept the status quo. There are those in the ultra 1% that have repeated stomped down those in the 99% making them poorer, while they become richer. I agree with you that things must change, but how is that achieved? If OWS does not address the need for the War to stop immediately, the movement is missing the greatest enemy of the 99. It does not end there, but it should start there. It robs the 99 and puts money in the pockets of war profiteers. For the past 50 years the US has been involved in needless wars. Think how great this country could be if that money was used for the people? College education could be free, health care free, the availability of jobs and the pay would be far greater. Class warfare includes "war".Anyone who advocates war is not a friend of the people. That Obama wants to keep a failed war going till at least 2014 shows what side he is on. In closing, I would like to say that you are right NOT to taunt the police or to assault them in any manner. Think about the peaceful marches of Dr. King and what that accomplished. I am inspired by your spirit for peace and justice.

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

I wonder. With the NYPD massing at protests - does that affect the crime rate else where? Like has the rate dropped because the thugs..I mean the NYPD is preoccupied (funny - preoccupied) or has it gone up at all because the NYPD is to busy denying free speech and legal protest?

So many questions so little time.

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Watching last nights vid recap it is interesting to note that public sidewalks are not actually public, Especially when it is raining then apparently the sidewalks with awnings become the police shelters and the places with no shelter is OK for protestors. Selective public space at the whim of the police.

You need constitutional change? Apparently you just need to talk to the NYPD.

[-] 2 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

The occupiers do need a little guidance from time to time . talking to a police officer about politics .. is a bit like "barking up the wrong tree !

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

It is better than dangling a doughnut in front of him/her.

{:-O

[-] 1 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

they like doughnuts ;-]

[-] 3 points by sgath (3) 12 years ago

I don't like the language being used to dehumanize police officers. I am fully in support of the occupy movement but this rhetoric is dangerous. People here in the comments talk about 1984, but think about what it means to have a struggle for a better society. It we build it first by dehumanizing our enemies, "Animal Farm" might be a more appropriate comparison.

[-] 3 points by WarmSleepy (3) 12 years ago

A few days ago I photographed the young woman who was assaulted today by the NYPD. She was a kind, even shy, young woman. I hope she and her family get justice.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33498942@N04/6861575808/

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[-] -1 points by HarryPairatestes2 (380) from Barrow, AK 12 years ago

When you resist being arrested there is a good chance your clothing might get torn, especially if your friends are pulling you in one direction and the police are pulling you in the other. Do you really believe that if friends pull you out of the police officer's grasp then the police will just give up and walk away?

When you refuse to walk the police will carry you.

I notice there is no mention that the girl was injured yet the title of the photos are "brutally assaulted". If she believes she was mistreated she can file a claim with the City, but you know that will never happen.

[-] 2 points by Jumphrey (106) 12 years ago

Why was she being arrested? Did someone charge her with a crime? If so, did they ask her to join them at the precinct for questioning?

Let's be quite honest. She wasn't arrested. She was attacked.

[-] -1 points by HarryPairatestes2 (380) from Barrow, AK 12 years ago

Since you obviously don't know the answers to your own questions, how did you conclude she wasn't being arrested?

[-] 2 points by Jumphrey (106) 12 years ago

Obviously, I do know the answers. She wasn't breaking the law, she wasn't asked to come willingly, she was attacked.

[-] 0 points by HarryPairatestes2 (380) from Barrow, AK 12 years ago

So when did you file a complaint with the NYPD about their treatment of her?

[-] 3 points by RonHamilton (19) 12 years ago

Occupy should expand petitions against police brutality in each city it has happened. Complaints should be filed against police when misconduct is present even when video isn't present. OWS should expand petitions and complaints take to police, city councils and alphabet soup agencies as each one complaint is important. The government is so overstaffed and remember to follow-up and receive responses so we can continue refiling complaints and receiving resignations

[-] 1 points by proudofOKC (361) 12 years ago

I regularly sign petitions on Change.org and some of the causes there have advanced due to so many signatures. There should be links on this forum to petitions we can sign.

[-] 3 points by francismjenkins (3713) 12 years ago

The Whitehouse has a petition site, anyone can sign up, draft a petition, and if it gets 25,000 signatures, it gets a response by the President.

[-] 3 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

I was looking at that site today ! Whitehouse.gov. It looks very encouraging . Although I would like to see an open forum on there for general discussion , as we have here on OWS.

[-] 2 points by francismjenkins (3713) 12 years ago

That might be over ambitious (it would be cool to chat with the Pres, but imagine how many people would be on that thing). We'd have a better shot at winning lotto :)

[-] 2 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

lol, I was thinking the discussion room would be for we the people. Where we could discuss current issues/ legislation ..

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 12 years ago

Yes, but there's 330 million of we the people. It would be the biggest internet forum on earth. The Whitehouse will surely need some serious bandwidth (now there's a "shovel ready" infrastructure project) :)

[-] 1 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

Yes , I realize the logistics of it .. could be challenging.

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[-] 1 points by proudofOKC (361) 12 years ago

Thanks for telling me about this! I will go look at it right now.

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[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

I like the addition of " and so are you "

In the chant of we are the 99%

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Yes bring action and awareness to the illegal oppression of our legal rights and the abuse that is part of the suppression tactics. This is important to wake people up to the fact of how their rights are being trampled on a daily basis by those who are corrupt and in power. I like the sight of coherent signs, I also like seeing people carrying and handing out leaflets.

Forward the movements against greed corruption and crime.

We move forward together.

[+] -4 points by ibanker (-99) 12 years ago

please list me 10 rights of yours that are being 'trampled on a daily basis'

[-] 3 points by cmoylanc (32) 12 years ago

Peaceable assembly. Free speech. Freedom from arbitrary arrest. Due process. Freedom of the press (why has coverage of the marches been suppressed in the major newspapers and media outlets? as in, aside from an occasional p.20 token article). Start with that.

[-] 3 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

Look at who owns the media

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[-] 1 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

the right to live an equality life are being trampled on by wall street investors.

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[-] -2 points by ReasonIsgood (9) 12 years ago

The right to have part of what the other guy earned.

[-] 4 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

the right to have what " you yourself" earned !

[-] -2 points by ReasonIsgood (9) 12 years ago

The minute the other guy becomes unequal because he's smarter or more motivated and you'll be right behind him looking for your "equality". Come on, who do you think you're kidding?

[-] 3 points by cmoylanc (32) 12 years ago

All those specific rights enunciated and the only thing the right interlopers here can reply with is a dated Social Darwinian survival of the fittest rap that has nothing to do with the original point--what rights have been violated? I mentioned a whole bunch of them. Answer? You want alllll of your bloody money. Money, money, money. Jesus was always broke....

[-] 0 points by ReasonIsgood (9) 12 years ago

If you want to draw an example fom nature, it's that of the parasite, not survival of the fittest.

They don't know what a right even is. Rights are what government leaves for you to figure out for yourself, not what it agrees to take from others on your behalf. They talk about rights without the slightest concept of how they're created by the obligation and negative rights of someone else.

[-] 2 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

I guess the discussion hinges around what you see as rights.

For example some fought for "their rights" to have slaves.

Many fought for the right to be free men.

A great society has a ring of fairness for all and some measure of support for all.

Right to predate on people or the system is not supported by many.

[-] 1 points by ReasonIsgood (9) 12 years ago

Now you can fight for your right to a welfare state, even though it can only exist at the expense of someone else's rights.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

There are two kinds of parasite ( maybe more I'm not in that field ).

1) One can be symbiotic and is helpful and healthy to the body like digestive bacteria.

2) One can be parasitic and destructive to the Body, like a tape worm. It will feed off the body draining strength and resources.

2 is Kind of like how wallstreet and bankers are operating as well as how the fossil fuel industry is operating.


Good example ReasonIsgood.

The Greedy Corrupt Really don't ( and here I will quote you )

They don't know what a right even is. Rights are what government leaves for you to figure out for yourself, not what it agrees to take from others on your behalf. They talk about rights without the slightest concept of how they're created by the obligation and negative rights of someone else.

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[-] 2 points by Ruckasse (28) from Norwood, NC 12 years ago

Keep at it OWS. This country needs to wake up. OWS, learn who your 99% really is, and speak to them at that level. Thank you for your work.

[-] 2 points by holden1913 (2) 12 years ago

we need to stop focusing on a "park" and focus on our goals of getting the money out of politics. the more time we spend arguing with the police, the less work we are doing. this park situation is distracting OWS i believe. Use it during the day to meet and brainstorm ideas...i really wouldnt be too concerned with the police. they are not going to have a change of heart.

[-] 2 points by oldirish (2) 12 years ago

I agree the focus on the police seems to be a mistake and detracts from what I understand as the general mission. In fact, it may be a strategy of the 1% to detract us from that mission. Combine that with the lack of coverage, propaganda, and misinformation of the MSM (both left and right) and it would appear the best approach is to stay on message. Keep up the fight! When you have a chance check out H J Res. 100 a Constitutional ammendment introduced in the House Jan. 17. It effectively removes all private funding of Federal elections. Just search it. It's short and simple.

[-] 2 points by PetadeAztlan (113) from Sacramento, CA 12 years ago

I appreciate these postings. Even if we cannot be there in the flesh in person, we know that we have family across the country.

I am now in Sacramento, California. We need to unite on a basic, fundamental humane rights agenda. We Will Never Give Up! We Will Win! ~ @Peta_de_Aztlan

[-] 2 points by wiseone60 (3) 12 years ago

very well written

[-] 2 points by bigbangbilly (594) 12 years ago

This is why we should take my advice more seriously. http://occupywallst.org/forum/we-need-more-mannequins/

[-] 2 points by Toynbee (656) from Savannah, GA 12 years ago

It is very sad what is happening in America. Until Wall Street pays more attention to buying stocks than buying politicians and government/police goons, we are headed toward the Hunger Games world. 1984. Mad Max. Take your pick.

[-] 3 points by proudofOKC (361) 12 years ago

Some of the 1984 story has already happened here. For example, the never-ending war-time economy, and the mass media that only reports on items specific to the national agenda. If you are important enough, then you have taps in your home just like the telescreens. When I went through the public school system in OKC, you could not refuse to stand and say the pledge of allegiance each morning. If you did, you would get detention and your parents would be called, with three detentions equaling a suspension that could affect your future prospects for college.

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[-] 2 points by littlebiggygirl (26) from Hesperia, CA 12 years ago

while protest raises awareness, it does not change the system. this is because tyranny does not rely on your opinion to continue - it only requires your money.

taxKilla is a free protest tool which limits the amount of money given to the government via income tax. with taxkilla all citizens can play a decisive role in the occupy movement. www.taxkilla.com

[-] 2 points by nate (48) 12 years ago

The guy on the right in the shades and leather jacket looks like an undercover.

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[-] 2 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

Attacks on citizens right to protest are organised by the 1% using ther power to direct and control the Police.

Other attacks everyday and being made on the people in a far more devious way - 1% greed propaganda mindwashing our defenseless trusting children.

http://www.commondreams.org/further/2012/03/23

Universities are also controlled by the 1% cartel.

Economics studies are geared to supporting the 1% and their ponzi banking system draining the life blood of the nation and the world creating waste which the market approach does very well. It is a finite world with out future generations being mortgaged by our planned extravagant one time exploitation.

Their Economics do not take into account these major considerations,

No consideration of the depleting world mineral resources.

No consideration of the damage to the Biosphere in there models and the impending crash of food systems with changes ahead.

No consideration of social conditions and inequity brought about from their model of economics and the complete ignore of the welfare of the masses except as consumers to make profit from.

These three things are overwhelmingly important whilst money is only a tool for the benefit of communities. It has become a weapon of the greedy against the rest and is not sustainable in its present form.

"Economics" as a study has become a corporate tool of indoctrination to support the Banksters not the people. TINA - oh yes there are many.

There are better systems which are routinely crushed by the 1% banksters and their Economist cohorts.

[-] 3 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

Well said sir.

[-] 1 points by JayEnfield (7) from Edmonton, AB 12 years ago

I'm an economics student myself, at the University of Alberta. I've actually been very impressed by how detached economics is from business.

Economics is the science of predicting and understanding consequences, and bankers hire economists to sell that knowledge to them, just like everyone else who needs to know how the overall economy ebbs and flows, and what to do about it to suit themselves.

There are a great many liberal economists, environmental economists, fiscal conservative economists... No need to lump them under one banner.

Heck, one of my economics classes deals entirely in resource and environmental conservation, another deals exclusively in how to meter out resources over long periods of time in the most effective ways. I thoroughly recommend learning some economy, because so much of it leads to those "Oh, THAT'S why it works that way!" sort of moments.

[-] 2 points by JohnWa (513) 12 years ago

Fine Jay. Good on you for furthering your understanding with university study.

I am very aware of the varied approach to economic theory and also how the financial sector generally use a short term response to profit opportunity with little or no regard to longer term consequences for the community, biosphere damage and future resource availability.

The employed economist as well as many institutions of learning are generally aligned with the quest of the finance sector, and somewhat captured by funding from this sector with regulation in law limiting the activity rather than what is good for mankind and the planet into the future. Hell just look at what is happening.

The economics of driving energy and resource wastage with consumerism resulting in a hell bent course towards catastrophic damage, deforestaton and destruction of habitat bringing extinction of numerous species, climate modification, widespread soil degradation, use of destructive toxic herbicides, one generation germination seed stock wiping out traditional crops all for supplier profit, systemically toxic GM crops cross pollinating with more responsible horticulture stuffing that seed stock and killing off insects and macro organisms, ground water pollution, proliferation of plastic waste which does not degrade at molecular level, distribution of PCBs now present in all living organism globally; just touches on tiny part of the damage presently supported in the economics of business.

The other two areas of neglect are equally appalling.

The detachment you have observed I presume is an academic one.

In your studies some weight may well be given to other possibilities outside of the crony capitalism which now is the default modus operandi.

“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Albert Einstein

[-] 2 points by Quark2 (109) 12 years ago

The nypd makes my blood boil. They need to be checked.

[-] 2 points by RonHamilton (19) 12 years ago

Yes there is alot of things to protest. The protest must continue until a more direct democracy is founded in the US. The financial crimes must no longer go unpunished. The perps are widespread, starting with Senate and House of Congress, the Federal Reserve members, Dow Jones, Wall Street crooks. Municipal institutions and the Judicial Branch are wrongfully servants only to elites in US society. The multinationals, national, financial, energy, arms, and pharmaceutical capitalist have thrust poverty and suffering on 50 million people in the US thru labor exploitation and economic fascism also known as corporatism. This isn't a mystery that 9-11-01 was only the beginning of punishment for the largest criminal enterprise on the planet. The general strike for civilians is a great thing. The military general strike, meaning General Peteraus is long overdue. The BIGGEST PAPERWORK CRISIS THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN has all been a dept-pushing,con artist scam perped by a mirage of a government and economic system.The Prison Industrial Complex will also have their day,much worse than 9-11-01. If anything has been left out as to who is against OWS let me know.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Has anyone thought of making up handouts for the police? For Council members? Members of government?

Factual non confrontational leaflets pointing out legal rights and proper conduct of "peace" keepers and "legal" protesters.

Forward good communications forward good food for thought and consideration.

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[-] 2 points by ThunderclapNewman (1083) from Nanty Glo, PA 12 years ago

Oh yes they will

[-] -1 points by ibanker (-99) 12 years ago

arent the cops 99%ter like yourself? FYI I am not a 1% er either, may be a 5% or 10% er

[-] 3 points by ThunderclapNewman (1083) from Nanty Glo, PA 12 years ago

They work for YOU tho. Now go take the gag ball out of your mouth and put it in the drawer with all your other latex outfits. Then get to bed. Church service is at 9am

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[-] 1 points by jimevanhoe1 (55) 12 years ago

National Marches and Marches around the Globe We must take back Our Country's Government & Financial Systems. Those that destroyed through Public Corruption and Financial Fraud, must be prosecuted and imprisoned, they are absolute traitors, traitors who destroyed our lives, our neighborhoods, our children's futures. Organize, Lead, Control the Avenues in a 360 degree manor. It would be worth the time to organize how marches move, not just down a certain avenue, but to be able to move around and down many avenues fast, very fast. Design how to draw authorities away and keep moving forward. Divide them at all cost. Certain individuals must be able to direct and communicate with what ever works....if the corrupt authorities jam electrics then use original colored flags, and or chimes. More than one direction, more than one course of action. The days leading up to the May Day Marches Globally....Occupy must watch the build up of all authorities....from the roof tops, inside store fronts, hiding, and along the avenues. See the equipment their using and design effective count measures. Every aspect of their movement must be filmed and released over the internet Globally. If they use gas and rubber bullets those in the front must learn how to combat their violence. The front group can drop back and the well protected can move forward with in seconds. Major violence by the authorities must be filmed and released globally at once. Medical Teams must be in place for full on violence by the authorities ... and the 1% they represent. This is Class Warfare plain and simple anyone that doesn't understand this fact is fooling themselves. IT is time to demand Our Governments to Step Down, ALL of THEM, NOW! From Spain to Greece to New York and Washington D.C. They have failed and their complete failure warrants removal from power. Corrupt Government, Corrupt Financial Systems .....public corruption out of control. GET YOUR TEAMS READY.............really ready....thoroughly ready. OCCUPY..... James P. Evanhoe

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[-] 1 points by Winstonsmith48 (1) 12 years ago

George Orwell really got it right with his novel “1984” So why not take a page out of his book and make it real with some street theater, it would be easy. Put up a large poster of President Obama write BIG OBAMA on it, get a group to stand in front of it and repeatedly chant “WAR IS PEACE” Do that regally and soon enough it will seem as normal as watching your friends being kicked on the ground by the police. “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.”

Winston Smith

[-] 1 points by townbird (1) 12 years ago

There is a new forum called the Trayvon Martin Forum (trayvonmartinforum.com) that is devoted to discussing Trayvon Martin.

[-] 1 points by Samson (5) 12 years ago

Don't remove my comments or I'll curse you moderator while letting the true liberators of the movement survive!

[-] 1 points by Samson (5) 12 years ago

Don't remove my comments! You guys are like the wikipedia police. You're just as bad as the people you're fighting against.

[-] 1 points by Samson (5) 12 years ago

If you take down my comments then I won't support your movement anymore and you will fail.

[-] 1 points by Samson (5) 12 years ago

I want to really congratulate you all for the work you are doing. I'm really excited to see you taking the proactive edge and gaining your confidence. As a people you truly are unstoppable! You have already won this victory and the police have deligitamized themselves. They must be removed! I know some of these people are saying we need military and police on our side but I happen to disagree and have a personal conviction against these provacateurs. I think the police and the military are the problem because they are the ones protecting the wealthy people who rape the environment. It's clear as day.

[-] 1 points by DonQuixot (231) 12 years ago

Police brutality is caused by politicians' brutality, and politicians brutality is caused by banksters' brutality. We live in a brutal world.

[-] 1 points by mattron (1) 12 years ago

One thing I really like about Occupy is its concept of "the people's media", an absolutely free-flowing discourse. For the first time in history, one can gather info beyond that which is given by a handful of biased resources.

You can now read a hundred different accounts of the same Occupy event and get a different sense from each.

Therefore- if the content of this particular post is over-the-top (as it is for me), then simply find another Occupy info resource and balance it with all the other accounts that you hear. True people's media.

[-] 1 points by Misaki (893) 12 years ago

If you really want to be effective, here's how: http://jobcreationplan.blogspot.com/

I view this as a challenge to the leadership of Occupy. So many people can't understand the concept that people working less = lower unemployment AND lower corporate profits.

[-] 1 points by iamausername (119) 12 years ago

you know these cops are under a lot of stress. Its no fun to be the center of negative attention from an agitated crowd. It's still no excuse for arresting random people, but I would lay the blame higher up, and not on the actual officers so much. Some of them probably support the movement.

[-] 1 points by YOUNGandEDUCATED (1) 12 years ago

Completely support the idea. Completely disagree with how it's done. People keep referencing the Arab Spring but how many of the protesters outside have actually BEEN to the Middle East? To call today's moment our "Tahrir Square" is such an overexaggeration and disrespectful to the Egyptians that lost their lives. As DoubleThink posted, remember, those protests succeeded because those in power joined them. Police officers and army members defected. You're losing sight of the end goal and ostracizing yourself from more and more people.

[-] 1 points by JRG (4) 12 years ago

the police are not the enemy. they are part of the 99%; they are only people responding to angry protesters - any human being in the face of a tense, angry environment will respond rashly at some point... and anyone who is given this positional authority will feel like he or she has the 'right' to do something to control the crowd, do their job, follow orders, etc. if you hit (or offend) someone they hit back, eventually. its a cycle of misdirected anger and violence. the people at the top are not the enemy either, they are simply playing the rules of the game. even if you remove the people at the top, they will just be replaced by whoever is next in the socioeconomic ladder. its inevitable because this type of competition is inherent in the market system we have created.

Below are links to a social movement that I believe sheds light on the root causes of our social issues and offers practical, feasible solutions. Please check it out and watch the movies, ask questions, spread awareness, and act!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9WVZddH9w

zeitgeistmovie.com/

http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 12 years ago

The roll call is a great idea .... brilliant!

The day will come when Kelly is done.

[-] 1 points by cmoylanc (32) 12 years ago

With you all the way--marched against cops Sat.--physically and spiritually. Find the tone of the text that accompanies livestream to be too much, though. No need for propaganda jargon. The simple facts are eloquent.

[-] 1 points by worldrevolution (12) 12 years ago

all the wise and awake people all over the world support Occupy Wall St. union. go on to get freedom and justice to the world. god helps you, so you can. thank you.

[-] 1 points by bankrun2011 (89) 12 years ago

If we keep doing what we do unapologetically and distribute our propaganda, police will come over to our side; but, if we try to cater to them, it will be a disaster. The majority of them are workers this is true, but in order to reach them we have to do us. When they see us engage in a few scruff-ups with the riot squad, and stand our ground, they will respect our gang and prefer it.

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[-] 0 points by vets74 (344) from New York, NY 12 years ago

Let's be reminded of how hard it is to generate an effective social movement. Here's the core of it from the two geniuses of the 20th Century.


Pledge For Nonviolence

  1. As you prepare for Occupy Wall Street, please open yourself to life, love and the blessings of faith, hope, and charity.
  2. Refrain from violence of fist, tongue and heart.
  3. Walk and talk in the manner of love; for truth and love are the core of life, neither ambition nor the temptations of control.
  4. Sacrifice personal wishes that all might be free.
  5. Observe with friends, with false friends and with your foes the ordinary rules of courtesy.
  6. Perform regular service for others and the world.
  7. Pray or simply ask within to be moved so that all men and women might be free.
  8. Remember that nonviolence seeks Justice and Reconciliation – not victory.
  9. Strive to be in good spirits and in good health. We are the 99% and we must go in peace.

"Nine Principles" adapted from Dr. M.L.King, Jr., and M.K. Gandhi


Tactical implementation has been advanced with Gene Sharp, the Serbians and the Egyptians. Facebook and the twitterverse have their uses. But changing ourselves is what comes first.

Nonviolence -- fist, tongue, heart. For then nonviolence becomes the fulcrum, as discipline becomes the lever. A community can use these tools to move the world. And it takes time. Years and then decades.

We are the 99% and we must go in peace.

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[-] 0 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

Exactly the correct approach.Keep this one going.

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[-] 0 points by Pinwheel (10) from New York, NY 12 years ago

"Sanitation department is a service, which we may CHOOSE to use or not. Union square is our park, and neither you nor anyone else will take it from us." I live in NYC and I assume the word "our" means me, too. Well, I use Union Square often, and, yes, I CHOOSE to allow the Sanitation department to do their job. I also CHOOSE to allow Occupy to use the park as long as they respect other people's rights to use this PUBLIC SPACE, i.e. dog owners headed to the dog run, shoppers supporting the greenmarket, residents and tourists using the steps near the statue to rest and relax, people using the park as an efficient, pleasant way to get from 14th Street to points north.

[-] 1 points by SteveKJR (-497) 12 years ago

What is this "I" thing - I choose to allow occupy to use the park "I" choose to allow the sanitation department to do their job. I think you lost the meaning of "our park" and replaced it with "My park".

Are you the Mayor of NYC?

I mean really - do you know what you are saying - I,I,I, sort of like "Me", "Me", "Me". It's all about "Me" and I'll say what you can do or not do on "My" public property.

[-] 1 points by Pinwheel (10) from New York, NY 12 years ago

I'm using "I" because you/they are speaking for me by lumping me into your we. But no worries, I'm done with this forum. I only logged into this to note the possible disruption of the greenmarket if Occupy successfully camps in Union Square in areas designated for the market. I see things are staying at the south end of the park, but a few days ago, protests were being held in the north end -- where the farmers' stands go.

[-] -1 points by BullsAndBears (-36) 12 years ago

How about you clowns recognize the police that do what they are supposed to do and save lives, instead of getting riled up about the few police that actually abuse their powers. I guarantee that the police have saved more lives than they have injured any of you occupy clowns.

[-] -1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

oh

this is were that backlash about people attacking police comes from

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[-] -2 points by jjoplin (25) 12 years ago

Do you know how many people have been killed in Egypt since their uprising began? Do you know that the military still runs Egypt? Do you know that when the newly elected officials take power Egypt, which has been a secular state, will likely become an Islamist state with many radicals in positions of power? Why do you envy what has happened in Tahrir Square so? Why do you want to use the mob rather than your votes and the law to effect change? Why do you celebrate ideology that leaves people is poverty and misery and deride capitalism, which has brought more prosperity to more people than any other system in the world?

The NYPD is not a private army or a terrorist organization. Do you know how many lives were lost on 9/11? How many policemen and women risked and lost their lives to protect you so that more were not lost?

Your enemy is not the NYPD. Your enemy is the apathy of a nation too long unengaged in a system that works when worked. Career politicians have been on the gravy train and guess what. You don't have to burn the city to the ground to change things. Major elections every two years - get out there and organize and vote. And noone needs to die. I have been following this site from the beginning and the tone is changing. You are sounding bloodthirsty now and if you are not careful you will folllow in the footsteps of Che, Fidel, Robespierre and yes, Hitler and Stalin. And when you are old you will look back and wonder how you let it happen. You will wonder when was the moment, that a peaceful movement became bloodsport and theater. And you will carry the burdern of knowing that you did not slow or stop it, you fanned the flame that snuffed out the freedom you so take for granted.

Stop and think - are you being used by your enemy who you think is your friend? In a quiet moment, you will know the answer.

[-] 2 points by iamausername (119) 12 years ago

of hitler. And stalin. really? hitler? it's pretty damn hard to equate anything to hitler, exept hitler.

[-] 2 points by pewestlake (947) from Brooklyn, NY 12 years ago

Nice effort at disruption there. Solid antidisestablishmentarianism.

Not gonna work.

[-] 1 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

One of your points is very interesting as it seems that the Arab Spring is turning into the Winter of discontent.I also do not believe you truly understand this movements aims against rampant capitalism.I`m sorry but you go overboard by the end of your comment.

[-] -3 points by Ruckasse (28) from Norwood, NC 12 years ago

Please no longer refer to the police as men, they are the PD GOONS. They are not part of civilization.

[-] 2 points by iamausername (119) 12 years ago

they are men. they have problems like you, and i bet some of them support OWS. And I HOPE you mean only the NYPD, and that's only SOME of the NYPD. They are people, stop demonizing them, or you aren't any better.

[+] -5 points by the1percents (-4) 12 years ago

Do you realize you are draining the overtime budget for the city? You are causing the very thing that you preach against. Wait until city payroll taxes skyrocket. Idiots.

[-] 4 points by proudofOKC (361) 12 years ago

So my taxes will go from debilitating to still debilitating, and my financial situation from desperate to still desperate. Why should I care about the overtime of the city? I, a "free" citizen of the "greatest" nation in the world, will live my entire life with my head to the grindstone just in order to survive, and even then will only be able to do so by living forever in debt. I will work till I die, so I'm curious as to why I should care, if my situation will not get better either way.

[-] 3 points by Mark01 (82) 12 years ago

then why dont they just listen to the people instead of trying to fight the people?

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[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

When the taxes skyrocket because of the use of the NYPD to suppress legal protest and free speech I would expect the shit to start hitting the fan even harder then it is now.

Only I think that there may be quite a few citizens asking the mayor and the police chief just what the fuck they think they are doing.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Here's another thought.

If the Mayors office and the NYPD keep throwing away tax payer money to suppress free speech and legal protest.

Do you think that the NYPD might see some significant work force reductions? You know Layoffs! Might the NYPD see some other budget cuts?

Hhmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Hey - Blue Guys. Standing out in all that nasty weather has not hurt you in anyway has it? You know congestion watery eyes itchy throat a bit of a temperature? Would be a terrible time for flu to run rampant through the force.

[-] 1 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

would you like some coffee with those doughnuts :-]

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Thank you.

We should express some sort of support & concern for our misused "Peace Keepers".

~{;-)

[-] 2 points by FriendlyObserverB (1871) 12 years ago

you make a good point .. all those police officers standing around .. has to add up to thousands $$$ per hour ! huge expense.. huge huge.. $$$

[-] 1 points by iamausername (119) 12 years ago

well maybe people will start to care then.