How To Hold Your Ground
Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 13, 2011, 2:12 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
Starting at midnight through tomorrow morning, we will hold our ground against police aggression and assert the right of the people to peaceful assembly. The following are links to resources on using nonviolent tactics to defend Liberty Plaza.
Basic Strategy: Sit down, link arms and do not let go! If the police drag you away, you can comply or go limp (both calmly and silently) which is arguably not resisting arrest. Please also respect a diversity of tactics.
For those of you who plan to stick around PAST MIDNIGHT—which we hope will be all of you—make sure you understand the possible consequences. Be prepared to not get much sleep. Be prepared for possible arrest. Make sure your items are together and ready to go (or already out of the park.) We are pursuing all possible strategies; this is a message of solidarity.
I am 62 years old and so PROUD of my fellow Americans who finally got up off their couch to attempt to make thing right in this country once again. I never thought I would live to see this... God be with you all.. NEVER give up no matter what happens... Find another park if need be...
Lots of us old farts around...I am 68 and wish I could be there. Remember ..no violence, lock arms and then go limp. You will survive this. There are so many that lock up gets to be expensive. That hits Bloomberg in the pocket. NEVER...NEVER...NEVER give up!
Our thoughts are with you.
Thank you!!! I am so inspired by those who paved our path for nonviolent action. So much respect for you!
God bless all you beautiful people!!!
47 here. Middleaged fart! Hah!
Ditto. I am an old fart too and I support what this group is doing. I believe this protest can make a difference. Thank you so much for what you are doing. I can't make to NYC but will go to OWS in Atlanta this weekend.
Ditto, an old fart (what would be female adjective), support you, thank you, and will be in Harrisburg, Pa. this weekend.
Don't say "Old Fart" to anybody - you sell yourself, your life and experience, short my friend! You are here and that is all that matters!
Join us - we desperately need your help and value your age and wisdom - you seen this country fall into the hands of the moneyed lobbyists . Help us move forward!
Buyer's beware here. Just want you guys to know that the picture above is photoshopped. That lady is a cook.
http://dadala.hyperlinx.cz/kuchar/kuchr026.html
Really!?!?! Well color me shocked. I couldn't tell based on the color discontinuity...lol j/k
62 is not old. I am 60. You need to join us unless you are totally disabled. We need everyone who can, to join us. They power structure will be impressed my numbers.
I'm very excited, I'm 53 and have participated in many protest in Italy during the '70. I thought I might never have a chance to share those experiences with my kids but now we have all been to OWS together and it's an amazing experience. Finally direct democracy, protest..people joining together! ...and it's not true what the media says..it's a global movement.. tomorrow oct.15 I'll be at OWS while all my Italian friends will be marching and occupying in Rome! We will make a difference all over the world and we will not give up!
And you didn't support the Tea Party at the beginning when they were protesting Wall Street and republican politicians were bashing the movement. You didn't vote for Ross Perot or Ron Paul who predicted todays outcomes decades ago and possibly could have changed things....By the way, why did you need to wait for fellow Americans to get off the couch when you could have done that too?
I never waited for ANYONE to get up off the couch lol.. Not sure what makes you think that. I have been battling BP and many other issues for a long time now.. back in the day I was an Advocate For Victimized Children. I fought for free, everything I have been passionate about and no one had to go before me. Now , physically unable to walk a lot, I do what I can on my computer...which has been a lot....I am living proof that ONE person CAN change things. I have had several bad laws blocked from lobbying from my computer. I am afraid of no one and will do what I can to help , once again, make this country "For The People By The People" ... I truly never thought I would see so many people this passionate about changing their country... Wish we had all of them along the Gulf Coast as we continue to have to deal with no one listening to us down here and our needs since the oil disaster... What has gone on down here took away my hope for the people. Now I have hope once again...Thanks to all who have gathered to make a difference...
Fellow Texan (or whereever you are along the coast), There's two Occupancies in Texas that I know of. Pick one to get behind and have at them bastards! Or keep fighting from the internet, or where you can be a pain to the corporate masters publiclly. The Enron and BP fuckups will be avenged.
Thanks Beachntwo, I hope they go get a bldg to organize and get out of the upcoming weather and keep protesting on the streets and sleeping in a warm, clean place to get our reforms! I'm going to help protest in my town on Sat! God save us!
Right on!
Solidarity and support from Argentina,
To complement the two links provided above, here is an eviction defense tactical plan penned by an ex US Special Operations tier one mission commander, pilot and mission planner that worked with Delta Force and Seal Team 6:
"This is going to get interesting. Will be working up some ideas for how this could play out. Let's start off with an assumption. This is Bloomberg vs. Occupy. One mind vs. many minds. The goal is to coerce him into changing his mind. Dissuade him. Get inside his OODA loop.
-Go straight for him. Maximize the eviction's taint on Bloomberg's personal brand. Personalize the protest/eviction by attaching the blame to him personally.
Pierce his shield of bureaucratic impersonality. Brand the eviction with the name: Bloomberg. This is/will be a global stage, use it.
-Confuse him. Lots and lots of Flash Mobs. Shut down bridges and major streets. Overwhelm with volume/speed. Non-violent disruption. As soon as police arrive in force, disperse and reassemble at new location. Bikes + Kids. Disrupt, disrupt, disrupt. More flashmobs = more disruption. As long as the square is under attack, keep the city in knots.
-Connect with more people than him. Best way to do this: Eyes in the sky. Get a camera/cameras above Liberty Square. Stream the feed. The better the quality the more impact it will have. It will play across the world. Think about how important AJs video feed over Tahrir was when things got hot. Better yet, get AJ to cover it and stream it.
If you have additional ideas, add them below. Good training in tactical thinking.
Hoisted from the comments:
The flashmob tactic was tried here in Panama couple of years ago by the SUNTRACS construction workers union, and with very small groups pre-planted all over the city they drove the police absolutely crazy. Police would show up at location A, mob would disperse immediately, two text messages and now TWO flashmobs would block streets at different locations. They never followed up with it (preferring massive marches to display force) but it worked very well and with much less people than #ows has available. [courtesy: Okke] "
http://globalguerrillas.typepad.com/globalguerrillas/2011/10/bloomberg-vs-occupy.html
These are excellent guerilla tactics that WORK. Good post!
I think everyone should be physically connected by chains/shackles/cuffs at the foot so that police can't actually take people away from the park easily. With the entire perimeter connected, police might be at a loss for how to proceed. If everyone is connected, mass arrests would require significantly more efforts and would lead to a media frenzy. It's not bad to have the cameras and public watching all that's occurring.
Good luck out there. Thank you for all that you're doing.
It went exactly in Denver... The World was Watching! This is about the FIRST Amendment now.. AND I DO NOT CARE WHAT YOUR VIEWS ARE, any American should be offended by the way the Police are Busting Down Our Efforts! Solidarity and Peace will Prevail!
(...) This is Bloomberg vs. Occupy. One mind vs. many minds. The goal is to coerce him into changing his mind. Dissuade him. Get inside his OODA loop.”
Muy bien! I must say; excellent techniques Javier. Gracias.
SO many thanks for your help & support ... i love the flash mob disperse & reassemble tactic by 2 - seriously wonderful, Javier ... !
The answer to division is Unity, the best way for us to become ONE is to Do As One, we can achieve that by breathing together synchronously. The word conspire comes from 2 Latin root words: con= with or together, and spirare = breathe. Therefore the true meaning of the word conspire is "to breathe together". Do As One, is a non-profit that promotes Unity by group synchronous breathing. On the website, www.doasone.org there are breathing rooms where we can synchronize our breath. Tomorrow, when this movement goes global, synchronous breathing could be just the thing we need to become One with the many.
Please just go home. You are costing the American taxpayers by requiring police to babysit you all. I am in the 99 percent grouping you claim to represent, but I don't need or want your help.
I love when people complain about this wasting american tax dollars when really, i (as an employed taxpayer) am grateful at the opportunity for my tax dollar to actually be spent on me. OUR tax dollars are spent on the war for oil in the middle east, subsidies for people to NOT do what they should do and for people to get paid without having to work.
I happily appropriate my tax dollars to actual people (even if its the police).
What is wrong with you? You like these politicians running this country like an auction that goes to the biggest bidder! While you lose all your entitlements that you work and pay for. There is something wrong with you, sheep!! It is about time we have the balls to take OUR country back from tyrants and theifs!!
many things have cost the tax payers too much. this is a worthy cause and the administration is corrupt. 9/11 terrorists my ass. People need to wake up. So please stop talking in your sleep. Thank you
Soooo much wasted tax money. Amen!
We dont need yours...
Glad to have you miscreants out of there. You are not above the law just because you feel like it.
Actually...the law states that we have the right to peaceably assemble. Read your constitution. Then, if you have a better place for the myriad of supporters of the 99% to assemble that is as relevant as where they are now, feel free to post it. ~Love from an employed mother who IS the 99% just as you are!
Well, you are correct that you have the right to peaceably assemble ... but not on private property. My understanding is that the park is actually private.
So, in essence, you do not have the right to congregate there.
Although, with that said -- stay damn put! I love you guys!!
Ya, well read the Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution. Where permits are reasonably required and by-laws exist, they have to be respected.
King George required a tax stamp on the tea, too, and only honored those promisory notes that bore the King's seal.
what he is talking about is not above the law. He is talking about gaming the system essentially, and guess what, those in charge do it all the time.
it seems remarkable at times that people can be so blind to the obvious. We have all been brainwashed/conditioned into the societal structure. People have a very hard time with truth, as it has a propensity for destroying all of the institutions and ideas that their belief systems are built upon.
You are a fool!
what do you make over 250,000 darkhound, are we trying to get actual tax dollars out of you, boo hoo!
I paid over $250k in taxes last year. One person, one vote. So why am I being unfairly penalized for success?
who are you kidding $250k in taxes.. you don't have the brain capacity to warrant a job where you would have to pay that much tax. Stop talking out of your asshole you complete moron..
You're not being unfairly penalized for success, you are paying back into the system that enabled your success to happen. IT's a social contract. If you'd prefer a lower tax rate, you could move to Mexico.
I'll be with all of u in spirit, if not in body. I'm 69 years old and not well or otherwise I'd link arms with u, my brothers and sisters, and resist the unconstitutional attack on our right to assemble and protest peacefully. Consider making this NYPD assault a Day of Shame for Bloomberg. Consider Chanting "Shame on Bloomberg! The Whole World is Watching!l" Go with bravery in ur hearts, my brothers and sisters. and show the world that true Americans will never bow to tyrants!
""The Whole World is Watching!l" Go with bravery in ur hearts, my brothers and sisters. and show the world that true Americans will never bow to tyrants!""
Yes! Indeed! But we are very worried for all in Zuccotti Park. You are all valuable persons there. The best.
Be strong. Thank you for what you're doing. I'm at your side, as are many other absent patriots. Bloomberg will fail, like others who resist the will of the people.
I'm not there yet; I'm a ways away from being there. But we'll be on our way soon. We share your sentiments for those who are already there and facing this threat.
if they try to arrest you, please sit and meditate silently.
Here is an Android app that "lets you quickly notify your family, friends, and crack legal team (if you have one) of your situation with a single tap of your finger. "
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-20119537-251/help-im-getting-arrested/?part=test-cnet&subj=software&tag=readMore
very useful. the best way to prevent people from disappearing is others knowing where they are.
Didn't work in South America for about 40 years...im just sayin....
I salute you. Be aware of police provocoteurs. Stay strong. Bloomberg just made a mistake. Will you blink?
For those on the site please watch out for people that are too "up" as they could provoke violence without meaning to. For the seniors (OK, old) that can't do demonstrations any more drive SLOW around downtown, VERY slow, preferably in a row of cars on each lane. If the police say something immediately stop in that lane and ask what the problem is. Be very deferential, in fact spend as long as you can stopped in traffic complimenting the police.
Good idea except i would limit this to an area around the park( few blocks?). You don't want to impede them from responding to real crime or an emergency nearby.
This ^^^^
Resistance is Beautiful. This is the stage where "they fight you". "then you win."
Those cops have ben around you all for many days now. They are not going to want it violent either. Remeber passive resitance!
Link arms and don't let go.
Can i just say please be kind to your officers and they will be kind to you. They aren't out to hurt you or jeopardize their jobs. They are part of the 99% too. But they also have orders and must do what they are told. This isn't the 1960's and officers are trained not to be rough. but please don't instigate. they are people too. just try to think from their perspective too when protesting. you have the right to be there and to speak your mind peacefully but they also have to up stand the law, follow orders, and try to be respectful. Please remember these officers aren't Bloomburg's minions but rather people trying to do their job, whether you agree with it or not doesn't give you the right to hurt them. I hope you all have a wonderful peaceful day, full of enlightenment and conviction.
We need to bring our focus away from the banks, of course they are complicit and responsible in many cases for the economic tragedy we are currently facing, but let us not take attention from our real adversary. The issue our country is facing is not rooted in the greedy banks, it is rooted in a belief that we live in a democracy. When we explode the myth of democracy in this country we can finally begin to ask "what does democracy look like?". Where is the consensus, or even majority that supports the dismantling of environmental protection, the waging of death on countries who's defining crimes were not conforming to a neo-liberal order, that supports cooperate personhood, that believes our country can grow indefinitely with no respect to the biophysical limitations of this planet. This movement is bigger than banks, they are a symptom of a sickened culture, not the disease. What we really need to ask one another, and our "representatives" is what is the aim of our system, not just to perpetuate itself and grow, but how can it serve the demos of democracy.
Thank you for carrying the water. You are courageous to dream in this day and age. Know this: YOU CAN'T LOSE! The more they try to move you, the more the world rallies around you. They can't ignore you anymore, and they can't fight you because you're non-violent.
We are amazing, we humans! Look down at all of these comments. Look around at what we are doing. Whether in spirit, mind, or body, we are here, for each other, for ourselves, and for the whole. I am so proud to be a member of the human race today. Thank you all
I hear you!! First real smell of hope I've had in years. Seriously!
Their greatest strength? Men with guns. So how do you turn that into a weakness?
Most police believe in the rule of law, in honour, in protecting the innocent from the evil. Sure there are a few bad apples in the police department who get off on assault and humiliation, but these are the minority. What needs to happen is convincing those who believe in honour, justice and order that the true authority, the truely honourable path, the path of justice lies in the hands of the people, not the ruling elite. Should you find a way to convey this message in terms that this honourable men and women can understand and get behind THEN you will be victorious.
The police are not your enemy. The police are the protectors and guardians of civilization and law. The problem is that civilization and the laws that govern it have been hijacked by a minority who seek only to protect their own gains. Demonstrate to the police that you are worthy of their protection and their support. Then and only then can you achieve victory without violence.
A thousand times yes, this is the MOST IMPORTANT element!
total support from Corrupted France ;
you have , you guyz, to grim your face all in white, like clown, you will not be able to be recognized, cops takes photos and filming you and then tag you . you can also got anti-peppers spray effects, ( little bottle of spray )
the cops will always look for riots, by this way the medias will makes the protesters evil . take care you guys .
you can also ask strong guyz to makes wall of shield to protect the protesters; basically like the Spartans . it works well too . we are used in France to makes protest, i hope it help !!! my best thoughst and prayers!
The rest of the country is with you in spirit! We know how much courage this will take - good luck to you all!
Bloomberg's phone lines are jammed, everybody who can is spreading the word every way they can - it won't seem that way tonight, but you - that is, we, the 99% WILL win in the end!
Here's the contact info for Brookfield (owner of Zucotti Park; Bloomberg's girlfriend sits on the board):
http://www.brookfieldofficeproperties.com/content/contact-2908.html
Tel: 212-417-7000 Fax: 212-417-7214
We love you. We are so proud of you. You are not alone. There are so many of us not in NYC who are praying for your safety and strength. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRIOTISM!!!!
This is going to take courage. The people involved in the support of this occupation comprise what will ultimately be looked back on as one of the first big tipping points in post millenium American politics. Stay strong friends. whathappenedtoamerica
You are correct in what you are doing don't forget that.
Solidarity forever with our sisters and brothers in NYC!
If you are kicked out, please re-group elsewhere - there was an idea floated also about having people taking a watch and sleeping elsewhere so that the park is occupied 24 hours a day by protesters.
Reuniting else where sounds like a great plan. Of course, you know they have people reading all that we write. >:(
Well, the real organization is happening on the ground, not this forum. And let them read. Let me know that we're aren't giving up or going away.
Unfortunately, there are limited responses to state sponsored fascistic motivated terrorism. OK...enough of the hyperbole. The facts are that Brookfield Properties posted a sign (yesterday) basically enshrining onerous rules that will keep people in Zuccotti Park. Other people have suggested that we just go and occupy another park. The problem with that idea is that public parks are closed in NYC from 12PM to 6AM. One possible solution would be to occupy the parks and find shelter for the remaining six. Judson Church (off Washington Square Park) and other people in the sanctuary movement are working on how to accommodate folks. This is also a work in progress. The abolitionist movement in this country was started by folks with strong religious disgust with the idea of slavery. Agnostic that I am, the movement must make ties with these progressive churches so the movement can live on. I could swear they will not force you to listen to anyone's sermonizing (save Rev. Billy) for the price of keeping from freezing to death come winter. Peace & Straight Ahead!!
You guys don't see any selfishness in your behavior do you? Bloomberg, even though he may not be your favorite politician, has been very graceful over the last few weeks, always defending your right to protest. The owners of the property have been accomodating up to this point and it can be argued that they have every right to inspect and maintain their property.
But you guys are more than willing to throw them under a bus and cause bad press for them because you can't continue to hold the area hostage. It looks rather ungrateful ... almost like a bunch of spoiled children who are throwing a tantrum because they don't get to do what they want to do. And god forbid the residents and businesses in the area get a say in the matter. All that matters is what YOU guys want.
Again, it's selfish and self-centered.
You don't get it. It's bigger than the park. It's bigger than business and cash flow. It's about ideas and integrity. Bloomberg will send in the midnight clean up crew.
Bahrain had a similar techniqe http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/scarce/bahrain-security-forces-launch-brutal-assau.
The protesters are not protesting and sacrificing themselves for today. It's to preserve democratic values for tomorrow. It's a fight for freedom.
Jesus would be on Wallstreet.
GMFB. You are so busy looking at the chance to a martyr for something that you don't even realize that you are stomping on other people and THEIR RIGHTS. This isn't just about you guys and what you feel is wrong with society.
This cause has merits but it does not, and cannot, run over innocent bystanders in its quest for resolution.
And please, keep Jesus out of it. I would never presume anything that he would say or do. And if you really wanted to press the point, didn't he say, "Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's ..." He believed in respect for the law.
You think the shops of Tahrir square didn't feel the same thing? get over it, we are in the process of starting a revolution. America's founding fathers were brutal to supporters of the british government and when the war was over our Founders said, "You can either pledge allegiance, or go back to britain with nothing more than what you can carry." Supporters of Britain lost everything they owned and had their rights trampled upon by our Founding Fathers. In a revolution, sometimes peoples rights get trampled on, it comes with the territory. If our government wasn't corrupt, no one's rights would be getting trampled on. you want to complain to somebody, complain to our government. I want them gone or dead, but I don't want not one of them (except Ron Paul) in DC. We need to call for the US government to step down. They suck. We need lots of amendments, least of which is an amendment that allows computers to draw districts that are as perfectly split as can be between democratic and republican populations, that way the districts aren't stacked in favor of one party or the other. Stacking districts takes away accountability from our politicians because no matter what they do they know that they have enough of a base of sheepishly unwavering support to get them re-elected we need to draw districts to where they are accountable to EVERYONE; the bases of BOTH parties, and most importantly THE MIDDLE of both parties, who are largely ignored because of what I just described (the reps do not have to be accountable to the middle because they know that the base will unwaveringly support them; they can give whatever corporate benefits any of their buds want because the base will never desert them).
Right to peaceful assembly is law.
Martyr? That implies dying. Not good. This should be violence free. THEIR RIGHTS? What rights are being stomped on?
And you are correct. This cause does not run over innocent bystanders in its quest for resolution.
It's unfortunate that your perception of the event is so constrained. This really isn't about just us. There are many people watching what we are doing. A large silent majority that has been burned by the financial stewards. And they are holding their breath. They wish they had resources and the bravery to be here. A large majority that is hopeful that ordinary people can be listened to. People without lobbyists. Without cash. Without expensive suits and tight connections. A large majority of normal Joes who want to be able to believe in their government again.
We are not aiming for a resolution. These issues aren't that short term. We are dealing with an entire behavior set that has persisted for longer than most of the protesters involved.
This is just the beginning of an awakening.
Jesus also said, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?"
all of us that are lucky and have jobs, but would be there if we could. Hold strong, for we are with you in spirit! For those who view this through a tilted lens, remember, this nation was founded on the very principles these people are standing up for. For us to do nothing is the worst offense of all.
Well said. "Resolution" of conflict, as often as not, is simply a euphemism for refusing to participate in dialogue and conversation.
Which is why he staged a satirical rally, with true believers, entering Jerusalem on a donkey, just days after Pontius Pilate paid people to attend his entrance into Jerusalem on a white stallion?
And organized a raid to raise awareness of the scam the Temple was running at the money-changing tables?
justsayin, politely :)
I think there was double-speak from the Mayor's office and NYPD all along, for the usual reasons. What one says, vs. what they desire, are often split; especially in a political theatre where rights and liberties are sometimes messy and create some degree of discomfort for others.
Yes, all human beings are imperfect to one degree or another.
The sanitation and hygiene issues could've been dealt with nearly from the beginning, but were not. In my opinion, that was a passive-aggressive effort to undermine the movement and help them out the proverbial exit door all along.
Tensions are high now, I tihink.
ALL actions possess some amount of selfishness, if only in the creation of the knowledge that a person took said action. No pure altrusim for anyone, really.
There -are- alternatives to this planned eviction. And there are some very constructive alternatives, in my opinion.
Agreed. If the Mayor and the NYPD were being honest in their concern for the sanitation and hygiene of the park, they could work together with the Occupation to achieve and maintain these objectives. The insistence that eviction is a prerequisite for a cleaner park is simply more propaganda - the powerful using media channels to label protestors as "disorganized," "dirty" and "unclean."
When a person in a position to have an impact (i.e. Mayor Bloomberg) says, "I support your right to assemble and protest," then, knowing that there exists a need for services (and I assume that some in the park were in communication re. these things), instead waits while the circumstances become more and more untenable, permitting others (bystanders, opposition agents, biased media, etc.) to capitalize on the situation, saying, "Look at those flithy (insert derogatory term of choice)," then it would appear to be at least some what of a set-up.
At the same time, some of the neighors sound like they have some degree of empathy, while also feeling their rights as neighbors were not always respected (noise, behavior, etc.).
Countering that, I might say something like, 'Revolution can be a whole lot messier than that, too.' but I don't mean to be contrite in any way...
All of this, especially the friction over what were avoidable outcomes, is truly unfortunate. Truly.
This need for change is far more important than many of the issues that stand now to cast this effort into question..
I truly hope for everyone's safety there, and for a 'good neighbor policy and effort' to eventually find more comaraderie between those around the Park, and those within the Park.
Hope for the best.
Power to the People.
Spot on. No pun intended.
Oh, we're quite ungrateful of the broken Capitalism and the corporate puppet masters. Economic slavery is no life to live and we'll bring this mother down.
everyone keeps talking about using private property. Are you not aware that there is no longer any public property. Everything is owned. Parks-no dogs allowed, can't be there at night, no barbecuing, no use of beaches at night, no fires on beach and I could go on and on. Ask yourself if OWS had to move somewhere else, where would they go? The people of America don't own any places or freedoms of movement any more!! The laws have been established in every city to prohibit protest!!
Rain + hand lotion = slick arms/legs AND Rain + bar soap rubbed into clothes = slick clothing
If you plan to be arrested without resisting, make it harder to grab/drag you away. Only do this if you are not part of a human chain.
People think that you can hide behind "private property," but you can't flaunt the laws, even in your own factory, buddy.
These people were denied a permit by the city, that is why they are camped out blocks away from Wall Street, in the park.
'...the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances..." is usless if you have no place to do it.
Occupy Springfield MO is behind you all the way! We love you and hope you remember, if it can reach the midwest, you're doing something right!!! lol Be strong, be peaceful, be united and keep moving! We're with you!
New York Penal Law
§ 205.30 Resisting arrest. A person is guilty of resisting arrest when he intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a police officer or peace officer from effecting an authorized arrest of himself or another person. Resisting arrest is a class A misdemeanor.
They need a reason to arrest you first. The most chosen by the government is disorderly conduct (i.e. what will probably amount to intentionally blocking the walking for pedestrians or what is referred to as public inconvenience).
If the person does not say anything to the cops and stays off pedestrian walk-ways they have no disorderly conduct probable cause to arrest. All the arrests will be unconstitutional seizures and violations of civil rights (42 U.S.C.S. 1983).
i came out from massachusetts last sunday to join you for the day, wish i could be there now. i have tweeted and texted bloomberg and signed the afl-cio petition to stop the eviction. my thoughts are with you, stay strong.
Solidarity from Dallas, GA. We are there with you all as you continue your fight for the American people.
Solidarity & Support from Upstate NY. We are with you. Stay Strong.
"...A small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead
Please post photos of the park - showing that it is CLEAN - and that there is no need for the police to clear the park "to clean it." The park "needs to be cleaned" argument will then be shown for what it is - a false pretense for trying to disrupt a peaceful demonstration by "We the People" of the United States of America - all created equal with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness requires the end of corruption in our political process, particularly caused by corporations whose only goal is hoarding money - putting America's economy in a strangle hold for the benefit of the few and harming many. Please post these photos on every internet website you possibly can. Americans can then see for themselves that the park is CLEAN and - that there is no need for police to clear the park to clean it. If the police intercede - and nonviolent protest measures are employed in response - than American citizens across the world will witness what happens when freedom is threatened. Americans across the world will be shocked if citizens who are simply occupying a CLEAN park are being mistreated by those whose duty is to protect and serve them.
Good call, head them off at the pass. :)
Fox news has been ragging on your protest from the beginning, they are the voice of the rich and want to shut you down. It's time to return the favor. If they keep you out of the park, visit them www.occupyfoxnews.com
Capture the Mayor's assault on the 1st Amendment on as many videocams as possible. We'll be watching and wishing we were there. Solidarity from OPhilly.
I admire each and every one of you brave souls. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THE GOVERNMENT. Be Brave. Reflect on what happened to the Brooklyn Bridge Marchers. 700 arrested, the most they got was a mere citation. If you need a fund to pay for the citations, just ask, I will GLADLY and PROUDLY pay to BAIL YOU OUT. DO NOT let FEAR overcome you. Be strong. The more of you the better America will be. It is selfish of me to sit in my apartment at Georgia Tech while asking you to sacrifice so much for the betterment of my life (and the rest of America), but the more of you that risk your freedoms by showing up with the intention of being arrested the more publicity the movement will get, the more police brutality and government oppression will be revealed and the more vigorously the American people will support you. You should be relishing this opportunity. This is the opportunity to strike fear in the eyes of our government. You have them on the ropes, don't let up. For the first time in the history of our country YOU have the power to reverse the tables and make the gov't fear us. We do what the government says because we are afraid of the consequences of failing to listen, when in fact they should be listening to us and they should be fearing the consequences of failing to listen to us. Be Brave and don't give in to the government. To leave is to let Government Corruption and Big Business win.
If I wasn't in school (or if I had the money to make weekend flights) I would be there with you. I would love nothing more than to be arrested for something I believe in and I would trade just about anything to be in the position of someone who is leaving the park out of fear. If the police order us to leave Centennial Park, and I don't have a test within 48 hours, I will be there and I will volunteer to be in the front row when they show up.
You expressed the spirit of the movement well. Stay strong everyone.
very well put.
I guess free speech only applies to those you agree with.
(thank you from Australia) We from Australia support your activity in Wall st, plz don't give up as we in Australia are going to stand with you on the 15th. Blessings and remember the whole world is watching. 8 )
Occupy WTC #7 Nov 19 and 20th
For the first time in too long I am proud to be an American,12 generation Hudson valley Yankees. Keep up the spirit,tenacity.God Bless you! I wish I could be there with you. Thank you for the courage you have shown. I hope this is the domino that can save our world.
Oh please! That's just silly. The police should not have to show up in the first place! If you were truly suffering, you certainly wouldn't be worried about the money that they WILL come up with from our sweat and tears to pay the police. Besides, at least now the police have jobs and not cuts and layoffs. Open your eyes!
You do realize you are on PRIVATE property. PRIVATE. Brookfield has the right, the legal right, to tell you to leave so they can take care of THEIR property. And I hope they exercise that LEGAL right.
if possible, be sure you are light on you :
-snack, little money, perhaps little gas lighter... -clock (unexpansive, can be break by a simple hit).
Support & Solidarity from Colorado. Good luck out there folks!
Greetings from Russia. Everyone should read the book by Gene Sharp: "From Dictatorship to Democracy", freely available on the Internet. It contains many useful techniques of so-called "peaceful warfare". End the worldwide dictatorship of financial rogues!
My little brother aged 21 back home in Australia taught me of the cause and is fighting and doing what he can in his community and social environment. The youth will inherit the Earth and they are being more responsible than us adults! You deserve to be heard you all do. Young, old, rich and poor. Keep going!
I am part of occupyafghanistan, we really need your help here, we don't even have toilets in our homes! Our homes are made of mud, maybe if you guys all made your homes out of mud that would help equalize your wealth. We are still looking for a park to demonstrate at. I have been all over this country and have yet to find a single park!
i am from greece and have had tear gas and other chemicals for breakfast. i have been part of many movements and think tanks on those maters, and i realised that the peaceful approach unfortunately is not effective. iwas part of a great movement that took place in athens, i was there in 1.000.000 people demonstrations that kept on every day for at least two months but no one cared. when the government decided to disperse the movement, it was easy. they planted policemen dressed as demonstrators, they caused a riot and for two days athens was burning up. i was there and i still have some wounds from that day. the next day, we ceased to be a peaceful movement, we were called terorists and anarchists, lost public support and the movement died. i am afraid that demonstrations within the margins allowed by the government are not going to succeed. you can punish the whole political system with massive abstention from the 2012 election, or you can stop playing nice with the police and the bankers. we also tried that in greece at december 2008. it got pretty ugly. i dont know what else to propose, but i hope your cause grows bigger every day, and i hope it will be victorious and i hope some day i will be able to join you. Hasta la victoria!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4sc67pfFhw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M6LJutKsF4&feature=related
you guys got this. :)
Some quotes of M.K.Gandhi that may help protesters Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state has become lawless or corrupt. And a citizen who barters with such a state shares in its corruption and lawlessness...Every citizen is responsible for every act of his government...There is only one sovereign remedy, namely, non-violent non-cooperation. Whether we advertise the fact or not, the moment we cease to support the government it dies a nature death....My method is conversion, not coercion, it is self-suffering, not the suffering of the tyrant....I hope the real Swaraj (self-rule) will come not by the acquisition of authority by the few but by the acquisition by all of the courage to resist authority when abused. In other words, Swaraj is to be attained by education the masses to a sense of their capacity to regulate and control authority.... Civil disobedience is the assertion of a right which law should give but which it denies...Civil disobedience presupposes willing obedience of our self-imposed rules, and without it civil disobedience would be cruel joke....Civil disobedience means capacity for unlimited suffering without the intoxicating excitement of killing....Disobedience to be civil has to be open and nonviolent....Disobedience to be civil implies discipline, thought, care, attention...Disobedience that is wholly civil should never provoke retaliation....Non-cooperation and civil disobedience are different but [are] branches of the same tree call Satyagraha (truth-force).... Coercion cannot but result in chaos in the end....One who uses coercion is guilty of deliberate violence. Coercion is inhuman....Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as cooperation with good... Nonviolent action without the cooperation of the heart and the head cannot produce the intended result....All through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall, always. True nonviolence is mightier than the mightiest violence. Nonviolence and cowardice go ill together. True nonviolence is an impossibility without the possession of unadulterated fearlessness.
Nonviolence is the summit of bravery.
Perfect nonviolence is difficult. It admits no weakness.
Nonviolence of the strong is infinitely braver than their violence. Nonviolence requires great patience.
Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.
Science of nonviolence can alone lead one to pure democracy
Stay strong ... and grounded ... feel your connection with earth and sky, even in that miraculous concrete jungle on which you stand, that magical city I love dearly where anything can happen ... anything can happen ...
I hope you are all safe ... Call on whatever spiritual beings / ancestors / those passed on who would be with you if they could ... (Trishki Doherty is with you in some way ... ) May creativity, respect, and perhaps song flow through you and surprise those who think they can squash this ... whatever happens tomorrow, you have inspired so many, and you have so much support! Thank you and deep love, eo
I'm sorry I can't be on scene to support you, but
if participants abuse and insult police or engage in violence, I will leave the OWS.
Power to the people, God Bless and good luck! Go democracy, down with hypocrisy!!!
This is for our dear friends in the city, and the others that can't be there with them!! This goes out to all of you! WE'RE THE FUTURE!!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1niTESoynQ
Solidarity and moral support from another old guy who wishes he could be there. My last arrest was for failing to comply with the selective service act.
As has been mentioned, the policeman who arrests you is doing a job, one he/she likely finds unpleasant. Be cooperative, but not beyond the point of giving your name and address. Don't volunteer any other information.
Remember you are part of a NVDA (nonviolent direct action) and the nonviolent part is critical to your long term success. With you in spirit.. peace.
New York Penal Law § 205.30 Resisting arrest. A person is guilty of resisting arrest when he intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a police officer or peace officer from effecting an authorized arrest of himself or another person. Resisting arrest is a class A misdemeanor.
Do you think that scares us? 700 were arrested on the bridge. You think arrest will stop us? Never.
§ 205.30 Resisting arrest. A person is guilty of resisting arrest when he intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a police officer or peace officer from effecting an authorized arrest of himself or another person. Resisting arrest is a class A misdemeanor.
How not to get legally arrested for disorderly conduct?
ERGO NO DISORDERLY CONDUCT. THE MORE PEOPLE ARRESTED THE MORE BURDEN ON POLICE TO DEAL WITH EVERYONE. MOVE ALL YOUR STUFF TO A SAFE PLACE!!!!!
This may sound really weird, but I had an idea when they were going to evict Occupy Atlanta. Would it be possible for protesters to circle around a tree and handcuff themselves to each other? Give all the keys to one person and send them off-site so the keys can't be confiscated, and that person can return when the threat is over? I know the cops could break the cuffs, but it would certainly take them longer to clear the park.
I hope that clear heads will prevail and no one will get arrested or harmed. This is despicable and the mayor should stop violating the civil rights of the protesters at Zuccotti Park. Peace to all....
Hold the line. The whole world is watching and want you to succeed. POWER TO THE PEOPLE
You can make a real spash ...occupy fox news www.occupyfoxnews.com this will get you more attention than anything else
New CNN poll shows 37% of US population believes OWS is a front for Iranian Qods Force.
Dis-information.
Just noticing this Good Neighbor Policy that your neighbors have been asking for for 3 weeks now. Only now are you addressing it.
I'm dissappointed that you guys didn't address some very simple requests to quell the drumming earlier on in this process, presented to you on multiple occasions by local residents and city representatives, because a lot of the people that live right around you sympathize with your interests and no one wants to impede your right to free speech. Why have you been unable to convince the drum circle to abide by some common rules of decency? If you could downplay the partying aspect in the plaza and promote the seriousness of your cause...now I could get behind that.
But right now...I'm very wary of your group, despite what I believe to be your good intentions, great cause and brave demeanor.
Remember non-agression principals http://youtu.be/RHe4OQ4bY4o
Will Mayor Bloomberg order the pepper-spraying police to use violence to quell peace? Perhaps only if the corporations say so. Swim goggles and videocams. Why can a police officer assault YOU, but you can't defend yourself against a police officer?
cause the government only works for wealthy people right now and poor people can get the shaft.
I cant be there, but like a good American I made my weekly donation. Best of luck tomorrow on your important work.
great ideas....def blame Bloomberg. also keep reaching out to the cops in blue as union brothers,who als face lay-offs.make them doubt what they are doing. slowing traffic,and flash mobs around town will cuse much confusion. THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING !
Are you tired of the 'Occupy Wall Street' trend? Want to make a real difference? Here's how: http://bit.ly/ngXOKV
occupy buildings!!.there are so many left from the housing market crash. what are squatters right in NYC? later you can utilize roof top gardening.
Seriously they really do need to clean out that concrete park. After 4 wks of people living in there constantly, it is unhealthy and poses a threat to those who reside in neighboring areas. Protesters need to GET OUT and let them clean it up.
Bloomberg is not being a meanie, he has a duty to the citizens of NYC. He has been very tolerant of the protests in a very congested city area. NY is a city of EIGHT MILLION ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY EIGHT THOUSAND PEOPLE. 8,175,133 Not small, mind you. If you don't live there, you have no idea how crowded that is and how many people per square inch. Sanitation is a MUST in a city like this.
What can be objected to are the 'new rules' that the park has created that make it not an option for the protesters to return. The p rotesters need to leave for their health and well being as well as that of the neighboring residents who are paying HUGE rents for the privilege of living in Manhattan.
The protesters need to get creative, find another park and then shelter for the other 6 hours. (as suggested by someone here) They will probably sleep better and be able to hold out longer with a shelter in which to sleep.
Even better, this movement is well organized. Organize demonstrators to clean up. Demonstrate responsibility. And lastly, down with corporate controlled Capitalism.
The protesters are also for the majority a mass of grown adults who are aware of how to tidy up after themselves and care for the area they are occupying. They aren't a giant group of disgusting pigs who leave everything where they throw it. The majority of them are very eco-conscious and aren't into littering, so I'm not exactly sure where this threat is coming from. I'm quite sure the protesters are capable of looking after their own health and cleanliness, and thus the state of the park. If you live somewhere for four weeks I don't imagine you spend that four weeks ignoring any sort of cleaning that needs to be done.
Solidarity from France. Don't give up!
Solidarity from France. Don't give up!
I came to this website with an open mind, genuinely curious about what you all are doing and why before I form any opinion. I'd call myself part of the "silent majority" as I don't like to get involved in politics or issues like this. But just reading only a few pages and comments in, I can say comfortably now that you guys are a joke and certainly don't and will never speak for the majority of Americans. And you certainly harm your "cause" by what you claim to be "peaceful" protests. Yet you break laws, impede on other people's rights (all of which just from the comments I've seen here you're encouraging one another to do), and then you make it all dramatic when the police arrest you. Cause hey, just "go limp which is ARGUABLY not resisting arrest." Are you kidding me!? Even you know that's a stretch.You guys are a joke and have no credibility with the rest of America.
please back up your assertions with actual evidence. What laws will they be breaking? Who's rights are they trampling? How is the protest been violent?
You make me and the rest of America laugh. But here's just one example, if not the most obvious: This particular page along with posted comments is encouraging people to stay and "peacefully" protest in Liberty Plaza/Zuccotti Park, a park that is privately owned by Brookfield Office Properties. Under the law, they have the right to make rules on their land, and if need be request the police to enforce them. But yet you are making the choice to not leave, to impede on their right to make and enforce the rules on land THEY OWN under the law, and when I wake up in the morning you'll be crying police brutality for them forcing you to leave. Do you hear that sound? It's called laughter. If I come over to your house and park my lawn chair on YOUR grass in protest of something, pretty safe to say you'll be asking me to leave or calling the police to force me out. Again, that sound is laughter.
You presume to much. Stick to the actual statements, and respond to them. No where did I say i was even in NYC, I simply asked you to back up your assertions, because I am tired of seeing so many make baseless claims, never to back them up, and move forward using those same baseless claims to back up another claim. I understand the idea of property ownership, and all that entails, so your allusion is accurate, but that does not mean that these people have actually broken any NYC laws.
Please consider Sun Tzu Art of War Strategies in your pursuit of trying to keep your occupation of Wall Street alive,but do so peacefully. For tommorrow, " Turn your opponents strengths into their weakness"
You guys are so much smarter than Bloomberg and the police state there and have truth and morale clarity on your side. Use your intellect to defeat your enemy who has brute strength and force.
Here are some other thoughts. God Bless you and pull of this strategy peacefully.
To find and exploit an enemy's weakness requires a deep understanding of their leaders' strategy, capabilities, thoughts, and desires and a similar depth of knowledge of one's own strengths and weaknesses. It is critical to study the minds of the opposing generals and understand how they will react to one's moves. It is also important to understand the environment and terrain which will be contested.
Bring a bandanna or surgical mask to cover your mouth in case the cops use tear gas to clear the park.
Good advice. And even if they don't use tear gas, you won't be hurt by being prepared.
Having lived all over the world even in a communist country and also a Muslim country, I know a thing or two about governments and freedoms. Our freedoms are unprecedented and we have by far the best system in the world. We are a nation of thinkers and we all need to think of the end game. What are we striving for? What do we want to happen? If this happens, what will happen next? Is this what we ultimately want? I believe in protesting for a just cause but I think it through. Have you?
Many people have thought it through. This movement is supported by Zeitgeist. Watch Moving Forward on Youtube for free to see the vision.
@HowRya The rights that OWS are standing up for are for ALL and far more important than someone having to take an extra 5 minutes to go to work. ps - many of the NON-financial businesses in the area are enjoying a lot of extra activity as Liberty Plaza becomes, as the NYT put it, "the most interesting free tourist destination in New York."
Excellent techniques! But instead of handcuffs these are much cheaper http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=nylon+tied+downs
See HowRya below: Think again. You are missing the point of non-violent protest. It must happen somewhere and that somewhere is wherever it is happening. The center is much larger than you or me or anyone at the Park. The center is worldwide and there are 148 parks at last count that I heard. Please broaden your perspective.
Contact Bloomberg below...
http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.bd08ee7c7c1ffec87c4b36d501c789a0/index.jsp?doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fom%2Fhtml%2Fcontact_the_mayor.html
I've already contacted both the Mayor's office, as well as Brookfield CEOs office.
My reservations to Zuccotti aren't for another 12-1/2 days yet. I whinced when this eviction was announced, had a serious discussion with my wife and some others, and questioned what to do.
There's potentially much to be lost if this thing movement is derailed. Personal interest and welfare comes to a head with personal conviction some times, and a person has to ask if they can look themselves in the mirror the next day if they fail to adhere to their beliefs as a result of fear for personal safety. All persons are subject to fear at times. .
I'm Agnostic, don't know if there's a God or not, but I some times pray in case there may be. I'm praying that the world watches closely, that other alternatives to this move are found, that there are no injuries, no deaths, and we can continue to look ahead to the solutions to the issues that have led so many to attend to this scene..
These People, from all walks, and all places across the country, are heroes, regardless of what -any-detractors may say today or in the future..
Stand strong, give as much as you are able. Please hold to the convictions in your hearts.
America needs you now more than She has in a LONG time.
We're thinking of you, and slowly headed your way.. with a long way to go to get to you..
Please be well.
I'm a Gnostic and this movement has spirit. This is what it is all about, a spiritual awakening. :)
http://revolutionaryresources.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/resisting-avoiding-and-adapting-to-police-tactics/ http://revolutionaryresources.wordpress.com/2011/02/12/bodyhammer-tactics-and-self-defense-for-the-modern-protester/
This is going to take courage. The people involved in the support of this occupation comprise what will ultimately be looked back on as one of the first big tipping points in post millenium American politics. Stay strong friends.
I'm 69 and don't want to be there. I started my own business and went to work, matter of fact I'm still working. I got a job!
Jobs are lovely things when you can get them. However, when you have a degree and have been firing resumes out left right and center so long that you are struggling to pay your bills isn't much fun. It gets even worse when all you can find is a part time shit-fuck of a job for nine dollars an hour so that you can at least afford to EAT and keep your heat on; after years of this, it is enough. Something's gotta give.
ha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na
Autumn turns to winter, And winter turns to spring. It doesn't go just for seasons you know, It goes for everything.
The same is true for voices, When boys begin to grow. You gotta take a lesson from Mother Nature, And if you do you'll know.
[chorus] When it's time to change, then its time to change Don't fight the tide, come along for the ride, don't you see When it's time to change, you've got to rearrange who you are into what you're gonna be. Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na Sha na na na, na na na na na, sha na na na na
Day by day, it's hard to see the changes you've been through A little bit of living, a little bit of growing all adds up to you Every boy's a man inside, a girl's a woman too And if you wanna reach your destiny, here's what you've got to do
[chorus]Autumn turns to winter, And winter turns to spring. It doesn't go just for seasons you know, It goes for everything.
The same is true for voices, When boys begin to grow. You gotta take a lesson from Mother Nature, And if you do you'll know.
Forget about all these non-violent tactics. It makes you people look like rabbits. And this encourage the enforcers to be more brutal towards you. Knowing that you will not fight back will embolden the enforcers. You will suffer the more for it. Instead, I suggest this. When the moment arrives, each one of you should douse yourself with gasoline and hold a lighter ready. You don't have to actually do it but let it be known that if a policeman were to arrest you, you would hold on to him in a tight embrace and ignite the lighter. If you are not ready to sacrifice yourself for a cause, don't start it, don't get involve in it.
That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, threatening to light oneself on fire. From the start this has been a PEACEFUL, NONVIOLENT MOVEMENT. It will not instigate any sort of violence, or even hint at instigating violence. We stand for our rights peacefully and will have it no other way. Period.
"From the start this has been a PEACEFUL, NONVIOLENT MOVEMENT." And it has produced no result. Do not be comforted by the growing large number of supporters. They are not going to spend too much time on the streets. The number will die down sooner than it builds up when people see no result.
Quite extreme, but I sort of agree for a last resort. Maybe after the snow acclumulates. :0
Glad to have you miscreants out of there. You are not above the law just because you feel like it.
Go tell that to your golfing buddies Jamie and Lloyd, darkhound.
hahaha miscraents in the park, mmiscraents in the corner offices at the banks. finally, some consistency!
Get a job. Quit mooching off of working people. You're not entitled to unearned wealth.
Excuse me? Do you know how hard I've worked? I worked myself stupid all through high-school at a goddamned fast food place to put myself into university. I worked my ass off through school. Presently, I cannot find a goddamn job that pays me enough to afford groceries, rent, utilities, transportation costs, and my other multiple bills. There are hundreds and hundreds of people out there who are living the same life, or a variation of it. I've worked DAMN hard. I don't want to struggle through my life payday-to-payday just so I can wake up one day when my hair is going grey and I can no longer work and have someone inform me that I can't access my pension. And don't tell me that won't happen; I watched it happen to my parents. That is NOT the life I've worked so hard to end up with.
I am part of the Occupy Springfield 99% Of the 150 people at our general assembly meeting the other night, perhaps 20 were jobless aside from those already retired and maybe 3 individuals in wheelchairs who were disabled. Get a grip already. I'm sick of this brainless regurgitation "get a job" We have jobs. Have you ever thought that maybe a big problem with the breakdown of families in America is the fact that both parents have to work 40 or more hours a week just to make ends meet? This movement is about humanity and justice. Nothing else. Once you figure out you're really angry that you have nothing to show for working as hard as you do, maybe you'll start blaming the right people.
No one has asked for wealth. Please think before you write.
We do have jobs. This unpaid leave for the greater good. Our actions will preserve your retirement.
Jesus would be on wall street.