Forum Post: How can we contain this?
Posted 12 years ago on Nov. 22, 2011, 10:55 p.m. EST by OWSObserver
(4)
from Hesperia, CA
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Someone shared this with me and I was astonished. Someone better get some GAs together to get this shit under control
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86XhCwHhwn8
This is not the message we want to spread. Trash local businesses?
Ok,.. I have MANY issues with OWS but it's clear these were "Others" taking advantage of the anonymity offered by a crowd, and trying with no success to get the OWS groups to follow their suit.
If you notice the majority of the poeple were saying "Stop that shit" "Cut it out" "NO VIOLENCE" etc.. etc.. If you directly tie these people (who sounded largely illiterate) to OWS then you're just a shill looking to promote to put blame where there is none. The ONLY bad thing I saw, was some applause/cheering when someone broke some glass (That was bad, but no one rushed to help and others yelled in protest.)
There are Legit beefs you can take up with OWS, this is not one of them.
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You are right, this isn't the message that we want out. However, it has already been said that these were 'anarchists'. Most of the news stations did clarify that Oakland displayed peaceful protests until around 100 "anarchists" joined in the protests (obviously masked) and began defacing business' and smashing windows.
What the video doesn't show, is that first of all OO members quickly condoned these actions. After the fact, OO members went to many of the defaced business' and assisted in the cleanup.
Regardless, those that believe in the movement won't be swayed. Those that condemn us are still going to condemn. And those on the fence will hopefully hear the true occupiers telling them to stop and willing to risk a physical altercation to stop those 'children'.
It is a good question, "how do we contain this" or perhaps a better question is “how do we prevent this?
If you think the whole group does not take the rap look at the tea party. A few gun toting crazies with signs became the face of the Tea Party when most of them are middle class peaceful citizens. There was not even violence involved with the TP and their reputation was ruined. I am sure we will see the splinter groups with their own agenda that will hold up an OWS sign to promote their agenda. I guess there is really nothing you can do.
Just call it out and remind your fellow protestors (assuming you're what you imply with this page and not a plant by the opposition) to protest peacefully and within the law.
That's how.
When did this happen? That is f'd up
In Oakland days ago.
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You can beat the crap out of those little black bloc kids who are so tough they are afraid to show their faces.
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