Forum Post: “(We) have to be careful not to allow this movement to get any legitimacy

Department of Homeland Security Adviser Helped Coordinate Police Crackdowns on Protests in 18 Cities Posted on November 29, 2011 by WashingtonsBlog Further Evidence of Coordination of Police Crackdowns on Occupy Protests Rich H. writes: http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2011/11/department-of-homeland-security-adviser-helped-coordinate-police-crackdowns-on-protests-in-18-cities.html I know this is supposed to be a dead subject, but look what I found in ten minutes of research today.

The man acknowledged to be the facilitator of the mayor’s conference calls is one Chuck Wexler. Chuck is the Executive Director of PERF, of which we were informed. What wasn’t included is Mr. Wexler is also a member of the DHS Advisory Council. You’ll find his name second to the bottom.

http://www.dhs.gov/files/committees/editorial_0858.shtm

If it’s not good enough that Mr. Wexler was speaking with the mayors, don’t take my word for it, there’s probably dozens of links. Here’s one that may be considered valid. CBS.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57325562/mayors-talk-strategy-on-occupy-protests/

In Mr. Wexler’s interview with The Boston Phoenix he has the following to say. It’s as interesting for what’s said and what isn’t.

“No purpose aside to simply exchange information.” “This was just information sharing.”

“There hasn’t been an issue we haven’t been involved in.” – When speaking of other policing issues he’s dealt with.

“We are pulled in to help when things happen, and we’ll keep doing that when it’s the right thing.” – Apprently the OWS movement doesn’t count as “when things happen.”

Oh, and let’s not forget about the arrests in Portland or what Wexler’s boss had to say about this.

“(We) have to be careful not to allow this movement to get any legitimacy. I’m taking this seriously in that I’m old enough to remember what happened in the 1960′s when the left-wing took to the streets and somehow the media glorified them and it ended up shaping policy. We can’t allow that to happen.”

Congressman Peter King, Head of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee.

Rich H’s characterization is a little over the top, since the Department of Homeland Security’s Advisory Council is an outside advisory group, and isn’t directly part of DHS:

The Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to homeland security. The Council comprises leaders from state and local government, first responder communities, the private sector, and academia.

So Wexler’s role in coordinating police crackdowns does not provide direct proof of Rick Ellis’ claim that “each of [the police] actions was coordinated with help from Homeland Security”.

But since actions and decisions are often made through informal liaisons, by people wearing several hats, DHS could have played a role in coordinating the crackdowns even if no DHS official was directly involved.