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As reported in a previous post, today is the day for Occupy Wall Street, an action that a number of organizers have been planning for lower Manhattan for the past months. Inspired by occupations in Greece, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt and other countries where occupations have taken place, organizers began to put together websites and fliers to promote an occupation on Wall Street. Hoping for around 20,000 to swarm the area, they intended to come setup peaceful assemblies on public sidewalks and be there for a while to call attention to the crimes Wall Street banksters and casino capitalists have been perpetrating against the United States.
I will be live blogging what happens today. So far FDL user athena1 deserves praise for posting a bunch of links and information in the comments thread of my previous post on this action. I will use some of what athena1 has shared and then continue from there and bring you the latest on what is going on with the action that is supposed to last for most of the afternoon but we’ll see.
LIVE STREAM FROM GLOBAL REVOLUTION:
7:18 PM Moving in to disperse the protesters:
7:07 PM Police on horses arrive.
7:00 PM Media trucks now on the scene:
6:45 PM US Day of Rage Twitter feed is rationalizing the situation:
“Given that police overtime is expensive if Bloomberg wants to clear the park he will do it shortly after dark rather than later. Mood change” … “Other groups are dispersed through the general Wall St area without large enough concentrations to challenge police minds.” … “If you can’t afford to get arrested you should legally occupy some sidewalk & continue your protest. Avoid pointless arrest.”
6:40 PM
6:38 PM Where people were possibly planning to camp out overnight:
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6:11 PM Roseanne Barr speaks to Occupy Wall Street.
via @amnewyork
5:27 PM
5:10 PM Video of chanting -
5:00 PM Round-up of reactions from twits following the action on Twitter:
4:40 PM
#TakeWallStreet or #OccupyWallStreet reminds everyone why this George Carlin is spot on, pitch perfect and classic.
4:30 PM
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4:28 PM Excellent graphic
4:05 PM A set of questions about today’s action from 100gf:
1. Why are peaceful protesters being treated as if they are criminals?
2. Why are thousands of police, and SWAT teams and police dogs, being mobilised to protect Wall Street bankers?
3. Why are almost all the mainstream media outlets in America ignoring a major civil protest in the heart of New York?
4. Why do the police not pursue criminal bankers and business leaders with the same venom and force that they use when pursuing protesters who have so far done nothing wrong?
5. Why is nothing being done to address the genuine economic problems in America? Why, instead, is the old system – the one that failed disastrously in 2008 – being rebuilt brick by brick, fault by fault?
6. How much longer will the doctrine of ‘plausible denial’ be allowed to act as an excuse for widespread corruption and criminality?
7. Why (if true) was the Occupy Wall Street protest treated as a police code 1-34, which is used for riots? Are all protests now riots?
8. Why has not one banker or corporate leader emerged to talk to the protesters or debate with them?
9. Is it a coincidence that many people in the heart of the protest have had trouble getting mobile / cellphone / internet signals?
10. Does the government genuinely believe the pent-up anger and frustration will simply go away?
3:54 PM
3:49 PM Food for those who came down to participate.
3:13 PM Nice curation from Al Jazeera English’s The Stream.
3:02 PM General Assembly is beginning. (Details here – NYCGA.net )
2:54 PM – Renamed live blog to #TakeWallStreet not #OccupyWallStreet — The #TakeWallStreet tag is trending on Twitter ahead of—and this is refreshing—JUSTIN BIEBER FOR PRESIDENT, NICK JONAS TRUE PRESIDENT, NICKI MINAJ GOT THIS and GAGA IS THE QUEEN.
2:52 PM
And, hundreds of people now marching to who knows where but somewhere. (h/t athena1 )
2:40 PM
2:11PM NYPD received a specific, credible but unconfirmable threat that if the bull gets knocked over Wall Street falls. Hence why so many officers feel the need to stand around this symbol of casino capitalists, banksters and white collar criminals on Wall Street.
from @julpepitone
2:07 PM Wall St & Fed Hall completely blockaded (pic)
2:00 PM A few hours into the action, the response from America’s security state has set the mood for the protest. They aren’t like Chinese security forces yet:
These days, nobody is more masterful with dispersion tactics than those behind the Jasmine Revolution in China. Working in an environment of extreme, ruthless oppression, they’ve learned to be very creative. Their signature move is the so-called “strolling” protest: large numbers of people gather at a public place, designated over the internet, and walk around innocently, looking up at the buildings and ignoring each other. Obviously, there’s a protest happening, because there’s a huge crowd of people in one place, and a phalanx of police are watching. But how do you distinguish a protester from a bystander? You don’t. You can’t, really. You’ve created a disruption, but no targets, and no actual illegality. Meanwhile, people become less afraid to resist when they know that others are with them.
But they are getting closer to being as repressive against assemblies as Chinese forces are. And, they are the New York “We See No Reason Why the CIA Can’t Operate Within Our Force” Police Department.
1:56 PM 
from @AyeshaKazmi
1:55 PM Some reading: Dustin M. Slaughter has this post up on The Public Record on whether this will be America’s “Tahrir moment.” Much of the anger among Americans does seem to be a result of Wall Street.
1:53 PM
1:47 PM
1:44 PM So many tweets with the hashtag #OccupyWallStreet that it is impossible to follow with TweetDeck.
1:40 PM
1:30 PM Why is Wall Street closed?
1:25 PM Here is a list you can follow for the latest on the action.
And here is a blog pulling tweets together that deal directly with the action.
12:58 PM Lupe Fiasco is down at the protest supporting the action. Read his most recent tweets on why it is important to #OccupyWallStreet:
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12:50 PM The Stream (follow on Twitter at @AJStream) is present at the action and will be reporting.
12:45 PM A very nicely curated Storyful on the action — featuring key tweets and pics you need to see get up on the latest on the action. The biggest news is that the NYPD has locked down Wall Street. No citizens allowed. The guards are subserviently protecting the elite.
351 Comments
Much appreciation to Kevin and athena!
DW
if anybody wants to put together a “live from wall street” twitter list/feed thingie:
random dude doing great citizen journalism:
http://twitter.com/#!/davidgraeber
al jazeera at wall street:
http://twitter.com/#!/AJStream
cnn reporter, also taking great pics:
http://twitter.com/#!/julpepitone
random chick citizen journo:
http://twitter.com/#!/amaeryllis
freelance reporter (often tweeting in spanish, but also english sometimes)
http://twitter.com/#!/M0nicaL0pez
another chick:
http://twitter.com/#!/AACina (taking great pics, too)
revolution yoga!
http://yfrog.com/o0v53nyzbj
I was just thinking I would. I will call it Take Wall Street and post link.
thank you!
first report of civil disobedience?
http://twitter.com/#!/davidgraeber
Add Democracy Now Reporter too!
http://twitter.com/#!/samalcoff
Okay — here is the list: http://twitter.com/#!/kgosztola/take-wall-street
Thank you, Kevin.
And my thanks to you, athena, once again.
DW
Hmmmm. Bloomberg said yesterday that the protesters would be allowed. So much for that…
http://twitter.com/#!/AACina
Kewl. Thnx.
Bwahahahahaha! Love this pic:
http://twitpic.com/6mbarq
Thank you!
I had WAY too many tabs open for a minute there. lol.
Kevin…Can you post a link to live blog on fdl main page? excellent work all around!!!
livestream’s live again at anon/globalrevolution
http://anonops.blogspot.com/
Bloomberg’s wording was vague, iirc. Something about “protests allowed in designated areas”.
I wonder how many times in history a pile has been erected under the bull’s butt?
riot/swat has showed up.
http://twitter.com/#!/SabzBrach
If the police try to stop such “filming”, athena, then the world will know, very quickly, that “authority” does not wish the truth to be known, and American “democracy” will be undrestood by all to be merely a sham and a lie … a pretense of the most odious sort.
Should the next “step” the “authority” takes turn out to be trying to prevent on the spot “reporting” … then the American Spring will quickly be upon us despite the calendar shift to Autumn.
This is a test of American “authority” the like of which, given technology, it has never before faced … and repression will not work, will not make understanding or conscience go away …
Let “authority” fully understand this truth or it shall have no legitimacy and only escalating violence left among its “options”.
This is a tipping point that “authority” must choose to face … one way or another.
There is a Rubicon, which is best not crossed, especially for the love of money.
DW
I mean I can hope the editors get around to frontpaging this but right now people will have to get to it through my previous post that went up on the main page a couple hours ago.
Nooooooooooooo! OK, we know how the US is planning to respond to peaceful protest. No surprise there, I guess.
Free speech zones. Awesome…
Clearly, athena, those who believe themselves possessed of “authority” know not what they do.
This may become very “interesting” … and the panic of “authority” is now writ large.
DW
“Enough money in this system for all human needs.” – school teacher, New York City. WOO HOO! Go East Coasties!!
Human Security, Peace, Justice and Equality for All!
What is kettling? The police are “kettling” protesters?
Human security, Peace, Justice and Equality for All!
Thank you, Jody Williams, and thank you, mzchief!
That is all we are asking, let’s give them a chance.
DW
protesters handing out flowers to police:
http://yfrog.com/kgvy8qrj
Containment, ysd, “corralling” …
DW
Thanks. This is turning ugly already? Tsk tsk. Stop it before it starts must be the strategy.
The power of flowers …
See the beauty of shape and color, smell the fragrance, touch the softness, and note the fragility …
How do flowers touch the Hearts and Minds?
Thank you, athena, your “coverage” is superb.
DW
kevin’s list is going viral!
http://twitter.com/#!/Snusmumriken84
Police request large number of prisoner transport vans. Uh oh.
I don’t think this chick is on the list yet, and she’s doing great coverage and taking good pics:
http://twitter.com/#!/Korgasm_
Livestream of NYC Wall Street district back up.
Oh, no. Where did you see that?
The panic of “authority” …
Let the people remanin calm and collected in their consciousness, let them know that we all stand behind and beside them.
Yellowsnapdragon, a tipping-point of immense meaning is blossoming this day.
DW
How many people do you estimate in attendence???
That Spanish speaking woman is AWESOME! She was saying just a moment ago:
“They can try and close this street, that street, but they don’t understand. The streets belong to us!”
Brava!
@Zlatxlat
Zlat @AyeshaKazmi The police requested a large number of prisoner transport vans on the scanner. Watch out.
23 minutes ago via web
Favorite Retweet Reply
500-1,000?
damn
That’s it
!?!
“Free Speech Zones”? I thought the United States was a free speech zone. Also we’re supposed to have the right to peacefully assemble on public property, (since it belongs to we, the public). What gives Bloomberg or the police the right to designate where the Constitution applies and where it does not?
!Que rico!
Pathetic the police kettled themselves with guarding the bull statue in Wall Street. Iconic, isn’t it?
That is my greatest hope, DW. I’ve been feeling a palpable charge in the air lately. There will be change. May the peaceful change begin today.
That doesn’t surprise me a bit. The problem with liberal protests is that for some reason I never hear about many of them in advance. For example, today is the first I’ve heard of this and it’s not like I don’t pay attention. Horrible, inexcusable organizing in getting the word out.
Yes, very sad…. well, you know about it now: are you going? If they can occupy for a week, I think I’ll try to get down next weekend to join them.. one problem is that we can’t all take off work to occupy wall street
I hope all the people watching this online today seriously think about getting to NYC somehow and joining…. I know Tahrir square started small as well, but it grew as word got out.
“Free Speech Zones” implies the existence of zones where free speech is not OK. A total abomination, on its face.
1000 would be a terrific start, if even a couple hundred camped out tonight. It’s a action of longevity.
Not likely. I’m in Texas and haven’t been working at my job long enough to have vacation time. I could easily to Austin or even Houston but NYC is a bit too far for my budget in both money and time.
(Loathe the emoticons. Gimme back the colon and parentheses)
In that case it’s my opinion that such aren’t legal on US soil. The question remains relevant and accurate: What gives them the right to designate where and when the Constitution applies and where and when it does not? They have none.
yes, actions like this are very difficult for working people to attend
Webcam on Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, OR. Some folks holding up signs. Trying to get a closer look …
if we had viable revolutionary unions in America they could be striking in solidarity today, and that could be something you could be involved with down in Texas… actions aimed at national targets like Wall Street and D.C. are a good start, but we need to build the Left at the local level as well if we want to start building a genuine working/middle class movement that can remake this country…
Obviously if it grows and spreads it will offer more people the opportunity to participate. It should be noted that an enormous amount of the core protesters in Egypt were long term unemployed persons. If I was still jobless, I’d hitchhike if I had to because they are the authors of our troubles.
Especially the camping out part. Not easy to do with kids. This action is for the young…
Yep. Most revolutions are composed mainly of young adults.
We are dealing with people for whom the Constitution is “just a goddamn piece of paper.” Actions like this one will reveal the cognitive dissonance that they seek to impose on us.
or those with health problems
4 more people probably worth adding to the list:
http://twitter.com/#!/EgyptEagle
http://twitter.com/#!/Korgasm_
http://twitter.com/#!/SabzBrach
http://twitter.com/#!/ayeshakazmi
Margaret, “authority” is panicking … and the nation and the world will soon know this for the truth.
Your reasonable and reasoned outrage will be repeated millions of times.
The under-the-radar “slide” into fascism is now fully exposed.
This is the beginning of the end of “authority’s” use of raw and blatant power, “authority”, now, has no options but more and further repression and escalating law-breaking on their part … this will become a riot of “authority” and it cannot and will not remain hidden.
The anti-democracy forces have stepped into the full light of clear and evident repression, and no one can, any longer, honestly suggest otherwise.
Calls to “order” will now be seen as simply threats to rights and reason.
The world … and all the honest human beings within it …now knows and know the truth. There is no rule of law, only the rule of tyranny.
The American media may choose to ignore this tipping-point but the American people will not … at least not for long.
Already there is profound disgust with the so-called “representatives” of the people and now there will be loathing and distrust, not merely of “institutions” but of individuals. The political “careers” of many have ended on this day, whether they know it or not … and Wall Street? Wall Street now means something else than it meant yesterday … it is now a clear symbol of repression and the attempt to silence the voice of the people.
DW
I’m with you there… if they’d done this months ago, I would be there…
A great argument for why the PTB neglect jobs and social safety nets to their peril
http://twitter.com/#!/DataPhreak
As is appropriate as the young are the ones with the most future to protect. As strongly as I long to see change before I die, I am always aware that I won’t be around for all that much longer, relatively speaking. I think that is probably a feeling shared by many of the boomer generation, and it inhibits many from being as involved as they would have been at a younger age. But the kids need our leadership and our memories and our experience, and we must at least stand ready to give that kind of support to them, no matter what.
Saw Michelle Malkin on #occupywallsreet. She said protesters were whiners or some other derogative. Free speech is great as long as it is only used by the right.
I’ve been saying forever that I don;t know what the spark will be, what the final straw is but happen it will. If not this day then another but the movement is growing and it terrifies the MOTU. They are beginning to second guess freedom because now it’s going to threaten their stranglehold on power. I hope cooler, saner moods prevail but history tells us that’s wildly optimistic at best.
Got ‘em —
Oh, and the Tea Partiers are nyuking and snarking all over the “anarchists” or “Marxists” day of raging on Wall St.
A well placed colostomy bag could be used against the police./s Of course a firebagger would make sure it was alight.
The generations have often followed this role. The youth provide the energy and elders provide direction. I’m 51 though and have enough energy left to do foot soldiering one more time if that’s what it came to but I’m ashamed to say that, whatever my ultimate contribution, this revolution isn’t going to be started by me.
OT– “Condoleezza Rice Speaking at PSU” on Oct. 19, 2011. Yellow cake for desert.
In Egypt, Tahrir Square was shut down by police for several days. The police finally were overwhelmed. In Madison, the protesters were careful to let the police know that this was their fight too and that they knew the police were caught in the middle. Don’t know if NYPD folks would be quite as diplomatic; Scott Walker kept the State Police reined in by their paychecks.
This is political positioning not to be painted as “rioters”, which is the first instinct of besieged governments.
707!
We need to ask him about his “power call” noting “free speech zones.”
Really? Zones?
Here’s more about free speech zones which grew under Bush’s presidency.
Thank you ACLU.
As long as widespread communication is not deliberately destroyed, and even if it is, the percentage who do understand is such that there is a slim possibility that non-violent resistance will flourish as it rarely has, in past.
If my hope is correct, then we might have someting more akin to the Brit’s leave-taking of India than the concentration camps of Germany.
Today’s actions by the people, for the people, give me reason to hope that tomorrow and the tomorrows to come will see a building upon what has reasonable and humanly been made manifest this day.
DW
thanks, and yeah, the rightwingers are freaking out about communism and how it’s a big fail here:
http://twitter.com/#!/search/realtime/%23takewallstreet
lol.
Commercial came through just fine, but the actual livestream is broken…
Oh, wait, now it’s streaming.
I hope so too but the large scale possession of firearms in this country complicates things….for all sides.
Best comment I’ve seen all day!
#takewallstreet actually is trending on twitter now!
This revolution was started long ago … by ALL of us, Margaret, else what is here could not be here.
We have all been preparing for what is coming and unfolding for most all of our lives.
That is the truth.
And you are a warrior of and for the truth …
As are we all.
You have no need of any little shame … for you bring courage and conscience to each and every one else of us.
That is what you DO.
DW
Most of my servants left the estate today, I wonder if they’re in the crowd. Because of rising prices, and my estate’s value fell several million, I told them they weren’t getting their Rolexes for Xmas this year.
Nothing more to say.
That’s sweet of you to say and I appreciate the words but like I said, I don’t intend that to be my only contribution.
Glad to entertain.
Yep. Can’t be more eloquent than that.
Where is the audio part of the feed?
I’m not too eager to get physically brutalized, either, in large part because my physical condition is already pretty tenuous-lots of accumulated wounds and a constant regimen of pain. It’s really up to the authorities to decide whether this confrontation becomes violent, because reasonable protesters will not initiate violence. The crunch will come if and when the authorites do. We here at FDL are consistent about our preference for non-violence, but if the choice is forced upon us to either fight back or accept a future of serfdom, then fight we must. I read history the same way you do, i.e., somtimes in order to make an omelette, one must accept the necessity of breaking some eggs. I take comfort at times like this from re-reading the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution may be the law of the land, but the Declaration embodies the true spirit of America, and that message is that justice trumps law when the law is unjust or corruptly applied.
This is true, which is why WE must disarm such hostility as we may be by befriending and knowing those whose fear might bring them to the point of using those firearms. I happen to know that you work, rather diligently, at precisely this, Margaret, as do I … and my sense is that we do, very often touch the humanity and kindness of others and encourage those things to grow.
Is it not the recognition of common humanity which might savve us all?
As well as the fact that we face a common plight?
All we lack is common understanding, and that is won, one Heart and one Mind at a time.
DW
Now the sound is gone. Oh well.
Well said and so true!
Well said, and as you might already well understand, rc, I agree with you quite completely.
DW
they’re really spotty. it’ll come back.
ThinkProgress isn’t even reporting this but CAP is pretty much in Obama’s pocket anyway.
they’re marching now:
http://yfrog.com/hs62jrej
I just read — “The revolution is experiencing technical difficulties.”
#occupywallstreet is trending in SF. BTW, AnonymouSabu of LulzSec fame claims to be occupying wall street today. Hehehehe.
I’m checking in and out. Trying to support from afar. Having sound difficulties on what I have seen so far. The best thing I’ve seen yet is…
TONS OF PEOPLE! HUZZAH!
Go, my fellow Peasants. Just, GO!
It’s looking like quite a bit of the feed’s bandwidth is audio. When there is only picture, the stream is about 90k per second or so. When the audio is on, my DSL link is full (167k or more).
There was a scrolling message saying “the revolution will not have audio. We’re working on the problem”, or some such.
Any estimates as to numbers, yet, athena?
That pictures suggests hundreds of people as far as may be seen along and in the street.
DW
I’m thinking between 800-1000 by now. They got some people to come. But one thing I noticed from looking at websites promoting was that it was impossible to tell if organizations had endorsed. So, who planned to bring their people to this action I don’t know.
Organizers are missing a huge opportunity by failing to reach out to the unemployed and retired.
on edit: of course there is nothing preventing us from organizing ourselves.
Of course, it would only take one photo of participation in a protest to keep one from getting said employment…..
True but if in the end there is change, that would be irrelevant in the long term.
Yes, but as someone unemployed for a long time you know better than many of us how critical a paycheck can be. Probably a pretty slim chance of being picked out in a mass of people, but in a small town it must add to the anxiety.
al jazeera article is up:
http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/us-protesters-rally-occupywallstreet
Audio up, + 5642 viewers on the livestream.
Red banner with white letters … “People Not Profits.”
This one’s for you, DW–from the Twitter stream:
That’s a popular quote lately.
Thanks! To Athena as well, much thanks.
So … everyone should go and get their picture taken, OmAli.
Than the PTB and the MOTU could “truthfully” claim, “There are systemic problems which cause … unemployment.” And when one-hundred percent or even seventy percent of a country’s people are blacklisted, then “authority” has no purpose … for it is no longer “the people” who are the ultimate “enemy”, as is the case taday, instead it is “authority” which has become the only “enemy” and the evidence is the oppression of the majority of the people.
How close are we to “there”, to that “point” of “tipping”, yet?
Much much closer, after these last few hours, would be my quess.
DW
I’m in a similar place, sans the ailments. One thing that should cure anyone of the desire for violence is working where I did for most of my career. Many of the people I worked with were veterans, and for many of the Iraq War years I drove to work on an Army base, past all the kids who would be over there risking their futures. I have no desire to hurt people for a cause.
National Lawyers Guild (NLG) guy in green hat handing out the Guild’s telephone number. Thank you, NLG folks!
Love that teach-ins are part of the action. This is a smart protest.
Thank you, TD.
I wuz tryin’ to ‘member that exact quote.
;~DW
Looks like they’re compressing the stream better. It tops out at about 90k now. Whoever is running the server appears to have figured things out.
In terms of getting out the message AND getting bodies to Wall Street, is anyone aware of any websites where unemployed people tend to gravitate? Perhaps job boards? If this holds thru Monday / Tuesday AND if there are websites that have high traffic from the unemployed… would FDL (or anyone else be interested in some online advertising? Especially targeted at the northeast… just a thought.
This could certainly be the catalyst.
The National Lawyers Guild are good folks and much appreciated, indeed.
DW
I was part of the protest movement against the Vietnam War in the 1970s. While attending a gathering on campus just before a march downtown with other similar groups, we had a pre-march gathering with speeches etc.
There were a number of members of the VVAW (Vietnam Veterans Against The War) attending this gathering as well.
Toward the end of the gathering and just before we began the march, of the the VVAW members took the stage and said “Unless you are willing to die for what you believe in, you are wasting your time.”
The whole crowd got deathly quiet. Then a few others spoke and the march began.
Reflecting on his words, I and others realized that what he meant was NOT to do something that is actually suicidal.
What he meant was that unless you have the commitment and determination to stand your ground regardless of what the powers that be do to you. Even if it means loosing you life in the process, your likely hood of accomplishing anything by your protest, is small to non-existent.
Even then it will take a long time for any significant change to occur.
I’ll just mention that these people are allies of this upcoming action, which FDL endorses and supports: October 2011
Let’s get Biblical. Guarding the golden calf. Protecting Wall Street’s bronze balls.
I’m thinking that October 2011 is aimed more for the participation of older folks?
Feet or knees.
Mayor Bloomberg said that because of the economy America is looking towards riots like Egypt.
Too precious. This is the Google Ad I’m seeing right now:
Oh, yeah. Become a cop and deal with stuff like this…
Pull the plug on corporate personhood.
Portrait of what Wall Street thinks of the rest of us!
WOW the National Lawyers Union!
Wonderful! I sure hope that Summers, Paulson, Bernanke, Geither, and the gourd heads are aware of this.
Or make them real persons. Send them to jail when they destroy property or lives. Make them pay taxes.
Uh-Oh! A threat of bodily injury from a cop already. Must get his name and badge number.
I don’t have a teevee here, but does anyone know if this is getting any coverage by the corporatemediawhores?
Didja see the pic of the sign that said something about if Corporations are people, they’re psychopaths. Ha.
Oh I wasn’t dismissing the risk.
Great poster.
You would most certainly get arrested, but a squirt gun with red paint and squirted at the bull (shit) would be great. If not a squirt gun – any thing with red paint…like a squirt bulb etc.
I hope they have warm tents and sleeping bags.
Not a thing on any channel that I have seen.
Was hoping that Al Jazeera would film instead of just the article.
I know. And all I seem to do is come up with reasons not to put myself out on the line.
Someone on twitter called this the Silent Revolution because it isn’t being covered by MSM. I haven’t turned on the teevee, though.
BTW: Technical note for any FDL techies who might be tuning in – when I play the video on the article page, it is half-covered by the “Latest Posts” list. That’s why I can’t get rid of that annoying Google Ads thing.
I’m using Firefox 3.6.x.
My Facebook post to my network, which includes a lot of conservatives, on this occasion:
That would be great. Isn’t that pathetic, though, and infuriating, police setting up a cordon around that disgusting symbol of corporate control of the entire country.
Fixed
re October 11 action: Progressives need to stop branding everything from actions to legislation as ” The Peoples (fill in the blank). It comes of sounding/reading like North Korea or the “hey hey ho ho” chanters
found another person live on the ground…
she has lots of photos, too:
http://twitter.com/#!/Lejla_H
Truth, cmaukonen. And wise protest “leaders” must always make this truth clear and NEVER send others deliberately and cynically into harm’s way – which is something else that occurred in those days …
That is one reason the “leaderless” nature of this demonstration represents forward movement and deeper understanding,
It is my hope that such consciousness shall define protest and demonstration, henceforth.
DW
So it is. Good work.
No. Everyone, all ages, invited. It is being organized “old school” though, which in my opinion is good. Anonymous, while I admire their enthusiasm, are amateurs at activism, organizing. Kevin Zeese, Margaret Flowers and others who have endorsed like David Swanson are pros who have spent lots of time thinking about how to organize an occupation. Anonymous gets people’s attention. These people who did Occupy Wall St had a good General Assembly plan that has nothing to do with whatever Anonymous wanted to do. And that is good too.
Here comes the narrative folks:
“Over-educated and unemployed”
Shades of the 1960s narrative. Watch for this in corporate media coverage–and a minimization of the numbers. I hope that folks are serious about camping out.
Tangential– “Nurses Hold Actions Across Country Demanding Wall Street Transaction Tax” (TheRealNews.Com, Sept. 17, 2011)
“Tablet Computers Replacing Servers at Some Restaurants” (, Sept. 16, 2011)
It is interesting because I think Anonymous gives space to efforts like October 2011. The amorphous and unknown nature of what Anonymous “citizens” or “activists” might do has the police on high alert. If older antiwar activists are in charge, I think the security state is a bit more relaxed giving the people space for something to grow.
Kevin, what do you think of US Uncut?
That is encouraging. Still think there needs to be a patriotic flag day to get labor rank-and-file in red counties comfortable with the protest. The 1960s split between anti-war protesters and labor has been politically catastrophic. This issue should unite.
There is strength in numbers. The larger the number of photos, the more “normal” the action appears. The harder it is to blacklist.
plastic cuffs are out:
http://yfrog.com/kgbzjolj
WORD!!!!!! Just as true today as when JFK said it. Thanks for that, ThD.
…but food has arrived:
http://twitpic.com/6me7fx
Superb points you are making, TD, much appreciated.
DW
I wish there had been companion protests throughout the country. If we weren’t in what is rapidly becoming an iron curtain country we would have a functioning media that would be broadcasting this. I can’t help but think people would spontaneously come out onto the steets in support.
Of course, that is all by design.
One would have to be a true savage to “desire” violent confrontation. But one would have to be a true sheep not to have a limit to what one will submit to without fighting back. We all have to draw our own line on that one, but I know where my personal line is, and I am clear that there are situations where I am prepared to fight back.
as of this minute #takewallstreet is the #5 trend on twitter
None. Nada. Zero. Zip. It ain’t happening. Someone needs to drag a Tea Party member down there. Then we’ll have blanket coverage. Just sent the New York Times a “What the Fuck” email.
http://twitter.com/#!/Jedi_Mastress/status/115152911536881664/photo/1/large
Even I, who am about as mild mannered as they come, found myself in a shouting match with a police officer over an issue that suddenly I realized was very important to me. I learned to never underestimate what emotions can do.
Not even Huffington Post, which pretends to a “populist concern” has a single word about what is now happening in NYC.
The silence of the media is positively shouting of the media’s complicity with “authority”.
One wonders if Krugman will deign to notice?
The roaring silence should be remembered and commented upon, OmAli.
DW
Welcome to our local samizdat. Iron curtains can be defeated. Patience. It takes time to build a movement so that it snowballs. And it takes a sustained campaign with a degree of smarts. One-offs don’t cut it anymore.
My suggestion for the next locations, just to hammer home the message is K Street in DC in the heart of lobbyland.
And Media Row in NYC and Burbank, to emphasize the way that news is managed for corporations, not for any particular ideology.
And Wichita, Kansas, or wherever the Kochs hang out wouldn’t be bad either.
US Uncut, one, must be understood as a spinoff group inspired by UK Uncut, which successfully drew attention to how corporations were dodging taxes in Britain (like Vodaphone).
US Uncut has had some success as a movement that explicitly targets how Bank of America dodges taxes. But, I don’t think the phenomenon that happened in the UK has taken shape. Ideally, there should be regular occupations in these corporations that have storefronts. That could be very powerful. In fact, the contingency plan here could have been to go occupy some tax dodging stores if the police successfully cordoned off all of Wall Street from the demonstrators.
I know. Thank you for doing that. Sometimes I wonder if surrounding a television station and refusing to let staff in or out would prompt coverage..
Thanks for your response, Kevin. I think we will see more and more of these joint operations in the future, or hope so.
Thd, I think targeting media is crucial, too.
CBS has an article up about the protests. Google says it appeared about five minutes ago.
LOL
Yeah, I just checked Huffpo too, and was gratified to learn about the “puppy rescued from a crack,” loving dogs as I do, but zero mention of the demonstration. That’s what happens when a liberal content organ is purchased by a right-wing oriented media giant. That’s how we got where we are, step-by-step. It’s beyond disgusting, but you have it nailed-they are exposing themselves for the Establishment tools that they are. I wonder how many will take that understanding away with them?
Great ideas. The media organizations are the real chokepoints.
RealityChecker said about the same thing above at #165 LOL
Cool. They’re guessing about 1,000 like kevin and I were/are.
Coherent, and likely successful, strategy, TD.
You’ve put considerable thought into what you are suggesting, and I hope that possibilities are being understood.
On wi’ ya, TD, you’ve got my attention and appreciation.
And I imagine you agree with OmAli’s thooughts about the media, as well?
DW
I like that idea. We could threaten them with some hens and a goat.
Great minds think alike!
Of the Official media blogs I monitor from time to time, only RAW Story has anything about this protest.
It looked like there were a lot more around the NYC General Assembly, but it’s a bit hard to judge from blurry videos captures.
Anonymous will learn how to make protests effective. Perhaps this one will be a good training camp for anons. They are important. They are future old hippies.
“Media Row” — Rockefeller Center area and Burbank. Yep. Stand outside their buildings and see if they notice. Has to be a huge crowd. More in Burbank because of the open space. And large enough in NYC that all the NYPD can do is stand around and keep it peaceful. I would suspect there are a few NYPD folks who agree with the protests but have to do their jobs.
Reprobate.
Get your mind out the barnyard and back on protest plans
Everybody and anybody needs to be planning actions to show power the people are not going to take it anymore. Of course, once people agree there is a need for action they need to then democratically or fairly deliberate over how best to respond to corruption and that is difficult to work through especially when the security state stifles most spontaneous action that could light some kind of a spark.
Well, you have described Huff Po’s problem to a tea, rc, and I would imagine that more people, everey single day understand the role the media is happily playing … and were I of a gambling nature, I would wager that more TVs are being turned off every day … That is why so many speak to the value of FDL as their primary news source and why FDL must include news of the people’s doings and of human possibility if it wishes to remain in the forefront of trust and respect.
DW
LizLemonCologne is great. I’ve followed her on Twitter.
Why do you think I suggested a few Uncle Sams? When Uncle Sam is carrying “People not profits” signs, that is news catnip.
Even local television stations should be targeted, I think. Imagine getting some footage on your local 6:00 news. Even if all they show is a few signs and maybe a statement or two, it would get people thinking on the local level.
You’re sounding more like Tom Paine, every day, Kevin.
On wi’ ya, then.
;~DW
Truly unbelievable. I’ve been searching media all day online and they’ve even been avoiding the “dismissive” coverage & rhetoric they normally employ for things like this.
I’ve been posting links to this liveblog anywhere where I can think of… thanks Kevin & everybody.
ABC and CNN have stories up, too. CNN is focusing on the Twitter angle.
First they ignore you…
Thanks for the catch.
I’m hearing lots of rumors that cell service has been cut at bowling green (is that where the general assembly is being held?)
Yes, it needs to be local, it needs to be neighbors … OmAli.
TD, rc, and you are building a primer on how to affect response and recognition … right before our eyes.
More power to all of you!!!
Much appreciated.
DW
LOL! Hasn’t that been tried recently?!
We are the functioning media. The corporate outlets are the echo chambers by and for the 1%ers who own them. Why would they use their big megaphone to promote let alone air your concerns?
CNN Money article published by that CNN journo tweeting on Kevin’s list:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/17/technology/occupy_wall_street/
In most smaller places, the local media don’t cover national news at all. If however there were people losing their houses because of MERS or some other particular aspect of the crisis, local stations would be good venues if they refuse to cover a sizeable protest elsewhere in their area.
Now, finding some way of framing the corporations in politics issue locally would make sense as well. Kochs are in Wichita. Art Pope their consigliere is in Raleigh. Other major “anonymous” campaign donors are in other local areas. Western Connecticut is chock-full of corporate and Wall Street folks. But it only make news if there are local people leading it and if there are sufficient numbers who turn out.
I know, right?
Second major media outlet to cover. Al Jazeera has had The Stream doing coverage.
FDL in general and threads like the specifically move all of us in that direction, I believe. It is up to us though to keep up the momentum.
I like your example of the primer. This can be a guide and sourcebook for us.
I’m challenging myself to accomplish one action this week that moves us toward the broad goal of getting an equitable distribution of wealth in this country.
Another argument for continuing the protests on weekdays. Imagine cutting cellphone service then.
CNN and Fox News both covering the plane crash in Nevada. Don’t get me wrong, what happened was definitely tragic but it seems like they are ignoring what’s going on on Wall Street and giving the Nevada (and insignificant tabloid stories) way more time than they warrant. that’s why FDL and other alternative media is so important. MSNBC is showing To Catch a Predator or something.
They wouldn’t, of course because they are whores of the corporation, government and Wall Street. They use OUR airwaves, though, and we need to take them the fuck back.
Nobody want to be hen-pecked. Or goat-butted. The latter is decidely NOT meant to be suggestive lol.
OMG. That is the way to get this thing out of the bag.
Why we don’t hear from bank whistleblowers.
http://www.twitvid.com/BDRHO
History should properly record that FDL was the singular voice with the greatest integrity in promoting information flow and political awareness in this era. I’m so proud to be associated with this entity.
Just shaking my head in wonder……a little eye rolling and slight grin, I must admit.
It is fairly clear that the NYC is trying to stop the protest before it begins. They must think that the action won’t last until Monday. We’ll see. Cutting off cell phones is probably the best way to ensure that it *will* last a while. The hive doesn’t like interruptions to their access to technology.
Lockup? You know, from prisons which white collar criminals on Wall Street deserve to be.
IMO there is no way that cell service would be off for business on Monday. No. Way. Unless government types want to make all of NYC hate the campers. OK, maybe.
Jane Hamsher will be the subject of dissertations some day.
Kevin and all
Thank you. Yeah the corporate media and “liberal” blogs like Huff Po have proven their complicity yet again.
Carry on. How can we get the latest info? I just found out about this today.
I hadn’t thought about that. These things cut both ways, don’t they?
Om, are you on twitter yet?
YSD….I am a complete tech washout. I can’t even turn on my own television (only for Masterpiece Mystery – swear!)
I truly haven’t tried because I wouldn’t know how to begin.
Finally front-paged at Google News.
Live audio feed for the NYPD radio:
http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?action=wp&feedId=8905
Follow Kevin’s twitter link for the latest reliable info:
http://twitter.com/#!/kgosztola/take-wall-street
Click the link and create an account. You don’t have to use your real name. I *promise* you will not regret it. Tweeting yourself isn’t required. I lurk 99.9 percent of the time and the links are timely and relevant once you find the right peeps to follow. Do it!!
http://twitter.com/
Hey girl, I have company coming and need to go. I will check into twitter over the weekend. Gods, surely I’m not so old I can’t learn a new trick!
Got to go brush the goat and make sure he is presentable
And deservedly so. She is a personal hero of mine, with stature akin to George Washington. And I’m not embarrassed to say so. Where would we be without her and all she’s done to keep the struggle alive this past decade? Nowhere, that’s where, down the fucking memory hole.
oh I’m glad i saw you before i left! I will follow your directions.
Thank you, I love you!!
If you can figger out how to comment at the Lake, you can tweet just as easily. Bye for now!
These aren’t subsidiary or “exterior to”– it’s about “Interlocking Control” of the same board members with ties to include individuals in the DoD, Pentagon, legacy film industry, banking and corporate law firms (e.g. Califano and CBS, Gifford, Bank of American and CBS, Goldberg, 20th Century Fox and CBS, Gordon, Northop Grumman, Tycon International and CBS). One of MBNA’s “key men” was a US general. More at “CJR’s guide to what the major media companies own.”
Awesome video:
http://www.twitvid.com/NKXQA
LOL. I won’t ask why. It’s your business.
…and it may be illegal in several states.
mz, I promise I’ll be back to read your comment carefully, please don’t think I don’t appreciate your time….all kidding aside couple of things I need to get done in 3,2,1….. thank you!
223 and 234 aaarrrggghhh
Oh we can do better than 295 listeners.
A … of selective opinion. It is just a rag like the National Enquirer. Or fox news, steering opinion. And you know who owns fox and what he is.
http://www.lanna-website-promotion.com/moonhoabinh/Unrevolution.html
“Silencing Bank Whistleblowers” at ReportingWrongDoing.Com
Where’s Abby Hoffman when you need props, like a truck load of piglets let loose put the cops to work.
The headlines the next day, “Pigs run wild on Wall Street.”
Firedoggies,
Get on the phone to your local network affiliates and start asking for coverage. Called the main 6 here several times. Ask them what their problem is and tell them you are worried about your friends and what might be happening on Wall Street.
Maybe even a few hundred national ringy-dingys might help spark some interest.
ROTFLMAO! I’ve been wondering about how so little humor and mystery are advertised ahead of time. For how long did the MSM seriously wonder if if the Pentagon could be levitated? ;o)
The reason I so passionately love US Uncut is that the seemingly extemporaneous humor so easily disarms people’s defenses, allowing them to be more open to New Truth.
Pigs!!
Not nearly as funny as throwing a bunch of $1 bills from the visitors gallery (pre-security state) onto the NYSE trading floor. The floor shut down while the traders chased the bills.
http://twitpic.com/6mfqip
Rosanne speaking at the protest:
http://twitpic.com/6mfws1
Watching the live feed. More than I expected and a diverse looking crowd.
Not only whores for cash, but cheap ones at that. ‘member ‘The Magic Christian’? ;o)
Muncie (IN) Free Press is there. Is that the local weekly?
Thanks for that, I didn’t know she was going to be there! Ya’ll do know Roseanne is running for president, don’t you? I’m planning to vote for her and the more I talk about it, the more people I find who are also supporting her. And I always counter the paulturds who are blindly promoting Ron Paul by saying Roseanne Barr 2012 fuck ron paul.
“Protesters take Wall Street seeking to turn lower Manhattan in Tahrir Square” (Spanish language article, NoticiasMontreal.Com, Montreal, CA, Sept. 17, 2011)
Tried The Guardian, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, MSNBC; nothing. Montreal was a good thought.
“The slow awakening of the American progressive” (Spanish language article, ElPais.Com, Madrid, Spain, Sept. 17, 2011)
“Madrid joins global protest against the market” (Spanish language article, ElPais.Com, Madrid, Spain, Sept. 17, 2011)
You can use Translate Google which does an adequate job to rendering to English.
I’m pretty sure that’s where they’re wanting to camp overnight.
Rank-and-file progressives are not that supportive of this action. These people planning occupations face a rank-and-file cadre of progressives who refuse to be moved, sadly.
I’m adding this as an update now.
Kevin Gosztola @ 255 and Kevin Gosztola @ 256: I’m looking at mentions.
Are unmoved rank-and-file “progressives” actually progressives?
Amen to that.
The Tea Party turfers have swung into action. The Blaze is already trying to tie #occupyWallStreet to Bill Ayers. USDoR = SDS Days of Rage 1968 Isn’t that clever? And of course it’s only a short step to our Socialist Muslim President.
More American flags (respectfully displayed). More Uncle Sams. More patriotic songs. Import some folks from Madison to teach them to the movement progressives. You don’t save the middle class workers by ignoring or disrespecting their symbols.
By “progressives” you mean socially liberal folk who have decent jobs or rich parents and really aren’t that concerned with Wall Street. NYC is full of socially liberal people, but, yeah, most of those who came in from outside and don’t have family there are either well off (by job or family) or too busy working to afford the high rent. Students live in a bubble and likely believe they’re special and will “make it” where others haven’t. Protesting still isn’t a cool thing to be involved in for the cool twenty-somethings who have flooded into the city the past decade, except to photograph it.
It’s not over yet though. I just wish it had started in the middle of the week, not on a weekend. People are free, but the media runs on the bare minimum on Saturdays and Sundays and the targets of the protests are mostly elsewhere having a nice weekend, perhaps unaware of the protests themselves.
Immediate notoriety is not always useful. If at 4:30am Monday morning there are still a sizable number of people camped out nearby and if Monday brings an increase in numbers during the day, it might have enough momentum. Otherwise, call it another test of whether there is enough focused anger out there to bring about change.
food, not bombs is passing out bagels and peanut butter:
http://twitpic.com/6mglll
Round up a few camels and let them loose on Wall Street. Hoist a banner that declares the space Tahrir Square. Pigs would make a better headline, but camels are more timely.
I bet Skippy isn’t happy about the publicity. Maybe I should ship some coffee over to Wall Street for some free marketing. I’d appreciate it.
Google News showing AFP and Boston Globe articles in the last hour.
TV crews are there:
http://twitpic.com/6mgq1h
There’s always a debate to be had on what constitutes a “progressive.” One can also debate what is a liberal. Whether liberals are progressives or progressives are liberals is debatable too. And in all this, where do leftists lie? But, I think the issue that these rank-and-file progressives have is how everything is pragmatic or rests on the need for some sort of electoral solution. Failing to understand that the US is a two-party dictatorship with so much concentrated power, not realizing how the inverted totalitarianism manifests itself in the arenas where they are actually trying to make change, these progressives that I think truly want change censor themselves and compromise and hold back when the country needs conflict and confrontations to create openings for tearing down some of the bureaucracies, policies and programs, which have a stranglehold on this country.
Free Bradley Manning truck:
http://twitpic.com/6mgtv8/full
Kevin how many members from FDL are attending the Oct. rally if you know.
I do not.
Cool video from earlier in the day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsrTBGBDJZE&feature=youtu.be&a
I guess the phrase you can pay me now or you can pay me later.
I am debating coming to the Oct. 6th. Rally. My wife said I should go. I know I should go. The question is will I let the discomfort of the trip deter me from going.
Yahoo!!
;o) (I love camels.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAEt6QJJi-c
I remember that video!
They do great work including feeding the homeless.
Hey, Kevin, looks like this guy might be a good addition to your twitter list?
http://twitter.com/#!/kennethlipp
I do believe the effort has reached the “first they make fun of you stage”. The people uncomfortable with real democracy are tweeting that “your mommas are calling you home”. And the first spamming shill team has appeared on Twitter.
Has the 7pm plenary actually started?
Incoming …
http://twitter.com/#!/kennethlipp
The cops want them out by 9 or 10 PM NY time. I guess that’s when we’ll see if there are mass arrests. Supposedly, legally they can stay on the sidewalks as long as they stay in groups under 20. I’m not 100% sure about the legality of that, though.
???
http://twitter.com/#!/kennethlipp
Yes, I posted the “test run” video. Protesters were arrested. Charges of disorderly conduct were dismissed. But, the point is to defuse this so it doesn’t maintain any momentum. Press are just getting interested, which can help publicize and generate interest. So, let’s see what happens. Let’s see what Day Two is like.
If we succeed in retaking our gov’t from The Corporations… indeed.
If we fail, we’re ignored or… remembered as worse.
…and so it goes. Bloomberg does not intend to let them stay. They’re going to stop the action before it even starts.
I might be misremembering, but I seem to recall a few people saying the issue with the test run protesters was that there were 21 of them or something?
Maybe if the protesters find a patch of public property to pitch their tents, they could stay. That was a lot of illiteration.
A thought on local protests… most states probably have large offices for some financial services company that’s involved in the fraud. NYC is the heart of it, but banks, hedgies, insurance companies (i.e. AIG) are everywhere… or state capitols / state AG offices… just a thought?
Surely the city will argue that public safety is at risk if anyone camps anywhere. Things may get interesting tonight.
Not to diss Tom Marello, but we are in serious need of more Movement songs and poets.
We keep going back to the 60′s, which is fine for some purpose, but not for the young ‘uns, IMO. When will they break out? Franti may straddle the generations, but his new stuff looks…like he’s goin’ for the gold, sadly.
They’re kind of starting to get really nervous about the riot police on their way:
http://twitter.com/#!/kgosztola/take-wall-street
Their tone just changed dramatically. They’re also in near pitch black darkness, and I bet that’s spooking them, too.
Live stream has been down for some time now. tweets say riot police are marching in front of paddy wagons. Horse police are surrounding demonstrators.
Dont know why live stream is down. Can not get live stream on Al Jazeera either. Will Never go to HufPo again..though have only gone to Comedy for months..still..they say Democracy Now and Al Jazeera are filming.
Dont see anything from the demonstrations supposedly going on internationally. Yet.
But isnt it wonderful that a new generation is taking up the Cause of Freedom. Oh, to be 20 again !
http://twitter.com/#!/kennethlipp
New, different livestream:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/occupy-u-s
It’s dark there, man.
Yes, following along. It’s tough to tell what to take as accurate. I think the police are surrounding the protesters to ensure they all leave when the park needs to be cleared. One user on my Twitter list says that a police officer told him they could stay but would be cleared out by 10. The riot police and police on horseback etc likely indicate that they are planning to advance on the protesters and make sure they clear out but do not disperse throughout lower Manhattan to be there all night.
They’re talking about spending the night here:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/occupy-u-s
Guy next to the mike just said there’s about 500 of them:
They’re chanting their legal rights.
ETA:
That livestream is a different globalrevolution livestream and his phone is about to die.
Take It To The Water – Sons of Alamo (Australia)
How the Spaniards do it:
“Anti-capitalist rumba rave in a Spanish bank” (BoingBoing.Net, by Cory Doctorow, Jan. 25, 2011)
Kevin, this thread is approaching 300 comments, and is becoming unwieldy.
If you think much more will or might happen in NYC, tonight, might you consider starting another live blog thread?
Thank you, Kevin, and continuing thanks and appreciation to athena!!!
DW
I’m listening to the general assembly, and they’re planning on spending the night on the sidewalks and having larger numbers tomorrow. Pledging to stay the for weeks/months if necessary.
New night time photo!
http://twitpic.com/6mi0ez
Keep us posted, athena.
Your grand efforts and insightful perspectives are much appreciated.
DW
#takewallstreet is now the #3 global twitter trend.
Thanks for the company on this thread now that some might be losing interest!
I second that notion, DW…!
I’m extremely disappointed that memeorandum doesn’t have even one article…! 8-(
rightwingers really can be some ignorant assholes:
*eyeroll*
a pic taken right before the lights/power got shut off:
http://twitpic.com/6mi55i
I do truly love you, Kevin. A man after my own battered heart.
Aloha, athena1…! Much Mahalo for all your awesome efforts…! *g*
There’s nothing that a good hump or two can’t make better lol.
Thank you; it’s very good, mzchief. I’ll download it in into my RealPlayer. ;o)
LOL +++!
another night time pic:
http://twitpic.com/6mhu46
Thank you for your marvelous contributions today. I am really worried about what NYC police are capable of doing in the dark, as I well know them and their ways. Please be careful. Better to leave and return, if necessary for self-preservation, than to suffer a serious injury on the first day.
Thanks.
Thanks, but I’m not there. I’m stranded in the hood in Memphis. I’m just watching stuff on twitter/livestream, etc.
Keep on as long as you may, athena, I’m not going away further than a few minutes.
DW
Appreciated your comments throughout the Book Salon, rc … and the wisdom of your timely walkabout …
;~DW
WILD CHEERS at the general assembly!
The property owner is seriously considering letting them camp in the park/square.
They’re chanting so that everyone can hear the speaker, btw.
Great news, athena!
Am interested to know who the property owner might be?
Maybe someone who remembers Woodstock?
DW
“”
http://twitter.com/#!/kennethlipp
Not sure how that’s going to work out if the property owner lets them camp?
Keep the cameras, Tweets and blogs rolling.
WOW!
The park is owned by Brookfield Properties.
Whoever they are.
Who could have anticipated?
If the people have permission, “authority” had best be very careful what it does next …
If “authority” says that permission does not matter, then “Authority” will face serious consequence …
If “authority” claims it did not know that permission was given then it will have other serious consequence.
“Authority” has no compelling need nor reason “to act” …
“Authority” has nothing bur “excuses” upon to act if the people have clear permission from the owner of the property … to stay
Remember the Rule of Law.
DW
Brookfield Office Properties: The company’s roots go back to the 1900s in Montreal … it is currently owned by GMAC Real Estate … in NYC Brookfield owns One Liberty Plaza and The World Finanacial Center …
GMAC as in General Motors …
DW
I’m starting another live blog post. I will cover the next hour or so but then probably drop off especially if it looks like things have calmed down and police are just on guard letting the protesters camp on the property.
The world is watching twitter. Hopefully, the USG is mindful of how this plays out. America has lost enough moral authority already — I hope the police do the right thing.
Thank you, Kevin.
DW
The general assembly is currently voting on whether or not to move out of the park and try to occupy wall street overnight.
Hmm…
Have you any idea who and how many comprise this general assembly?
Is it everyone present? If so, then we see participatory democracy operating before the eyes of the world.
Thanks, again, athena … great information you are pulling out.
DW
I’ll publicly declare that I do not like that idea. I think it is a big victory for this “occupation” if they can stay on some slab of property overnight nearby Wall Street.
WILD CHEERS over the proposal to find a legal sidewalk to sleep on on Wall Street.
“YES to arrest” they then chanted.
The GA is participatory democracy in action.
Interesting — launching new live blog post in next 5 minutes for the coming action.
Also, they could do walk-bys on Wall Street to and from the park.
Global revolution livestream ran out of batteries and is now playing footage from earlier?
I would think so as well, Kevin, that mutual respect might be built.
However, the decision is not ours.
Participatory Democracy has chosen other…wise.
DW
I don’t want to see any of them get arrested, either.
Perhaps one can only “travel” into the future as long as one’s extension cord? Or, in current day terms, for so long as the batteries hold out?
Battery relief may be the crux of knowing in the days, weeks, and months ahead?
Take a wee break, athena, and we’ll catch you on the new live blog post.
DW
Here’s the new live blog.
Oh, yeah? Well, be careful anyway, dear thing.
Great thread and thank you, Kevin, athena1 and supporters!
I am sometimes amazed at the degree to which high academic credentials can fail to ensure crispness of thought.
NYC police care very, very little about the Rule of Law. Trust me on this one. They have raised testilying to a fine art.
Well, with their blatant connection with the CIA, rc, I’ve no problem atall in trusting you judgment, knowing a wee bit about The NYPD meself.
However, the eyes of the world are upon them and ole Osterity is noticing as well, one imagines.
DW
how bout dat! so all bloomberg has to do to change history is publish a little untrue bullshit and thats how it will get written up – expansive minded freedom loving wal st’ers graciously allow students to excercise right to free speech.of course thats not what happened, but unfortunately most american drones will believe it was. we have to get nastier and frankly way more serious about these kinds of actions. if the media dosent give a shit, GREAT! then lets make up our own narrative, no matter what the outcome was, and push that relentlessly. Of COURSE it was a smashing sucess. 10′s of thousands of American workers heroically captured wal st and defended it against capitalist stooges for 14 hours before they were driven back. that kind of thing. BE like the goddamn rightwing.WHO CARES if they call you a liar. Call them double liarsright back and MAKE the shit up if you have to. And feed it to the believers like mothers milk, because at this stage, it is.
(Occupy Wall $treet) OW$! Until they HELP!! Thank y’all for Also Manning The BARA¢KADE$!!!