Octopi Wall Street

This goes out to one of my favorite science teachers, Laurie C.:

Found via Charles B. Thanks Charles!

Who's REALLY Being Divisive, Newt?

Newt Gingrich attempted to "evict an idea whose time has come" recently by calling on President Barack Obama to denounce the "concept of the 99 and 1".

I repudiate, and I call on the President to repudiate, the concept of the 99 and the 1. It is un-American, it is divisive, it is historically false…You are not going to get job creation when you engage in class warfare because you have to attack the very people you hope will create jobs.

Watch (courtesy Think Progress):



Of course, Newt's repudiation has NOTHING to do with the fact that he is quite clearly a member of the 1%.  Recall that cool half million dollar tab he had running with Tiffany's?

Without addressing, of course, the fallacy in the statement that Occupy Wall Street is engaging in class warfare (you can't, after all, start a war that has already been declared on YOU), I think it's important that we stop and really recall how ludicrous his assertion is that this is pitting Americans against each other.

Divisive?  Maybe Newt should recall a few details from his own checkered past!  Including, for instance, his unpublicized financing of anti-gay groups determined to pit straight Americans against gay ones:

ThinkProgress previously reported on $200,000 that Gingrich funneled from an anonymous donor to the anti-marriage equality group Iowa for Freedom, which was also being funded by AFA Action, the political arm of the virulently anti-gay American Family Association. The Associated Press revealed yesterday that one of the cogs in Gingrich’s vast network of business enterprises and front groups, ReAL Action, provided $125,000 to AFA Action. The Des Moines Register reported this morning that ReAL Action also contributed $25,000 to yet another Iowa anti-LGBT group, the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition.

The American Family Association is, of course, an officially Southern Poverty Law Center-certified hate group.

In fact, his anti-gay policies were denounced as divisive by activist Nick Espinosa, who glitterbombed Gingrich at a Minnesota anti-gay group's event last spring:

"Feel the rainbow, Newt. Stop the hate. Stop anti-gay politics. It's dividing our country and it's not fixing our economy," the protester said, as he yanked out a box and dumped the sparkles on Gingrich, who sat next to wife, Callista.

So what part of the OWS movement do you think really troubles him more: our "dividing" of this country?  Or the fact that we want to get rid of tax cuts that benefit him (and his Tiffany's tab)?

For Better Or For Worse

Australian activist organization GetUp created this video in support of marriage equality and it's too precious to not post.  Gay couples face the same struggles and triumphs straight couples do... so why not let them tie the knot?

Thankful

Hey, brothers and sisters, friends and family.

Be thankful.  I'm thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Xoxo

Ian Awesome

Jennifer Fox: Update

The past two days Fox has been inundated with requests for interviews, but after the initial round she has decided to cease giving interviews while she accomplishes two things.  First, she is in the process of obtaining a medical report with details that will support her allegation against the Seattle Police Department.  Second, she is busily getting legal representation to represent her in any legal action that will be taken.

At this time, she has chosen to not give further news interviews until she consults a lawyer.  This is a sensitive time for her and she is still physically weak from her ordeal.  However, once medical records are obtained and depending on legal counsel, we will update the world as to the developing story which has alarmed people worldwide.

She has taken other action, however.  The Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) stopped by the Occupy Seattle camp in order to speak to her about her allegations and they took a statement.  She says that a complaint has now been officially filed.

There is a candlelight vigil planned in memorial of Fox's unborn baby planned at 4pm on Saturday.  Supporters will convene at SCCC at that time and then march down to Westlake Park.  More updates as they come.

Photo: Jennifer Fox Immediately Following Attack By Police

Photo by Athena F. From November 15th, 2011.

Pregnant Occupier Alleges Police Brutality Resulted In Miscarriage

The Occupy Wall Street movement has recently come under attack nationwide, with police actions ranging from camp evictions to seemingly punitive pepper spraying of peaceful protesters.  Police officers are losing their jobs over their brutal actions against OWS, with the now-infamous "Pepper-spray cop" incident resulting in the suspension of UC Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza.

Occupy Seattle has seen its fair share of action, with the now-viral image of Dorli Rainey, 84, becoming an iconic symbol of the oppression this movement has begun to face.  There were other victims, however, at the pepper-spraying that took place on the evening of the 15th of November.

One of them is Jennifer Fox, 19, an Occupier who has been with the demonstration since it began operations at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle.  Previously homeless, she now sleeps every night at the Occupation, grateful for a safe place to lay her head.  She is not just here because Occupy Seattle provides her shelter, however.  She has participated in every march since the beginning of the movement and identifies with its goals.

"We deserve to have a change and I felt like Occupy Seattle needed more people to participate."

What's remarkable about the attack on Fox that evening is that she is three months pregnant.  She was the victim of several brutal attacks that evening on the part of police, to include being pepper sprayed twice and hit in the stomach with a cop's bike during the fray that occurred when police indiscriminately (and without provocation) sprayed protesters.  She was rushed to the hospital as soon as the Occupation was able to summon an ambulance, but she says that police prevented her from leaving the scene even though she told them she was pregnant.

"I shouted 'I'm pregnant, I don't want to get hurt, please let me through!'  They didn't cooperate."

She has since visited the hospital once more and received heartbreaking news.  On the 20th, Fox received news that she has miscarried, and alleges the miscarriage is due to the injuries she received during the police action on the 15th.

"It hurts. It's upsetting. I was ready to have a kid, because my family was going to support me in taking care of the child.  Her name was going to be Miracle."

Fox is receiving consultation with the Occupy Seattle legal team presently and will be deciding whether or not to seek legal action against the Seattle Police Department for the loss of her child.  One thing, however, is certain: a tragedy of immeasurable depth has struck the Occupy Wall Street movement.  If her allegation is confirmed, the inappropriate use of force against peaceful activists exercising their right to free speech has finally cost a protester something irreplaceable: an unborn baby.

To Protect And To Serve Who, Exactly?

Bank Divestment Day passed on November 5th, but people are continuing to withdraw their funds from big banks in order to put their money in credit unions and community banks.  In the Seattle area, local credit union BECU has seen an incredible 280% increase in new membership since the beginning of Occupy Wall Street and its sister protests.

Some, unfortunately, were not able to close their accounts on the fifth.  Alexander Williamson, a dedicated supporter of Occupy Seattle, banked with Chase and wanted to make his statement about financial institutions who received bailout money.  When he went to his branch and attempted to close his account, they stalled him by saying he had to wait to ensure that no charges from Netflix were pending.

Finally, on the 14th of November, he went into a Chase location in Edmonds, Washington and attempted to close his account for a final time.  Since there was no money in the account (he had been transferring his banking slowly), the bank teller informed him that he owed a $19.99 low-balance fee-- one of the many ludicrous charges currently scaring customers away from big banks.

Alex refused to pay and refused to leave until they closed his account.  So, naturally, they called the police and attempted to have him arrested for trespassing.

I just closed an account with no money in it... and they wanted to charge me a 19.99 low funds/inactivity fee.  I refused to pay it... and they wouldn't close it... So I refused to leave.  But I was very calm and polite, with no signs or shouting.

Two police officers arrived, forced him to leave the building, and while one officer spoke with Williamson, the other spoke with the bank manager.  They determined that he was not currently breaking any laws, and let him go without detainment.

The thing is, his goal was not to cause a scene nor make any sort of statement.  He merely refused to pay a spurious and unfair fee, and received the attention of the police for his efforts.

I just went in to make a low key closure... Not trying to make a scene or even protest really. It just pissed me off so much that I kind of ended up doing that.

After the incident, Williamson finally called Chase directly and complained about the service, earning an apology from customer service, who professed to not being aware about any low balance/inactivity fees that were appropriate for his situation.

When he asked the police officer why he was being removed from the bank, he got a simple response: "We cant have you disrupting people's banking, you need to leave right now, or we'll take you in."

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: is this really what we are paying the police to do?  Who was protected?  Who was served?  And why did Williamson have to risk arrest for protesting unfair banking practices?

Video: SPD Laughing, Joking While Pepper Spraying Compliant Protesters

On November 15th, the Seattle Police Department pepper sprayed innocent protesters who had already complied with a lawful order to get on the sidewalk.  One person filming engaged in conversation with an officer who laughed and joked about what was going on.  Watch (warning, graphic footage of police brutality and extreme assholism):

Occupy Portland: The "Good Neighbor" Policy

My good friend Ken Lapworth put together a video documenting our experience in Portland.  Watch:

OneAngryCultist: The Spirit of Occupy - Witness Under Fire

Tuesday was a day in which I witnessed first-hand the Occupy community of Seattle undergo a rebirth, a baptism of sorts, as well as possibly one of the most atrocious acts of brutality against demonstrators during which many non-violent demonstrators were indiscriminately pepper-sprayed including a blind woman, a priest, a non-denominational chaplain, a pregnant woman as well as friends and acquaintances caught in the cross-fires.

Although I was blocked off from being able one of those caught in the fray due to an ill-timed restroom break, when I was able to catch up to the group the first thing I saw was people corralled between Battery and Wall Street on Third Avenue and the first person I met coming out of that was Reverend Rich Lang of University Methodist Temple in the University District; the same man I had been walking alongside earlier as an individual clergy person representing my own gnostic, religious tradition of Thelema. His face was red and tears were coming from his eyes and he was still determined. It was later that I would find out exactly what happened, but seeing his dedication and witness made a very clear impact on me.

The next morning, I woke up and read the following missive that he had written in response to the events that transpired that day, A Pastoral Lament For My Country:

“I praise the courage and compassion, the discipline and the decency of the Occupy Movement. Out of the rag-tag mob came help, grabbing my hands, leading me (I was blind by then) to the wall and administering care and concern for my well being. The protesters were assembled around all the wounded, and maintained the discipline of nonviolence (granted the nonviolence was in behavior but not language). And they were not afraid. The spraying had been a baptism sealing them into the security of knowing that their prophecy of repentance was indeed the Spirit-Word through them --- it is as if they did not prophecy their very bones would melt within them. Against the wall in increasing pain and burning I realized I was in the midst of church.”

Reverend Rich is but one of the chaplains and religious who were pepper-sprayed that day, the other being Tsukina Blessing, amidst many others of varying religious and non-religious stripes gathered as a community to demonstrate against this country’s grave social and economic inequalities. In the course of that baptism by pepper-spray, Occupy ceased being a group of rag-tag demonstrators and transformed into an ekklesía - a community of believers – indeed, a church.

Although some may object to my overt use of religious language in describing Occupy, the fact is that we are all here in faith that we can restore some level of sanity to this country that has for too long strayed away from its true course and which we are all determined to bear witness to and restore to the brightness and wholeness that is capable of being – in Christian terms, “a city on the hill” for all to see and share in its blessings. In Occupy I have seen proof that in this movement there are many mansions to be found in every tent and every committee meeting and there is room at every table. This is what America can look like and what we are all fighting for.

Rev. Rich and Tsukina are true spiritual warriors, among the many participating in Occupy across the country. They are inspirations of endeavor and I admire them and all clergy, chaplains and participants in Occupy. Their demonstration of peace under fire is something, I think, all occupiers can learn from and put into practice and something that will make the movement succeed and prosper even more.

Cornel West Addresses Occupy Seattle

Dr. Cornel West, a civil rights legend, activist, and philosopher stopped by Occupy Seattle today and made his remarks.  Sorry about my head wandering into the shot.  My laptop was wrapped in saran wrap in order to keep it dry and I kept having to straighten it.

Sex, Drugs, And Occupation

This week has seen a sharp increase in police action against the Occupy Wall Street movement, with the destruction of the Denver camp successfully carried out and a near 24-hour standoff with Portland police meaning that two significant and large Occupations are now scrambling to find new space or reoccupy their old one.  Denver and Portland aren't alone; a vague sense of unease has overtaken the Occupy Seattle encampment at Seattle Central Community College and a discussion group formed after last night's General Assembly in order to discuss tactics should authorities find a legal pretext for evicting us from our space.

The justifications for these actions are many, but the major push to end Occupations seems to be inspired by concerns of health and safety among campers.  Mayor Sam Adams, who previously seemed very motivated to accommodate Occupy Portland, issued orders to clear the camp due to what he characterized as criminal behavior and drug use in the tents at the two parks occupied by protesters.  Thousands of people arrived on-scene to support demonstrators, but after a long 18-hour standoff Occupy Portland decided to make a tactical withdrawal and are now preparing to regroup.

Actions like this, in the face of the largest populist movement in American history, are costly and ineffective.  Occupy Portland isn't going away; on the contrary, police action motivates people to get involved.  I spoke with Janet, the coordinator of Occupy The Roads, an RV tour of the country, and she related to me the story of her involvement.  While vacationing in Detroit, she was unaware of the movement and uninspired to take part until she watched police action on TV.  She then rented a car and drove to Occupy Wall Street, where she immediately began assisting protesters in their activities.  One can certainly use this story to illustrate: police action will not end Occupations.  In Oakland, extreme tactics were used against activists.  They failed.  There is still an Occupy Oakland.

So why do we waste money and resources on ineffective crackdowns?

The debate is centered on drug use and safety, and city governments appear to be willing to abrogate American's right to peaceably assemble in order to regulate crime and substance abuse.  This is doomed to fail and is a symptom of a broken system.  Why?

Because the drug use will still happen, just not where the police can pinpoint it.


I have said for weeks now that one of the great strengths of our movement is our ability to help the homeless.  Our providing of safe space to sleep and clean water and food to consume has brought in unprecedented numbers.  Some have denigrated our camps as homeless shelters; I proudly accept that nomination.  The homeless need to be fed and clothed and we're doing it.  Homeless people need food to eat and healthy activity to participate in and we're providing it.  The homeless are the quintessential example of why we need change in this country.  We can neither turn them away nor discriminate against them!  They are the direst in need among the 99%.

Unfortunately, drug use is disproportionately active among homeless populations.  We know this.  Where there is homelessness, there is despair, and many have become addicted to drugs and commit crimes to feed their habits.

So I'll admit it: There is drug use in occupations.  What is the solution?  Is it tearing down our tents and demonizing our movement?  Absolutely not.

Let's re-think the model of how we deal with these issues.  Criminal behavior and drug use (and yes, I believe they are two different things) require more thoughtful solutions than forcing the homeless to sleep on the street again.  To be frank, if they overdose in our camps (which operate on an alcohol/drug free guideline that is enforced as often as possible), they at least are surrounded by people who can provide first aid and summon authorities.  This is not the case, necessarily, when the homeless are forced to use drugs in alleyways and public restrooms.  So how can city governments address these issues?

1.  Stop making the police our enemy.  Unsafe situations occur when enforcement of safety is impossible.  We have neither the desire nor ability to become police.  Stop tearing down our tents, and we are far more likely to summon the proper authorities in order to stay safe.  As it is, Occupiers fear allowing the police free access to our encampments because thus far, our brothers and sisters in the police force have been inappropriately used to infringe on our right to assemble.  Make them our friends again, and less crime will happen in Occupations.

2.  Stop denigrating us as criminals.  The mainstream media (MSM) and local governments are quick to paint Occupations as hotbeds of criminal activity.  The truth is, crime happens everywhere.  Every apartment building has criminals, every street corner has drug users.  Just because meth is rampant in Seattle does not mean the entirety of our population is tweaking.  Drug use occurs, but it is not rampant.  The vast majority of Occupiers are not there to use drugs, but to protest.  Stop the negative propaganda and find ways to work with Occupiers!

3.  Send us social workers!  Organizers would welcome drug and alcohol counselors to assist us in helping people addicted to substances.  To be honest, the people who need help should have been helped already.  The only reason we have drug users in Occupations is because local governments have failed to effectively address the problem of drug abuse.  Send us social workers, treatment counselors, give us resources!  You should have been doing this already!  At least we are providing a model where it would be easier to give those resources to the people that need them the most.


Lastly, have compassion.  The reason our movement exists is because people are troubled.  They are unhappy.  They need help.  We are providing a forum for discussion and a method for people to address those problems, but we need assistance in many aspects.

To summarize: if you fear crime and drug use in our encampments, make it possible to address crime and drug use.  By tearing down these tents you are not only making things worse for those of us who do not use drugs, you are only scattering those that do.  You aren't helping.  So please start.  

Post-PDX Acknowledgments-- Police, Protesters, and A Really Big Dummy

It's been a long weekend.  After our Veteran's Day festivities at Occupy Seattle, a bunch of us went down to stand in solidarity with Occupy Portland on the night of their big eviction (smirk) as ordered by Mayor Sam Adams.  Full accounts of the night's events are found elsewhere, but before I get out of my Army dress blues and collapse into bed, I thought some acknowledgments were in order for the many characters on-scene in Portland.

Yeah, I'm in this picture.  Far left, in military uniform standing in front of the police.

To the Occupy Seattlites I rode with: thanks for the conversation.  Big thanks to Gabriel and Ken for driving to and from Portland all in one night.

To the Occupy Portlanders: thank you for the warm welcome.  You guys were great.

To the many dancers, musicians, and jokers milling around the encampment: thanks for keeping the atmosphere light.

To the proprietor(s) of Lotus bar: thanks for letting me use your bathroom.  Repeatedly.

To the "gentleman" who got in a heated argument with me about the movement, then stated that he would kill me were I not in uniform, then called me a dummy (it was written on a sign he was holding that he waved in my face) and forced me to walk away in disgust: I'm sorry your behavior was so unruly and disrespectful that it got you TASERed and arrested.  By the way?  I win the argument.

To the police officer who thought it was appropriate to take time out from keeping people safe in order to  yell at me for a minor uniform infraction: neither your sarcasm nor your penchant for harassment do honor to the uniform you wear.  I am confident that I wore my uniform with well-deserved pride, and I hope that someday you will too.

To the frightened hippie on the front line who helped me face down the police, even though tears were streaming down his face: sorry for squeezing your hand so hard.  I was scared too.

To the former Army Specialist in the Guy Fawkes mask who asked me to pin new "rank"-- a flower-- to his collar in military fashion: I have never been so pleased to "promote" someone.  Hoo-ah!

To the many police officers, male and female, who peered through their riot shields with near terror in their eyes: don't worry.  We're far more likely to hug you than hurt you.  Also, I was scared too.

To the man with the tattooed face who informed me his dog had been stolen and then gently told me "He was a good dog":  I'm sorry, brother.  I hope you find your dog.

To the horse who spooked and almost ran, having scented the tension in the air: easy, big guy!  Um.  I was scared too.

To my voice, which I seem to have misplaced after a night of continued chanting and shouting: I don't blame you for leaving, but please come back.  I miss you.

To every brave individual who stared authority in the face and said "I'm not moving": You are some of the bravest people I've ever met, and I am proud to have "held the line" with you.



To every single person who was in downtown Portland and helped ensure that last night's demonstration and police action ended peacefully and without violence: it doesn't matter which side of the line you were holding or if you were police or protester.  Your dedication to peace was awe-inspiring.

To Mayor Sam Adams, Mayor McGinn, and any other politician who dares to send our brethren in the 99% in riot gear to remove us from our adopted homes and infringe on our right to peaceably assemble: We cannot be divided and we cannot be silenced.  We are not here on your terms, but on ours.  We are the 99%, we are too big to fail, and we will not be moved.


I love you all.



PS: Not the guy with the sign that said "Dummy."  You actually suck and I don't love you at all.