The US Constitution was drawn up in 1787, 2 years before George Washington became the President. The first ten amendments to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, became law on December 15, 1791. With the 1st amendment to the Constitution, the American people have had the right to peacefully assemble. Since then, laws have been enacted to require some gatherings on public land to get a permit, prohibit the blocking of roads and buildings, prevent health hazards and limit noise. Getting together on private property does not require a permit but does need the property owner’s permission. If you need more reasons to support the protesters check out: www.facebook.com/mediahowabouttelevisingOccupyWallStreet.
It was good to hear on October 19th that the New York (NY) cop who pepper-sprayed protesters is being disciplined (the protesters did return to the private property they were gathering at). However, since the protesters have a right to assemble I don’t know why the protesters in Cincinnati, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia (cleared by police on horseback and SWAT teams) were arrested for refusing to leave a city park. They would have had to break one of the laws regarding the conditions of a lawful assembly. At least I hope this was the case because if it wasn’t the government authorities broke the law.
On October 22nd, Oakland protesters defied a city order to leave. On October 26, 2011 police said that after nearly 3 weeks of protesting the sight had become dangerous and unsanitary. And according to the Global Grind newspaper, police fired on the protesters with a (flash) grenade and the protesters responded; there were over 3,000 protesters and about 50 caused the disturbance at the tent city in front of City Hall. Of course the police said protesters were throwing rocks and bottles at them and that’s why they fired. ABC News reported the police fired stun (flash) grenades, bean bags, rubber bullets and tear gas. Oakland police threw people to the ground and more than 100 protesters were arrested. Scott Olsen, a 2 time Iraq war veteran (ex-Marine) joined the Oakland protesters after work and suffered a skull fracture after being hit in the head. However, the people that went to help him were scattered by a gas canister fired by police. On October 27th, Oakland protesters were let back on City Plaza, the Mayor said they are welcome to come back but they’re not allowed to camp overnight.
On October 26th, on ABC News, the San Francisco protesters said they’re not afraid and will cause a scene like in Oakland if they have to. On October 27th, it was reported that several Denver protesters got hyperthermia from the severe cold weather that dropped 16 inches of snow. And, NY police made several arrests because protesters would not stay on Manhattan sidewalks during their march. It was said that some protesters started taunting police to show solidarity with their Oakland protesters. In response NY said any protester that injures an officer is going to be sued. I wonder if the courts will allow lawsuits in reverse.
On October 30, 2011 about 30 Portland protesters were arrested for failing to leave a park with the midnight curfew; for the third time, Tennessee protesters defy their curfew. Police fire pepper spray into the crowd of demonstrators at the State capital and police in riot gear move in to stop protesters from setting up tents at a park; 20 Denver protesters were arrested. Dozens of protesters were arrested in Texas and Oregon.
On November 2nd, ABC News reported that the Oakland Mayor now supports the protesters and gave city workers (other than police) the day off to join the movement along with the teachers and military that have joined. Over 4,000 protesters did close the 5th largest US Port ($39 billion a year business). After warning the protesters to get out, some protesters began throwing cement chunks, attacking buildings and starting fires while others tried to stop them. The police again fired tear gas, etc. to curb the crowd, there were over 100 arrests and things did quiet down by the morning of November 3rd.
Government costs are rising across the country but protesters are not budging. Olsen who is in critical condition is now the rally cry for protesters. Over 70,000 people have joined the protesters since last weekend and an Associated Press poll finds support for the protesters growing but it is remains only 37% of the population. Although I do support the protesters, I am irritated with the Oakland crowd; too many are being destructive.
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