Police brutality at Occupy Oakland has left Scott Olsen, a Marine Corps veteran twice deployed to Iraq, in critical condition with a skull fracture. NBC failed to mention this casualty on the evening news last night. He was hit with a police projectile. As protesters went to his aid a flash grenade was hurled by a policeman into the middle of the crowd. The police, in riot gear, also used tear gas and rubber bullets against the peaceful protesters, that included children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
At the end of this video you hear a woman's voice rising above the din, "We are still here. We are the 99%". I have to admit when I heard that lone, courageous voice speaking for the 99% of us, I cried. I cried for Scott Olson, for a country that can turn on its own, for the fact that we have a militarized police force and for the vulnerability of all the brave young people making such inspirational stands in occupations all across this land.
Write to the Oakland Police Dept today- ocop@oaklandnet.com to demand an end to violent tactics against peaceful protesters. It appears that OPD barred the media from covering these deplorable actions. But the good news is that today, we are all the media! The whole world is watching all the time.
You may also want to remind the police that the occupiers in Oakland were standing for their jobs, benefits and ability to collectively bargain, for their children's ability to go to college without lifelong debt, for their rights (something the protesters tried to communicate over the barricades). There needs to be an outpouring of outrage from people across the country. Many other young occupiers are at risk and we need to look out for them!! Sign the petition demanding that the Mayor of Oakland put and end to these violent, repressive measures, sign another at Faithful America And there is more you can do, including support for Scott, at Iraq Veterans against War.
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Other Occupy news
Check this out- The Occupied Wall Street Journal
Tell Bloomberg to let OWS have tents to protect them at least a little bit from the cold!***UPDATE- Oakland Mayor Now Says She Is with the Occupiers!
Some Good News, Thankfully
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| Albany General Assembly |
Occupy Albany is going strong and despite Gov Cuomo's directive to arrest them. State troopers and the Albany Police Department defied his orders and refused to arrest the 700 occupiers! Albany County District Attorney David Soares also refused to prosecute the nonviolent protestors. Cuomo probably isn't too happy having hundreds of protestors in front of his office calling for the continuation of the Millionaire's Tax that he wants to end. Yes, our governor wants to give more tax breaks to millionaires, while cutting education and health care for the rest of us!
And I have saved the best for last! Two nights ago, a group of us went over to the Occupy Poughkeepsie site in Eastman Park, on the corner of the Arterial and Market Street. We were all very impressed with the young occupiers. They are intelligent, informed, caring and committed! We are planning an event with them to show that they have the support of our community. It will be on Saturday November 12 at noon- so hold that date! As it is the day after Veteran's Day, there will be an emphasis on ending war and rebuilding America. Veterans will be some of the key speakers, as well as the occupiers of Poughkeepsie, OWS and hopefully, Occupy Albany. There will also be musicians, puppets, a march and a chance to participate in a General Assembly so all can join in the important conversation of restoring economic justice for the 99%. People are welcome to stop by before then to show solidarity. Their latest email says they need the following- Whiteboard+Markers, Utensils, Tape, Rope, Lighting Equipment, Bedding and Tables.
We send them our love and best wishes to stay united, stay strong and stay safe.
The shock of the police brutality helps to create a tsunami of protests. I am grateful and thankful though for the police troopers that withstand the call for a crack down. It seems that the awareness of all of us being affected as citizens is rising.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barb, for putting all these facts together in one post.
Thanks Monika. Feel it is so important for all of us to stay tuned to what is happening to the occupiers everywhere. We are at a critical moment in history- and so much is at stake.
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