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THE PLAN
On Oct. 6th, 12:00 pm, thousands will gather at the Waterfront near SW Ankeny and Naito Parkway (http://tinyurl.com/44rl474) to march to Pioneer Courthouse Square. This is solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, where thousands have been staying near the Wall Street stock exchange to protest the corruption of Washington politicians, misdeeds of big banks, and the cancerous reign of corporate lobbyists. Bring friends, family, passion, and supplies for the night because we will be in this for the long haul. Once we are done for the day we will then march to an undisclosed location in the city and set up for the night.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As with most protests, this will be non-violent. Certain members of the group will cover what and what not to do. Where to be, how to behave, as well as where to go. We have a set route that we will march, which departs at 2:30. From the meeting place we will head to W Burnside, and walk until SW Broadway. From there we will continue south until reaching Pioneer Courthouse Square. Due to the property within the Square being privately owned, we may be asked to protest on the sidewalks surrounding the block.
When we depart from the Square, we will move down to SW Taylor and follow it back to the Waterfront. It is then that we will start the full Occupation.
WHAT TO BRING?
Aside from a spirit for change, everyone attending is asked to refer to the Needs of the Occupiers list.
While I’m excited about the possibilities here, I have a few questions.
1. If this is all about democratic participation, general assemblies, and consensus, what is meant by “Certain members of the group will cover what and what not to do. Where to be, how to behave, as well as where to go.”?
Some self-appointed group is going to tell everyone how to behave? And you are going to agree to not protest in the square when asked? What’s going to happen when the cops tell you not to camp in the park, which brings me to my second question:
2. Why Waterfront Park? There’s pretty much nothing around there. No stores, no people, nothing except a river and a busy street, blocking escape routes. Seems a little dangerous and invisible to me.
Waterfront is a great spot to occupy. Saturday Market goes on the entire weekend and there is always a constant flow of pedestrians and bicyclists.
But indeed there are many homeless people who camp at waterfront day and night. I’m sure as long as the noise is kept to a min at night there should be no problems.
I am ready to meet you all to share ideas and win back the country.
I am excited at the potential of this gathering. Getting people together that all want to end corporate influence in our government is extremely important. I assume that these same people have a varying list of demands they would like to see come to fruition over the course of their lives. While I believe in peaceful protest, it is important not to be complacent. With enough people, we do not need to follow the law and march on the sidewalk, which detracts from our power and influence in the area. If you want something to actually change, you have to be willing to break laws that are maintaining our government and perpetuating economic disparity.
Clearly the United States no longer knows how to protest.
It seems as though its more important to most of these people to try to relive the 60′s counter culture. Holding “open poetry” and Marimba concerts????? WTF?! Not everyone is like this and its clear who is running this protest. Your supposed to march WHERE you WANT and not confine yourselves to the sidewalk because some traitor police officer told you to. Did change happen in Egypt because they had Tamborines and poetry? NO. Did the French and Russian revolutions succeed due to “authorities” told the people to stay in one place so we can barricade you in and not make it inconvenient for the rest of the city? Remember that in the 1960′s the hippy protest movements never got anything accomplished, they sold out, sold out their music and ideals and themselves and NOW WORK FOR WALL ST.
This group wasn’t “self-appointed.” I don’t think there is any sort of power-trip associated with the “Certain members of the group (that) will cover what and what not to do. Where to be, how to behave, as well as where to go.” The point of the GA is to come to a consensus regarding issue involving the occupation, and the consensus is that we need to do this peacefully, and legally.
Question, though:
Suppose somebody shows up with a sidearm? Suppose a “99%”er shows up with 98%-different ideas?
What’s anybody gonna do? Who are the people deciding “Where to be, how to behave as well as where to go?” and with what authority will they assert this, when they have no permit?
The last time I asked tough questions, like, why a person was throwing rocks at Portland police because he happened to be mad at Bush, I was assaulted. Bring it on, I guess, but if it gets out of control or unlawful, my support for this cause as a native citizen of Portland will be lost as quickly as I quit listening to the Tea Party when Palin showed up.
Good luck, everybody, and if you want your message to come across, make it cleanly, make it respectfully, and don’t F__K with the working people of Portland who are also 99%ers.
@Anon We plan on marching through the financial district and to Protest at Pioneer Square daily. Also, this group is operating as a GA. All decisions are made by the group not individuals. As far as what to do & not to do, I believe that was in reference to a “Know Your Rights” seminar which is being arranged for us by the N.L.G. (We all wanted to know exactly what Portlands laws were so we are aware of what problems could potentially arise.)
Waterfront Park is located 1 block from Bank of America, Terrace Tower, which houses a number of financial corps. As a group we decided that is where we will sleep. This is a very high visibility area. When you consider the amount of traffic that must pass here daily (the bridge, the max, etc.) We will also be very near the Saturday Market which is open every weekend and will allow us to spread the message and make others aware of what is going on, even if we don’t get the media attention that this movement deserves.
Exactly delehe, some people have attended anti-violent courses and some have received pointers from tr lawyers guild. They are those “certain people”, and they had volunteered to attend in order to share with the GA.
Seems like a great central location to me, Waterfront park, where there is room to “camp.” Let’s go!
OMG, Waterfront park? You have got to be kidding?
Wow, well it lokks like the police and city officials won after all.
Now we’ll be out of site and out of mind great job! I thought this was in solidarity? It clearly shows that someone is making all these decisions for the rest of us. We should be infront of the FEDERAL BUILDING! Again the United States takes a back seat to the rest of the world.
I need to add that Portland has a weird “Sit/Lie” ordinance or law that needs to be considered. It has been struck down TWICE as unconstitutional, however, Portland Police seem determined to work on enforcing it.
I was sitting at a BUS STOP, totally out of the way of anyone walking by and even then was approached by police two weeks ago and told I could not sit there. I’m nearly 60 and think it’s horrible we can’t sit on the pavement near a bus stop.
I know you have a facebook group, but you should make a facebook EVENT with all the details. That will get the word out better.
If there is no other way around the Sit/Lie law (which is really doesnt seem there is going to be), I propose that we PDXers open our houses to those outside of PDX and then agree on a General Assembly time in the early AM to get people out to the occupation spot. It might avoid useless clashes with the police.
Unless we want to actively be protesting that law, in which case we’ll definitely get in shit for it. But then, who’s not up for getting in some shit?
That is a decision for the GA, of course.
Im wondering about music this in it self can set a tone for the protest and also bring much larger crowds. If you look at all protest movment wither it be civil rights or labor. music has always been a very big part
Music discussion and organization is apart of the Morale Committee. You can discuss this and ways to help in the forum under “Organize and Discuss”.
What about the many homeless who already camp on the waterfront nightly out of necessity? I walk through there nightly and many of these spaces are already very “occupied”. Do you plan to extend food/water/info resources to them as well? Just curious. Thanks!
The homeless are the most visible part of the 99% that make up the rest of us. They may not have an interest in representing, but they need to be included if they will.
If this is done right, it could be a benefit to the homeless already there. The park is very large, so I don’t think they will be displaced. Many will probably choose to join in. And they would have access to all of the resources provided for the demonstration, which I assume will happen, just like it is happening in New York.
this is alright but assembling is not occupying. many dont twit f’book an that. you/we need a STREET TEAM w/fliers, stickers, etc.
also, PDXer has a valid point ’bout the campers. get THEM INVOLVED!
Under “Organize and Discuss” we have committee group being established. Most of our planning has taken place on the Facebook page (roughly 3,500 strong and growing). We are planning to occupy indefinitely, still working on legality issues with the national lawyers guild. Feel free to pitch in, we are all in this together!
General Assembly meeting this Friday 7pm at Waterfront Park, on the north end.
I’m A grandfather raising a 3 year old so occupation is out, I will however be transporting my son and others down to portland for this event. I am located in Augusta and would be willing to transport others if we can scrape up gas money. For those coming into portland, where would they park long term?
This is an issue that we can attempt to sort out either by funding long term parking or by setting up a network of places on Portland with free or extended stay parking, like homes for example. More on this to come.
parking, my parking lot at my building can handel a couple cars. I am on the Number 6, mlk and tillamook.
There is free on-street parking on the east side of the river.
There is confusion here, add a OREGON label to your page please, we in Maine thought you meant us.
Whats maine?
You might want to organize a spot for people who are willing to protest but can’t necessarily stay the whole time and “occupy” to depart. That way there’s a clean separation between people who are protesting for one day and people who are actually occupying, because there will inevitably be both and it’s always a mess to just have people drifting off at random.
I agree with Mypriuskillednancy. I will be bringing my three young kids with me from Battle Ground WA after my son gets out of school.
We want to join the protest, where should we go to be part of it late in the afternoon? I am assuming activities will have moved back to Waterfront Park by then?
I live about 100 miles away and am planning to come. I would love to bring my two teens and their friends but I am concerned about anarchist-factor who seem to be all about creating discontent and mayhem. So I won’t bring them just in case; very disappointing!
Is there a plan for how to react to or thwart these people? There’s got to be a way for peaceful protesters can work together and not distract from the whole point of the occupation.
Violence, active disobedience, destruction and chaos just doesn’t work!!!
I was wondering if you would donate a template/code of your website for other General Assemblies to use?
Hey Brian, thanks for your support and message! I’m currently working on setting up a “kick start your occupation” pack with our wordpress theme and information on setting it up as well as livestream info. I’ll email you when I finish it, hopefully today!
I am the host of a radio called Mad as Hell in America that airs on Saturdays on AM 620 KPOJ. I will definitely be at the event and I would like some of the organizers of this event to come on my show THIS SATURDAY to talk about it/promote it. Someone please contact me @ as asap if you’re interested!
In Solidarity,
Adam Klugman
Thanks Adam for your support!!!! Someone will be in contact with you. This is a movement of all citizens, not of any particular persons or groups and we thank you so much for your interest and support!
Apologies for the typos…doing this on the run! If you can clean it up before it posts that would be swell!
Just as a side note, as someone who has been in rallys in dowtown Portland before, it is ILLEGAL to march in the streets anywhere in Portland without a marching permit. Most likely we will be asked/forced to keep to the sidewalk the entire time.
Thanks for the concern Carsen! We have people looking into legal issues but we could use additional support! Please feel free to get involved and post in the “Organize and Discuss” committee forum that best suites you! This is a movement of WE the people and WE need you
You are correct that it is illegal to march in the street without a permit. It is however, not illegal to march on the sidewalk as long as we keep moving.
Have you ever tried to keep hundreds of people on a sidewalk? It’s not easy, the police will separate us at cross walks and so forth. Not having a marching permit is almost asking for trouble. On top of that all the people marching who are not aware of that fact will get arrested thinking they are not doing anything wrong. Morally they are not, legally (corrupt or not) they are.
Just curious as to how you will deal with the issue of an inevitable displacement of the pre-existing homeless population of Waterfront Park, that is if you assume (and hope?) that thousands of protesters are actually going to descend upon this space…? I’m all for this cause, just think that a lot of things need to be better thought out…Because, no matter what, this action and occupation with draw heat from the cops, right where the poorest of our 99% are scrabbling by meagerly and dealing with bullshit form cops all day long. You have to have the homeless on your team, basically, or figure out where they will live after ya’ll leave…No matter what, there will be trouble for them after the better off 98% leave for their houses when they are done with their symbolic protest…
They wouldn’t be displaced by the Occupation, if that’s what you’re referring to. They are part of the 99%, and we are all in this together. Some of us have already talked to individuals of the homeless population and they were extremely supportive of the protest. They liked the idea of sticking it to Wall Street, and eating free food!
I think the waterfront is great too, especially by the bridges. What about going by the Standard Building, Koin, Well’s Fargo Tower? We need to hit those too…
Those are all great suggestions! We will bring it up at the General Assembly meeting this Friday. You should come! Info is available on the main page
Is there a permit to march to Pioneer Courthouse Square and back?
To march in the street, yes. To march on the sidewalk, no.
Why couldnt everyone occupy wall street at the beginning of the summer, why at the start of the rainy season?
So just a quick question, how long will the occupation last, indefinitely? And who will deem it over? Im assuming tents and structures are forbidden. better occupy the area under a bridge then. ita a la nina year!
for all you occupiers, id make it a daily habit of sending out a roving march to hit the big corporations in the area on a daily basis. it would be great if everyone formed a single file line daily and just got er done on the sidewalk. mabye some days everyone could wear costumes, like have a grim reaper day, or one day some people could dress up as lil red riding hood and some others the big bad wolf and have a good ole game of cat and mouse complete with signs referring to who the big bad wolfs were. bring your loudest instrument. I love those super loud air horns you used to be able to get at GI Joes. probably gonna get bored and at least its something to do.
That’s true, if only things could have panned out differently!
It will make it more exciting, that’s for sure!
I so want to be a part of this…foreclosed on nearly a decade ago, now 61 and living in a RV park along the Tualatin…
I am very supportive of all the Occupy movements. It gives me some hope that maybe we of the 98% will finally be heard. If there is anything I can do in support, short of my presence at the rally, please let me know.
Hell, who knows, I may find a way to get up there.
Take the bus!
I don’t have the skills to do this, but I think it would be great if there was a Wiki page for the whole occupy movement. Our list of demands is huge, we need to get the money out of politics, tax the rich, end the war on drugs, increase social services of all types (eg teacher pay), inact immigration reform, increase subsidies to green energy, get universal care (even if its just in oregon) and create the america that really feeds our needs and nourishes our dreams!
I just talked with some activists in Portland who are always working for the homeless, so they are often in court on their behalf.
I was told that ALL CAMPING IN THE CITY LIMITS OF PORTLAND IS ILLEGAL. We will be subject to arrest from the get-go.
I will be coming to the meeting tonight with documents about this. If we are attempting to be a completely legal (as a group at least, individuals will choose to do what they want) the illegal “camping” might be a no-starter. Sorry if this rains on anyone’s parade.
Not entirely illegal.
I don’t doubt that its actually illegal to camp out in the park. I suppose it is illegal in NYC as well. The question is whether the authorities will choose to enforce the law. It is a political question as much as a legal question. Do the authorities either in NY or Portland or anyone else want to be unfavorabley compared to Mubarak and the whole incident of the “Battle of the Camel” in Cairo?
I’m going to guess that the answer is “no”, but who knows for sure.
If this is an event which truly embraces nonviolence, I suggest that a conversation around Gandhian nonviolence happen among the people. True non-violence must be absent of ALL aggression and hatred. (Thought, word and action). Putting a call out for everyone and anyone to join this event without a strong grounding in Ahimsa (love & non-harm) places the organizers, participants, citizens, and officials at risk. Though there is always an element of risk in public organizing, we are bound by the principles of nonviolence to ensure all that can be done to prevent and reduce such risk, has and is being done.
We will be there!
We will be there.
I went to the meeting tonight. It was very organized for an occupation that began just 13 days ago 3000 miles away. Everyone in this city is awesome! I cannot wait to support occupy wall street on the 6th! My only concern was one person I overheard making a comment about not caring about the meaning behind this and just wanting to basically cause trouble. There’s one in every crowd… But seriously, please remain peaceful. Think about how your actions or “fun” will affect others and this very important movement as a whole. Remain peaceful. When protests become violent the respect of important people is lost. We need those people for this to work. If there is violence the 1% will use that against us to have this shut down. We need minds and ears open to us. Stay calm if the police cross the line, let them, I am sure in the age of smart phones and cameras someone is recording. They will look bad and our cause will grow stronger.
There is a long history going back at least a hundred years, most likely more, of police provocateurs infiltrating progressive organization and attempting to incite violence. Be ready for this. ANYONE who does this should be identified, confronted, isolated, and definitely made persona non grata.
Back in other days, I scoped out and isolated those “agent provocateurs” even though in 1991 I was physically assaulted by anarchists while so-called pacifists looked on in front of the Convention Center.
Yes, there will be operatives in the crowd who will probably be up to no good. I once identified one to discover that it was a former acquaintance, and when I confronted him about it he said he quit because I “wouldn’t believe the s–t they asked him to do.”
Having said that, guess what? They’re part of the 99%. What right do you have to make them “persona non grata”? Who are YOU to decide?
I definitely intend on driving in from Salem to videotape the march but am concerned about where to park my car. I always get lost in Portland and want to make sure my vehicle is safe. I wont be spending the night as I have family here in Salem I need to care for in the evening so I need to make sure I can get back to my automobile fairly easily. Any suggestions?
Hi,
If you are coming into portland from out of the area and need to drive, I would suggest parking on the east side either near the Lloyd center (even in the surrounding neighborhoods would probably be just fine) or near the Rose Garden and then from there jump on the Max train over the river to the waterfront park on the west side. From both of the mentioned places there is no charge (these stops are part of the free rail zone) so your car will be away from the traffic/crowds and it’s free to ride over and back.
If you don’t mind paying a couple dollars for the train you could really park in any neighborhood near a max stop (along Interstate has a lot of good parking) and go from there. Also, realistically parking anywhere near the waterfront and a bridge on the East side you could just walk across the bridge to the waterfront park and forego the Max altogether.
Pick a Tri-Met park & ride, and take the MAX! Get an all-day ticket, and you’re set.
Hi Salemite: Park your car on the East Side of the river at the Lloyd Center Max Station stop (near the mall and movie theatre) and then ride the max straight to Pioneer Square.
I think it is important the people understand that this is about showing support for the Occupy Wall Street demonstration, since the NY financial district is the actual and symbolic epicenter of the problem. The object is not to occupy Portland. In Boston they are marching on the Bank of America building. Portland has a Band of America building too.
If things dont change, and they wont unless we stick together and force change, there will be no jobs, no social security, no vet benefits, no public schools in just a few years. College graduates have no jobs waiting for them to pay back student loans. Our soldiers come home injured or in body bags protecting our country. They follow orders handed down to them by our corrupt gov’t and cant find work or get benefits they need when they come home. People in our own country, children in our own cities are homeless and starving. When you tax the poor into poverty and dont tax the rich this is what happens. Invest time in your future and our childrens future. Please say “No more!” with the rest of the country in Portland on Thursday!
“JPMORGAN CHASE Donates $4.6MILLIO N to NYPD. WHO ARE YOU SERVING NYPD WHO ARE YOU PROTECTING?” They (corperate america) are fighting back with their money. Are they realizing how big this is becoming? Are they finally scared? Remember what I posted yesterday? “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win” They are fighting us. Guess whats next?
Hang in there. Help occupy!
Are you kidding me??? Please enlighten me on the taxes the poor are paying..50% of the people in this country pay ZERO taxes, while the so-called rich pay close to a 50% tax rate…the “rich” are funding all the public services you enjoy everyday! And frankly, the “rich” probably don’t use any of them. If anything you should be sending them all thank you notes. Get your facts straight before you start rattling off your socialist talking points..unreal
Remember, even the police are part of the 99%… the bankers are stealing from them (pension funds, foreclosures, etc.) as well. They just may not realize it. Lets remind them.
Man, this is a great event! Nothing wrong with Waterfront Park, but I wanted to offer a suggestion or alternative choice. What we have going for us in Portland, Oregon is lots of open space both public and private.
Maybe some park in the Pearl? Better than waterfront are the Park Blocks. One end if the blocks are owned by Portland University. Given the outrageous amount of student debt owed versus available jobs, the location has more meaning and a larger resonance between place and cause. But the best advantage is the “open endedness” of the blocks. There are streets with sidewalks and pedestrian pathways in and out. Logistics for crowd control would be an extreme challenge. The South Park Blocks are also closer to many of the business commuter routes and larger bank office towers. Circulating on sidewalks in front of banks and stay close to a large gathering area will help with the occupation.
There are also shops, residences, and other businesses that can provide support or be there for people who need them. Most importantly, there are more bathrooms in that area. Has anyone considered how we can have a civil protest while maintaining sanitary conditions?
I hope rageagainsttheurbanplanner’s name is a misnomer. Urban planners are the reason why you are even referring to things like the “MAX” and the “Park Blocks”. Urban planners are under just as much attack as public school teachers. Of all the people to direct one’s ire, I’m shocked that somehow urban planners would even be on the list. Planners are generally about as socialist as you get and are huge proponents of public transit, public housing, and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Not to mention, they are part of the 99%.
Also 99% are the ones who use TriMet to trudge to keep body & soul together
Agree with Satyagraha, actions motivated by love are the catalyst that will lift the veil for more to see that we are all brothers & sisters.
Some hearts are more open than others, so seize the opportunity to awaken those who slumber under the blanket of fear & oppression, to share a the vision for a world united in love, not divided by greed.
That’s great that there’s a big anti-Bank of America theme going on here but BofA doesn’t run Portland.
The big developers who are in City Hall’s and Metro’s pockets – that dictate much of the recent and reckless local government spending. Developers like Walsh Construction and Gerdling Edlin that can do as they please, and City Hall bows down to them – but God forbid if you’re just a homeowner, we’re stuck with government red tape, regulations – you can’t even cut down a dead tree without permits in this city.
Companies like Siemens, Stacy & Witbeck – out of state companies that use their influence (in the case of Siemens, international influence as they are a German company) to dictate OUR transportation policy which has had a direct and negative impact on our bus system.
Sure, the big big companies are bad and evil, but here in Portland we have our own corporate interests that are intertwined with City Hall, with Metro, with TriMet, with the Port of Portland – what marches and protests will be organized to protest against commercialization of the basic services that we Oregonians just need to survive on a day-to-day basis?
Good points! Another good reason for the Park Blocks is that it intersects with MAX and other bus lines. A better show of support to Occupy Wall Street if we are in the mix of business than at the margin. Maybe a March on the Brewery Blocks aka Gerdling Edlin hdqtrs?
Speaking of support, Can anybody get the Timbers to allow us to use their venue or get the players to support the Occupy Movement? Ther is some sweet ironic poetic justice in gaining Timber support?
Brilliant idea–The Timbers owner is the son of the chairman of Goldmann Sacks! Wake up. Protest should be held there, not friendly meetings!
I noticed a good portion of the Waterfront Park is being re-seeded and fenced off and the ground is definitely wet.
This gathering isn’t planning on trampling the park’s nice grounds and ruin the work and money spent on enhancing it for people next season, by chance?
I think that would be unfortunate and marginalize this cause greatly. I want to get at Wall Street and big banks like anyone else, but I question at what cost to our city, which is about as anti-establishment as they come in the US?
Good luck with the event.
I wonder how the Portland Business Alliance, and the armed rent-a-cops that occupy Downtown are going to react to the occupation? Keep eyes out for them too, not all threats may be the Portland Police.
“You can always pay one half of the poor to kill the other half” Gangs of New York
Watch this speech from Tim Wise who expresses the idea that in the beginning of our country, the rich elite ignited the racial divide to keep the poor from coming together.
http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=A0oGdXeWDYhOzE0A2c9XNyoA?p=tom%20wise&fr2=piv-web
http://www.internationalpeaceandconflict.org/profiles/blogs/occupy-wall-street-protest-nypd-are-collaborators-in-peace-not-in?xg_source=activity
While it’s been re-iterated in various forms that “the group makes decisions, not individuals”, are there ANY plans or thinking going into what individuals will say when the group has made (or has yet to make) a decision about anything? It probably doesn’t need to be the same individuals in every instance and some things may be more self-evident than others, like the direction of a march.
Usually an individual will submit an idea to the group, and we all talk about it and implement it if most of the group is in support. It’s a difficult process on Facebook, due to the flood of status updates we receive. Things are easily buried on there. If anyone has any suggestions, or general questions, please submit it to . We will bring up these things at the GA meeting.
http://trevorkiel.blogspot.com/2011/09/revolution.html
I spent twelve years writing this short book, and it is free. Please, it should be worth the few minutes it will take to read.
Solidarity Forever!
Seems like setting up camp with our back to a body of water is a bad idea.
We won’t be occupying at the Waterfront….
With regard to the question of sanitation, I think we should consider the following approach. If the occupation is a success and we achieve a critical mass, after a few days, we should approach the city and “request” that they bring in some porta potties as a matter of public health. Why not try. Dream big. It might work. Especially since our fight is also the fight to properly finance public services and against layoffs of public workers. Go for it.
Just a helpful hint for those of you involved that might be new or new-ish to town: Waterfront Park is not a good place to spend a lot of time once it starts raining. You will be camping, or attempting to camp, in a mud puddle. It’s also difficult to maintain a large presence in the Park Blocks, especially further south near PSU, because the Park is not a contiguous area, and exists in 2 or 3 block fragments at most. Be safe, be smart, be peaceful. Bring a tarp.
Not camping at the Waterfront anymore, but thanks for the concern
Then, where ARE we camping? Or is it a secret until Thursday?
It is. Everything will be disclosed Thursday at around 11:00 am
Hopefully it’s less wet than the waterfront? lol
Just stay out of PSU please!!!!!
Here is a huge 20×11 (220 sq. ft.)tent which gets good reviews for rain and would shelter a lot of people for $120!
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=16386306&findingMethod=rr
Hopefully this tent is available from retailers other than Walmart…
Unless something’s changed, I read elsewhere on this site that tents or anything deemed a “structure” are not allowed, but tarps and ponchos are.
Brothers & Sisters
The time has come to unite in spirit & voice and express to all an alternative to the present status quo.
It is our unalienable right as citizens of the planet to share the bounties of mother earth and demonstrate respect to all creation.
Be careful with each other and vigilant in your resolve.
Beat the drum which resonates with everyone, let personality yield to oneness,
Cry freedom!
It’s time to fly…
http://www.davidicke.com/headlines/52231-david-icke-time-to-fly
Since politicians and bankers only respond to green (money) I think we should all wear green. A symbol of solidarity! Pass this on!
I work downtown and plan to attend the march in lieu of taking a lunch break. In doing so, I will be donating the lunch I would have consumed to a homeless/hungry person I encounter as I head to the march. I challenge others to do the same!
Nice..thank you
Oh, and by the way………… clean up your messes when you are done!
Will do
Maybe this is shared elsewhere, but thought I could share some tips for basic safety?
Just some stuff that’s helpful to know to protect yourself and your rights, especially if you may put yourself in a position to be arrested. Hope this helps, especially for your first time out:
1) Do NOT actively resist arrest, or actively touch a cop in any way. If you are being arrested – the best way to respond is passive resistance: Go Limp. Don’t be aggressive, but you don’t have to make it easy.
2) Have a buddy, if you can, have a team, that stays together no matter what. Make sure you are on the same page about how involved you want to get before you get there. If not possible, at least let someone know you are going.
3)Write the Nat’l Lawyers Guild number on your arm. This should be your “phone call” if you get arrested. Your hands will wash off, your cell phone may get lost or confiscated. Give this number to your family and friends at home.
4)You do not have to answer any questions without the presence of a lawyer, no matter what anybody tells you. However, it doesn’t hurt to give your name, if you want to be released quickly.
5)Bring water. Bring food. Bring a phone. Bring a bandana w/ vinegar (for mace/pepperspray). Like packing for a rigorous urban hike.
And oh yeah, bring JOY. This is a moment full of idealism versus cynicism! You might encourage someone to walk off the street and join us!
Take care.
It’s time we pushed for FDR’s proposed Second Bill of Rights.
http://blog.buchino.net/post/10983780210/bor2
In 1944, FDR proposed a second bill of rights. As opposed to the political rights previously guaranteed (which had proven inadequate), this economic bill of rights would guarantee:
• Employment, with a living wage,
• Freedom from unfair competition and monopolies,
• Housing,
• Medical care,
• Education, and
• Social security.
See more: http://blog.buchino.net/post/10983780210/bor2
These things aren’t inherent rights. To claim the right to housing and medical care, you have to take from someone else. That isn’t freedom. We want the government OUT OF OUR LIVES and OUT OF OUR HOMES! The free market isn’t the problem, it’s because we have a fascist government that’s more than tripled in size in the past decade, and the Federal Reserve which acts above the law and counterfeits our currency into hyperinflation. We need these crooks OUT of office and be protesting the real issues — not placing blame on an arbitrary group of stock traders on Wall St. It’s time for FREEDOM, not more BONDAGE!!!
“These things aren’t inherent rights. To claim the right to housing and medical care, you have to take from someone else. That isn’t freedom. We want the government OUT OF OUR LIVES and OUT OF OUR HOMES! The free market isn’t the problem, it’s because we have a fascist government that’s more than tripled in size in the past decade, and the Federal Reserve which acts above the law and counterfeits our currency into hyperinflation. We need these crooks OUT of office and be protesting the real issues — not placing blame on an arbitrary group of stock traders on Wall St. It’s time for FREEDOM, not more BONDAGE!!!”
You said it, Dan! I’m glad not everyone in Portland is a non-thinking reiterator of the Leftist slogans.
I am encouraging everyone I know to listen to Dylan Ratigan’s soapbox speech in NY last weekend: http://www.dylanratigan.com/2011/10/03/dylans-weekend-at-occupywallstreet/
and to visit his site: http://www.getmoneyout.com/
The biggest complaint I hear is that no one knows what protesters want. There’s no single message. I have found one message that is resonating with friends of all stripes, from the “radical left” to the “radical right” (Tea Party), who say “This is something I can get behind.”: The GetMoneyOut Campaign.
Want to know who will win an election 94% of the time? Find out who raised the most money. Our politicians are bought. We cannot implement real change in America until we GET MONEY OUT of politics.
Encourage folks to think in terms of radical tax reform. My eyes were opened with this book: If Americans Really Understood the Income Tax: Uncovering Our Most Expensive Ignorance by John O. Fox. Really explains how the tax system grossly benefits the wealthy and gives ideas on how to re-structure it to be fair.
Learned many things, starting with: 1/2 of all income isn’t subject to income tax at all! [Because of deductions, deferrals, exemptions. And, guess who gets those breaks.] And, the amount lost to these tax breaks is about a trillion a year. A trillion a year. Lost.
Would love to see book clubs formed to discuss this book.
Who is going to notice anything at Waterfront Park? Waterfront is where we hold our festivals and celebrations. That is just what it will look like to the uninformed by-passer. Waterfront is often unoccupied, so what will occupying do? I realize that with all the planning it is by now too late to change the venue, but hopefully enough people show up to spill over to a more meaningful, effective location.
P.S. If we’re “occupying” Waterfront, then who’s bringing the frisbees and brewskis?
Park Blocks really has a lot of possibilities — lots of sidewalks and “pedestrian crosswalks” so we don’t have to be waiting for lights.
It’s a small start in letting the mother fuckers who have corrupted and broken our democracy know that their thieving shit has to stop!
Unfortunately, revolutions rarely stay non-violent or non-bloody!
sad but true
To Clemk: Maybe this could be the first non-violent, non-bloody….don’t put the cart before the horse.
One of the things I have seen Portlanders be so proud of is our conduct at soccer games-let’s carry that over to this too!
I too will be dressed in business attire for the occupation. I will wear what I would be wearing to an interview, which I am unable to get due to the state of things. I am a 30 year old, with a master’s, and $300 in my bank account. I am ready for change.
Let us keep our anger focused and constructive and nonthreatening.
That is simply a matter of individual choice.
I would suggest that every #occupywallstreet protestor and sympathizer take the initiative during the month of October to withdraw all of their funds from savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, etc that are associated with a corrupt Wall Street institution. Remove your personal funds from Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, US Bank. If you don’t know if your “local” bank is a subsidiary of another larger Wall Street bank, then do your research and make the decision to move your funds to a truly local bank or local credit union where you can exercise some measure of local control.
It seems that at the heart of the #occupy* movement is the rightful belief that our government is serving an exclusive corporate constituency and does little to serve the remaining 99% of Americans. That the act of voting has been reduced to the placement of preference for a given candidate’s soundbite(s) as offered forth by corporate controlled media outlets. We know what is really going on is that our politicians are corrupted to serve corporate interests because they are bought with corporate $. Let’s take back those $!!!!
Let’s divest ourselves as completely as possible. Let’s send a message directly to the corporations that will actually force them to care. The message is that corporations are not citizens and shall have no role in the political system that belongs to the people.
The march and protest will be the symbolic gesture, but the actual act should be the systematic withdrawal of funds by the people from these self-serving corporate entities and the politicians they have purchased.
Vote with your dollar today!
y2k
Unfortunately, some of us do have jobs and cannot join you. Best of luck, though.
As far as those concerned about displacing the homeless……..all I can say is that this mentality is what keeps many people far away from Portland. The homeless (at least those who are homeless AND carry a smart phone) are homeless because this city makes being homeless a great, easy thing……perhaps even something to aspire to. This halts the tourism that helps every city grow and evolve. People get very frustrated when hounded by the same homeless guy asking for money every 5 minutes at the train station. It’s OK to allow the homeless to struggle once in a while…..this may, perhaps,inspire them to try to better their life situation, rather than easily depending on Portland for support without even trying to help themselves.
But…..this is besides the point. Best of luck, Portland.
A very effective technique left over my Vietnam War protest days: sit down. In a situation where police are trying to round people up or otherwise herd people sitting down is peaceable non-violent resistance.
Sitting down also opens up the view for videos; there is a clear view over the heads of those sitting where police actions can be videoed by the press and other people lending to police accountability.
One other thing I forgot. I will be wearing a suit and tie and my wife will be wearing the equivalent. I think it’s important that we not give any opportunity to be written off as non-mainstream as I would guess the press would attempt to do. If other feel the same as well…
In Peace
I live about 100 miles away and am planning to come. I would love to bring my two teens and their friends but I am concerned about anarchist-factor who seem to be all about creating discontent and mayhem. So I won’t bring them just in case; very disappointing!
Is there a plan for how to react to or thwart these people? There’s got to be a way for peaceful protesters can work together and not distract from the whole point of the occupation.
Violence, active disobedience, destruction and chaos just doesn’t work!!!
While I understand the fear in general, it might help to remember that not everyone who subscribes to an anarchist philosophy is violent (and vice versa!)
There are various “teams”(don’t know if that is even an official designation) identified with various colored arm-bands. People with blue arm-bands (I was one yesterday) are tasked with conflict resolution and helping to keep the peace.
I did not see a single element of anarchism yesterday, in all of the thousands of people that were there. The organizers have been very clear and vocal that this movement is not about that, and if that is something someone is interested in, they should go somewhere else. No event of this kind is 100% risk free, but if yesterday were any indication, this is an entirely safe and “family-friendly” event. There were no cops in riot gear, etc…. The city has partially (perhaps fully, I’m not in the loop) cooperated with the movement, as long as everyone stays within the bounds of what has been established, which is how things are eappearing to go.
Hope you and your family make it down. It would be an incredible experience for your teenagers, as it is for us all.
I have been there the majority of the protesting and have seen no violence or anything looking like it would turn into violence. people always think about worst case scenario, but that is not what is going on down town Portland! the vibe is Love, Passion, Comunication.
In Three days we have assembled and have already become so organized. it is truely amazing to see. committees have been established people are just standing up and giving what ever they have to offer the group. weather it be support, medical knowledge, organization, media, Technology,public speaking, music, art. there is even a childerens play corner of the park.
what im trying to get at is something amazing and extremely important is happening right now and you and your childeren should be a part of it. if nothing else you should come, marinate, and see for yourself.
Peace and Love
Tracy
I’m coming down Friday night bringing some non perishable food items and other stuff to donate. unfortunately i dont have access to large quantities but I will donate what I have to give. I hope to meet a lot of amazing people while I am there.
We thank you!
Just an observation.
Keep your message simple. The success of any movement is in keeping the message as simple and direct as possible. “WALL STREET, AND OUR GOVERNMENT, ARE STEALING OUR FUTURE.”
Around 99% of our citizenry agree with that.
When you get into socialism, redistribution of wealth, and so on, the middle class covers their pocketbooks, because sooner or later, socialists go after the middle class. You can put in place a system that prevents this outright theft, and makes it easier for people to earn a living, without scaring off the middle class.
Remember: the international finance industry could not have stolen trillions upon trillions of dollars if the governments of the world did not create those dollars out of thin air and both ENABLE THE THEFT AND BAIL OUT THE THIEVES. The debt has been applied to our shoulders by reckless spending, of money that doesn’t exist, and we and the generations that follow have been saddled with this debt by our governments.
Both of the dominant parties in the United States have been integral to this happening. These CRIMES must be prosecuted. If the extant system will not do this, we will solve that.
The success of the uprisings in North Africa this year have mostly been due to Open-Source Insurgency concepts – stick to a simple message and you truly WILL have 99% of the populace at your back.
All this having been said… I will be there tomorrow.
Did this already get posted here? It’s important outline from NY Occupation:
“Official Statement from Occupy Wall Street – this statement was voted on and approved by the general assembly of protesters at Liberty Square: Declaration of the Occupation of New York City
As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies.
As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality: that the future of the human race requires the cooperation of its members; that our system must protect our rights, and upon corruption of that system, it is up to the individuals to protect their own rights, and those of their neighbors; that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth; and that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by economic power. We come to you at a time when corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments. We have peaceably assembled here, as is our right, to let these facts be known.
They have taken our houses through an illegal foreclosure process, despite not having the original mortgage.
They have taken bailouts from taxpayers with impunity, and continue to give Executives exorbitant bonuses.
They have perpetuated inequality and discrimination in the workplace based on age, the color of one’s skin, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
They have poisoned the food supply through negligence, and undermined the farming system through monopolization.
They have profited off of the torture, confinement, and cruel treatment of countless nonhuman animals, and actively hide these practices.
They have continuously sought to strip employees of the right to negotiate for better pay and safer working conditions.
They have held students hostage with tens of thousands of dollars of debt on education, which is itself a human right.
They have consistently outsourced labor and used that outsourcing as leverage to cut workers’ healthcare and pay.
They have influenced the courts to achieve the same rights as people, with none of the culpability or responsibility.
They have spent millions of dollars on legal teams that look for ways to get them out of contracts in regards to health insurance.
They have sold our privacy as a commodity.
They have used the military and police force to prevent freedom of the press.
They have deliberately declined to recall faulty products endangering lives in pursuit of profit.
They determine economic policy, despite the catastrophic failures their policies have produced and continue to produce.
They have donated large sums of money to politicians supposed to be regulating them.
They continue to block alternate forms of energy to keep us dependent on oil.
They continue to block generic forms of medicine that could save people’s lives in order to protect investments that have already turned a substantive profit.
They have purposely covered up oil spills, accidents, faulty bookkeeping, and inactive ingredients in pursuit of profit.
They purposefully keep people misinformed and fearful through their control of the media.
They have accepted private contracts to murder prisoners even when presented with serious doubts about their guilt.
They have perpetuated colonialism at home and abroad.
They have participated in the torture and murder of innocent civilians overseas.
They continue to create weapons of mass destruction in order to receive government contracts.*
To the people of the world,
We, the New York City General Assembly occupying Wall Street in Liberty Square, urge you to assert your power.
Exercise your right to peaceably assemble; occupy public space; create a process to address the problems we face, and generate solutions accessible to everyone.
To all communities that take action and form groups in the spirit of direct democracy, we offer support, documentation, and all of the resources at our disposal.
Join us and make your voices heard!”
I’m bringing water, food & trash bags.
Are you accepting canned goods?
Also, please post the phone # for National Lawyer’s Guild.
Lastly, bring black markers to write down the number for National Lawyer’s Guild on your arm.
Thanks all for your efforts. Let’s do this peacefully, and legally.
We are the 99 percent… in solidarity!
OOpps. Looks like the top 0.001% ticked off the top 10% with degrees and technical chops.
Vote for candidates with brains and not corrupted, as me:
Occupy Portland Pavel Goberman – Candidate (R) for US Repr. 1st Cong. Distr.
Campaign: “I Promise To Create Millions Jobs And Balance Budget”.
P.O. Box 1664 FEC ID # C00487249
Beaverton, OR 97075 FEC OR ID # H 6 OR 01209
(503) 643-8348
http://www.getenergized.com and on left click on: Vote
TAKE ELECTION SYSTEM IN WE THE PEOPLE’S HANDS: 10/06/11
I’m official Candidate for US Representative 1st Congressional District. I’m honest, incorruptible, with faith and high moral principles, and do not accept money from no one.
The media junta hijacked this country and for own huge monetary benefits promote money in election and election bought,talks about who paid it and blocked who does not, as me, and an idiots get elected. Nation is for sale.
I named the media mafia a cancer of our society, a public enemy, and it retaliate against me, does a bias against me.
The Pacific University in Forest Grove (503)352-6151, President Lesley Hallick refused to invite me on Forum of Candidates (10/09/11) running for US Representative 1st Congressional District and the Jewish Federation of Portland (503)245-6219 does not invite me on the Forum of Candidates on 10/10/11. They are violating our laws: USC T 47, Section 315 (Equal Time/ Rule Law). Call them.
Let’s take election in our, We the People hands. Let’s stop bribery, corruption and the media and political prostitutions.
Vote for me and I promise to help to create a few millions jobs, balance budget, improve traffic and etc. Stop the government of the USA to violate our laws and the Constitution of the USA: put many politicians and judges in prisons.
Pavel Goberman – “Unique political phenomenon”, from article about me.
The protest and march were incredible! I’m proud of myself and everyone there for all our hard work. If you’ve never protested before, you should know that it’s a big commitment and physically tiring.
yes the people of america are disinfranchised wall street enables stock holders to make a dollar without the general goverment hand-out [on the backs of tax payers] but the expense of big business in america has its worldwide costs enslaving third world countries people working for a bowl of rice aday [rather than unionized american workers needing a steak dinner an hour] and the towers fall as a warning to wake up america
I hope the occupation goes well today at the park with the marathon and no one gets hurt.
What’s the best way to respond to a comment “These idiots are blocking the Portland Marathon finish”. I’m trying to stay calm. What would a lovely response be?
I would just explain that the organizers are working to take care of that. I’d also try to remember that anyone who would block the finish line probably *is* an idiot, so I wouldn’t take it personally. lol I wouldn’t assume they were saying that all of us, who are reflecting the way most of the country generally feels, are idiots. If they were saying that, I would remember Gandhi’s wisdom, and I would remember that letting others bring you down to their level and antagonize/alienate them never helps bring them to your side–quite the opposite.
Focus on education, backed up by facts, if they are ignorant, and rise above and keep your sense of humor and friendliness about you! Hope this helps. 
jessica
Be The Media! We need two-way radios, generators, and any media devices!
Mobile T
http://joeanybody.com
I went to view your live stream video but apparently the account has been deleted. Did you guys do it yourself or was it deleted because your movement is trying to be suppressed like every other revolutionary movement.
too bad that free speech even for support of this isn’t allowed. who is controlling this? the people should know!
We The People: Paving A Path For Social Transformation
Understanding What the Occupation Movement Should Be About
Greed, over consumption, and unsustainable practices are issues of accountability not limited to just the top few percent. It is too easy and often too desirable to point fingers only at those who appear untouchable, and separate from all human connection and relationship. The time has come for our society to reevaluate the concept of fairness and equality, and to redefine it in terms of economic sustainability founded in principles of human need. It is not how much you have, but rather what you choose to do with what you have, whether you are rich, middle class or poor. When this is done the grave disparity found between peoples will diminish.
We can no longer muddle the issues of hunger, poverty, education and health with that of the political agendas of specific political party’s, ideologies and or groups. It is time we took a collective stand on the betterment of human kind, with an eye on the future which seeks to preserve creation and life for all. It is not enough to say we are angry about greed and corporate corruption; we the people give power to the systems, which end up being corrupted by continually choosing to participate in the collective desire of excessive accumulation. Our concept of progress is not simply an issue of political ideology, but one of human history. Progress as it stands is defined in terms of unchecked power and capitalist extremism instead in terms of the wellness of being, positive peace, and the search for truth. A movement with out a path and without direction moves nowhere.
What is it that the Occupy Movement actually wants? It is unclear at this time.
What it should want is, well in a word, TRUST. It is no coincidence that the word TRUST appears on every American coin and dollar. Trust, as a noun means: in safekeeping, care, and protection, as well as responsibility and obligation. It also implies conviction and assurance. To have trust, or to place in trust, is to have assurance that something is in protection, safekeeping, by those obligated to maintain such trust. But what is that we as a people are entrusting to one another? It is not simply money; the trust we seek is much greater. It is in Earthly and human welfare.
What we want:
• Trusteeship as a Social Contract
• Bill of Economic Human Rights & Sustainability
• Sustainable Moral Paradigm
Trusteeship as a social contract is both an acknowledgment of human difference with an expectation of fairness. Trusteeship takes in to account that human existence offers up many needs, and diversity of these needs inherently create inequality. However difference does not inherently mean unfairness.
EXAMPLE: A family of five would inherently have different needs than a family of two. But if a family of two lives likes a family of five, we have broken trusteeship. Trusteeship is an active social contract, which evokes obligation, duty, and social responsibility in circumstances of abundance. It is not to say that it is immoral to have abundance, the immorality of abundance lies within its uses and purpose regardless of class or economic status. Trusteeship is also attempts to redefine wealth, and abundance, not just in terms of money, but in qualities, or resources which can benefit all. One can have an abundance of knowledge, skills, or other. The evocation of obligation calls people forth to keep only what they need, and give back to the greater society, what is/was left in excesses. Simplicity in a word is the vow of trusteeship.
Bill of Economic Human Rights & Sustainability
The Bill of Economic Human Rights is what would be used to ensure trusteeship. It is the enforcement body of trust. It establishes specific inalienable human and earthly rights which all are entitled to. These rights include but are not limited to:
• The right to the preservation of a sustainable future through mindful stewardship of the Earth and all its resources
• The right to safe, nutritious, food
• The right to a useful and remunerative job in all industries of the nation.
• The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation for oneself and family, and or life partner;
• The right of every businessperson, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;
• The right of every family to a decent home;
• The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;
• The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
• The right to democratic education as well as affordable higher education free from excessive debt.
• The right to legally abstain from any government or corporate financial engagement/s which would seek to violate the principles of democracy, responsible environmental stewardship, nonviolence, and peaceful collaboration, and/or and financial engagement, or requirement which intentionally or unintentionally seeks to undermine or these principles herein.
Sustainable Moral Paradigm
Both the concept trusteeship as well as the desire for a bill of economic human rights, requires us to be firmly grounded within a moral paradigm, which seeks to uphold the normative values and principles of trusteeship. This moral paradigm must be rooted in principles of restoration, nonviolence (Non harm), but most of all love, absent of aggression. These principles are active and require commitment, and dedication to the processes, which seek to both preserve and foster them within our lives and communities.
Anthem for change
Break off the chains, and bring on the rain,
and pay only the dues that you HAVE to
live life each day, don’t run away,
you never, never know if you HAVE to (run away)
cause you’re free as you want to be,
and you can fly if you want to
your life’s what I’m talking about,
and you can fly if you want to
Lift up your eyes, and look at the sky,
the sky’s as blue as you make it
Your arms stretching high, reach for the sky,
the wind comes along and you take it
cause you’re free as you want to be,
and you can fly if you want to
your life’s what I’m talking about,
and you can fly if you want to
Listen with your heart and know the meaning of love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVl6uvCTVcA&feature=related
peace
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
From the cowardice that dare not face new truth,
From the laziness that is contented with half truth,
From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,
Deliver us
Release the burgeoning love swelling in your intuative self
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK1MOMKZ8BI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em5W5QKYQrk
peace
What’s Occupy Portland’s plan for participating in the October 15th Global Day of Action?
Come tomorrow a proposal will be brought forth to the GA on behalf of the Peace & Safety Team. Our mission and values are reflected in the need to preserve nonviolence and the safety and well being for ALL inside and outside the occupation. Based on our experiences and observations we are morally obligated to formally request a more sustainable and safe option for the occupy movement here in Portland.
The current ‘occupation’ at Lounsdale and Chapman parks, is currently unsustainable and growing somewhat like a pressure cooker. Portland has a unique demographic and is extremely lacking in resources. Currently the Occupy movement has attracted many who have been victimized by the system, however, despite all good intentions, both the Occupy Movement, and the Peace & Safety Team have reached capacity and can no longer guarantee the peace and safety of occupiers for the following reasons:
THE PROBLEM:
1.) We as an occupation are unable to meet the needs of the vulnerable populations coming for refuge, and due to this lack of capacity are causing more harm than good.
2.) Winter is on the way, and we do not have the capacity or resources to sustain through winter, particularly those folks most at risk to the elements.
3.) Since the occupiers are not enforcing their own community values, there is no way to enforce anything or to help people who feel unsafe, and in this problem we are putting volunteers at needless risk as well as other occupiers.
4.) There are more than simply “a few” folks occupying who are having serious substance abuse problems putting the camp and movement at risk, and are taking up city resources. (Like having to call ambulances for people who OD)
5.) Neither the GA or the current community of Occupy have taken any serious steps to make for positive change.
THE PROPOSAL
Come tomorrow the Peace & Safety Team will be proposing to the GA a plan to re-occupy a new space and to Vacate the current parks BY NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 5th 2011
. It is unclear at this moment where this new space will be, or what it will look like (as we are hoping for collective input) but the following features will be a must:
-The space must be private and indoors through the winter
-The space must be legal so that we are able to hold people accountable for behavioral conduct and community values (screen people who want to come in, as well as eject people who pose a serious risk)
- The space must be warm enough so that vulnerable populations are kept safe
-The location of the space must be large enough to recreate our community village spaces
-The location of the space must be close enough to downtown and the Eastside in order to mobilize actions
-The space must be permissive of off grid set ups and other engineering designs
THE BENEFITS:
1.) In an indoor private space we will be able to have a better ability to manage community expectations and be able to preserve the peace.
2.) In a more managed environment, we can pre-screen folks who wish to dwell in our intentional community and only take in those we feel confident we can support and assist, as well as ensure those who come can support and assist us.
3.) In a more managed environment we can reduce the amount of time on occupation camp issues and create a well organized action operations center designed to employ mobilized actions across the city and state.
4.) We will have greater freedom to create and explore our new community vision without the fear of being shutdown at every moment.
5.) We will be more stable and sustainable for the long haul and will be able to establish a new national model for the occupy movement.
This proposal was created based on collective feedback from various and numerous occupiers as well as almost the entire Peace & Safety Team, currently occupying who have expressed a deep concern for the integrity as well as safety of the movement. We encourage all those interested in ensuring the growth of this movement come and support a sustainable option. We as a collective can not ask our government to change its practices or policies if we ourselves are not in reconciliation with our own values. The intention of this proposal is to draw out in the open the discussions and concerns many in our community have been having but have not known how to express these concerns. By bringing this to the GA it will force our community to collectively and with transparency deal with this issue.
Exploring Direct Action Strategy: Political Arrest
In a social movement dependent on actual physical bodies, it is crucial that we as a movement explore in more depth ALL the social and political action tools and strategies available to us. Too often the use of political arrest becomes the tool, instead of an unwanted result of a direct action. There are certain types of direct actions that may call for an arrest, but this is a last resort, and the last tool in the box.
Our movement is not desperate, nor is it lacking in creativity and passion. It is time we put this creativity to good use for long term sustainable approaches. The Occupy Movement, if it wants to be sustainable must expand its understanding of what it means to ‘Occupy’. If we intend to expand it may be in our best interest to seek creative ways of having a constant presence in a manner resistant to legal take down.
In Eastern Philosophy, the concept of fluidity, rather than rigidity is a value intended on the need for adaptation. Those that survive are those that can move with the flow. We must be careful not to cling too tightly to certain ideas, because in doing so we will fail to identify the other means available to us which can achieve the same ends while giving us a greater advantage.
Social movements are about strategy, we must out think and out last the people and systems which would seek to otherwise suppress the message of truth.
So with that being said… Consider the following this Saturday as the occupation expands to Jamison… Which will have a more sustainable and long lasting effect? Moving in on a new space overnight where everyone is most likely to be arrested the moment midnight roles around? (Not to mention the risk of an entire occupation take down.) OR Being there everyday from 5am until midnight doing everything you would normally do, but NOT be arrested.
No one would be able to question your presence and your only giving up 5 hours out of an occupation day! 5 hours, is not much to give up when you consider the benefits of a long term stay.
“Hear what is said, retain what is important, speak what is worthy. Attach to nothing.” Asian Proverb
Hello Supporters of Occupy Portland!
The Transitions & Sustainability group need your feedback on the future of Occupy Portland. This is a peoples movement, and to ensure that future proposals brought to the General Assembly are more informed, we want to know what you think is going well, what needs improvement, and what the next steps should be.
A survey process will be underway on site and via social media, starting today and will continue for the next day or two. Please come forward and say what needs to be said. If you don’t speak up, who will?
*According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data, 535,000 Oregon residents are currently living below the Federal poverty level; that is the equivalent to about the entire population of Portland within city limits. The Federal government defines the poverty level as a family of four living on an annual income of $22,000 or less.
* According to the City of Portland Health & Human Services Department, Social Services Division, as of 2011, over 300 individuals and families have checked in to local Portland homeless and Women’s shelters. These numbers do not include the hundreds of those unable to access shelters that, due to a lack of beds and resources are forced to stay on the street.
* According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, homeless people commit fewer crimes than people with houses AND 84% of those interviewed listed issues such as employment, housing, disabilities, family problems, forced relocation, and natural disasters as the main cause of their displacement.
Occupy Portland: Creating Our Reality
The time has come, as it has to in all social movements, to finally address the unspoken ideological division between many who claim they are united in common interest. I have been with the Occupy Portland Movement since the 2nd GA, and since then I have heard the repeated rhetoric that people should simply resolve the internal conflicts or quell them for the good of the common movement. Within this rhetoric there is an overarching false assumption implied within this reasoning, that “we are all here for the same purpose.” Are we? This is a question that no one seems to actually be asking; yet clearly the answer of ‘yes’ has been assumed. I feel it necessary at this time to call out the ideological elephant in the room, and propose that the only way for the movement to actually move forward in a cohesive manner is to openly acknowledge and identify the clear differences in the motivations of everyone who seeks to have some sort of voice or presence within Occupy.
First and foremost we are not all here for the same purpose, and the most obvious explanation for this is that many of us come in with different values and ideologies, which inherently place us at times at odds with each other. The lack of discussion around these differences is most likely due in part to the fear of opening the Pandora’s box. The box of endless political and ideological debate which often proves unproductive in a time and need for great unity. However, the time has come to ask whether or not all ideologies can truly be reconciled. Perhaps it is time to move past relativist extremism and ask the difficult questions. A productive social movement must be unified in both values and methods. Our means must reconcile with our ends, unlike the unjust systems in our society.
Nonviolence is not relativist, though there may be a spectrum of violence. Nonviolence is an ultimate reality that within it transcends the spectrum of violence through its commitment and dedication to restrain from harm doing in thought, word and deed. A movement, which seeks to create effective social transformation, must transform the hearts and minds of a people, not seek to destroy them. Those impatient for progress and who lack the will of restraint can neither transform nor change others to path of light. The path of nonviolence calls us to critically evaluate our methods and the ends with which we hope to create. It is a moral directive, it is a compass, it is love. If you love you do not harm. Life is not always so cut and dry, but nonviolence is the measuring rod with which we use to measure our intentions and actions through uncertainty. Anger is a powerful emotional indicator, but when channeled through hate it produces harm and unnecessary violence.
Moving away from relativist extremism, we must ask if there is an ultimate truth. The answer to this is yes and no. There are many truths, and each truth is a path created by conscious and unconscious choices, which in the end lead to an ultimate reality, end result, or consequence. The end to each path is the ultimate truth for that path, and when we become enlightened beings we begin to become more aware of our ability to influence the decisions and outcomes of such realities. There is a spectrum of truth, and though there are many different paths, there are but only two ends. There is an ultimate reality which is born out of life giving choices derived of love, compassion, empathy, giving, and nonviolence, and there is also an ultimate reality born out of life taking choices derived from unchecked anger, fear, violence, greed and hate. Our individual realities are connected in a great web of relationship. The path we choose will influence both our personal realities and the universal reality born of collective consciousness.
There are many ideologies, which exist, but the time has come to evaluate which ultimate reality these ideologies seek to manifest. If the reality we seek both individually and collectively truly seeks collective harmony, love and sustainability, then we must boldly reject ideologies, which reject a balance between self and community desire. An ultimate reality of sustainability requires balance, like the great web of life, all is held in delicate balance, when this balance is disturbed harm occurs. There are ideologies present which currently seek to place the ‘self’ as the center for all motivation, or only ‘the collective’. Many of these ideologies mask their reality through rhetoric and calls for social change, all the while espousing methods for social change, which inherently contradict and undermine the very values of love, nonviolence, compassion, empathy, generosity, and sustainability.
We must not become paralyzed by relativist extremism. However, if we are to stand and reject ideology that is all we must reject. In line with the values of a life giving reality we must not reject people, and we must reject in a way that also reconciles our values. Boycott negative truths, and speak positive truths. Go the path of social transformation because a revolution is simply quick change made by oppressive force.
URGENT: Occupy Portland Survey Results Complete! And the Results may surprise you…
Two strategies were used to distribute the survey. An online version was created, and respondents were able to respond via computer between November 1 and November 4, 2011. Meanwhile, volunteers took paper copies of the survey to the Occupy Portland camp and conducted face-to-face interviews with people in the ca…mp between November 3 and November 6. As a result of these efforts, a total of 545 people filled out the survey. 205 (52%) of these people were male, and 187 (48%) were female. Meanwhile, 293 (54%) self-identified as white, 61 (11%) as non-white, and 191 (35%) respondents did not provide information about their race/ethnicity.
The 545 people who filled out surveys have had a relatively high level of engagement with the movement. 60% of the respondents say they have marched in one or more Occupy Portland marches; 49% have attended one or more meetings in the Occupy Portland camp; 49% have donated food, money, or supplies to the camp; and 48% say they have done work of some
kind in the camp. 121 of the respondents report that they have spent one or more nights in the camp.
MORE INFO TO COME BUT HERE IS THE GOLDEN QUESTION:
Overall it feels safe to visit the Occupy Camp.
All Respondents
Yes 322 people (76%)
No 103 people (24%)
People who have camped one or more nights
Yes 89 people (81%)
No 21 people (19%)
The percentage of people saying that it feels safe to visit the camp is quite high, and this should not be ignored by city residents, public officials, or members of the media. We also asked survey respondents to list the three most important, positive things that have been created by the Occupy Portland camp and movement. By far, the most common responses to this question were that the camp has brought a wide variety of people together,
allowed for sustained interactions between these people, and allowed for a sense of community and solidarity to emerge.
Many respondents also report that the camp and the wider movement have brought public attention to issues like economic injustice, poverty, and homelessness. A lot of people responding to the survey said something like “These problems are usually swept under the table, but now they are visible have to be dealt with.”
Finally, a number of respondents who said they are homeless said that they feel safer in the camp than they would if they were sleeping in other parts of Portland. Some commentators have criticized the presence of homeless people in the camp. But it should be recognized that the Occupy Portland camp is now serving as something of a safe haven for some of the most
vulnerable residents of our city. Many survey respondents encourage non-profits and city officials to reach out to vulnerable people in the camp, and provide on-the-spot services, rather than using the presence of homeless citizens as a reason to criticize the camp
Throughout this great design of things you’ll get a B- for hard work. Exactly where you actually lost us was on the specifics. As people say, the devil is in the details… And that couldn’t be much more correct right here. Having said that, let me inform you what did give good results. Your article (parts of it) is definitely rather convincing and that is possibly the reason why I am making an effort to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Second, even though I can certainly see the jumps in reason you make, I am not necessarily sure of exactly how you seem to unite your points which help to make the conclusion. For the moment I shall subscribe to your issue however wish in the foreseeable future you connect your dots much better.