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I have to say my piece here on this. Sure, I believe it’s good to have a space for the smokers especially because it makes it nicer for those who do not smoke in so many ways.

But, really… there seems no better time to me for those who smoke to consider what they are doing. There’s been a lot of talk about banks, and fees, and such yet what is more direct funding of corporate slavery than smoking itself? Being a smoker is little different than putting the ring in your own nose and giving it to someone to yank on while paying for the privilege to be enslaved while others slave to grow, pick and pack the product that enriches those such as Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds not to mention big pharma who benefits off the illnesses caused.

There are so many other reasons to quit but the very soul of the Occupy movement gives a huge one.

Seriously, find the nicest house in Portland, knock on their door then offer them half your income this year in exchange for their dirt and stench and garbage. Oh, and offer to pick it all up for them too whenever they want no matter the time of day or night. All they have to do is yank your chain. That’s just the beginning of the stupid that is smoking. Maybe add a big ass tattoo across your forehead that says, “DUMBASS!” and roll around in dog poo to simulate the smell which is a spent cigarette that clings to clothing, hair, carpets, curtains, cars, etc. Oh wait, forgot about the ruining health thing…

Erm… maybe I should just sign off here now that I’ve become a bit confrontational. But, I speak from having been there. If I am able to quit, everyone is able, they just need to do it. And of course, stop funding the machine, the corporate masters.

Alternatively (and this is what it’s all about, eh?) then perhaps there can be a corner of Chapman Square for the big banks and mortgage officers to collect some fees for no good reason too? Maybe put a bucket out for them also?

Another corner for the illicit political donations and Wal-Marts?

Just something to think about. When one removes his or her money from Citibank, it might be prudent to consider another withdrawal, that from nicotine as well.

Who is in charge of who? Become your own master.

Thanks.

1)While guests were allowed to be under the influence, they had to “maintain”. No hate speech or verbal abuse, no puking everywhere or instigating arguments. Drug use inside the space was not tolerated.

2)If we needed people to leave, we used a broken record technique: we repeated our request word for word, over and over, and they would leave. I personally never had to repeat myself more than 4 times. We had a “no touch” policy and simply standing our ground and respectfully and firmly telling people to leave worked 95% of the time.

3) weapon check-in upon entrance. All weapons were clearly labeled with person’s name (we used masking tape), and kept in a lock box. People checked them out when they left. **While I haven’t been able to spend much time @OP in person, from what I can gather it seems many safety issues may be stemming from the street population. Streets are violent; weapons are thought as necessary for personal protection. However, if people entering the park feel and know that it is a safe space, it may be surprising how easy it is to have them voluntarily give up their weapons while they are there. This may be difficult to set up @ OP — people would have to be trusted to approach the weapon safe-zone on their own and turn in their property, but I just wanted to put the idea out there. Also, weapons included knives, “smilies” (padlocked chains), lead pipes, etc.

I will try to attend a safety meeting or approach the committee in person this week. Best of luck to everyone there! You all are doing a great job and I for one appreciate all your hard work and dedication.

Even the police can do nothing to prevent such an attack; in what way would the occupation become dependent on police for a service they don’t actually provide?

At the same time, I’m not sure you appreciate the power of nonviolent social pressure to modify behavior, or the ability of a large, determined group to overpower a single attacker, if it should be necessary.

Smart, survival-minded people seek first to avoid trouble. If you don’t feel safe within the camp without being armed, the proper response is to leave. I support the Second Amendment and would defend your right to go appropriately armed within public space not appropriated by the occupation.

…with that said, I’m curious how this will affect the use and possession of knives. Unlike guns, which have no legitimate nonviolent use inside a public park (you’re not going to be hunting or target shooting!), knives serve as both tools and weapons – and this is generally true *regardless of which purpose they appear more fit for*.

As an example, I own and keep sharp (though do not routinely carry) two nondescript folding knives with sturdy 3″ blades. Either one is more than adequate to slit someone’s throat, puncture a vital organ, or inflict other serious wounds. They also do a good job of cutting twine and sandwiches.

For this reason, I support knife rights and object to any blanket classification of knives as dangerous weapons or their users as hazards to the community.

There are safety issues that affect us all, as a movement and as a community.
There have been cases of people pulling knives, fighting, intimidation and other behaviors threatening the safety of camp.

The Occupy Movement is not about policing. It’s about changing our corrupt system. Here at Occupy Portland, we are creating a way of life that is safe and supportive of everyone.

This proposal has been crafted through many hours of public meetings, feedback from outside and inside of Occupy Portland, the collective wisdom and experience of Right 2 Dream Too*, and ultimately crafted out of love for this camp to ensure the safety and well-being off all participants.