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Last Thursday, Aug. 29, an Emergency General Assembly was made at Lawnsdale Square, downtown, in concerns with the now-deposed City Hall Vigil. This summer has been incredibly difficult for our Vigilantes, risking legal and even physical harm while forbearing the violence, hard drug use, and other community-destroying behavior by a small and select few of homeless nomads, on top of the already harsh reality of “street life.” Something must’ve been done to protect the rights of protesters, regain purpose, save our image, prepare for the winter months, prepare for the next summer, and maintain dignity and blamelessness to City Officials. Something had to be done.
While we wish it did not had to come this way, we unanimously voted to create and distribute Official Membership ID Cards, to clearly demarcate who is protesting, and who is not. The Cards are in no way discriminatory, for the ONLY requirement is participation – if you have ever been to a march, meeting or held a protest sign, you’re in. (no resumes, no references, no fees) We went to work immediately, drafting, printing and laminating our first 40 ID Cards within 24 hours. For many it was a morale booster, a gift, and a sign of hope.
The G.A. proposal passed, explicitly stated that these cards applied to the Vigil only, and may or may not represent all Portland-area Occupiers. But now, with feedback from numerous key contributors, that just might change. To commemorate the first fall 2013 General Assembly, we are meeting at the Red & Black Cafe at 7:30 pm., Thursday, August 5, to discuss and vote the possibility of Official Occupy Portland Membership ID Cards. (Facebook event here)