Occupy Wall Street

[Still BLUTANG]

i happened upon Occupy DC last night after dinner. One of the girls I was with was very curious to find out more. We went into the park / tent city and saw families, dogs, and a *lot* of young people. Mind you, the park they're occupying is normally a safe haven for the homeless downtown. my church and other action groups i work with normally feed people there, distribute toiletries, host Bible Study, etc.

Of course, as we walked into the camp the first thing my friend said was "I wonder how all the homeless people feel about this?" We couldn't find any to ask. I guess gentrification has hit

We stopped to have a conversation with a very passionate young man who claimed to be a veteran. He threw out anecdotes, a few statistics, and kept repeating that things had to change. I can dig his passion but overall something felt insincere about the group WE happened to encounter.

Maybe that guy wasn't the best representative - or maybe Occupy DC isn't going at it like other Occupy _____ cities. I can't speak for anyone else but after stopping by, seeing it for ourselves, and actually talking to the people there I can't say I've been moved.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Still BLUTANG

Of course, as we walked into the camp the first thing my friend said was "I wonder how all the homeless people feel about this?" We couldn't find any to ask. I guess gentrification has hit

Some homeless people are pissed and some are thrilled to have a more unified front.

Some homeless have had beef with the Occupy activists across the country. That can result in cross words and violence if the Occupy are not careful--and if they are taking the homeless' "territory."

In listening to NPR today, there is something going on in Philadelphia:

http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2011/10/2...upy-wallstreet

http://thedp.com/index.php/article/2...ifteen_arrests

I was annoyed that some Occupy activists were telling each other not to call the police when there are crimes and violence during these Occupy movements. Handle it in-house. I'm glad they nixed that dumb idea.