Occupy Together Tensions
October 27, 2011 in World
There is violence lurking within the Occupy Together Movement. I don’t say this because this movement desires violence. They don’t. They desire discussion.
I say this because violence is the response of those who refuse to listen to the message of the movement. It comes from the police when they use projectiles on veterans or cloud people with teargas when they go to help the injured. It comes from mayors who claim the situation is escalating while they do the escalation. It comes from law enforcement and military members when there is dissension within the ranks.
Violence is encouraged when people put their heads in the sand and categorize the movement without looking at the full scope of the situation. They seem to think that if they criticize the movement they won’t have to face the truth of what the protestors are saying. These critics haven’t yet felt the crunch of what is happening so they think everyone else is exaggerating. They don’t realize that their lack of understanding contributes to the violent responses taking place in the United States.
Let’s look closer.
This week, police in Oakland responded with projectiles and tear gas against the peaceful protestors. An Iraqi veteran was critically wounded by the police. This YouTube video shows police officers firing tear gas into a group of young people who went to help an injured protestor.
The situation in Atlanta has become especially twisted as the city’s mayor first sided with the protestors and even issued an executive order to allow them to protest into November. Then, he found reasons to close down the protest and, according to some sources, has misrepresented his reasons for doing so. Now, he is claiming they are escalating the situation when, in fact, he is the one who reneged on his executive order and had the protestors arrested.
Meanwhile, officers in Albany defied orders from the Governor of New York and the Mayor of Albany and did NOT arrest the protestors. In a highly publicized confrontation in Times Square, a decorated Marine lectured NYPD on their actions. A blatant disobeying of orders by military and police is one of the early signs of revolution, especially one where those with the guns turn them on each other.
Tensions are mounting. Violence is increasing. What’s the peaceful response?
Become knowledgeable about the issues. Stay alert. Keep your heart at peace. Send light and love to those in the protests and envision a peaceful transition.
Change is on the horizon.That is inevitable. Violence doesn’t have to be a part of that change if each person takes the time to listen, learn, and love.
