The NYC General Assembly called for a national day of non-violent action today to “Resist Austerity, Reclaim The Economy and Recreate Our Democracy” in celebration of the two-month anniversary of the occupation of Liberty Plaza. Striking directly at the symbolic heart of the beast, they surrounded the New York Stock Exchange this morning.
Live updates, including multiple live video streams of activities in New York City are here.
So far, the NYPD have reportedly arrested, among dozens of others, retired Philladelphia Police Captain Ray Lewis and a woman in a wheelchair. The protestors have remained non-violent. Sadly (though not unexpectedly) the police have not. There are widespread reports of police violence, including violence toward members of the credentialed press.
There has been much talk in some circles lately about the “disrespectful” nature of the protests. Mic checks of politicians, crowds blocking streets or entrances to buildings, disruption of people’s daily activities, refusal to obey orders of police to move along quietly – all of this and more is cited by some as an indictment of the movement. They want it to be “polite.” They want it to “show common courtesy.” They want it to “be civil” and “work within the system.”
In other words: GET BACK IN YER CAGE, SLAVE!
When our institutions and leaders once again deserve respect, we will show them respect. When our our democracy has been restored, we may return to polite dinner conversation. Until that day we will shout, we will chant, we will disrupt and we will not obey. Expect flash mobs, student strikes, mic checks, hacktivism and more. Expect increasing numbers of tenacious, loud, defiant people in the streets of cities and towns all across this nation, until her conscience has been found.
God bless all of the rude but righteous on this day of action. May you be safe and may your voice be heard.
Let Freedom Ring.