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http://www.squarestate.net/diary/1915/response-to-occupydenver-denver-post-editorial

Response to #OccupyDenver Denver Post Editorial
by: Cat
Sun Dec 04, 2011 at 13:56:50 PM MST

( - promoted by Fong)

The Occupy movement is not just some passing fad looking for reform
and media attention.  We are here to address the oppressive nature of
our economy and the current system of capitalism that oppresses not
only citizens of this 'occupied' land but people from all regions of
this world.
We are here to not only challenge the current system, but to engage in
the creation of liberated spaces.  Spaces that we can interact in a
manner outside of the status quo.  Spaces in which we can begin to
create, build, and provide the necessities of life for our own
communities.

The Occupy movement has many issues and points of solidarity that are
common throughout the nation and world, but we are also functioning
locally, identifying injustices that our local communities are
experiencing and working towards just and non-oppressive solutions.

Here in Denver, for example, the issue of 'house'lessness has been in
the forefront of media and government attention.  Denver is 6 years in
on the Denver's Road Home project, and it seems that the $51 million
that has flowed through this project has not produced any effective
solutions.

Since the beginning of Occupy Denver we have seen more and more
houseless folk bed down at Civic Center Park.  This is not because
they all want to support this movement (although many of them do
support the movement) but rather because it is providing them a
somewhat safe space to sleep at night.

So yeah, it may look more like an encampment than a protest zone, but
I would argue that an encampment is a more effective means of
protesting than just holding signs on the street.

Cat :: Response to #OccupyDenver Denver Post Editorial
Those of us who do not currently have adequate shelter at night are
finding comfort in numbers, supplies, and a lot of hot meals at Civic
Center Park thanks to Occupy Denver and it's 24/7 committee along with
the Thunderdome community kitchen.
One of the most difficult parts of living on the street is achieving
peace of mind, and that is nearly impossible without an opportunity to
get a decent nights sleep.

One other point to include would be this....nationally the authorities
are spending millions (approximately 13 million so far) to protect a
system that sees profits in the billions.  As I said earlier, the city
of Denver has had 6 years to spend $51 million of public and private
funds to address the issue of "homelessness", yet they have seen
little to no actual results that are in line with their desired
outcome.  Maybe the authorities are no longer effectively allocating
money.  Maybe the price tag on something is not reflective of it's
value or necessity.

Last thing....in direct response to the following statements (wording
taken from denver post editorial in quotes, response follows)


"Occupy protesters allege that a preoccupation on the part of
authorities to respond with overwhelming presence to their protest is
to blame for the expenditures. We disagree."
"Evidence suggests there have been and possibly still are agitators in
the Occupy mix and the law enforcement response has been appropriate."
Acting from a place of fear is rarely healthy or effective.

Although agitators may be present, agitators may be the police
themselves, and agitators may just be part of the 99%.  This truly is
a movement of the people, by the people, and that means all forms of
response may be represented within the movement.  Who are we, or more
importantly, who are you (writer of this editorial) to define who
should be allowed in this movement and who should not.


"Given that the message of the movement has been delivered, we think
it's time to end the occupation."
The message of the movement is not just one single thing.  We didn't
show up on the 17th of September with a little memo that we wanted to
share with the whole world.  We are working to build a new world.  We
are engaging in dialogue, participating in direct democracy, and
creating liberated spaces that all are welcome to exist in, regardless
of social or economic status.  To stop occupying would be to give up
our claim to the public spaces that the workers of the world have put
their energy and life into creating.  The working class did not build
these parks for us to be told we cannot use them for whatever we "the
public" would like to use them for.