by Kathy Lowden
October 13th could be hailed as an accomplishment in the ‘Occupy’ Movement. An example to be held up to illustrate what is possible when we realize each of us has a right to voice our opinion AND maintain respect to those whose jobs include keeping the peace and enforcing law.
In the wake of less than appropriate actions towards citizens, the Seattle Police Department showed an intelligent, human and even compassionate attitude in their interactions with Occupy Seattle participants at Westlake Park Thursday night.
Having spent countless hours following The Occupy Seattle Movement from the comfort of my own computer – thanks to the Livestream reports being hosted by OccupySeattle.org – I continue to watch and listen as the General Assembly meetings included ‘Mic Check’ – the human repetition of a speaker’s words to compensate for not being allowed electronic microphones or bullhorns.
Sometimes a seemingly slow and laborious process – it appears that process is indeed accomplishing the very important goals of creating ‘policy’ based on non-violent interaction and intelligent protesting.
Having lived through the sixties – and also watched the Occupy Wall Street videos coming out of New York – last night’s interaction at Westlake Park was just short of a miracle. A breakthrough for both protesters and police which exemplified what IS possible as we all ‘play our part’ in this movement.
Late afternoon on Thursday a small structure was erected in the park. The man who built it claimed ‘religious freedom’ – as his right to construct the Sukka without a permit. His comments were very clear, his intention: to be arrested – so he could file a lawsuit – which he planned to do as soon as possible after his release.
Kudos to the Occupy Seattle Livestream team for their continued efforts to video and share Seattle’s voices online. The opportunity to follow events – and actually hear the General Assembly – AND type in our comments in the ‘chat’ area of the website can offer those of us unable to ‘be there’ a clearer picture of what’s going on.
As darkness fell – and the 10pm curfew for the park approached, the Park Ranger showed up and explained procedure for maintaining the park. Police presence also increased and a feeling of uncertainty seemed to spread through the group. Please keep in mind, this reporter was NOT there – and is making these statements from the video online.
My understanding is that a circle of protesters surrounded the Sukka – creating a live chain of humanity Law Enforcement would have to go through to get to those inside it’s structure. There were a few arrests as officers attempted to get to the Sukka. What I heard was Police Officers giving those arrested a CHOICE. A choice to be arrested or to walk away.
People on-scene were repeating verbatim the words used by the men (and women?) in blue who were there to do their job. It was even reported that for those who chose to be arrested the police assisted in moving their arms, legs and clothing for optimum comfort in the process. Apparently there were 11 or 12 arrests.
Those who sat in the Sukka were allowed to stay there after 15 or 20 minutes of requests by the police that they leave.
Those arrested were ‘taken’ a few blocks from the site and then released.
It was right around midnight that the police left the park. Protesters were allowed to stay – and a celebration began. While some of the chants were less than respectful towards law enforcement officials – those officers truly did nothing to warrant anything other than a THANK YOU.
Mic Check:
Congratulations….. Congratulations!
YOU DID IT……….. You Did It
Peaceful interaction is possible….. Peaceful interaction is possible
I AM the 99%……. I AM the 99%
Thank You SPD for doing your jobs …… Thank You SPD for doing your jobs
With respect for our rights ….. with respect for our rights.
Keep up the good work…. Keep up the good work.
When I boot up my computer each morning – next step is online with several windows opening as my computer accesses the web. This often means videos ‘starting’ on their own. Today – John Lennon’s Imagine was playing … with Rick Levine’s Astrological information on ‘The Turning of the Seasons’ which details similar patterns as were taking place in the 60′s.
You can follow the events in Seattle at OccupySeattle Livestream
For more information on getting involved, donating much needed items, being a part of the change you want to see in the world…..
OccupySeattle.org
Updated information via Livestream:
**** According to one person arrested – he was cited, booked, processed and with no record and a phone call to ‘mom’ was released on his own personal recognizance.
Also – people were awakened in the middle of the night – the law says no camping in the park. A quote that this is ‘crazy’ – by someone who was there – and yet those people sleeping were only made to wake up.
If you have photos Voice of Choices can use to illustrate future posts on the OccupySeattle Movement you can email them here -
Credit will be given to photographers.
If Thursday was a shining light – Saturday night was a ‘victory’. Over 150 tents at Westlake and as many as 1-2,000 people allowed to stay through the night. As of Sunday 5:45pm – tents still allowed and Seattle is peacefully occupied.
Blessings in all your choices!