Snagged! Occupy tells protesters to break law
Aaron Klein
The Occupy movement is claiming New York City police busted their demonstration yesterday without probable cause while WND has discovered Occupy literature suggesting protesters should intentionally break Zuccotti Park’s rules.
The New York Police Department said it rained on Occupy’s parade when protesters started breaking the park laws, specifically by bringing tents and sleeping bags indicating some activists planed to camp out.
“They set up tents. They had sleeping bags,” NYPD Detective Brian Sessa told the Associated Press.
Sessa told reporters that Brookfield Properties, the park owner, first sent in security to advise the protesters to stop pitching tents and to leave the park before the NYPD was called into action.
At least 25 people were arrested in the ensuing clashes, with three officers suffered injuries, police said.
Occupiers flatly denied the accusations they broke the park rules.
Sandra Nurse, a member of Occupy’s direct action working group, was quoted by the Daily Mail claiming demonstrators were not pitching tents or using sleeping bags.
“I didn’t see any sleeping bags,” she said. “There was a banner hung between two trees and a tarp thrown over it. … It wasn’t a tent. It was an erect thing, if that’s what you want to call it.”
However, an Occupy call-to-arms posted on Facebook last week announced yesterday’s park protest and suggested occupiers should bring not only blankets but sleeping bags, which are illegal.
“Bring Blankets!! (Sleeping Bags are illegal, proceed as you wish),” read the posting.
The Occupy Wall Street event called for “occupations and occupiers – and all lovers of democracy all over the country to assemble in New York City – Liberty Plaza – (Zucotti [sic] Park) on Saturday March 17th!”
Continued the invite: “Celebrate 6 months of Occupy Wall Street! … Welcome the warmth of Spring as the ideas planted in the fall blossom into action that stands against the economic injustice brought forth by corporate America!”
Speakers are set to address issues of food sustainability, housing, healthcare, and the economy.
“As part of the American Spring, OWS Direct Action will make an effort to liberate space for 24 hours for the people and by the people,” added the invite.
Direct action is a specific tactic of protest popularized by radical community organizer Saul Alinsky.
http://www.wnd.com/2012/03/snagged-occupy-tells-protesters-to-break-rules/print/