Posted on 10/25/2012 9:06:31 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
For a few moments last fall, West Oakland businessman Chris Hollis was filled with idealism as he attended Occupy Oakland's first gathering outside City Hall to protest an economic system he felt benefited the few to the detriment of the many.
But within minutes, amid a mix of families and students, Hollis witnessed some participants stray from the focus on Wall Street and hurl vitriol at police. And within weeks, others would riot through downtown - and then justify their violence.
"In an insanely short amount of time, they managed to turn what was basically a great movement for everybody ... into something nobody wants anything to do with," said Hollis.
On Thursday, Occupy Oakland supporters will return to City Hall to mark the anniversary of the encampment's first eviction from Frank Ogawa Plaza. No one knows how many will turn out to celebrate the tent city that once attracted global attention and drew thousands to downtown Oakland, but the competing expectations for the rally symbolize what's become of the fractured movement. Apology or attack
To some - particularly moderates - the day is part of a peaceful "apology campaign" designed to revitalize the group and return it to its heyday when it garnered mainstream support. To others, including those who run the official Occupy Oakland website, the night is an opportunity to "take back the plaza," and campers should come prepared to defend the area with shields and "tools of violence."
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
How many thousands of dollars will this one year anniversary inflict upon businessowners and taxpayers in damages and arrests this time?
Maybe Mayor Quan can serve all the little hooligans pumpkin flavored cupcakes filled with laxatives.
Quan has made no bones about being sympathetic to their cause, yaknow.. which is to keep Oakland a living hell for many residents and make them pony up to pay for their inept governance form City Hall.
I was really surprised that occuparasites didn’t regroup this past spring and summer. Of course, they were rather unpopular, but that didn’t stop them last fall.
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