OCG NEWS

underscoring the issues

Republican Debate Protests: Occupy Wall Street Prelude

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You may have seen the usual Republican Rabble dishing out audience tested tidbits and rehearsed lines at the high-tech spectacles that are the modern Political ‘Debates,’ but unless you have the detective skills of a ‘Where’s Waldo’ addict you have not seen any protesters at these dog and pony extravaganzas . Why you may ask? Well if the ‘Free Speech’ kennel that the unhappy herd was corralled into at the Tamp Bay Republican Debate is any indication, any descent is unheard or at best easily dismissed when emanating from the caged corners of an empty parking lot.

The humid hubris of this occasion showcased the hand culled cream of the neo-cons, one-worlders, and ex Federal Reservers who’s quips and constructed comments were channeled by the  chattering class of happily manipulated main-stream media. But on the peoples’ property (Florida State Fairgrounds) where this red white and blue drapery was displayed, the citizens voice was kept quite and controled by red shirted CNN Security Forces, backed up by the newly Militarized Hillsborough County Sheriff squad.

The utterly thoughtful and peace toting protestors panned the Tea Party, fought the Federal Reserve Banksters, hoped for homeless rights, and defended workers, teachers, mail carriers, minorities, small biz, the environment, and any other pet protest project. A lack of cohesion aided the ease of ignoring this throng although they did muster a common courage to combat the chain-link prison that surrounded them. With the guidance of a radical Preacher, and a Rainbow Push Coalition leader this group accomplished something that should inspire citizens from the Tea Party to the Anarchists.

This group gloriously escaped their jailers, marched out of the chain-link and through the Florida State Fairgrounds archway! They even threatened to storm the rows of concrete pylons: the final barrier between the disgruntled, ignored, and economically betrayed masses and the high gloss primped and primed media and their media darling politico’s. This arrogance of engagement was met with a barrage of rushing pseudo-militaristic Sheriff Squads. Rushing cop cars, vans, and even a motor-scooter security attachment surrounded the free-speechers to make sure that a muscled wall of deputized sound proofing would protect the visiting elite.

Alas the protesters, satisfied with their partially achieved goal, peacefully faced off  the combat booted authorities, and slowly trailed off unscathed, retreating to fight another day. Vowing to return to occupy other streets and other ideas.

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09 Nov 2011

Gaza Flotilla Sympathizers Protest Against Israel

by A. Brutus

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On June 4th, 2010, Protesters at Tampa Florida demonstrated their disapproval of the boarding of flotilla maritime vessels, by Israeli commandos (resulting in nine deaths), en route to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people of Gaza, thereby challenging an established Israeli Blockade.

The operators of this provocative vessel declared in advance their intentions to storm the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Israel is the constant recipient of bombs and rockets launched from Gaza, and this was a known route for weapons smuggling to Gaza. Upon Israel’s announced attempt to board and search this maritime movement, Israeli agents were met with an attack of fists and clubs pummeling. The agents swift and deadly response is a reaction that has stirred debate, support, disgust, and to some dissolution, further threatening any chance of regional peace and the shining goal of a two-state solution.

In Florida, the protesting throng of primarily Islamic heritage predictably pin the entire blame and responsibility on Israel. They overlook or willingly approve the constant bombardment of Israel which is the only Democracy in the region, the only middle eastern state where freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and equal treatment of women is enforced. They willingly ignore or accept the rule of Gaza by the terrorist group Hamas who include in there operational charter the call for the Destruction of Israel.

I confronted several of these attendees with one core inquisitive probe: “Should Israel Exist?”

The protester’s responses were at times encouraging, confusing, side stepping, and often dark, dehumanizing, and dangerous!

Several protesters support the existence of Israel, just not in it’s current boundaries. Many answer the question of Israel’s existence with a defiant ‘NO!’ One supported the existence of Israel if they would accept the teachings of Muhammad. Still another protester conditionally believed Israel should exist, ‘maybe in Texas,’ but not in the Middle East. These comments can be viewed on our uploaded video. (responses will be uploaded via video soon)

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10 Oct 2011

Occupy Tampa: Protesters on the Move

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Occupy Wall Street has nothing on these dedicated do-gooders who have in symbolic solidarity with the Wall Street Protestors have invaded the Downtown Tampa Gaslight Park. Occupy Tampa congregated, half-hazardly (yet whole heartedly) meshed out some democratized organization, and by the afternoon were prepared to parade through the Banksters own turf of high-rise financial facades. These politically minded activists made their  move with a myriad of demands, complaints, and enough ‘bones of contention’ to fill a graveyard. With all this bluster the one thing they have not achieved as to yet is a common cause, a coherent plan, or a cohesive list of demands. But the energy was inspiring, the discussions were many, and the early grass roots networking is vital for Occupy Tampa to develop staying power and more importantly bargaining power.

 

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10 Oct 2011

Occupy Tampa: Protesters Occupy from Wall Street to Tampa Bay

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‘We are the 99%’, ‘End the Fed’, ‘Eat the Rich’, these and other familiar, newly minted,  and/or oddly vague slogans adorned cardboard placards hoisted by the occupying protestors at Gas Light Park in Down Town Tampa. Those citizens who felt compelled enough to turn off their TVs, X-Boxes, and Internets to exercise their Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Speech ranged from your token hippie, the political hipster, the fed-up middle class worker, the angry activist, and those with a desire to simply participate in what some are saying will be a history changing movement.

Occupy Tampa appears to be a loose and open forum of expression for anyone willing to participate, welcoming views from the entire spectrum including your typical angry Anarchist, lively Libertarian, concrete Conservatives, leaning Liberals,  co-mingling Communists, career-centered Capitalists, solidarity singing Socialists, and several individuals promoting a kind of tech heavy ‘Scientocracy’ (big brother on steroids). A vast chorus of alternative voices and solutions abound, but several common points of  contention are held by most: End the Fed, Challenge the Elite, Punish Corruption, Banish the Banksters, Undo Financial Usury , and ‘Unperson’ the Corporations.

The prevailing mood of Occupy Tampa was a spirit of antagonism towards the Greedy Globalist who either intentionally or through sloppy ineptitude are devolving opportunity in the Good Old USA at an ever-increasing pace. The Multi-Nationals, and the Multi-Term Politicians that often support them seem to have neglected the middle-class and are maneuvering us  down a financial path that dead ends with the third-worlding of America.

 

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