I have tooo many links; I consider this a good thing. It means that the Occupy movement is continuing to thrive and generate discussion, though I wish we didn’t have horrific incidences like this to drive the conversation:

Oakland Police Critically Injure Iraq War Vet During Occupy March
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/26/iraq-vet-oakland-police-tear-gas_n_1033159.html

I’m kind of aghast – there is absolutely no excuse whatsoever to apply violent means to a peaceful protest. None, whatsoever. When I opined that active duty service members risked their careers from protesting, I surely never imagined any would lose their health. Indeed, there are people loudly demanding that the Mayor who authorised this, Jean Quan resign:

Oakland police and mayor face fresh protest over wounding of veteran
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/27/oakland-police-protest-wounding-veteran

There is even the expected and ubiquitous petition to sign, complete with space to write the Mayor a note. It most specifically asks her to act like a decent human being and permit people to have a voice, rather than calling for her resignation. It’s a start:

Stop The Police Repression Of Occupy Oakland
http://www.civic.moveon.org/oaklandpolice/?id=32340-19297974-qW8VcAx&t=3

In related news, it would seem that MOST of California is all about supporting their protesters:

Tears Stream as City Council Unanimously Agrees That ‘Occupy Tends are a Form of Speech’
http://www.occupy-oc.org/tears-stream-as-city-council-unanimously-agrees-occupy-tents-are-a-form-of-speech/

And here:

St Paul’s Cathedral ‘may reopen’ despite protest camp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15468163

I guess that all it maybe took to be ‘safe’ was to move the kitchen tent and bikes? I’m still fairly convinced the closing down was a bid to try and shame the protesters into leaving, which failed. Obviously, or they wouldn’t be working the next ploy of claiming that 9 out of 10 tents are empty at night. Oh teh noes, how horrible that people protesting have jobs and homes to go home to still, if only just! IF not for the sprog, I would surely be tempted with crashing down there myself. As would many others, which is why it’s so wonderful that many people are giving what they may around their existing lives and schedules. I’m sure this just annoys people because people want to be annoyed about something; much like the whinges that there are no concrete demands to pick apart, the protesters are going to be considered to be doing it wrong no matter what they do. So it goes, so it goes.

And speaking going, such sadness:

St Paul’s protest: Canon Chancellor Giles Fraser quits
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15472362

Hello Giles, meet this rock and hard place. I think he did the right thing in welcoming the protesters. There is no doubt in my mind that he felt pressured to step down for making the ‘wrong’ decision, and I admire him having the initial strength and grace to make it. I hope his way is smooth, and his heart light, as he deserves nothing better.

And so I too go for the day; here’s hoping I can organize my remaining jumble into something cogent and interesting. Have yourself a nice day, and if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere – stay warm!