As fast as the world moves, this bit is old news:

Police evict Occupy Boston protesters
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/10/police-evict-occupy-boston-protesters

It was, of course, another overnight gig; sometimes I wonder of the police and the cities are too afraid to face the protesters in daylight hours. I know, I know – doing at it night means there aren’t as many people, there isn’t the capability to get more protesters down to the camps, and makes it easier for them… doesn’t mean I approve. I do, however, approve of the fighting spirit:

Vow: The fight will go on
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_1211vow_the_fight_will_go_on_more_camps_legal_battles_eyed_as_strategy_shifts/

Sure, they might not have anything concrete pinned down, but it’s not like they have a roadmap to follow. That’s the ‘problem’ with brand-new movements – they have to make it up as they go along. This might make people uncomfortable (such as complaints that there are no leaders or soundbites), but then, thinkery in general has gone by the wayside in recent years:

Self-Righteous Indifference: A Recipe For Failure
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/12/09/self-righteous-indifference-a-recipe-for-failure/

I am a veteran; I served my country for six years in the United States Air Force. And while I might not be the most flag-waving, Jesus-loving person, I think that’s a testament to my love of my country (whatever my initial reasons for joining). And yet, the same people who mocked me for choosing to serve are the same ones that, now that I’m an ex-pat, think it’s okay to threaten to beat me up for saying that things aren’t okay. I have been called a traitor repeatedly; how the hell am I a traitor for loving my country enough to say that things need fixing?! It’s madness, but that’s why I love the Occupy movement – it shows that my fellow Americans are waking up and breaking the spell of fear to demand that their nation be great again.

And, of course, one could argue that apathy is why the movement has to resort to bombastic actions to keep pushing the message to those who think they don’t want to know:

Wall Street protesters vow to reoccupy on movement’s anniversary
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/08/wall-street-protesters-vow-reoccupy

Evictions force Occupy protesters to change tactics, target Congress, foreclosures
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/evictions-force-occupy-protesters-change-tactics-target-congress-183144393.html

One of my recent wonders at the educated stupid is the lack of understanding of how people work. As in – why isn’t psychology and philosophy a required course to graduate, rather than gen-ed credits for non-majors? It was glaringly obvious to me that for every reaction is an equal and opposite reaction – the brutality and the clear-outs only served to draw attention to the movement. And yes, while the lack of as strong a physical presence is detrimental and causes things to quiet down, at least the movement continues to innovate and find new ways to peacefully draw attention to themselves, and the myriad ills that need addressing.

Occupy is Not Just About Occupying: The Goal is Not to Occupy it is to End Corporate Rule
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=28146

However, one must also acknowledge that change will be slow; we are turning the world’s tiller, and it will be some time before the ship is fully swung around. Having said that, I am not sure the time for occupying spaces is quite past, though I will agree the utilization of said spaces for education and improving the local social fabric are key. It might take some years, and it will definitely take a lot of work, and maybe we don’t know all the steps to get to the end yet… but as long as we all keep working and spreading information and caring, we can make it happen.

Have yourselves a fantastic Monday!