Occupy Outrage

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “Jolted, Wall St. Protesters Face Challenge for Future,” describes a blitzkrieg action carried about by Mayor Bloomberg to evict the Occupy Wall Street movement from Zuccotti Park. Bloomberg’s action came as a total surprise and was carried out at 1 AM in the morning.

The police turned on spotlights, lighting up the park like it was daytime, rousing the protesters from sleep, and totally cleared the area, including confiscation of tents, books and other property. The decision was roundly denounced by advocates of free speech, but the ultimate effect was an efficient removal and end to Occupy Wall Street.

While it lasted, it was a testament to the diversity of our society, and a gathering place for free exchange of ideas, something that can never do any harm. It held a bohemian atmosphere and drew tourists from around the world.

Perhaps, this result was inevitable. There were sanitary issues involved, and the park was generating a lot of noise unacceptable to its neighbors. Perhaps, a better location could have been found, more planning engaged in, and a spokesperson with some clear demands that could be negotiated. But that was half the fun of the whole thing. In its eschewing of these standard devices, Occupy Wall Street drew its unique character.