20111016 - Occupy Worcester attempt to occupy Worcester Common

I really applaud Occupy Worcester.

At their General Assembly Sunday night, the Worcester police actually got on stack, and addressed the crowd using the people's mic; anyone on the Worcester Common after 10 PM would be subject to arrest. Worcester put out the call, and people came from all points, including a contingent from Occupy Boston.

As soon as they started to occupy the common, a huge amount of police showed up, I think the total tally was 16 WPD cruisers and one State Police cruiser lurking in the distance. Besides from the impressive show of force, the police seemed surprisingly non-confrontational and respectful, and gave the occupiers an alternate location to set up camp.

After much debate in a small general assembly, the occupiers decided they did not have the numbers to take the park, and that after growing their occupation elsewhere, they could come back and take the park.

One interesting thing; I was chatted up by a Worcester police officer, who seemed to sympathize with the movement, and vaguely suggested that with enough outreach to the residents who live around the the Worcester Common, they may be permitted to camp there.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• worcester
• common
• occupyworcester
• sunday
• occupy wall street
• Worcester
• Massachusetts
• protest
• movement
• police
• cops
• camp
• occupation

[bigjavo36]

i don't applaud them at all they caved really fast i am holding out hope that they will reload and come stronger soon but from what i see the commit level among the the people in the group isn't exactly at a 10

[genesayssitdown]

@bigjavo36 i can understand that view, but i think in worcester it may be important for them to grow a little more before making their stand, which was their general consensus. i would have certainly supported them if they stayed, but i don't think it's the worst decision to try and grow a little bit more first.

[jproulx]

@genesayssitdown agreed critical mass is well critical.

I went down with the ship Monday/Tuesday in Boston & I have no problem with Worcester choosing a tactical retreat, they moved but they didn't go home.

[talesfromtheshitty]

Hey, I have a nice warm basement with a pool table and some couches - if the police kick you out of your protest in the woods of Lake Ave- y'all can swing on through and Occupy My House!

[TheScottyNutz]

@rollbiz next time look harder.

[TheScottyNutz]

@TheScottyNutz you should have looked harder!

[rollbiz]

@TheScottyNutz Funny, I don't remember seeing you there...!

[TheScottyNutz]

NOOOOO!  You can't let the cops tell you where you can protest! What the fuck? Get arrested! It's called civil disobedience you push overs. you are now out of sight of city hall (not that city hall is responsible). now that safety and tourism are part of the schema, defeat is all but inevitable. This movement is about not doing what we are told anymore. doing what we are told is what got us into this mess with wall street. this was a great defeat. that is public land!! Amendment 1!! cowards.

[MegaSquidly]

Insanity. They are cult like.