I've tried to make it clear in all my communications, the very few bad apples who have been making on-line threats DO NOT represent the many good people I've met at the Occupy Phoenix movement.
After leaving the movement alone and not posting any new videos for over 2 weeks, threats eventually stopped. I hadn't received any new threats for almost a week. Perfect, I was content to leave them alone and just stay away. I'm not a fan of their "game".
But...then I received more threats on Friday 11/11/2011. This time they were upset because I erased the regretfully negative description below one of my videos. I thought removing the offensive text would make them happy. I guess not. instead I was informed the game is still on, among other things described in this video.
If simply staying away isn't enough to prevent further threats, instead telling me it's not over...then it's time for plan B. I printed out some information and took it down to the good people at the movement to make them aware of the bad name these few people are giving them, people trying to silence free speech through fear tactics and outright threats...while waving the Occupy Phoenix banner.
As expected, there were plenty of good people willing to hear what I had to say. All but a very few acted with honor and integrity in response to the information I shared with them. There were several people that day who earned my sincere gratitude. I intend to thank them personally.
Instead of going to the police or the media first, I gave them the opportunity to deal with this issue internally. My instincts were to go to the police first, and needless to say, my family is having a fit.
I know that Occupy Phoenix doesn't condone violence, and I believe them. In that sense they are a role model for the other occupy movements in the nation. These few bad people are giving their movement a very bad name they don't deserve. I thought they would like to be aware of it, and some of them did appreciate me bringing it to their attention.
I firmly believe those making threats are regular occupants based on their intimate knowledge of the events and the people involved. I also believe at least a few occupants know exactly who these bad actors are. Hopefully this information will make it back to those people, and actions like theirs will be condemned by the entire movement.
We'll have to wait and see. If I continue to receive threats, my efforts to expose those few bad people will expand to the media and the police. I will not allow my freedoms to be denied through fear. If threats continue, I will continue twice as hard.
I'm not looking for an apology, and I'm not seeking legal retribution, or any other. As long as threats stop, and those threats are never acted upon, then all is square, all is forgiven.
I do not hold the actions of these few people against the movement, but the movement does have the power to put an end to these actions.
We should be able to disagree with each other without fearing for our lives.
I aproached Junior and Carlos with civility and respect. The conversation would have remained quiet, personal, civilized, and productive if Carlos hadn't lost his temper.
Instead he created a circus for every camera in town. I had no choice but to post my side which included the true beginning...not the fictional reality he painted at the top of his lungs when people finally had their cameras on. That's what he does, watch his videos, see for yourself. Search for: "Carlos Galindo".
EngineersLogic 3 months ago
Junior's initial response was civil, and appeared to be honest, I don't beleive he was aware that other people were using his name to intimidate me. And after his friend's turmoil, he was man enough to walk away with a hand shake.
Had his shock-jock, ambush-harassment-king, radio-host friend not blown up and started screaming and lying...it would have been a short and friendly conversation, and Junior would have gained my respect and appreciation. He still did actually.
EngineersLogic 3 months ago
I never accused Junior of doing anything wrong in regards to what I was there to discuss. That was the first thing I made very clear.
Carlos could learn a lot from Junior. Carlos was out of line, and after watching his videos...I understood why.
He makes a living doing that crap. Look for "activistausa" or "Carlos Galindo".
The occupation's response to his aggression towards me and my friend was a testament to their commitment to nonviolence. I am greatful to many of them.
EngineersLogic 3 months ago
I don't think he received any death threats, I think he's a liar.
I have done a little investigating, and I smell troll.
zyrgle 3 months ago
@zyrgle - On what basis do you question my integrity, Craig? I could post a video montage of threats, but that would only serve as negative propaganda against the entire movement. Instead, how about I meet you this Saturday, face to face, no cameras, and I'll personally show you. In the mean time, I'll allow comments on my channel again so you can see a few of them for yourself right now. I've received many others in videos that are no longer public, and through personal messages.
EngineersLogic 3 months ago
Well, all I can is I am sorry for others threatening you. All I can say is you weren't receiving it from anybody representing our movement because anybody advocating violence or the sort of harrassment your receiving are not part of our movement. This seems like a "hit job" on our non-violent movment. You are lumping us in with people we dont even know. Just because on American robs a bank doesn't mean we are all bank robbers. Andrew Breitbart tactics won't work.
Leonard Clark
leonardclark 3 months ago
@leonardclark - Now try reading the video descriptions, and actually listen to my words in the videos. I have not lumped anyone in with these few bad actors. Quite the opposite actually. I chose to seek the support of the movement based on the ideals they so strongly profess. My weapon of choice was peer pressure of the majority against those few faceless cowards hidden among them, giving them all a bad name. That's why I brought the issue to the movement's attention, face to face.
EngineersLogic 3 months ago