Occupy Denver
I just spent my first full evening among the Occupy Denver folks.. A few observations on my part..
- There are probably 2 police officers for every actual protester, it's an absurd overreaction on the DPD's part. The brutality today was completely unnecessary. It only enraged me even more.. they're inciting violence, really.
- Most of the protesters couldn't offer a coherent thought if it was gift wrapped and handed to them. These people are mad, but most of them don't really seem to know why. "They took 'er jerbs!" comes to mind.. (my apologies to Mr. Matt Stone & Trey Parker)
- I have serious concerns about the health of the protesters, there is more hacking and coughing among that crowd than at a TB clinic. I took a very long hot shower and downed some Emergen-C when I got home.
- The protesters remain peaceful, but a little rowdy. I don't see any reason to verbally antagonize the police. I'm no fan of the police, but to blatantly provoke them is inconsiderate and just dumb. Though admittedly when the police backed down, we were clapping and one cop said to me 'thanks, we really appreciate it' and I quipped back 'the applause is because you're leaving, idiot'. :P
- The protesters are of all ages and walks of life, which is an awesome thing to see. I met a 70 year old hippie, a young mother of 4, a few teenagers, and a bunch of other folks who are really nice earnest individuals who want to be heard. They're not going anywhere, this fact I'd bet on.
All in all, I'm not sure how this ends, but I fear it will end badly for the protesters. Sigh.. ask Scott Olsen.
I believe I'm going to invest in a decent digital video camera, start standing on the side lines, and record what is happening. I think right now that's how I can contribute best.. deliver an honest perspective of what's happening to the Internet community. The whole thing is rather shocking to the conscious. To see tear gas and rubber bullets used against non-violent protesters in the middle of my city is a little hard to grasp.
http://yfrog.com/oe39plhj - I took this photo tonight, it's a very very poor picture, but if you look closely it shows the wall of riot police.. on the other side of them are the protesters. WTF is that?
Some of these old dudes who are still reliving their memories from Woodstock are pretty demoralizing. They've been activists and protesters for over 40 years, to what end? Things are only worse..
Meh.
