November 28, 2011
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An Hour of Bat Signal! * Tents at Soldiers & Sailors Monument Removed * Discussion of Joshua Holland’s Article: “Naomi Wolf’s ‘Shocking Truth’ About the ‘Occupy Crackdowns’ Offers Anything but the Truth” * International, National, State News * Today’s (Monday’s) Events * Please Contribute to Event Planning Guide * Origami Tents! * Black Friday – Why?! Save Your Money for a Good Cause * Update on Electrical Hookup for Heat and Permit for Info Tent * Permanent Occupiers Workgroup * New Communication Improvements * Today’s Poetry * GA Recap Links * Update on Electrical Hookup (For Heat) * Update on Possible Winter Home * Bank Walk-away Project * Possible Community Meetings with Police * Call for Help to Stop Garbage Incinerator * Fresh Facilitators Wanted * Upcoming Events of Note * Meetings / WAGs * Current Haves and Needs * More Reading / Links * Call for Information
NOTE: Am having technical difficulty with Occupycleveland admin interface, so am posting here today. – Lady
Weekday Schedule: Today’s Special Events; 6-7 PM GA; 7 PM Community Chat; 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Upcoming Events; Stuff happens continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7
photo by smith
An Hour of Bat Signal!
About twenty minutes into this video, there’s an hour of bat signal!
Tents at Soldiers & Sailors Monument Removed
Some people put tents up at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. We saw the tents yesterday morning as we did our morning check-in with people at the Info tent and everything looked good. Then later came across a post on Facebook that said the tents have been removed. I called the police department at 216-621-1234 regarding the removal of tents at Soldiers & Sailors to ask that the tents be allowed. The person who is a phone operator said that the reason the tents were removed was because no one from Occupy Cleveland would say whose tents they were. I said that I am expressing support for our movement because it is dealing with issues that are important for the whole country, and asked for the tents to please just be allowed. She said that we have to provide information when asked by police and this is why the tents were removed. The conversation was cordial. The person seemed supportive of the movement but she deferred to police authority on the tents. Some feel that the City of Cleveland Police acted beyond their jurisdiction as this is county owned land.
Discussion of Joshua Holland’s Article: “Naomi Wolf’s ‘Shocking Truth’ About the ‘Occupy Crackdowns’ Offers Anything but the Truth”
Holland’s article was published November 26 on Alternet.org in response to a recent Guardian article by Naomi Wolf. Given that this article was published on a known progressive venue for articles and information, I submitted this to a Facebook group for Occupy Cleveland. I asked people to post thoughts on the piece for today’s Digest:
“In my own opinion I think Naomi Wolf’s article is spot on and this one is full of crap. This writer complains that Naomi’s is not factual or researched while his is? That’s not how I read it.”
“Naomi doesn’t spin or fear monger.. her article is spot on and she would not have published it w/ out coraborationg facts. The paramilitary police I encountered on Wall Street last week were NOT local law enforcement, and there were MANY Homeland Security folks around to be seen.”
“I find Holland’s report quite credible. While it might be more exciting to imagine conspiracy rather than recognize communication, and while some people might be driven emotionally to want to believe that some dark power is at work, Holland’s connections fit the simple facts much better than Wolf’s leaps.”
“Naomi Wolf was referencing articles published right on on AlterNet such as one by a private firm asking for $850k to demonize Occupy, and another about a private international NGO police association working with DHS and Mayors.”
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International, National, State News
International:
National:
- A cousin of a local occupier who is in LA is reporting that police are moving in on occupiers as of 12:23 a.m. this morning.
- 11-27 – CNN – Arizona police vow probe into bloody arrest of grandfather at Walmart A person shopping at a Phoenix-area Wal-Mart was mistreated by a person who is a police officer. Please consider calling the sheriff’s office at (602) 876-1801 and respectfully ask for people who are police to treat all people gently and respectfully.
- The New Yorker on Occupy Wall Street Lengthy article on the origins and future of Occupy Wall Street.
- Smithsonian Collects Occupy Wall Street Ephemera Each day, Occupy Wall Street grows larger and the question persists: will this movement change history? The Smithsonian thinks it might.
- Faith Groups lay out Thanksgiving feast for Occupiers Protesters from Washington’s two Occupy Wall Street offshoots flocked Wednesday to a church where Abraham Lincoln once worshipped for a Thanksgiving buffet and some robust words of support.
- Occupiers complete NY to DC march! Ranging in age from 18 to over 50-plus, the protesters set out on the hike to spread the word about the movement, meet with members of other “Occupy” desmontrations in Baltimore and Philadelphia and to send a message to Congress that it can’t put off dealing with the nation’s fiscal problems, Glazer said as they marched the last remaining miles to their final stop of McPherson Square – home of the Occupy D.C. encampment.
- Michael Moore on Making Demands
Ohio & Cleveland:
Today’s Events and WAGs
In addition to our regularly scheduled weekday events, here are some special events that are happening today! Lots to do! Unless otherwise noted, events are in NW Quadrant (Tom Johnson/Free Speech Quadrant) of Public Square or nearby in the white tent area. More upcoming events after today are here…
- Mon., Nov. 28 8:15 AM – Mic Check Action About Foreclosures – Join us at 8:15am Monday Nov. 28th (Yes, it is early, but it will be worth it!) at the corner of W. 3rd and Ontario (The Justice Center) for a Mic Check action about foreclosures! See you there!
- Mon., Nov. 28 12 NOON – 3 PM – Case Western General Student Strike – General Student Strike in support of student protesters everywhere who has experienced police violence. Meet at the main quad at noon for a rally to make our voices heard. Bring signs if you like, or just bodies and voices! http://www.facebook.com/events/246136542114980/
- 6 PM GA – Formal assembly at NW corner of Public Square or in white info tent west of this area. At this assembly, proposals and announcements are made. This is where consensus items are decided. Please review stances/thoughts at viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1003 for discussion in today’s (Tuesday’s) GA
- 7 PM Community Chat – Informal assembly
- 10 PM – 2 AM and 2 AM – 6 AM Evening Shifts – Please sign up at the white tent for an evening shift so that we can maintain effective occupancy overnight and relieve people who are overburdened. Dress extremely warmly with lots of layers and bring appropriate gear to keep yourself warm.
Today’s WAGs
- Communication WAG * 1-3 PM Daily Check-ins – Facilitates communication with reps from each group–check in with John between 1-3 PM in Public Square–phone coming.
- Direct Action WAG * Every day after GA (7 PM Weekdays, 4 PM Weekends) * NOTE CHANGED TIME – Coordination of Direct Action communication and initiatives. Wed., Nov. 2 Mtg Notes.
- Foreclosure and Bank Action WAG – Video/Phone Conf * 8 PM Mondays Concerns ways to brainstorm to change the situation with banks such that banks are held accountable for foreclosure impact on community
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” The basic foundation of humanity is compassion and love. This is why, if even a few individuals simply try to create mental peace and happiness within themselves and act responsibly and kind-heartedly towards others, they will have a positive influence in their community.” — His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Please send poetry submissions to occupyclevelandpoetry (_at symbol_) gmail.com.
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GA Recap Links
Please post GA notes in the GA portion of this forum in written, not only video format: http://unju.st/forum. Otherwise, I cannot easily update this section.
Friday’s GA on video | Notes based on video | Archived notes
Friday’s GA
- WePay money recovered. Donations can be received at https://www.wepay.com/donate/occupycleveland.
- Proposal: workgroups to submit weekly budget items – will bring up at larger GA
- Tech group: ready to move on laptop and hotspot. Going to purchase used items.
- Second Monthly Anniversary party Dec. 6
- Great GA, lots of smiles.
Recent Concensus Items
- 11-23 CONCENSUS REACHED that Education does not have to pass teach-ins by GA, but can just go ahead and schedule them. Education group encouraged to post events as Facebook Events
- 11-22 CONSENSUS for letter to City Council requesting the ability for the public to speak at City Council meetings with various conditions and amendments.
- 11-21 1) for people to please review stances/thoughts at viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1003 for discussion in today’s (Tuesday’s) GA; 2) we agreed that a giant People’s Mic around a campus or comparable area down the line (perhaps saturday actually). What can we do to make this awesome? (Probably will happen in January.) More complete proposal in the works. 3) Proposal that we do an action on Black Friday, involving flyers and interacting with people to support buying local. The final proposal was a set of three-hour actions at each of three suburban shopping centers.
Recent proposals
- 11-27 PROPOSAL in forum: Proposal to allow people in info tent to buy food with money collected at tent
- 11-27 PROPOSAL in forum: Proposal for read-ins at malls the Saturday before Christmas or day after Christmas
- 11-25 PROPOSAL in forum: Tiny Tents!
- 11-25 PROPOSAL in forum: Suggestion – on occupying a business in Akron
- 11-23 PROPOSAL & DISCUSSION of challenges with permanent occupation participants being represented fairly in permanent occupation workgroup (which is held elsewhere). Please refer to this article for current status.
- 11-21 forum proposal: Two letters to mayor & council, Good Neighbor Agreement modification. Letters were discussed at 11/22 GA and the letter to City Council requesting ability of public to speak passed with various caveats
- 11-20 GA raised propals: Proposals for Gift Tree for children and unconventional holiday carols discussed.
- 11-18 forum proposal: “Our proposed stance/demands/etc.” This proposal was discussed in the 11/22 GA but no decisions were made.
- 11-16 forum proposal: consolidation of social media accounts
- 11-14 GA raised proposal: “Occupy the Food Bank” day – sent tentatively to Outreach WAG for thought
- 11-14 GA raised proposal: Community meetings with police- sent to Gov/Legislative WAG for thought
Interesting Threads
Please Contribute to Event Planning Guide
“I want to make this a handy guide for putting on public, nonviolent, and generally legal actions for Occupy Cleveland. I’m not arguing against other kinds of actions. They’re just not what this is about,” says Mark. “The information here comes from some experiences organizing Occupy Cleveland events and is subject to constant revision.”
Mark has called for help to flesh out this guide on the wiki.
Origami Tents!
Carry your own cute little Occupy tent – fashionable and applicable for any function! Here’s a nicely-designed PDF with with the tent folds and instructions.
Printable Tent PDF
Black Friday – Why?! Save Your Money for a Good Cause
“With the overall state of the American and the continuous decline in OUR COMMUNITIES OF COLOR — we continue to have this tradition of ‘BLACK FRIDAY”! Why? Because since the 19th Century Americans have been making corporations rich!! And now, most of us are broke!!!” — Natalie
Continue reading…
Update on Electrical Hookup for Heat and Permit for Info Tent
Multiple Cleveland City Council members are assisting with pushing the request to allow the movement an electricity hook-up that would be metered and paid for by the movement. There are potential offers to help pay for the set-up. This is viewed as a critical need and we hope to get a positive response by Monday or Tuesday.
The permit for the West Roadway sidewalk is anticipated to be approved on Monday. The City has already approved a 1-month extension to the waiving of the curfew at Tom Johnson quadrant. We assume that permission indicates a high probability for approval for the sidewalk through the end of December as long as we maintain a legal presence under the permit regulations – three sides can now be covered. The big hope is to be able to get electricity as mentioned and if we can, there needs to be a re-organization/better weatherproofing of the walls and floors to keep out drafts and water.
Permanent Occupiers Representation
We are working on a solution to help the needs of people holding down the tent such that they can be represented well at the permanent occupation workgroup meetings (which are held in another location). The current solution is to call the tent phone at (216) 202-4999 and have each end (the separate meeting spot and the tent spot) put on speaker phone. The hurdle is how to handle stack. The reason for the separate indoor meeting is that some of us have gotten sick from stress and exposure to the elements, and so it is more comfortable to be indoors to handle these meetings; these meetings require a lot of diligent thinking. Ideas for facilitating this peacefully needed. There’s a thread on this in the Occupy Cleveland Non-violently Group and people are encouraged to help.
New Communication Improvements
Our main website’s (occupycleveland.com) Events and Needs pages are now being updated on a periodic basis as I run across items in compiling today’s Daily Digest.
Update on Possible Winter Home
11-22 The Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Train Men Union own a third floor room for about twenty people on Public Square. There’s a guard who works there 24/7. Some people will join the occupier who mentioned this to talk to them about possibly using the space. http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1066
We’ve been looking for space between E 30 and W 30 (marching distance to banks and fed are key here) that is accessible 24/7. (Also, should have heat that won’t cost us a fortune).
If you know of a space, know someone who might help us out, or just drove by something with a sign outside and feel like calling and checking, we need your help and any information you find. For the most part this means storefronts or office space (maybe in one of than bank buildings so we can occupy the bank?) but if you’ve got another idea that doesn’t look like that don’t let that limit you.
Here’s a recent thread about the ideal criteria we are looking for in a space: http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=1068 and here’s a recent thread about the current search: http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=764
Bank Walk-away Project
We’re considering working on a project involving 44 foreclosed properties. Any addresses / ideas for properties can still be emailed to occupyclevelandpermanentbasecamp (_at symbol_) gmail.com
According to the article Northeast Ohio Plagued by 30,000 vacant homes awaiting demolition, “Former Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis said he believes the number of condemned homes and buildings in northeast Ohio has ballooned to 30,000. Rokakis blamed foreclosures and irresponsible banks, investment firms and individuals who have walked away or ignored their distressed properties.”
Possible Community Meetings with Police
From Monday’s GA: “Kevin (the white one) happened to meet Police Commissioner McGrath, who suggested a more regular community liaison approach with Occupy Cleveland, which Kevin offered as a proposal. We discussed it a bit and agreed to refer that to the Government/Legislative Working Group that has been working informally.” – http://unju.st/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=969/
Call for Help to Stop Garbage Incinerator
We have an environmental justice issue going on here in Cleveland. We have to put the kabash on this insane deal! Some want to burn toxic garbage right near community gardens and tons of schools. Please help stop this whatever way you can!
http://heresanotherreason.tumblr.com/
Fresh Facilitators Wanted
The facilitation group has asked for fresh people to do the facilitation process. Here’s a training video put out by Occupy Wall Street: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfTf2db6YfI. Interested parties can get in touch with the Facilitation workgroup as well.
Upcoming Events
Events are in the NW Quadrant (Tom Johnson Quadrant) of Public Square unless otherwise noted.
- Tues., Nov. 29 @ 7-8:30 – Conflict mediation teach-in led by Peter Wolmak with Heights Interfaith Council – This teach-in will be indoors, location TBA. It is focused on development needs of the #OccupyCleveland movement but is also open to the general public.
- Thurs., Nov. 29 @ 7-8:30 – Another conflictmediation teach-in led by Peter Wolmak with Heights Interfaith Council – This teach-in will be indoors, location TBA. It is focused on development needs of the #OccupyCleveland movement but is also open to the general public.
- Wed., November 30 – Move to Amend Cleveland Meeting – Meeting including film and discussion of Jan. 20, 2012 Occupy the Courts action and campaign to pass resolution to abolish corporate constitutional rights & money as speech. Peace House, 10916 Magnolia Ave., Cleveland. http://www.facebook.com/events/259126194134066/
- Wednesdays @ 8 PM – 10 PM – Community Drum Circle – Bring your drum to the NW Quadrant (“Tom Johnson Quadrant”) of Public Square Wednesdays at 8.
Events for next month and the future can now be found on the Events page of the Occupy Site (I now have the ability to update this page).
Regular Meetings / WAGs*
WAGS are located in the northwest quadrant of Public Square by the Tom Johnson statue or in the white tent adjacent to the quadrant unless otherwise noted, and all are welcome to come and participate! Please send your meeting/WAG info to occupyclevelandstories (_at symbol_) gmail.com so that it can be listed here.
Working Groups and Contact Information Wiki
Community Outreach WAG *
Next Mtg. Sat., Dec. 3 @ 1 PM * Alternating Saturdays and Sundays * PLEASE NOTE CHANGED MEETING VENUE Coordination with groups to help grow the movement. Meeting tentatively at Gypsy Bean and Baking Co. (6425 Detroit Avenue) to see about using their extra room for the meeting. Will update everyone as soon as I know. 11/20 meeting notes. Outreach email: occupyclevelandoutreach (_at symbol_) gmail.com.
Occupation WAG * Tuesdays and Thursdays after 6 PM GA Coordination and research of physical occupation
Tech WAG * Wednesdays 8 PM OccupyCLE.tech (_at symbol_) gmail.com, 216 200 6278
Direct Action WAG * Every day after GA (7 PM Weekdays, 4 PM Weekends) * NOTE CHANGED TIME Coordination of Direct Action communication and initiatives. Wed., Nov. 2 Mtg Notes.
Communication WAG * 1-3 PM Daily Check-ins Facilitates communication with reps from each group–check in with John between 1-3 PM in Public Square–phone coming.
Foreclosure and Bank Action WAG – Video/Phone Conf * 8 PM Mondays Concerns ways to brainstorm to change the situation with banks such that banks are held accountable for foreclosure impact on community
Education WAG * Next Mtg. TBA Coordination of Education / Teach-ins / Scheduling. occupyclevelanded (_at symbol) gmail.com. Meeting Notes from 10/30 on Ed Forum (unju.st/forum)
Theater Subgroup of Arts and Culture WAG * Next Mtg. TBA *
Collaborative Theater Meeting This particular meeting pertains to theater event(s) and other creative actions. We are planning a major creative event in November and we invite poets, artists, singers, musicians, dancers, theater people and anyone interested in participating to come to this planning event Wednesday, which will also be a group collaborative event that will be fun. More details below. occupyclevelandtheater (_at symbol) gmail.com
First Aid/Housekeeping/Sanitation WAG * Next Mtg. TBA
Silent Demonstration and Public Art Affinity Group * Next Mtg. TBA
* WAG: Working/Affinity Group
Check the forums for more info on working groups. There are probably working group meetings that are happening that are not on the above list. Here are some known working groups: Outreach * Phone & Q&A * Arts & Culture * Spirituality * Food * Mission/Vision * Legal * Peacekeeping * Entertainment * First Aid * Sanitation * Nightwatch * Direct Action * Facilitators * Finance * Tech * Logistics * Transportation * Permanent Occupation Base
Current haves and needs
- Current physical needs are now posted on the Needs page as I now have access to this page
- Hot chocolate and markers for today’s Winterfest activity
- Donations
- Representation, tolerance, kindness, listening, family, friends, seriousness, joy, work, kindness, self-critique, community, patience, persistence, dialogue, peace, rationality, health, equality, empathy, civic support, solidarity, idealism, courage, dialogue, mentoring, participation, calmness, respect, compassion for one another, outreach, ethical banks, small business loans from banks, energy, focus, kindness, wholeness,global tribal ethic, fostering leadership in young adults, restoring reverence to older adults, community, focus, patience, lots of love, pride, humility, moving forward, reaching out.
Other Links of Note
Recurring Info
Weekday Schedule: Today’s Special Events; 6-7 PM GA; 7 PM Community Chat; 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Upcoming Events; Stuff happens continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7
Weekend Schedule: 3PM GA (General Assembly); 8-10 PM Entertainment; 10 PM-2 AM Night Shift #1; 2-6 AM Night Shift #2; Today’s Events; Upcoming Events; Stuff happens continuously in the NW Quadrant of Public Square 24/7.
Info Tent #: (216) 202-4999 | Phone Rules
Wiki: http://wiki.occupycleveland.com
YouTube list of OccupyCleveland tagged videos: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=videos&search_query=occupy+cleveland&search_sort=video_date_uploaded
Marches, interviews and more!
Call for Information
Dear Readers/Occupiers:
People who are planning events and work groups–please email these events to occupyclevelandstories (_at symbol_) gmail.com so I can post them rather than having dig and dig every morning through the forums and multiple facebook pages to find these items. It is taking between one to three hours to do this Digest every morning, so emailing info to me will help me get this out more quickly.
Please continue to post GA notes daily in the forum “General Assembly” here: http://unju.st/forum/. It is vital to post these notes for the larger Occupy community so that we know what items are being consented to and what events are consensus events. Thank you to those who have been posting notes!
Peace,
The Temporary Editor
What Would You Like to See?
Please mail letters to the editor, story ideas, meeting times, articles, etc. to occupyclevelandstories (_at symbol_) gmail.com. Also, the Daily Digest is having a working group meeting Sunday, 10/30 at noon in the Tom Johnson (NW) quadrant of Public Square. If not right in the quadrant, please check the white tent west of the square.
Call for Poetry/Creative Writing/Art Submissions – we’re looking for poetry seeds from the larger poetry community, again, a great outreach action. We’re putting together an Occupy Cleveland poetry zine and I’d like to feature some creative items in the Daily Digest as well. Please send submissions to occupyclevelandpoetry (_at symbol_) gmail.com.
Thank you to all people who are making information available!
