‘AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL’
We recognize that some occupations are experiencing police oppression in the form of baton hitting, chemical spraying, and mass arrests. There are also subtle forms of coercion such as the enforcement of health and safety regulations that aim to shut down our ability to share food and set up camp.
Therefore, we, the undersigned, agree that
It is oppression when government officials dismantle an occupation site on public land. We reserve the right to assemble in order exercise free speech. Furthermore, it is particularly menacing to takeover occupations by force under the cover of night.
It is oppression when mass arrests are made and no charges are filed. It is obvious that no crime is being committed and that your actions only intend to intimidate and cause harm to our community.
It is oppression when government officials ask the media to leave before dismantling an occupation site. Cameras are a peaceful method for documenting your aggression and protecting our community.
It is oppression when government officials ask for social security numbers or government identification, especially, when no crime is being committed.
It is oppression when government officials dismantle and discard medical tents and supplies that are necessary for repairing the destruction they leave in their wake. This is especially hazardous because medical care is routinely denied to the masses due to economic barriers to access.
It is oppression when the government officials damage and discard personal belongings.
Let it be known that we recognize these actions as strategies of intimidation that aim to deny our rights to assemble and speak with one another on public land.
Fortunately for us, when one occupation is destroyed, several new occupations are born.
As agreed upon by the General Assembly of:
OccupyLA 10/12/11
