A lot of people got maced. A few got arrested. Part of it felt like a “mock”-military operation. Lots of people used language like, “guard the door,”, “send runners for reinforcements,” and even, “MEDIC!” The most common thing to hear was, “BANG-A-RANG!” That meant more cops cited. It was certainly very intense and a couple of times I thought I would get kettled in with some of the more aggressive elements of the crowd. (Kettling is a tactic using some sort of fencing to surround protesters and arrest them.) Before last night I heard a lot about a non-violent movement at GA and elsewhere but tonight was anything but non-violent.
A lot of people called last night a “victory”, further exemplifying the militaristic ideals many of the protesters held. I don't know if that is how I see it. I saw a lot of aggression amongst both sides, police and public. Argo-perspectives were equal on either side of the picket. And while I totally agree that this has now set a precedent for any hotel that decides to host a Bankster ceo, it worries me that the macho victory that the camp sees will only escalate the stakes next time this occurs.
I thought going into this that a non-violent movement meant everyone is on the same page. Seeing last night really made me rethink that. Non-violence is not the absence of violence but the presence of mind behind the scenes to deal with the ramifications of violence and make preparations to deal with it in the future. I will only call last night a "victory" if it doesn't happen again. Somehow I doubt that as I write it.
That sign in your photo says: "make disparity a rarity" Violence is indeed the boldest form of self loathing.
ReplyDelete