It is hard to believe that the Occupy movement, with all of the attention it has garnered and all of the debate that has been started as a result of it, has only been in existence for a couple of months. In this short amount of time, hundreds of Occupy groups have popped up in cities large and small across both the United States and the world. What was initially started by a small group of individuals in New York City's Zuccotti Park has evolved into a growing global movement, sparked by increasing frustration with economic and social inequality. Many Occupy groups have come under fire for a variety of issues that arise whenever large groups of people congregate: drugs, violence, unsanitary conditions and a lack of a cohesive message. Occupy Las Vegas, however, is one group that is challenging these misconceptions head-on in order to assure their voices remain heard and respected by the public-at-large.
A Drama-Free Occupy
One of the first major differences between Occupy Las Vegas and many other Occupy groups is the clearly-outlined set of rules and regulations. While many Occupy groups feel that it would be counterproductive to regulate the activities of any one individual, Las Vegas takes a different approach. Listed in big, noticeable font on its website, OLV states that “anyone coming to the area will be searched for drugs, alcohol and weapons” and that there are no exceptions at the zero-tolerance protest site. Right next to this message is a shout-out to local police officers, thanking them for keeping the protesters safe. Many Occupy groups have claimed that “plants” were used to incite drug use and violence, giving authorities the right to break up the protests; the occupiers of Las Vegas have decided that it is better to have control over this so that such things cannot happen.
Polite and Accommodating?
Before the recession, Las Vegas had two major industries: tourism and construction. With construction all but dead in Nevada, tourism is the one major force that prevents the economy of Las Vegas from slumping even more. It is no surprise that in order to protect their own economic interests, many OLV members have gone out of their way to make sure not to clash with the tourist image that Las Vegas has cultivated. OLV leases a lot from the county government and follows regulations in regards to cleanliness of portable toilets and littering. OLV even postponed a protest that would have coincided with a major tourist weekend; they say it is common sense as most employed individuals in Las Vegas are either directly or indirectly supported by the tourism sector.
A Clear List of Demands
Unlike many Occupy groups, OLV has worked to established a 21-point list of grievances. On this list, there are proposals such as the abrogation of the Citizens United ruling, specific term limits for federal offices, debt reduction, banking and securities reform and many others. While OLV has not crafted out specific legislation to attain these goals, it is a step in the right direction and a bigger step than many other groups have taken at this point.
Conclusion
While there are hundreds of Occupy groups to examine and inspect for great ideas, Occupy Las Vegas appears to be “wise beyond its years”, making great strides toward not only addressing their grievances but also cultivating a positive image at the same time. By ensuring that the general public remains on their side, OLV has a greater chance of affecting true change within their local community, which gives them a better shot of influencing the same issues on a national level. Every group must start small and local, and OLV has the right ideas in mind.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Cops Beating Up Protesters.
Hide your kids, Hide your wife, Cause the cops beating up protesters out here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gr6iGG3UEA
@OccupyLasVegas @occupywallstreet
@OccupyLasVegas @occupywallstreet
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
"Occupy Wall Street" 43 percent agree with views of the movement
Forty-three percent of Americans agree with the views of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, according to a new CBS News/New York Times poll that found a widespread belief that money and wealth should be distributed more evenly in America.
Twenty-seven percent of Americans said they disagree with the movement, which began more than a month ago in lower Manhattan and has since spread across the country and around the world. Thirty percent said they were unsure.
Riot police arrest "Occupy Oakland" protesters
Young and left-leaning Americans were more likely to agree with the movement than were their older and more conservative counterparts. Half of Americans ages 18-29 say they agree with the movement; just one in three Americans age 65 or older say the same. And two thirds of liberals say they agree with "Occupy Wall Street" compared with just one in four conservatives.
Americans with at least some college education are more likely to agree with the movement than those with less education. Nearly half of those with at least some college education say they agree with "Occupy Wall Street"; among those who did not attend college, that figure drops to 37 percent.
Seven in ten Americans say they have heard or read at least something about "Occupy Wall Street."
While there are different agendas within the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, nearly all of the protesters say that wealth has become too concentrated among a relatively small group of Americans. The poll found that most Americans agree with that assessment: Two in three say that wealth is not distributed as equitably as it should be, while just one in four says wealth is distributed fairly.
Republicans were far more likely than Democrats or independents to say the current distribution of income is fair. Fifty-five percent of Republicans say the current distribution is fair, compared to just seven percent of Democrats; 86 percent of Democrats, 67 percent of independents and 36 percent of Republicans say wealth should be distributed more evenly.
Twenty-seven percent of Americans said they disagree with the movement, which began more than a month ago in lower Manhattan and has since spread across the country and around the world. Thirty percent said they were unsure.
Riot police arrest "Occupy Oakland" protesters
Young and left-leaning Americans were more likely to agree with the movement than were their older and more conservative counterparts. Half of Americans ages 18-29 say they agree with the movement; just one in three Americans age 65 or older say the same. And two thirds of liberals say they agree with "Occupy Wall Street" compared with just one in four conservatives.
Americans with at least some college education are more likely to agree with the movement than those with less education. Nearly half of those with at least some college education say they agree with "Occupy Wall Street"; among those who did not attend college, that figure drops to 37 percent.
Seven in ten Americans say they have heard or read at least something about "Occupy Wall Street."
While there are different agendas within the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, nearly all of the protesters say that wealth has become too concentrated among a relatively small group of Americans. The poll found that most Americans agree with that assessment: Two in three say that wealth is not distributed as equitably as it should be, while just one in four says wealth is distributed fairly.
Republicans were far more likely than Democrats or independents to say the current distribution of income is fair. Fifty-five percent of Republicans say the current distribution is fair, compared to just seven percent of Democrats; 86 percent of Democrats, 67 percent of independents and 36 percent of Republicans say wealth should be distributed more evenly.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Occupy Las Vegas Gets Place to "OCCUPY"
The occupation began slowly Friday afternoon as a few dozen protesters armed with tents and signs trickled into the parking lot across from the Thomas & Mack Center.
Occupy Las Vegas organizers weren't worried about the small crowd.
Democracy works slowly, too, they said.
The local chapter of the national Occupy Wall Street movement came to an agreement with county officials Friday morning to secure the 2-acre parcel of county land for 30 days to hold a continuous demonstration. Hours later, members of the group unloaded a grill, hundreds of bottles of water, fire extinguishers and other supplies bought with donations.
They are still working on a full-blown budget and the details to satisfy the county's permit.
According to the permit, the group can occupy the site between Paradise Road and Swenson Street until Nov. 21 if the group is insured, has portable toilets and trash containers. The group also must submit a traffic control and parking plan to county officials next week.
Friday's turnout was much smaller than previous Las Vegas rallies. One recently held on the Strip attracted about 1,200 people.
Like the national group, Occupy Las Vegas members come from all socioeconomic and political backgrounds, organizers say, but find a common ground in their anger against corporations and the federal government. Most don't agree on what reforms they want except to end corruption and greed in a variety of political arenas. Some want to focus on employment, foreclosures, health care, education, legalizing marijuana, Wall Street, Congress and the presidency.
'FULL EQUALITY, FULL JUSTICE, FULL PEACE'
"We want full equality, full justice, full peace," said Johnathan Abbinett, a Vietnam War veteran. "That's too big for some people to get their heads around. It's 40 years of failed economic policies. The middle class is under attack. The poor have been under attack for all these years. We're fed up. We're done."
Though political in nature, the nonpartisan group refuses to endorse any candidate or allow any party to get involved with its mission. There are no leaders because everyone is equal -- a running theme throughout the group's mission statement listed online.
Their reforms include putting an end to corporate money influencing politics because "money is not speech." They want greater legal accountability for public officials and corporate executives. They want the justice system to treat everyone equally regardless of social classes from investigations to trials and sentencing.
"We want to fix the broken American political system, and we can do it," Abbinett said. "We have 13 months until the next election. When everybody walks in and touches that screen, in that one magic moment we're all equal. ... We're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore. We're going to convert that anger into a positive, productive passion."
PROTESTING FOR DIFFERENT REASONS
Andreit Sherfield, 38, has spent three years looking for work as an aesthetician. "Casinos weren't hiring, and renting a space was too much," Sherfield said. "The debt you have to go into just to get an education, I just heard about this and wanted to participate."
In addition to job creation, Sherfield said she also wants to discuss health care, education and releasing low-level offenders back into the world.
Emily Voelker, a 26-year-old who moved here recently from Minnesota, came armed with a backpack stocked with blankets, food and a hoodie. She held a sign that demanded the legalization of marijuana while she walked around listening to R&B music.
Voelker said the marijuana industry would be a lucrative endeavor for the government if it wasn't for scare tactics from pharmaceutical companies.
"It's corporate greed, that's the only reason why it's illegal," Voelker said. "You've got these companies squashing that because it can overpower their medicine, and they're totally ignoring how it could save taxpayer dollars."
Protester Jason White, 35, said he was upset with the bailouts for big banks and wants stronger regulations in place.
"The bottom line is I want the American dream back," White said. "I want to be proud to live in this country, not sad by it."
Another organizer, Sebring Frehner, said the occupation site was integral for the group to have a common place to hash out issues, voice grievances and discuss solutions to the county's problems.
"This is pretty much anybody who got tossed aside in this economic downturn," Frehner said. "This is an opportunity to dig in and see what's going on, to figure out how we the people can solve these problems."
RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE
Commissioner Susan Brager said the county felt compelled to work with the group after members showed up to a recent County Commission meeting requesting help to locate a space for gathering.
"It's fascinating to see what organizations do and where they think the priorities are," Brager said. "People have a right to have their thoughts and to assemble."
Brager added that it's important for county officials to examine how the space is kept clean over the next month.
"We have to keep it clean or find out how much money it would cost us if it wasn't cleaned properly," she said. "If it needed extensive cleaning, I want to make sure that wouldn't be out of the monies of taxpayers. That's important to me."
Abbinett said he wants to make sure "we're heard respectfully, and we're trying to do it right. We're law-abiding, peaceful and nonviolent. We intend to be the one city in America with no arrests and no violence. There's no need for that. We can be professional and efficient."
Occupy Las Vegas organizers weren't worried about the small crowd.
Democracy works slowly, too, they said.
The local chapter of the national Occupy Wall Street movement came to an agreement with county officials Friday morning to secure the 2-acre parcel of county land for 30 days to hold a continuous demonstration. Hours later, members of the group unloaded a grill, hundreds of bottles of water, fire extinguishers and other supplies bought with donations.
They are still working on a full-blown budget and the details to satisfy the county's permit.
According to the permit, the group can occupy the site between Paradise Road and Swenson Street until Nov. 21 if the group is insured, has portable toilets and trash containers. The group also must submit a traffic control and parking plan to county officials next week.
Friday's turnout was much smaller than previous Las Vegas rallies. One recently held on the Strip attracted about 1,200 people.
Like the national group, Occupy Las Vegas members come from all socioeconomic and political backgrounds, organizers say, but find a common ground in their anger against corporations and the federal government. Most don't agree on what reforms they want except to end corruption and greed in a variety of political arenas. Some want to focus on employment, foreclosures, health care, education, legalizing marijuana, Wall Street, Congress and the presidency.
'FULL EQUALITY, FULL JUSTICE, FULL PEACE'
"We want full equality, full justice, full peace," said Johnathan Abbinett, a Vietnam War veteran. "That's too big for some people to get their heads around. It's 40 years of failed economic policies. The middle class is under attack. The poor have been under attack for all these years. We're fed up. We're done."
Though political in nature, the nonpartisan group refuses to endorse any candidate or allow any party to get involved with its mission. There are no leaders because everyone is equal -- a running theme throughout the group's mission statement listed online.
Their reforms include putting an end to corporate money influencing politics because "money is not speech." They want greater legal accountability for public officials and corporate executives. They want the justice system to treat everyone equally regardless of social classes from investigations to trials and sentencing.
"We want to fix the broken American political system, and we can do it," Abbinett said. "We have 13 months until the next election. When everybody walks in and touches that screen, in that one magic moment we're all equal. ... We're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore. We're going to convert that anger into a positive, productive passion."
PROTESTING FOR DIFFERENT REASONS
Andreit Sherfield, 38, has spent three years looking for work as an aesthetician. "Casinos weren't hiring, and renting a space was too much," Sherfield said. "The debt you have to go into just to get an education, I just heard about this and wanted to participate."
In addition to job creation, Sherfield said she also wants to discuss health care, education and releasing low-level offenders back into the world.
Emily Voelker, a 26-year-old who moved here recently from Minnesota, came armed with a backpack stocked with blankets, food and a hoodie. She held a sign that demanded the legalization of marijuana while she walked around listening to R&B music.
Voelker said the marijuana industry would be a lucrative endeavor for the government if it wasn't for scare tactics from pharmaceutical companies.
"It's corporate greed, that's the only reason why it's illegal," Voelker said. "You've got these companies squashing that because it can overpower their medicine, and they're totally ignoring how it could save taxpayer dollars."
Protester Jason White, 35, said he was upset with the bailouts for big banks and wants stronger regulations in place.
"The bottom line is I want the American dream back," White said. "I want to be proud to live in this country, not sad by it."
Another organizer, Sebring Frehner, said the occupation site was integral for the group to have a common place to hash out issues, voice grievances and discuss solutions to the county's problems.
"This is pretty much anybody who got tossed aside in this economic downturn," Frehner said. "This is an opportunity to dig in and see what's going on, to figure out how we the people can solve these problems."
RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE
Commissioner Susan Brager said the county felt compelled to work with the group after members showed up to a recent County Commission meeting requesting help to locate a space for gathering.
"It's fascinating to see what organizations do and where they think the priorities are," Brager said. "People have a right to have their thoughts and to assemble."
Brager added that it's important for county officials to examine how the space is kept clean over the next month.
"We have to keep it clean or find out how much money it would cost us if it wasn't cleaned properly," she said. "If it needed extensive cleaning, I want to make sure that wouldn't be out of the monies of taxpayers. That's important to me."
Abbinett said he wants to make sure "we're heard respectfully, and we're trying to do it right. We're law-abiding, peaceful and nonviolent. We intend to be the one city in America with no arrests and no violence. There's no need for that. We can be professional and efficient."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Occupy Las Vegas' looking for a place to occupy
'Occupy Las Vegas' looking for a place to occupy
Posted: Oct 19, 2011 9:15 PM PDT Updated: Oct 19, 2011 9:15 PM PDTWednesday was day 32 of Occupy Wall Street. Local protesters are trying to figure out how to proceed with a similar, 24-hour occupation of Las Vegas.
County commissioners have concerns, and members are looking for a place to set up camp.
Occupy Las Vegas was supposed to start its round-the-clock occupation on Thursday, but that has been put on hold. Organizers tell FOX5 they want to be as peaceful and respectful as possible.
Occupy Las Vegas has already made its presence known with protests at New York, New York and Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.
"We're Nevadans, and this is Las Vegas, baby – not New York," said Occupy Las Vegas' Jonathan Abbinett.
Team leaders for the Occupy movement want to go full-scale with a 24-hour occupation of county parks, offices, landmarks and anywhere else they can get their message out.
"We plan to take back our county. We plan to reform our democracy and get corruption out of politics," Abbinett explained.
Before they can do that, however, they need to navigate the politics of Clark County. Four members of Occupy Las Vegas spoke out at Tuesday's meeting of the County Commission.
"We've made every possible attempt to have our voices heard while staying within the law," protester Kristal Glass told the commission.
Organizers reached out to commissioners after several attempts to lease protest space were denied or ignored. Commissioners Steve Sisolak and Chris Giunchigliani raised concerns about a 13-month encampment.
"Their 99-percent that they keep talking about are the people that utilize the parks," Sisolak said.
The parks are located in the center of neighborhoods and a county ordinance currently forbids camping overnight in a park.
At a meeting on the campus of UNLV, organizers stressed the importance of a proper protest.
"We intend to do this fully in accordance with policies and laws, completely peacefully without a single arrest," Abbinett said.
That's an expectation shared by county leaders.
"We don't want any protest to get out of hand, and we certainly don't want anything to become violent," said Sisolak. "I stress that over and over and over again."
Occupy Las Vegas currently has 350 members and another 4,000 volunteers. They expect to double current membership by this time next year, leading up to the presidential election.
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