Who's living in Liberty Plaza? Camper says he's not with Occupy Ann Arbor
Pedestrians walk past tents set up in Liberty Plaza.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Three months after Occupy Ann Arbor activists began using Liberty Plaza to protest the disparity of wealth in America, two tents and a man no longer affiliated with the movement's organizers are all that remain. And it looks like they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
An Occupy Ann Arbor representative confirmed the movement, spawned last October by similar protests in New York, Seattle and other cities, is not affiliated with anyone at Liberty Plaza and is no longer using the downtown park for its activities.
Orian Zakai, a graduate student at the University of Michigan and Occupy Ann Arbor organizer, said David Sincere, the man camping in the plaza, might be an active protester for the movement but does not represent the Ann Arbor chapter. She has been coordinating Occupy Ann Arbor with city officials during the last few months.
“As far as I’m concerned he is not part of this organization,” Zakai said. “He can identify with the cause, but isn’t in contact with us.”
Zakai said Sincere, also known as Sincere Nobleman, was difficult to work with.
Sincere said he used to coordinate with Occupy Ann Arbor, but said Wednesday he is no longer involved, despite the movement's name on his tent.
He has been camping in the square since Oct. 12, when the protesting first began. He said others join him from time to time, spending anywhere from one night to several days.
The campers set up in Liberty Plaza no longer identify themselves as part of Occupy Ann Arbor.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Steve Powers, city administrator, said the city’s official stance to allow Sincere and the other occasional campers to remain in the park will stand as long as their legal behavior continues.
“It has not reached the point where removal has become an administration issue,” he said.
Powers said the Ann Arbor Police Department surveys the area to monitor the activity of the campers and there are no current plans to evict them at this time, which is what officials said in October.
There have not been any complaints filed against the squatters of the square, according to Ann Arbor Police Department Lt. Renee Bush.
“They’ve been very compliant; we have a great open relationship and there are no problems,” Bush said.
Collin Smith, Parks and Recreation manager, said Liberty Plaza hasn't required any additional maintenance or cleaning due to the park's lodgers and there haven't been any park permits requested within the last three months.
Catherine Mueller, administrator at the University of Michigan's Center for the Education of Women, said the tents and its occupants have not been disruptive. The CEW is the square’s closest neighbor.
“As far as I know, they’ve been very peaceful and we haven’t had issues,” she said.
Sincere said he is the sole day-to-day resident and many others come and go.
“Not everyone that comes by is part of the movement,” Sincere said. “Other homeless come here and I let them stay; I keep them warm; I watch over them.”
Sincere said the surrounding businesses have been helpful over the last four months. He said some give him hot water for tea and soup, and others give him food and clothing and he doesn't have any plans to leave the site right now.
"The city is more than buildings and roads — we're people," he said. "This is as human as it gets."
Contact reporter Danny Shaw at 734-623-2544 or dannyshaw@annarbor.com.
Comments
Lawrence Ofherlabia
Sun, Feb 5, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
And Al and Mary from Cramp Take Notice are nice people who would never get drunk again and urinate on my buildings
Kagmi
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.
I just feel the need to point out that, having known the Plaza before and after Sincere and Occupy Ann Arbor arrived there, it legitimately is a better place with that tent there. Say what you will about people "taking advantage" or "camping for free," I have seen that tent take in people who were in need and keep away potentially dangerous folks. Just sayin'. Just because something ain't pretty or conventional doesn't mean it's not a good thing.
FormerMichRes
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
I've read the article and the comments ... and have a few observations: 1) Many people have expressed concerns about the City's handling of Occupy Ann Arbor and Liberty Plaza. 2) The same goes for panhandlers, drifters, and the other assorted types of street people that appear to have taken over the streets with I suppose the de facto blessing ... or at least disinterest of City leadership. 3) "Camp Take Notice" was mentioned a number of times, which I believe is a sort of homeless settlement in or near Ann Arbor. A last observation, based on my having lived and worked in Ann Arbor prior to moving to another state: Ann Arborites complain a lot, but tend to vote for the same politicians ... or those with similar mindsets ... over and over again, while expecting different results. If you really want change, it needs to happen at the ballot box. Have the courage to take your city back.
Kagmi
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
I just feel the need to note that I'm pretty familiar with the situation downtown, and I have to say that in my judgement the city's handling of the situation at Liberty Plaza has been great. I have been to the camp there many times and my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. I was once in a situation at the Plaza where I was approached by a mentally unstable man who was passing through, and I felt safe only because the tent was behind me and Sincere was within earshot. So I do not take issue with the city's failure to kick him out.
Jack
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 5:49 a.m.
Gee, we didn't realize the City parks were now open for camping. We can't afford a real vacation this year, but we do enjoy camping. I can think of any number of Ann Arbor parks that are suitable. Since Liberty Plaza has been rendered unusable for the average person, I think Gallup Park will be very nice. I think we should all organize and go at the same time. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right? And, after all, we actually support these parks with our taxes. Liberty Park used to be a nice place for citizens to sit and have lunch. Apparently citizens are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to consideration.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Feb 3, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
Liberty Plaza is no good. You can't get your tent stakes in the ground.
Kagmi
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
"Unusable to the average person?" Have you been there? It's perfectly open. In fact to my knowledge Sincere welcomes other campers and has an agreement with the city about where additional tents may or may not be placed. So by all means, head out there.
Michael Christie
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 12:23 a.m.
Here is an email thread between me and the City Parks Department. Colin, So this email was sent to me 3 months ago and now it appears that the City of Ann Arbor and the Parks department is willing to not only allow the Occupy Movement but people to live in City Parks. I've read the most recent artile at <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/occupy-ann-arbors-liberty-square-protest-dwindled-to-homeless-encampment/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/occupy-ann-arbors-liberty-square-protest-dwindled-to-homeless-encampment/</a> and find it utterly disturbing that the City hasn't done anything to clean this area up. There are several issues with the article, one by you, where there's no extra clean up. There's no extra clean up because someone has hired a guy to clean up the mess on a daily basis, but you left that out in your interview. The other issue is with no permits for the last few months, who needs a permit in the winter or for anything in a City Park? You just allow people to come and go with no regard for the parks hours? I'm hoping the City will issue a tax bill to the Occupy Movement as well as the squatter. I sat with you at the Arena Sportsbar over a year ago and you were all for helping to clean up the park because of the riffraff that was hanging out there. I was told by you that "I'll do anything I can to help." Two emails have gone unanswered, until the email sent on 10/22, which is attached. So, you've done very little to secure or make the park safer. What are you going to do if something unfortunate happens and someone files a claim against the City? (You really don't care because its not your money.) to be continued...
Kagmi
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 5:12 p.m.
I just feel the need to note that I'm pretty familiar with the situation downtown, and I have to say that in my judgement the city's handling of the situation at Liberty Plaza has been great. I have been to the camp there many times and my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. I was once in a situation at the Plaza where I was approached by a mentally unstable man who was passing through, and I felt safe only because the tent was behind me and Sincere was within earshot. So I do not take issue with the city's failure to kick him out.
Michael Christie
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
All I can say for sure is as a law abiding citizen I'm not going to be threatened and hope someone comes soon enough before something terrible happens. I've called the police enough times to know they simply don't have the manpower they once did; thanks to a city budget that can't seem to balance itself without the DDA giving money back to the City to operate. What I'm going to do it start to open carry my firearm. I'm totally within the State Law to do so and State Law supercedes any local law. I'm done waiting months and months for the City of Ann Arbor to do something. It appears that the action is now in the citizens hands. The Law in case you don't know it... Statement of the Law Any 18-yr. old or older, law abiding citizen of the State of Michigan who owns a legally registered handgun may openly carry a firearm in a holster in all places not explicitly exempt by law. The Core of An Officer's Ability to Detain A Person Who Openly Carries Mere Possession of a handgun in a non-exempted place is NOT PROBABLE CAUSE or REASONABLE SUSPICION of a crime. Unless a person who is openly carrying a handgun is engaged in activity which gives rise to a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or probable cause, that person may not be detained by police.
4 Fingers
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
Kudos to Mr. Nobleman! He's managed to do what no one else can do. Avoid paying downtown rent with all the downtown amenities. I can't stop laughing...
motorcycleminer
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.
If you squat anywhere in OZ with out being cited..he should move in front of city hall...won't look anyworse than the tongue depressor, and will make a fine beacon for when the rest of the rabble to home in on when the weather warms up, at least that gets them off liberty and gives the panhandlers back their terf...
B. Jean
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
"Steve Powers, city administrator, said the city's official stance to allow Sincere and the other occasional campers to remain in the park will stand as long as their legal behavior continues." Hey, Mr. Powers. It IS ILLEGAL to camp there. Translation... the fact that he is living there IS illegal behavior... Duh! So here is an official stance for you... enforce the friggen law. Or on second thought, maybe you could check to see if each ordinance violator might be inconvenienced by the law and then what the hell, you can allways just get a new "city's official stance" to not enforce their own regulations. Another brilliant move by so-called local leadership. Mr. Powers you should run for city council... you'd fit right in.
Michael Christie
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
I say we all start calling the police and complain about the 'disturbance' there. The funny thing is I've called the police about that at least 10 times
Diagenes
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
I love liberals. They are so fun to watch. They tie themselves up in knots trying to "do the right thing". Since thet lack a moral compass to make rational decisions they are often the victim of unintended consequences. They would not enforce city code prohibiting camping in a public park and now they are stuck with a squatter.
pbehjatnia
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
Keep enforcing the law at will Chief Barnett and watch your taxpayer financed paycheck go bye bye. As it should. The law applies to all equally.
nowayjose
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.
How so? He's not a sheriff, you as a tax payer and voter can't vote him out.
treetowntenor
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Liberty Street has quickly become a "stay away zone". Drunks, bums, squatters, panhandlers...no wonder businesses are closing left and right. The Mayor and some Council members wanted to create a new big city to pad their resumes. Well, they got all the big city problems that go along with that. I want my Ann Arbor back. Police, not greenways. Firefighters, not consultant studies. City services, not useless grandiose dreams of parking garages and convention centers. Ingrid Sheldon, not John Hieftje.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
legal behavior continues? I would have thought that all city parks didn't allow camping! I think normal townies should "Occupy" city parks this summer by camping in them, without a permit of course.
daytona084
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
"Steve Powers, city administrator, said the city's official stance to allow Sincere and the other occasional campers to remain in the park will stand as long as their legal behavior continues." ..... I ask how, by any stretch of the imagination, can this be considered "legal behavior"?
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
The city has other problems. Walk South on E. University from Hill street at 1AM on Friday night and observe. You will likely see bottles being thrown in the streets and all sorts of interesting behavior. The quiet people in their tents really can't compare.
maallen
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
He's living Obama's dream: "others give him food and clothing and he doesn't have any plans to leave the site right now." Why would he leave? He's getting free food and clothes! Once people stop with the handouts he will pack up and go somewhere else.
Simon Green
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Well, alrighty then! I guess I'll be camping there with the Boy Scout troop soon.
easy123
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
The kids who parked out at the main street/ summit house seem have moved to the plaza. These kids destroyed that house. Thank goodness for the new occupants. Even "open minded" Ann Arborites have a limit. It is time to get rid of this plaza, by removing it. I do not like walking around there. Too many agressive pan handlers
Michael Christie
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
maybe when the stores can't generate enough money because people don't feel safe or secure WITHIN THEIR OWN TOWN then maybe the City will do something. It takes years to build a reputation and a few unfortunate actions to ruin it.
rkb0929
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
I don't go ANYWHERE around there anymore....don't feel comfortable with the tents there and with the people who have wandered the streets asking for money. Please city of Ann Arbor, do something about this, so the citizens who pay taxes can enjoy our city.
Mike58
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Simply amazing.
Brad
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
Ann Arbor city code, section 39 - Parks: 3:2. - Restrictions. While in a park, no person shall: (7) Camp overnight. That seems pretty plain.
Usual Suspect
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
"3:2. - Restrictions. While in a park, no person shall: (7) Camp overnight." ... (i) Unless you're an Occupy nut.
Buster W.
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
Ahh...codes, shmodes!
Carole
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.
The city can make a home owner whose fence doesn't please them or the historic community, but will allow an individual to camp illegally. Does not make sense to me. Liberty Park is a public park not a campground. Usual Suspect, no camping is not allowed in AA public parks.
Usual Suspect
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Carole, apparently it is allowed, because the city didn't evict the Occupy nuts.
Silly Sally
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 11:06 a.m.
Move him to the easement (parking strip) in front of Mayor John Hieftje's home.
eastsidemom
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 10:48 a.m.
you would think the fine readers here would know about the right to assemble and protest, free speech and all that, but no...
Usual Suspect
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Nobody has disputed that. The topic here is camping overnight.
tim
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.
The State police will not let you camp on state land unless it's a designated camp ground ,yet people are allowed to camp in a2 city parks--- strange. Will art fair exhibitors be allowed to camp there?
4 Fingers
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
That's not true. Look at Camp Hope. MDOT knows all about it and casts a blind eye.
Huron74
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3:05 p.m.
MSP doesn't have to answer to an extreme left-wing city council either. Just sayin'.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3 p.m.
People should be allowed to camp on state land. Especially Michigan residents.
Buster W.
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.
Just wait until it warms up in a couple months...I'm sure he'll have lots of neighbors.
PSJ
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.
Time for the AAPD to get rid of the squalor and restore the park to being a park. How 'bout it?
Steve
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.
Isn't it funny how the city aggressively enforces a fence ordinance in the historic district, the sanitation department places orange tags on your garbage if anything is improper, the police will write you a ticket if you do not read a pedestrians mind approaching a crosswalk....but a guy can live in a tent in a public space at a busy intersection in the center of town and apparently they can do nothing about it. What????!!!
nowayjose
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
I'm guessing silly Sally is that same as mustang Sally taxi service. For this is the only reason I can see why she blogs about traffic enforcement on topics that have nothing to do with it.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
And about that section of State Street. I am all for vigorous speed enforcement there. For the decades I have lived here, it has always been a popular speed trap, and for good reason... Pedestrians in that area need to cross that street. There are no intersections nearby. The hills greatly add to the danger. Further, that is a bicycle corridor. Again, it shouldn't be a racetrack for people in a hurry to go shopping, get on the highway, or whatever. It does not matter the time of day or night. With Costco going up, Ann Arbor needs to spend some serious time finding solutions to the traffic issues on State St and also over the I-94 overpass. The overpass is currently incredibly dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists. There needs to be a safe way over it. It may be difficult for motorists to believe, but some of us will actually bike to Costco to shop. This is how new private development - even outside our city - ends up costing taxpayers money...
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
Sally, speed kills. Turning across multiple lanes of traffic.. Also kills. Tents in parks, not so much.
Silly Sally
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
so are all of the other Ann Arbor laws that are much more important that are ignored. One for example, is turnign left from the far right lane on Division, or right from the far left lane. jaywalking, urinating in that above mentined park...
huh7891
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
OMG...silly Sally obey the speed limit it's there for a reason ...doesn't matter if it's a full moon or if the sky is blue that day...it's the speed limit follow it or pay the ticket.
Silly Sally
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 11:04 a.m.
God help you if you are going 40 MPH on State St by Howard Coopers on a Sunday morning (its a 35 MPH zone) even though there is no other traffic at all. Even worse is the 35 MPH revenue zone on Huron Pky going north from Washtenaw where there is no driveways. This 35 MPH limit is contrary to the new Mich speed law, which says it should be 45 MPH.
Orian
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.
It is regrettable that AnnArbor.com chose to misquote me. I never said Sincere is not part of Occupy Ann Arbor. I have no authority to say who is and who is not part of the movement and this is what I said to Mr. Shaw. I did say that Sincere hasn't been involved in the Imagine Warming Center project for awhile now. <a href="http://imaginewarmingcenters.org/" rel='nofollow'>http://imaginewarmingcenters.org/</a>.
Tony Dearing
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
We appreciate you raising this concern. We've talked to our reporter. The quotes he attributed to you are in his notes, and we believe they have been accurately reported. There was one additional quote from you in his notes that was not included in the story, saying, "Anyone can identify with our movement,'' which is similar to the quote we did use.
Ricardo Queso
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
Now if the guy had any smarts he would camp in front of city hall and make use of the beautiful shower/latrine provided by the arts council.
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
With the exception of the summer music program hosted in this park, I can't think of a good reason why the city not just sell this property to a developer for a high rise. Honestly, it is such a pain having to walk by and get hassled for money by people who have it worse than the rest of us.
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 6:13 p.m.
Pave over it. and remove that silly Kempf house as well.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
I eat lunch in that park. And the open space with trees is far more appealing with tents than yet another ugly high-rise. We have dozens of parks in Ann Arbor. Just because you don't personally use them is not a reason to pave over them and sell them to the highest bidder.
Emily
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
We can go camping for free? I love Ann Arbor! Pass the marshmallows.
EyeHeartA2
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
"Camper says he's not with Occupy Ann Arbor" Shocking. Really? Next Up: "Smelly homeless guy, not really a vet" "Alternator on car not really broken, driver no relation to the people in back seat" "Man not really out of gas" "Actually, I won't work for food, I just want money for beer"
Lawrence Ofherlabia
Sun, Feb 5, 2012 : 6:58 p.m.
And Al and Mary the drunks from Camp Take Notice are really trying hard to find jobs
pbehjatnia
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
No complaints? I have been emailing the City as well as the AAPD for 2 months now asking when I will be able to use the park I pay for without the illegal tents taking the space and ruining the view. I would really like to know if I can go pitch my tent there, too? Problem would be, I guess, that I would not appear down and out nor would I be available to let homeless hang with me. No. I would rent a luxury heated model and serve champagne to all my friends. Oops. But that wouldn't make me chic in Ann Arbor, would it? I would definitely be hauled off the scene by the AAPD.
Andre Young
Thu, Feb 2, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
I totally agree with this person. I used to sit in the park sometimes and eat food but now I cannot do this without being asked for change or being stared at. Just wait Ann Arbor. You are all worrying about the well-being of the homeless but you are forgetting about the peace of mind of the citizens. Sure they are technically following the laws now, but one night there will be violence. I understand there are homeless in every major city, but welcoming them and enabling them will open a floodgate that cannot be closed. I wonder how peaceful they would be to me if I held a sign that said "I have a job, I don't do drugs, can I use the park now?"
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.
Sounds like the city's IT department may be identifying your e-mail as SPAM. More seriously, it was 10F last night. And your greatest worry is the eviction of homeless people sleeping in tents?
Derek
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 10:06 a.m.
Don't lie. You don't use that park. For the last seven years, as long as I have been in Ann Arbor, it has been a bastion for homeless people.
Homeland Conspiracy
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
"ruining the view" that's a joke....right? How are this stopping you from "using" the park? it's a fairly big park. As far as you setting up a tent there go for it...I'll bet $$$$$ that you wouldn't last a week.
Josh Atkinson
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 12:27 a.m.
I bet there would be absolutely no issue if you also pitched a tent down there, so long as you abide by the law as the article says. Now the serving of champagne may not be allowed for that reason but sure go camping.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
I hate to say, "I told you so," but I told you so. When you look the other way when some people to engage in illegal activity, you're going to have a hard time telling others they can't do the same thing. The City of Ann Arbor gave their approval of illegal camping in this park by not enforcing the law when the Occupy nuts were there, and now they're stuck with this guy. I say Liberty Plaza is the perfect location for Camp Take Notice. I'd love to hear the reason why they couldn't live there but other people can. Fires, stoves, group tents, and pit latrines are all part of the camping experience, and camping is allowed in Ann Arbor city parks now.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
I have to admit I didn't really hate to say it. I kinda liked it.
pbehjatnia
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
go ahead. say it cuz you are right. i will sponsor a uhaul to move camp take notice to liberty plaza.
bedrog
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
so someone self-named 'sincere nobleman", who lives in a tent on public property in the middle of town and tries to piggyback on a larger cause, is "difficult to work with"? Who'da thunk it ? at least based on the behavior of other self-proclaimed "human rights activists" hereabouts ...notably the AATA ad sue-er and his cultmates.
bedrog
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
Bill: how nice to hear from you again. While I do indeed have major problems with those locally who protest the loudest on certain narrow issues ( and who absolutely egregiously violate rules of civil society, logic and fact) there are other protesting people and causes i 'm just fine with , and you have absolutely no basis for saying otherwise ( but then'no basis' and you are clearly on good terms.) Only a fool or a professional narcissist /agitator would be other than selective on such matters. P.s. my offer to "out "myself to you still stands on the same terms as earlier ( i.e you gotta buy something from me which, while not cheap, would be a great investment and would lay to rest the silly doubts you have repeatedly expressed as to my credentials for saying what i do about whom i do.) But in anycase thanks for the 'superhero' plug. I'd never say it of myself.
Bill Wilson
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
Bob, Bedrog has a long history of equating all protestors with those violating the rules... unless it's the side he aligns himself with, that is. I've given up being offended, being convinced that that applying logic is like shooting Superman with ordinary bullets: they just bounce off.
bedrog
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
@bob: most who pay attention to such matters ---and are honest-- know that some of the loudest self proclaimed "HRA" 's locally are indeed utterly unconcerned about the rights of "all humans," in favor of their own strange biases toward the some of most bigoted of all ( i.e jihadists). I suspect you already know this.
Basic Bob
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
So human rights are only for some humans?
Frank Dunst
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 6:12 p.m.
He doesn't own the space he's squatting on. Maybe I'll set up a tent 2 inches from his, then stop bathing and/or use my tent as an outhouse until the funk drives him away. Seriously though, we have to generate a collective empathy and conscious. This man is single-handedly eradicating the disparity between rich and poor while also disabling capitalism and ending all wars. Who know this is all it took?
Berda Green
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
i see they are still there i guess they will be there all year long and it not right is the city going to let them stay when the art fair comes this summer we will see i hope they leave
jns131
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Eye appealing art. Can it be moved to City Hall I wonder?
pbehjatnia
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
by that time there will be more because it is warm outside. then we'll have a repeat performance of punks and unvaccinated dogs and used needles. funny. if this guy was a dirty or a yuppie he would get the boot, but because he is just a plain ole loser he gets to stay.
bedrog
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
by art fair time it could be justified as "performance art" and maybe even get an NEA grant. Stranger things have happened /been so funded.
West of Main
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
If Sincere can stay, why don't we just let Camp Take Notice set up here as well?
West of Main
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
Yes, obviously. The point I was trying to make is that this guy is a simple squatter and should be duly evicted.
clara
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
Too small an area.
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
So you need an Occupy Ann Arbor membership card now do you? And thanks for AnnArbor.com tough edged reporting on this vital topic while ignoring the City's need for a warming center. Misplaced editorial priorities yet again...Kudos to the City at least for not making this an 'issue'.
InsideTheHall
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
Oh, so only some can join the group. I guess conforming to the tyrant Zakai is the way to curry favor and be "accepted" into the clan.
Michigan Reader
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
Inside the Hall--Every group and organization has its values and goals. If someone acts contrary to those, they are acting counterproductively to the purpose of the group. They shouldn't be allowed in. Tyrant, republic, or democracy.
Enso
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
mmm... curry....