City has no plans to evict Occupy Ann Arbor protesters from downtown park
Even the rain can't stop George Kropog(left) and Rünar Berg as they partcipate in occupy Ann Arbor Thursday.
Jeff Sainlar I AnnArbor.com
Video: Member of Occupy Ann Arbor group talks about the movement
Regular passers-by might think the tents and signs at the Occupy Ann Arbor protest in Liberty Plaza are an eyesore, but there’s a good chance they aren’t going anywhere.
There have been no conversations between the Ann Arbor Police Department and the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department about evicting the Occupy Ann Arbor movement, according to Ann Arbor Police Department Lt. Angella Abrams.
She said the department has had no issues with the protester up to this point.
There is a time limit on the amount of time parks can be occupied and Liberty Plaza closes at 10 p.m. every night because it is a city park, Abrams said.
However, the police department takes guidance from the parks department on when someone has to be removed from the park, she said.
“There’s a time limit on the parks, but we take guidance from them (the parks department) when they want somebody out,” Abrams said, “but there hasn’t been a discussion about that at all.”
According to www.occupyannarbor.org, one of the movement’s websites, the first full-time occupiers arrived in Liberty Plaza on Oct. 12. There’s been no indication from the group as to how long Liberty Plaza will stay occupied.
About a handful of people are actually occupying the park overnight, with crowds growing during the daytime hours and during regular Thursday meetings.
The Occupy movement began in mid-September with the Occupy Wall Street protest in lower Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park. The movement has exploded across the country and worldwide.
According to coverage from the Associated Press:
"As the protests have expanded and gained support from new sources, what began three weeks ago as a group of mostly young people camping out on the streets has morphed into something different: an umbrella movement for people of varying ages, life situations and grievances, some of them first-time protesters.
"There are a few common denominators among the protesters: their position on the left of the political spectrum, and the view that the majority in America — the "99 percent," in their words — isn't getting a fair shake.
"Beyond that, though, there's a diversity of age, gender and race — in part due to the recent injection of labor union support, and fueled by social networks — that is striking to some who study social protests."
The first Occupy event in Ann Arbor was held in the Diag on the campus of the University of Michigan earlier this month. Since then, the group has met regularly at 6 p.m. Thursdays in Liberty Plaza to discuss logistics and supporting other Occupy groups around the state, mostly in Lansing and Detroit.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
julieswhimsies
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 6:26 p.m.
One of the reasons I love this country is the freedom to speak out...to protest. As a 99er myself, I stand with these peaceful protesters. As far as the vile coming from the radical right...I have to wonder how living with this kind of anger on a daily basis could possibly be healthy. It's a beautiful Fall day! Take a walk. If your walk takes you past these protesters merely look away.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 11:22 p.m.
I guess these Marines are no-good lazy bums who never did anything in their lives but take from the nation: <a href="http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/10/22/semper-fi-occupy-marines-bringing-reinforcements-to-occupy-the-nation/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/10/22/semper-fi-occupy-marines-bringing-reinforcements-to-occupy-the-nation/</a> Good Night and Good Luck
Jon Saalberg
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
To all those in a lather about these "terrible" people - enjoy the sunny day that's outside right now; take a walk; read a book; do something enjoyable. You're really getting yourself upset about something that you cannot control and isn't really going to affect your life, right? In the immortal words of my father-in-law, "Think about something else".
Angry Redneck
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:57 p.m.
Must be a very slow news day if A2.com is giving this group of 3 people any attention.....
kk
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
To james and others who think the top 1% are already "overtaxed" out of their wealth, are you aware of what the actual distribution of income is in this country and how it compares to other countries? We rank right up there with places like Uganda and Mexico. Here's a chart showing what Americans think our income distribution is, and what the actual distribution is: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2537144664776&set=a.1359865233526.2053406.1138407286&type=3" rel='nofollow'>http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2537144664776&set=a.1359865233526.2053406.1138407286&type=3</a>&theater People need to remember that how the profits of our economy get distributed to everyone who is a part of that economy is something societies create through all sorts of incentives, laws, requirements, and differences in actual opportunities. There's no "natural" law that leads to the top 1% having 47% of the country's wealth.
Sparty
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
No need to worry, it's not only the Tea Partying right-wing conservatives in Ann Arbor that are in a fear frenzy about the World-wide Occupy Movement. They join the other TP Republicans who are shaking in their Italian leather shoes about the impact of this movement. They thought they would continue to control the political policy, corporate give backs, and maintain the inequitable tax policies of the past with their no-compromise TEA Party. However, a sleeping giant has woken. The 99% has risen and now there is an engaged alternative to the madness of the right-wing tea drinkers -- the vast poor and the majority of the middle class who choose not to drink that tea. The 99%, working with the independents not drinking tea, unions, progressives, liberals, democrats, latinos, asians, the young, the elderly who don't want to see medicare and medicaid turned into a coupon program and social security turned over to wall street accounts, all are or will be engaged. Messages and Strategy is being carefully crafted, so don't be deceived -- a power house has risen. Feel free to make your comments, it's your right --- just as it's our right to protest, and WE WILL.
Sparty
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
Well, see that 99% means that you might not agree. That would be 100%. Get it? LoL.
djacks24
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 8:48 a.m.
"The 99% has risen and now there is an engaged alternative to the madness of the right-wing tea drinkers -- the vast poor and the majority of the middle class who choose not to drink that tea." You may not be drinking the tea, but you sure are smoking something. How can you claim these people are the 99% of the nation when I and many others I know easily fall into the lower middle class or middle class demographic and think this is lunacy?
golfer
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:29 p.m.
maybe you can get some for our city council. we need new ideas. like a idle law, crosswalks that will be covered with snow and art projects.
thecompound
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:59 p.m.
That's cause there is no home game this weekend!
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
The media is desperate to give this movement some credibility, but all they're doing is whining that they want more freebies from the government.
sh1
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
So many people lacking compassion and tolerance. As a non-religious person myself, I wonder how they reconcile their hate-filled beliefs with their God.
C. S. Gass
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 9:09 a.m.
Oh aren't you chic for being an atheist? Wow, I with I could brag about my religion, or lack thereof and thus become instantly 'cool' and 'credible' in A2...
peg dash fab
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
sh1, their religion is a rewrite of the one you're thinking of, in which it's ok to covet thy neighbor's wife ... but not his wealth! shout-out to diaganes, who made all this clear!
sh1
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
@gene, I note you didn't answer my question, but you should feel better since I have already donated sleeping bags, blankets, and food.
genetracy
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
Seeing you feel you have so much compassion, why don't you go down to Liberty Square and give all your possessions away?
alternativeview99
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
Hmmm...the comments levied against this group of people remind me of the comments levied against students protesting the Viet Nam war. In both cases, they opposed what was happening in their government. They believed they were being asked to pay for more than their fair share of the work needed to support the wealth of others. And, those who disagreed with the protests, instead of politely disagreeing with their point of view and pointing out facts to support a different point of view, degenerated into calling the protestors names and labeling them lazy bums, spoiled kids, and unpatriotic. Hmmmm....I question whether a person really loves what this country stands for when they are so quick to want to silence a viewpoint that they disagree with which is very clearly political speech, protected under the First Amendment. I guess, unless you have money to form a corporation and buy a network or two to constantly bombard people through the media about what you believe (no facts....just rhetoric) then you are out of luck in getting to your view. In essence, you must be rich and able to purchase a spot to share your view. This is NOT what our founding fathers had in mind. And, it is certainly not what I support. So, where is the public forum for these people to express their political views.....however offensive we may find them?
Zach
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
Who is infringing on First Amendment rights? If you are referring to evicting them from the park during the periods required under the law, then that is a reasonable time, place, and manner restriction under the First Amendment and the government has the purview to pass and the responsibility to enforce a law that is not targeted at the content of speech. What the commenters on this article are asking for is to have the city government enforce such a law.
genetracy
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
Since when has the American left engaged in civil discourse with anyone who does not agree with them? Ever? They dismiss anyone who does not agree with their views as racists, sexist, anti gay, etc. which of course is trumpeted by the MSM.
tdw
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
Hmmm....You mean the Viet Nam students that rioted , destroyed property and thew rocks and bricks at the police ? those peaceful protesters ?
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
We've heard them. The media has told us everything about them. It's our right, under the First Amendment, to call them whiny babies who don't want to earn what they consume.
Michael Christie
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
What an incredible waste of time, resources, and energy. This is a huge eye sore in the middle of town and of course the Ann Arbor Police won't do anything about it until the Parks Department asks them to get involved. It only gives the vagrants more of a foothold on a city park that is rampant with alcohol abuse and drug use. If they can occupy this city owned property, then what's to stop anyone from pitching a tent in the lawn of city hall or any other park? I'm all for sending a picture to the parks department and request that something be done to remove the tents. If they want to occupy, then do it, but you can't reside. Here's the park email address: parks&rec@a2gov.org
Goober
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
You can send all the e-mails you want and nothing will change. This city, as well as the city leaders have a tendency to do what they want. Kicking out normal citizens versus kicking out protesters will be viewed differently and each will be treated with different rights. Let's see if I am right or wrong by how events unfold over time.
tdw
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Not a shot at A2.com here, but I'd like to see them actually go and interview some of these clowns.And see what kind of nonsense they have to say
Cosmic Ray
Mon, Oct 24, 2011 : 3:50 p.m.
People are starting to call our community Ann Arbor dot Bum
sh1
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
How do you know they are clowns if you haven't been down there?
tdw
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
Actually, yes I do which why I'd like to see them interviewed .But unless they're unlike anything else seen from the OWS people I'll call them clowns
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
because you have such an open mind?
Diagenes
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
The actions of the city in relation to this campout of spoiled slackers is the real story here. The city enforces rules on the homeless but not these "protesters". Average people will avoid downtown, if they believe they are not safe from being accosted by people who want something for nothing. Downtown is imploding while City Council dithers over leaf pick up and sidewalk repair. It seems that the central theme of the Occupy movement is that they are trying to convince us (the people who go to work, pay our taxes, raise our own children, and go to church) that we are agrieved and need government to forgive student loans and mortgages that we freely agreed to. They want us to beg for governement for a cradle to grave "nanny state". Benjamin Franklin said if you trade liberty for security you will have neither. I am not willing to trade my liberty for the financial security of those who do not want to accept personal responsiblity for their own decisions and inactions. What I do not hear is a cry for the right to start a business unencumbered by onerous regulations and taxes. Or to keep the fruit of ones labor. I do not hear a protest against University Presidents making $500,000 per year. I don't hear the protest of the waste of tax payer dollars on companies like Solindra. I don't hear support for wage cuts for government officials even though the average federal government salary is over $100,000 per year The big difference between the Tea Party and Occupy is that Occupy wants everything from government and the Tea Party wants almost nothing from government .
djacks24
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 10:44 a.m.
"they want good paying private sector jobs and they want CEO pay to not be upwards of 700% of what other employees make. " Seems like they are the same ones who used to have those good paying, Unionized, public sector jobs and now that they are laid off and can't find anything comparable in the private sector, they are protesting. Funny how when they had those cushy jobs, they weren't protesting for equality with all of us others who didn't have it as easy as they did. Just now that they are out of work, they have grievances, but claim they are speaking for all of us.
djm12652
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
oh my Diagenes...I don't think you realize that logical statements aren't readily acceptable in A2...if one doesn't think based on one's emotions you won't be taken seriously in this town. [insert wickedly sarcastic chuckle]
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
"The big difference between the Tea Party and Occupy is that Occupy wants everything from government and the Tea Party wants almost nothing from government ." Really? They are asking for EVERYTHING? The ones I spoke to were not asking for everything. They want a similar tax burden as the top 1%, they want regulation that prevents a few banking institutions from bringing down our whole economy (and bringing about TARP), they want good paying private sector jobs and they want CEO pay to not be upwards of 700% of what other employees make. I am wondering where you were when Halliburton racked up massive fraud with your tax dollar? Where you as concerned when "Bucky" Bush reaped huge sums from Engineered Support Systems Inc., tax payer money, how about when Neil Bush was bailed out by Ronald Reagan in the S&L crisis via his Colorado Savings and Loan? It never fails to amuse me that so many people were so silent for 8 years but have suddenly found their voice when it comes to crony capitalism and welfare!
Tom Joad
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
Someone should have consulted a calender before setting in motion the occupy-anything movement.
a2grateful
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
The law will NOT be enforced in this case because the city agrees with the protest message . . . especially in relation to city coffers . . . and city residents (rich scoffers) . . . ; )
observer
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
Typical Ann Arbor, do what is in vogue......always trying to copy someone to show how liberal the city is.....disgusting.....
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
uh, these protests are happening all over the country, and world. Did you post a similar comment a few months back...<a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/04/about_200_protesters_gather_in.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/04/about_200_protesters_gather_in.html</a> ?
Ricardo Queso
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:25 p.m.
On a positive note they have displaced the drunks and addicts.
djm12652
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.
@Joe _Citizen, I don't know...that's why I was asking. I can only imagine that the Occupy Liberty Square would frown upon the free enterprise based system...ya know, the world's oldest profession...
Ricardo Queso
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
The names have changed but the smell remains the same.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
More like reshuffled.
Joe_Citizen
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
How do you know the hookers are still there?
djm12652
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
what? the hookers are still there?
Joe_Citizen
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
WOW, as I read this I find that there are a lot of stuffed shirts in A2, it's a good thing that I moved out of there before that disease grew on me. One don't feel the pain of being a victim of circumstance until you have it hit you like a ton of bricks. It's easy for someone to say "ew, that guy is homeless and I'll never come to this city again". What a shame for you to put yourself on that pedestal. This is why the protestors are there, because of the looming lack of neighborly care. When we stop caring for one another, then the devil has us all by the gonads. Don't let evil prevail, stop the greed before it's too late.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
I agree with you, I'm glad you moved out too. Can you bring the "Liberty street Seven" with you?
djm12652
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
Okay, so if I decide to camp out next summer in Liberty Plaza, I can rest assured that I will not be thrown out after closing, correct? What about the drunks that want to stay past closing when this drama is over? Will they be discriminated against and be forced to leave? Fair's fair...oh wait in this town it's not....if I were to set up a few tents and espound conservative viewpoints, the left would have me railroaded out of town. Ain't freedom grand [only] if you're agreeing with them? By the way, I have a small retirement with investments with Wall Street...keep making me money!
Ron Granger
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
I just wish I could find a way to have the 15% federal tax rate of the very rich, rather than the 30%+ rate I pay. Wouldn't that be great? Only 15% tax? All because your Daddy has a big company and you get dividend income. And that's before their expert accountants and tax advisors further reduce it. And a lot of them don't even work - they just get the checks in the mail. Meanwhile, the rest of us pay enormous portions of our income as taxes.
Ron Granger
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
Actually, that wouldn't change anything. I would still be forced to pay US taxes.
Stupid Hick
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
"Only 15% tax? All because your Daddy has a big company and you get dividend income." But Ron, isn't that what Jesus and our Founding Fathers intended? If you don't like freedom move to Russia!
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Class act, these guys: "Police in Cleveland said a 19-year-old woman was raped at an Occupy protest there, and authorities in Oakland and in Seattle have reported sexual assaults and incidents of indecent exposure." <a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-10-19/news/bs-md-ci-occupy-baltimore-rape-20111019_1_sexual-assaults-sexual-abuse-report-crimes" rel='nofollow'>http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-10-19/news/bs-md-ci-occupy-baltimore-rape-20111019_1_sexual-assaults-sexual-abuse-report-crimes</a>
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.
I see that the out-of-country censors are at work again this weekend. So I'll try again. Eyeheart wrote: "So, Ron, are they, or are they not part of the same 'movement'?" Eyeheart: do these guys represent the tea party? <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38228744/ns/politics-decision_2010/t/iowa-tea-party-groups-sign-links-obama-hitler/#.TqM_Ld4r27t" rel='nofollow'>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38228744/ns/politics-decision_2010/t/iowa-tea-party-groups-sign-links-obama-hitler/#.TqM_Ld4r27t</a> Inquiring minds want to know. Good Night and Good Luck
MIKE
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
There is a rapist loose in Ann Arbor. Should the entire population of the city be blamed for the action of one?
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
I don't see the phrase "A few bad apples" anymore. Wonder why that is?
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
So, Ron, are they, or are they not part of the same "movement"? Whenever the ridiculously small number get brought up, the spin is how it is national and the start of something big, blah, blah. Now, the inconvenient truth is that the "national movement" has several reported incidents of sexual assault at the protest areas and it seem you want to say these people have nothing to do with those people. So which is it? That's the truth, sorry you don't like it.
djm12652
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
@ron granger...of course not, A2 is a civilized commune not like those thugs in Baltimore and Seattle...heathens I say, heathens!
Ron Granger
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
So you think the individuals in the ANN ARBOR park were involved in those clevland, seattle and oakland incidents. Do you think it's some grand conspiracy to rape women in parks?
Fire Rick
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
Just a reminder to all the people commenting on this article . . . chances are good that YOU are part of the 99% the protestors are fighting for. Before you knock what they're doing, you might want to educate yourself about what they stand for. Otherwise, you're shooting yourself in the foot!
godsbreath64
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 3:44 a.m.
As we see, Charlie is working through his vanity problems still. No need to stay tuned for this won't be resolved soon.
james
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
Just looking at the sign above: "tax the rich", I know they don't speak for me. The rich already pay for the majority of the infrastructure in this country. People are protesting for the government to take more money from other citizens of this country. If more people were forced to their taxes in this country (even if they don't have a lot of money), they might be less likely to propose laws that only effect them in a positive way. Everyone has more than their share of something. What if I proposed that anyone with free time needs to use that free time to work for the government, for free (you have plenty of it, why not share? Are you greedy?). If you think this is proposal is ridiculous, I have the same thoughts about taxing people even more than they are already paying because you feel they have too much money. It also sets a precedent. Once they start taxing "the rich" even more, it only gets worse. When money starts running low, they will keep moving down the line. It's happened many times before and it will happen again.
genetracy
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
It is great to know these clowns have my back while I work 50 to 60 hours a week. Oh wait, that makes me "greedy". Never mind.
Ricardo Queso
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
And just what kind of "fighting"? Not bathing? Whew, I feel safer now. Thank you hippie grandchildren.
SonnyDog09
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
Sorry, but no one that holds a sign that reads "Eat the Rich" speaks for me.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
I'm very clear on what they're babbling about, and no, they don't speak for me. Just like any of us, they don't speak for anybody but themselves.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.
I don't need nor want that kind of "help". Thanks but no.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:44 p.m.
"There are a few common denominators among the protesters." Ha ha! Yeah, I could name a few!
T'Ned Randolph
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
I have no problem with freedom of speech and the right to assemble, from either side of the political spectrum.
tdw
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.
Why is the Tea Party always brought up all the time.Is it now the en vogue ( to use the term from another poster ) thing to say about anyone who disagrees with left wing liberals ? Oh I'm sorry, anyone who is so stupid that they disagrees with they left must be lead by the nose by the Tea Party.Well, I'm not in the Tea Party so I guess I might just be too stupid ( insert snide insults here ) to understand this.Can anyone explain this to me.Any grammar error I've made please fell free to remark as this seems to be one of the tools that the left likes to use. A2.com.No need to remove any insults,I can handle it and don't care
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
I was pickin' up what you were layin' down.
tdw
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
I was being sarcastic with Charlie.....If he read my comment about him he knows what I was doing.Lighten up folks
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:55 p.m.
Moderator, why is the comment by Mike which quotes the comment by djm which quotes the comment by cbg.... Sorry. Just goofing around.
MIKE
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
Moderator, why is the comment by djm, in which he quotes tdw calling CBG "not very intelligent" allowed to remain? I know know that tdw considers CBG not to be intelligent, and that's a horrible personal attack that I cannot handle. Please delete that post, as well as this one. No one should have to hear that about somebody else. Everyone is very intelligent here.
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
Tea partiers have every right and responsibility to be involved citizens and to play their part in public debate, just as the occupier protesters do.
tdw
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
djm.....If read my post and Charlie's reply you'll see that I was being sarcastic , Not insulting Charlie in any shape or form.I was in fact, agreeing with him
djm12652
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
Moderator...why is the comment by tdw calling Charlie Brown's Ghost "not very intelligent" allowed to remain? I find that inexcusable...NO PERSONAL ATTACKS ALLOWED!
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
The differences between the Tea Party and the Occupy movement is that that Tea party gathers legally, gets permits for their gatherings, doesn't attack the police, doesn't defecate on police cars, doesn't destroy public park property, doesn't attract communists and Nazis, plans ahead for restroom and sanitation needs, picks up after themselves, and has had a positive effect on elections which is saving the country. Occupy is just the latest trend that allows young people to pretend they're deep.
Pam Bethune
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.
Does anyone believe that the rich are not manipulating the system to get richer at the expense of the middle class? if so, there are some books and articles I would point you to starting with The Retirement Heist. I started political life as a Republican and am now a solid independent because both parties are made up of people who have been in power way too long and both parties are made up of people who are in power for the sake of the power and to get rich. The Founding fathers were people with real jobs, with real incomes, and who, for the most part went back to those jobs after the Revolution. Rather than Occupy Ann Arbor, let's vote to end ALL congressional pensions for legislators. All of them. State and federal. And bring term limits to the federal level so we GET THEM OUT.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.
Term limits plays in to the hands of corporate interests. Good Night and Good Luck
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
Actually, Michigan had had term limits for some time now, how is that working for us?
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Many people receive pensions as partial compensation for their work. Legislators' pensions may be excessive and should be reduced, but don't they deserve the same benefits as the rest of us? Term limits? The world is complicated. You don't seem to realize how long it takes for a legislator to gain sufficient expertise to do his or her job.
Hot Sam
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:34 p.m.
Your on to something there Pam...if experience was the solution, we wouldn't have any problems...
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
", protesters in the crowd watching the arrests were furious. They shouted "Let them go!" and one man yelled at the police that "Martin Luther King" was being dishonored and shouted "Letter from Birmingham Jail!" One woman told officers they were "shameful." Others called the arrested protesters "political prisoners." "This is America, this is not the Soviet Union," one woman said.-- From a TP rally in Nancy Pelosis office, Nov 5 , 2009. Note the change in attitude from then to now.
Ron Granger
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
Well, I don't know if it was in her OFFICER, but it was in her OFFICE :P
Ron Granger
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
Um - that was a rally *IN HER OFFICER* - you say. See the difference? In her office. Her personal space. Not a public space. Not a park. I know, it's subtle. But there is a big difference.
Ron Granger
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
They have the right to protest in the park.
Ron Granger
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
(people littering everywhere)
Ron Granger
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
Well, I hope everyone cleans up after themselves. Unfortunately I frequently see people litter.
golfer
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
i hope they clean up after they are done?
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
If they stay there too long, they'll also have the right to remain silent.
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
So, now the TP wants government to step in and remove an "eyesore"? Too bad you cut the pay of the people you want to come and save you from the evil leftists!
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
The right to assemble and petition government for redress of grievances! I love it! Funny to see so many people that claim to love America come out in opposition to those exercising their rights...kind of like some people in the 1700's that got all dressed up and attacked a ship full of Tea...what was that called..oh, right a Tea Party. The one big difference is these people do not seem to be destroying private property like the original tea party did. Why don't you people that hate the idea of public protest go down and talk to the protesters instead of relying on media pundits to tell you who they are and what they want. If you were against TARP, then you agree with them. If you are for a larger share of people paying federal income tax, then you agree with them, if you think multi-millionaires and billionaires should pay the same tax rate as cops and plumbers then you agree with them, if you think Jesus had some good points then you agree with them. So sorry someone was put off their dinner by people protesting Steve Schwartzman's $702,000,000 year while unemployment is at 9% and childhood poverty rises.
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
Diagenes, who so you think asked for the rules? Who do you think is protesting those rules on Liberty St? Is it safe to assume that you would like to see tighter regulation on investment banks? If so, then you have some common ground with OWS.
Stupid Hick
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
'I do think Jesus had some good points. He supported the concept of "do not covet your neighbors wealth".' That's odd, I thought He supported selling your posessions and giving to the poor, and not to covet your neighbor's wife!
Diagenes
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
I am for a larger share of people paying federal income tax. I think EVERYONE should pay something even if it's $1. I would be against TARP if it wasn't for government that created the rules by which investment banks played by, and were protected by Sen. C Dodd (D) of Conn. and Rep. B Frank ( D) of MA. EVERYONE should be treated the same. No special breaks for fiends of Barack or friends of George Bush. That means if the "homeless" cannot sleep in the park neither should the Occupy crowd. I do think Jesus had some good points. He supported the concept of "do not covet your neighbors wealth".
Robbo
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.
It's ugly. It's an eyesore. It's not a political statement, it just makes Ann Arbor look bad. The people around there are bums. Tear it down and throw them out if they can't act according to the law.
godsbreath64
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
The protest is going strong in what 82 countries? You should be addressing your own conduct before you prematurely post. ... "not a political statement"... You show quite acurately who the "bums" are. Behold the blowback on this thread, alone. That is inarguably alot of giddy. The German fascists in the early '40s called this flack for when our bombers where close to their target. Res ipsa locquiter!
thorj97
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
"If getting rich is so bad why go to college at all?" Some people go to college to get an education.
godsbreath64
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.
This issue is whether they are lawfully "getting rich". Honest people work for it. See the problem, now.
sh1
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.
Where does it say getting rich is bad?
Goober
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
Why?
Hot Sam
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.
At what point does the rule of law come in to play here? While the right to protest exists, there are a host of laws that do not allow for this camping. It is really sad that these protesters don't realize that this action is extremely selfish as it takes much needed funds from those they claim to support. In New York only, the bill for various overtime is in the 5 million dollar range. How much is it costing us in Ann Arbor? Speaking of law, I was riding my bike past the homeless camp at the Wagner overpass, and noticed the construction of a stairway of sorts made of railroad ties. Was there a permit issued for this construction on public land? Does the stairway conform to ADA requirements? Who is libel for any mishaps that occur? Why do we have laws when they can be ignored for some?
godsbreath64
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 3:53 a.m.
woah, thats alot of hyperbole, gene' All Americans see those who umbrage to be heros of this country. The jury is out on yours, though.
genetracy
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
The city of Ann Arbor does not want to be in the national news by evicting these bums. The MSM would turn them into heros and martyrs and the incident into another Kent State.
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
You ask a good question. In many cases, why do so many zero-benefit laws exist?
Joe_Citizen
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:43 p.m.
I'm wondering what would happen if you became destitute?
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.
Exactly. I wonder what would happen if we called the city and asked if the Boy Scouts could camp in a city park for a couple weeks. Somehow I don't think the answer would be "yes." At what point does the rule of law come in to play? Rule of Law? You mean in Ann Arbor, a Sanctuary City and where it's illegal to pursue a fleeing automobile driver? Considering these are leftist extremists protesting, I'd say never. I'm surprised they haven't found some way to declare this "public art" and use AAPAC money to help support it.
Heardoc
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
I guess when you are a leftist pesky little things like the rule of law can be suspended. I wonder if the city would be so kind to the TEA party-- oh, wait a minute, the TEA party wasn't mob ruled and the TEA party isn't a bunch of freeloading bums as we see with the occupy bums. Reports of rapes, drug use and defecation in public -- all part of the occupy group. Our mayor, such a leader, won't move the bums. Why don't we hand out cookies and milk to these people, then we can GIVE each of them money and free health care and free education and free clothes and free gasoline and free use of the Iphones and Ipads and Ipods-- the ones who don't have these items we will give them these items--free. We can then give them free housing and after we do all that we can then give them a government job. Hmmmmm who is going to pay for all this free stuff?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
"No, in this case, it's UNcivil disobedience." Really? What is "uncivil" about it, other than the fact that you don't approve? Good Night and Good Luck
sbbuilder
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
sh1 No, in this case, it's UNcivil disobedience.
thecompound
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
I heart you charlie's browns ghost, lol. :)
sh1
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.
It's called civil disobedience.
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
You are very angry. Why? Are you feeling threatened? Do you fear the protesters will cost you money? You can't believe that "rapes, drug use and defecation in public" presently characterize the protesters. Do you fear that this will become the case? Take heart, the protesters are trying to improve society, not destroy it.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
The Occupy-anyplace-but-a-shower-or-a-job movement is a spontaneous, grass roots movement. Well, except for the fact that the domain name was registered back in June.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
@clownfish; Here is a slightly more reliable source: <a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-10-19/news/bs-md-ci-occupy-baltimore-rape-20111019_1_sexual-assaults-sexual-abuse-report-crimes" rel='nofollow'>http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-10-19/news/bs-md-ci-occupy-baltimore-rape-20111019_1_sexual-assaults-sexual-abuse-report-crimes</a>
tdw
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
Ron.....Do you happen to have any proof at all that the Koch brothers are involved with starting the Tea Party ? Well I can just as easily that Soros is behind these clowns.
Ron Granger
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
"oh, wait a minute, the TEA party wasn't mob ruled and the TEA party isn't a bunch of freeloading bums as we see with the occupy bums." Right - the "tea party" was a political marketing gimmick by the billionaire koch borthers, with a well crafted PR strategy. It was not a grass roots protest movement. The right to protest is an important part of this country. Just because they aren't wearing color-coordinated uniforms, don't have talking points crafted by a PR firm, and don't have the help of Fox news does not make their protest any less valid.
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ENHlAbd9E" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ENHlAbd9E</a>
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
Have you seen any reports of these protesters defecating? Rape? Drug use?
SonnyDog09
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
The sad truth is that the city probably does not have enough police officers left on the payroll to evict the protesters. Why have a plan to do something that you lack the resources to accomplish?
Ignatz
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 11:32 a.m.
This is a wonderful expression of what many of us hold to be a true American trait, that of protest. This is, of course, in opposition to greed, the real American trait.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
Yeah, Joe, you're right. He merely took credit for what other people did. Point being that Diagenes post buys in to the myth of Edison rather than the reality. GN&GL
average joe
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
@ Ghost- Your link to this "reliable" website indicates that Mr. Edison didn't 'steal' any inventions listed in that article. It clearly states that he purchased these patents, and therefore the original inventor(or their heirs) must have been ok with the deal & the sum they received.
tim
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.
Uncontrolled greed = Latin America. Controlled greed = USA. No greed = Soviet Union. You pick the winner.
godsbreath64
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Macobre sunset, do you have any factual basis that anyone earned anything and have not been on nipple of No Fault Corporatism? If not save it, already.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
diaganes wrote: "I am sure it was greed that drove Edison to invent the light bulb. I am sure it was greed that motivated Henry Ford to build Ford Motor Co." We know today that Edison was great at stealing other people's ideas, so he'd fit in perfectly with today's robber barons who steal other people's money. Source: <a href="http://www.cracked.com/article_16072_5-famous-inventors-who-stole-their-big-idea.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.cracked.com/article_16072_5-famous-inventors-who-stole-their-big-idea.html</a> As for Ford, he would not fit in well with today's Robber Barons because he understood that one had to pay one's employees well (hence the then unprecedented $5 day) in order to insure economic growth. And Jobs (before he died), Buffett, and Gates have all been quite clear that the rich pay far too little in taxes. So, great point, Diagenes. Good Night and Good Luck
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
What if all you're "protesting" is that you want something that someone else earned?
godsbreath64
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
So what country are you over here from 'obbo? Are you enjoying your stay. How long do you have left? @gene' you really need to have someone teach you the difference between catch me if you can criminality and capitalism within the authority of the rule of law enforced without bias. You really show your gusto swimming upstream on this, but all you do is discredit yourself further on the most fundamental human levels. At least try having some pride for a change.
genetracy
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
Well Mr Hick, money fortune and fame can be one great motivator for a businessman developing a new product or an inventor or a visionary. Call it greed if you want. Or do you suggest American business do what the old Soviet Union required. Anyone who invents or developes a new product turns it over to the government so they can profit and the inventor just gets a medal.
Stupid Hick
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
So now greed is an all-American positive character trait?! What has our country come to?
Diagenes
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
I am sure it was greed that drove Edison to invent the light bulb. I am sure it was greed that motivated Henry Ford to build Ford Motor Co. The great thing about greed or better put, the desire to achieve great things can produce great benefits for the masses. The nice thing about capitalism is that it produces the greatest benefit to the largest number of people. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, are all examples of people who used free market capitalism to achieve good things for the masses. An American trait to be proud of.
Robbo
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.
Nonsense. It's just an eyesore by people who clamor for attention.
A2comments
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 11:30 a.m.
I was in Ann Arbor last night for dinner and happened to walk by this. As a former student 30+ years ago, I can recall how that area was and is always full of people protesting things like the hiding of aliens by the government... Looks very unsightly and negatively impacts a visitor's opinion of A2. We saw it before being confronted by a panhandler who after asking us for money he then walked behind us and asked for our leftovers then muttered comments as we kept walking past the closed Borders... Our opinion of A2 was negatively impacted by these things as any visitor's view would be. The city needs to step it up a notch or people won't come into town and spend $100 like we did.
godsbreath64
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 3:22 a.m.
gene' you still haven't explained why you harangue about the homeless on a story about the world-wide protests manifesting itself in our community. Do you need help explaining this?
Athena
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 2:21 a.m.
Welcome to the real world! I grew up and went to school in Ann Arbor. Protesters and panhandlers are part of the fabric of the community. These "unsightly" things are not things that draw people away from Ann Arbor but draw them in. In fact, you would be hard pressed to go to any similarly sized city with any sort of diversity and not encounter similar things when going out to dinner. Maybe if you took a little less ethnocentric view you would understand that protesting is part of democracy and what makes Ann Arbor and this country so great. How arrogant of you to look down at someone trying to change something they consider wrong. When was the last time you tried to get into the trenches and work for a better world for others and not just give money? The thing Ann Arbor should be concerned about is not become too gentrified and loose its soul and what makes it so unique in the process. The reason why the average visitor comes to Ann Arbor is for something that they can't get anywhere else. If too many of Ann Arbor's stores and restaurants are replaced by things that you can fine in any college town than visitors really won't come anymore.
genetracy
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.
Well God, if the homeles did not spend the money they panhandle on booze, cigs, or dope, maybe they would have some left over for food. I live a middle class life, since when do I or any other middle class person live off corporate welfare? And guess what? I or anyone else is not under any obligation to give a homeless person anything. It you give a drunk a bottle of cheap wine to an alcoholic homelss person, do you think you are doing him a favor? You a sadly mistaken. You may as well give him a gun to kill himself but that is what you would be doing.
thecompound
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.
nothing like getting your point across while acting holier-than-thou. that's always good for the cause.
genetracy
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
A short time ago, we were followed by a homeless person in the same area after dinner. I offered him our take home box from dinner and he said, "I'm not hungry, just gimme money." Boy, the homeless can sure be greedy.
MIKE
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
Could be, Joel. But if the city takes that attitude, there will be a lot more vacant storefronts downtown.
Joel A. Levitt
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
You may find this difficult to believe, but there actually are things more important than your hundred dollars.
pbehjatnia
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 10:58 a.m.
the homeless are required to move around and not sleep in the parks. these guys are not homeless. unless they are paying a nice, tidy and timely rent to the city - throw 'em out. just because you are en vogue for a few days does not mean you get to freeload off the rest of the taxpayers.
Cosmic Ray
Mon, Oct 24, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
These progressives are "gentrifying" what used to be Vagabond Square Garden... more power to 'em
thecompound
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.
just like the snyder change, lol?
djm12652
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
as long as these people keep the park policed and don't cause taxpayers money to be used to pick up after them they won't be freeloading. But from what I've seen...that ain't whats happenin'.
clownfish
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
How are they freeloading?