On waiting for the police riot

On November 17, 2011, word went out that police were staging near the Occupy Santa Rosa encampment in preparation to launch one of their infamous riots. I joined the occupation that night determined to stay as long as needed, both as a witness to the impending tragedy of American Democracy and in hopes that my presence--along with many others--might prevent the worst police abuses.

What a surprise! The night was inspiring! So many dynamic and interesting people. So many heartfelt conversations. So many once-in-a-lifetime memories.

General Assembly

At the GA (General Assembly) a group of about twenty people in their 20s and 30s, with a smattering of older folk, gathered to plan our response to the anticipated raid. As this was my first GA, I kept my mouth pretty well shut, preferring to watch and learn. The group's consistent respect for each person and their courageous commitment to Satyagraha (nonviolent struggle) in the face of state violence was inspiring.

The respect given by the group to each speaker caused most to speak with a greater sense of reverence and thoughtfulness. The group's willingness to listen without interruption enabled each person an opportunity to speak with increased sincerely.

In time I joined the conversation. They referred to me as an "elder," someone who "had been there before," but this conferred no particular authority. It was simply one more perspective to be considered among many. Knowing each word mattered, I spoke carefully, and not too often.

After much discussion, a consensus developed. We decided to place one tent in a lighted area where the chances were greatest that passerbys would see the police brutality. We moved the tent and a group of about fourteen younger people willing to face arrest sat in a ring around the tent holding hands and prepared to offer passive resistance.

The rest of us stayed close, ready to either stand between the ring of young people and the police, or to simply walk away at the first sign of violence. Each was free to make their own decision about what to do. There was no pressure to take a particular stance, and all forms of participation no matter how limited were welcomed and appreciated.

Have you heard of Mario Savio?

Martin Espinosza, a Press Democrat reporter also stayed most of the night. I first saw him when he was identified at the GA as someone who wrote biased articles about the movement. Despite these concern, he was invited to stay on the condition that he would not print individual names.

Unfortunately, this reporter seems to have been particularly uninformed. Later that night, I overheard the following conversation:

• Protester: "Have you heard of Mario Savio?"

• Martin Espinoza: "No. Who's he?"

The protester tried to explain, but I could see Martin was not following. I pulled out my Droid, loaded a Wikipedia page on Mario Savio, and handed it to the reporter. He scrolled over the photo, read a caption or two, and handed it back without comment or apparent interest.

I suppose there are many today who haven’t heard of Mario Savio, but it’s difficult to understand how a professional reporter for a major regional newspaper could be unaware of such a pivotal person.

It also leaves me wondering why the Press Democrat would send such an ignorant reporter to cover the complex and fast-evolving Occupy Movement. No wonder his article was so seriously biased and missed the essential events of the night.

Waiting for the police riot

I stayed until 5am at which point it seemed clear the police would not attack that night. I hope to soon add more information and photos about that night. Stayed tuned...