Oakland Live stream on Ustream
(http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/20073032#utm_campaign=synclickback&source=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/28/1059507/-Updated:With-Police-Attack-Video-Occupy-Oakland:-Livestream-of-March-and-Police-Response?via=siderec&medium=20073032)
Okay so I'm watching this whole thing on live tv and I'm freaked. I hate and abhor cops, it's rather sad since two of my cousins are cops. However being a New Yorker and Black (even if I am female) my harassment by cops started when I was a teen (thanks Guiliani). I have not liked them since.
Now I am not a 100% supporter of the Occupy Movement. I support the 99% since I understand their mission and goal. Now I can say, Fuck the Police....however when I go on a protest and I may have to do deal with them. There is no fuck the police. Because from experience you give the police a reason they will use it, go with it, and will most often get off scott free.
And I have to give some credit to the OPD here, although I heard really bad reports of what happened earlier on. The OPD warned them excessively of what could and would happen if they continue or confront the police. I have to say the video I'm watching the OPD has far more restraint than the NYPD---this protest would have been snuffed out quick in New York. Anyway, when those warnings are issued and then force is used... I have to say this is some thing you have to expect and prepare for. I have to wonder what is excess when pre-warned of what to be expected.
However, I am on the fence when there is unlawful assembly. Especially since I doubt they would be given the permit to assemble. Aside from that watching what I am watching makes me think this is a modern day American Revolution. The sort of push and retreat methods used by the OcOak, the various bombs used. A rifle being pointed at an unarmed citizen --- I had moments of Dawn of the Dead flashbacks.
This is horrifying for me on both ends of the spectrum. I don't know if they are doing this to test the excessiveness of police brutality which won't change since they were warned on this and there are laws that make their assembly illegal. Which let's these dirt bags just get press but nothing changes there. Or if they are fighting against capitalist abuse of their powers...which I am not seeing here.