Congress overwhelmingly passes Veto-proof Anti-Occupy Bill. Chicago? Forget it.

[99th_Monkey]

Last edited Sun Mar 4, 2012, 06:33 PM - Edit history (1)

This REALLY sucks, but also it just shows how scared shitless these congressional clowns and puppets are,
of being confronted or exposed in any way about their criminal complicity in the 1% raping of the
American people. This is SO ugly and reprehensible that adequate words are escaping me to express how
violated and dishonored as a citizen I feel, knowing that this fucking bill PASSED with nary a peep. Apparently
even Sen Sanders voted for it, as is says passage was unanimous in Senate.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
US Congress passes authoritarian anti-protest law
By Tom Carter - 3 March 2012

A bill passed Monday in the US House of Representatives and Thursday in the Senate would make it a felony—a serious criminal offense punishable by lengthy terms of incarceration—to participate in many forms of protest associated with the Occupy Wall Street protests of last year. Several commentators have dubbed it the “anti-Occupy” law, but its implications are far broader.

The bill—H.R. 347, or the “Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011”—was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate, while only Ron Paul and two other Republicans voted against the bill in the House of Representatives (the bill passed 388-3). Not a single Democratic politician voted against the bill.
The virtually unanimous passage of H.R. 347 starkly exposes the fact that, despite all the posturing, the Democrats and the Republicans stand shoulder to shoulder with the corporate and financial oligarchy, which regarded last year’s popular protests against social inequality with a mixture of fear and hostility.

Among the central provisions of H.R. 347 is a section that would make it a criminal offense to “enter or remain in” an area designated as “restricted.”
The bill defines the areas that qualify as “restricted” in extremely vague and broad terms. Restricted areas can include “a building or grounds where the President or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting” and “a building or grounds so restricted in conjunction with an event designated as a special event of national significance.” The Secret Service provides bodyguards not just to the US president, but to a broad layer of top figures in the political establishment, including presidential candidates and foreign dignitaries.

Even more sinister is the provision regarding events of “national significance.” What circumstances constitute events of “national significance” is left to the unbridled discretion of the Department of Homeland Security. The occasion for virtually any large protest could be designated by the Department of Homeland Security as an event of “national significance,” making any demonstrations in the vicinity illegal.

For certain, included among such events would be the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, which have been classified as National Special Security Events (NSSE), a category created under the Clinton administration. These conventions have been the occasion for protests that have been subjected to ever increasing police restrictions and repression. Under H.R. 347, future protests at such events could be outright criminalized.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/mar2012/prot-m03.shtml

[JDPriestly]

1. So, Occupy will have to become more creative.

The American people want to hear the message that Occupy is delivering. There will be no stopping it in the end. It is natural that established corporate interests want to silence the movement.

Occupy does not have to occupy government spaces or be present at events involving the president or major events of the sort mentioned in the bill.

Occupy can be wherever it needs to be for ordinary people. Certain areas are designated as public areas open to free speech according to law. It is there where Occupiers should be and it is from those spaces that Occupy should video its activities and place them on the internet for all to see.

The teach-ins and personal testimony at Occupy events are the most compelling aspects of the movement and the protests -- not the Occupiers at speeches or the mall. Those Occupy actions were appropriate for phase I of the movement. But they are no longer needed. The public knows Occupy is active. The public knows what Occupy stands for.

I think the next goal for Occupy should be to become more inclusive, to convey its message very coherently. Confrontation is not a good way to convey a message that will lead to real change. We learned that in the 1960s. Being inclusive, reaching out to people who do not feel comfortable with confrontation is the key to starting real change.

This does not mean that Occupiers should not organize marches and public events, but they should not become huge, dramatic confrontations. They should be conducted in ways that attract the working people who are underpaid and suffering, that attract people who cannot get health care, who cannot afford education or get jobs. Getting arrested is not the thing to do if you are in need of health care or a job and can't get what you need. Feeling that people have your back is what you need. A large but legal demonstration on these issues that ordinary people are facing will be more useful at this point than purposely trying to confront authorities.

The challenges to the limitations on free speech have been made and should be in the legal pipeline by this time. It is now appropriate to challenge the economic unfairness in our nation at this time.

This is my opinion about where Occupy should go next.

[99th_Monkey]

2. You make some excellent points. Creativity in motion

is certainly what will be required more and more as these idiotic and
unconstitutional laws are passed.

I saw a post somewhere today (can't remember where off-hand but if i do
recall, I'll give another reply with the link) someone using the word "swarm"
to describe one aspect of an emerging strategy (or is that a tactic? - I always
get the two confused). I think is something like the 'flash mob' approach,
but that's been "smeared" by petty thugs who "flash mob" a convenience
story to rob it blind. so there's a new term being coined I think.

I saw another suggestion in same vein us word "Mockupy" to describe little
shabby cadre of Occupiers (w/ various costumes w/ clown's with guns theme)
standing "in formation" mimicking this small group of riot cops who looked
totally confused by their display. Some cops looking straight ahead as if to
totally ignore them, and others can't help themselves from looking and having
at least a glimmer of recognition and admiration for the Mockupy peeps.

[bvar22]

9. I think you missed the point.

Once again, our 1% overlords and their puppets and employees in Washington have taken ANOTHER step in restricting Constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties.
While your suggestions of strategies to minimize the effects of this further encroachment are creative,
your strategies WILL reduce the effect that brought OWS to the nation's attention... Large, Prolonged, In Your Face Occupations. Without THOSE, we would NOT be talking about OWS today.

Breaking into smaller, less noticeable, less effective, segments will only make it easier for the Media and our "leaders" to ignore it,
and exterminate it.

Where is your rage at what our Congress has done?

[Vincardog]

10. That is exactly why we should organize 100,000 people to OCCUPY Chicago ANYWAY.

The first Amendment must be the law or we have no laws.
I say we go to Chicago and peacefully stand and ask our government to respond to our grievances.
When the brown shirts show up and gas club and arrest us we should demand our day in court, all of us.

[JDPriestly]

14. I wrote a long answer and then Firefox went out on me and I could not post it.

This law is a red herring. Occupy should not be distracted by it. It is a trap to make i look like Occupy is about territory, that Occupy is in some fight with the government rather than a movement for representation of the 99% finally in government and retaking government for the people.

I would rather see Occupy do things that will gain the trust and respect of ordinary people in the 99% -- like challenging lobbyists and the dominance of lobbyists in our government at all levels.

[bvar22]

16. Those activities are not mutually exclusive.

The dominance of of lobbyists HAS been challenged since the 80s,
with ZERO results.
Thank Gawd enough "ordinary people" have finally STOOD UP,
gathered in the STREETS,
and screamed ENOUGH.

OWS has had a tremendous effect on our nation and the politicians who claim to represent us.
To see HOW MUCH impact OWS has had,
simply compare Last Year's SOTU which was ALL about austerity and reigning in the deficit,
to THIS years SOTU, ALL about Fairness and Economic Justice.
President Obama didn't DARE breath a WORD about Austerity for the Working Class this year.

I see nothing about the tactics of OWS that need to be changed.

Who are these "ordinary people" you claim to be speaking for?
I am an "ordinary people" who went to college and worked all his life.
I fully support OWS and the 99%.





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[JDPriestly]

17. True. I did not mean to diminish the great accomplishments of OWS.

The conversation in the country has changed thanks to OWS.

I just think that statute is a trap for OWS.

[bvar22]

23. I agree that this statute IS a trap....

...DESIGNED to put a damper on OWS protest activity, or anyone else able to gather in large groups to petition our government
or express our collective anger at this government's sell out.

The LAST thing those in power want to see on their TV is another round of people in the streets who won't Go Away.
Its just so messy, looks bad to the neighbors, and gives other people ideas.

The way to beat this kind of TRAP is to overwhelm it,
educate the "ordinary people" BY appearing on TV, Radio, and in the print media.
Demand Court Trials by the THOUSANDS, if not Hundreds of Thousands.
File Class Action Lawsuits.
Scream LOUDER, stay LONGER.
The Pepper Spray Cop will not be forgotten for a LONG time.
THAT connected with the Ordinary People.

The faces and names of the WORST Offenders in our government's march toward the gutting of the Constitution should be
put on Posters, their NAMES shouted out by crowds of thousands, and shown on TV to The Nation and World as the little fascists they are.
I would start with the sponsors of this bill.
Our government needs to learn to Fear US and our Collective Will.



[font size=5 color=green]Solidarity99![/font][font size=2 color=green]
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[truedelphi]

25. Firefox is spooky sloppy lately.

Or is Firefox working exactly as the PTB want it to?

[truedelphi]

24. Thanks bvar -

Although it is only human to figure out how to conform to the pressure our bodies put on the shackles they use to enslave us, the fact is - you are quite right.

We are supposedly "free" citizens inside a democracy. Adjustment in anathema to anyone who understands what our society is supposed to be doing for us.

The citizens of Montana are so far the only people who seem as one united body to understand this. They are attempting to recall their elected officials who voted for the NDAA.

Wish the citizens of the other states would follow their lead. the fact that the HR 347 Bill was no0t opposed on constitutional grounds, and was voted in 388 to 3 (?!?!?) is more than troubling.

We supposedly live in a society that came about because the early American colonists were not allowed by the King of England to peacefully assemble and discuss and protest.

Now all the rights granted to us by that Declaration of Independence and the ill of Rights are legislated away.

[ZM90]

3. Our government is bought and paid for, it's a hard lesson to learn but it's the truth

I think that soon there will be a revolution in the USA. The income inequality and the creation of the Occupy Movement are what started the fires of revolution. I'm hoping for a peaceful revolution which I am sure Occupy can achieve, however there is still a possibility of a violent revolution (I'm not advocating for one I'm just saying it's possible it could happen). Whether the revolution is peaceful or violent is entirely up to the corporate powers. The people will not be silenced!

[99th_Monkey]

5. Nothing (or at least very few things) could make your header

"Our gov't is bought and paid for" .. ring louder and truer to more deeply
penetrate the malaise and heal the blindness of so many US citizens,
than a million+ people showing up in Chicago for G8, et. al.

While the 2012 clock is ticking. Interesting times indeed.

[ZM90]

6. The perfect words to sum up my feelings are:

I used to be an Obama supporter but, then I took an ACTA to the knee. That means I used to be one of the defenders of the President but, as he, various other world leaders, and corporate powers attacked the internet I began to wake up and I saw his horrible record on civil liberties laid bare. The internet is like a second home to me and it took my second home being attacked for me to wake up and I'm glad I finally did. As I've said there will be a revolution it is inevitable, the question we must ask ourselves is will it be peaceful or not? As I said that is entirely up to the corporate powers, the more they pass draconian laws like these the less likely the revolution will be peaceful, it won't be because we want violence (we don't), it will be because the powers that be have left us with no other choice. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to violence however.

[99th_Monkey]

8. From your lips to Gawd's ears

you are in very good company with your belief, that the draconian illegal "laws" being passed,
almost seem custom-designed to provoke confrontation and outright repression of an avowedly
NON-VIOLENT movement with deep grass roots, that scares the bejesus out of them due to their
own well-documented complicity in these horrendous crimes against humanity and what's left of
our once-great nation.

[JDPriestly]

15. Our government is bought and paid for by the 1%.

They use lobbyists to do it. We need to "out" the lobbyists to the 99%. This would not be a vendetta against individuals but rather against their easy access to politicians, the companies that pay them and just what it is that they do.

Americans, conservative and liberal, are upset by the waste in government. And why do we have waste to the extravagant extent that we do -- because of lobbyists and the corruption of campaign financing by and for the 1%.

That is where the focus should be.

If Occupy shows the American people how the system works that results in laws like the Occupy movement, then Occupy will gain the respect and support of more Americans and will achieve a great deal.

Focus on the campaign finance angle because everything flows from that. The free speech on the mall is important but secondary compared to focusing on corruption in government.

[left on green only]

4. It's hard for me to believe that your words are true....that's how shocked I am.

I had to read your thread two times to make sure I was correctly comprehending what I thought you said. How is it that so many people in congress could have gone along with this? It just seems so contrary to everything that we believe here in this country. I believe that what you have described is by definition a police state. What about "the people's right to assemble peacefully that is supposed to be guaranteed in our constitution? Isn't this law in direct violation of that? It is hard to believe that groups like the ALCU haven't been aware of this bill (H.R.347) and haven't been publicizing resistance to it all along.

[99th_Monkey]

7. Yes

My gut tells me this law is UTTERLY and COMPLETELY illegal; i.e. unconstitutional on it's face.
I mean how in the Hell can anyone meaningfully "dissent" to "petition the gov't for redress of
grievances" if the Gov't lives in a fucking sound-proof Bubble (see Bill Maher)?

But then, look at the courts these daze, esp. SCOTUS = tools of the 1% until Obama appoints
someone with a shred of sense and self-respect. But in the meanwhile, all bets are off really.

The "Armed and dangerous" psychopaths and lunatics REALLY ARE in charge now.

Would that they were more the garden variety psychopath, as they can often be actually quite
brilliant and gifted "commoners" in their own unique ways, sometimes even rare gems of
humanity and compassion.

But not these filthy-rich over-weened over-reaching rat-bastards (To borrow from Mike Malloy)

They truly are vermin masquerading as human; but I can't really say that either, without getting
caught up in the Dehumanization Game of Oppositional Politics, recycling the toxic "US v. THEM"
meme.

Who says politics MUST be "oppositional" .. I never noticed anything in the constitution insisting
that we must be "hateful and oppositional" in how we run the nation. Am I missing something?

[ZM90]

11. I hope the Surpreme Court strikes this law down but, knowing the Fascist Five I have my doubts

[99th_Monkey]

12. Me too, on both counts. The SCOTUS travesty is one of my main reasons

for not just saying fuck the Democrats altogether come November, and
voting for Vermin Supreme or some other also-ran who I know won't win.

[ZM90]

13. Yeah the only reasons to want a Democratic victory in 2012 are two

1. The courts as you've said
2. The Republicans are worse

We need a third party, one that is to the left of the Democratic Party and that represents the interests of the American people instead of the global corporate powers that be.

[ZM90]

22. I'd also like to add that the Democratic and Republican parties seem to only be bipartisan when

they're screwing the 99%.

[Leopolds Ghost]

18. MLK would say: Pack the Jails

Make the law unenforceable and indefensible in court. You don't have to worry about appealing on civil rights grounds because it'll be Federal Court from Day 1. Game, set and match. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's fucked up laws.

On Edit: Or not. I'm sure there are strategies that involve not doing any actions that are proscribed by future laws which will be passed to make it a federal crime to do any form of nonviolent direct action that is remotely effective at embarrassing our rulers.

[99th_Monkey]

19. Damn straight

and that is exactly what the 1% is freaking out about, an Occupy scenario where
there are 1 million people camping on steps of Congress and WH this summer ...

This is the 1%er's worst nightmare The Resurrection of Resurrection City by Occupy
in Summer of 2012:






Hence the NDAA and H.R. 347
http://rt.com/usa/news/348-act-tresspass-buildings-437/

[Leopolds Ghost]

20. I keep hearing about a move to DC in March... has that been pushed back due to the focus on Chicago?

[99th_Monkey]

21. I'm not currently active w/ Occupy

I'm one of those defectors who's trying to return to some pretense of a life,
for winter, with connections that really matter, like w/ family & ex-partners
who are now some of my best friends... in the end is all connected.

And yet I also fully intend to re-Occupy when the timing is right for me,
and I trust for Occupy.

I'm a Vet (does that mean I've been vetted?) living on my tiny Soc. Security
retirement check + VA disability.

But Chicago is going to be HUGE as near as I can tell ... maybe I'll see if I can
conjure up so co-conspirators 3-4 to share gas, and were we've made some
connection with Occupy friendly peeps who can "put us/me up" for the duration.

I've been feeling it's time for some kind of reconnection sooner than later.
Gee, might this be it? ... like an occupy opportunity knocking?

or is it the 3 buck chuck talking?

tomorrow will tell.

I do know that the old saying "where there's a will, there's a way" has more
than a mere kernel of truth.

[truedelphi]

26. The Big Huge Problem is that HR 347 makes it a FELONY to

be busted for being a protester in the vicinity of any official who has Secret Service Protection. This includes Secretary of State Clinton. And she attends all these G8 NATO dealies. They could position her being there 24/7 in order to keep a lid on protests.

[truedelphi]

27. So what I am saying is that packing the jails

While the nation has this piece of crap HR 347 as its law would be very very different than packing the jails back in King's day when protesting was merely a misdemeanor.

The PTB have watched for the last five years as Americans die from benefits being cut off. They have watched over eight million homes become foreclosed, while people live in their cars and then a percentage of those folks commit suicide. They don't care.

If we all choose to rot in jail, they would prefer it. In fact, it would help our legislators make deals with China. It was said recently on the floor of Congress that we need to protect China's investment in the USA. How better to protect that investment than to see that a certain portion of Americans are in jail, making goods for the Chinese, for the huge salary of 47 cents a day. (Prison wages.)

[Leopolds Ghost]

28. I don't think the objective of packing the jails (per MLK) is to allow convictions

Last edited Tue Mar 6, 2012, 03:19 PM - Edit history (1)

The objective is to make it impossible to obtain convictions by overloading the system.

Same with jail solidarity, if 200 people are arrested and they all refuse to give their names, it makes it incredibly difficult to keep track of defendants and the cases generally get thrown out before trial. The objective of jail solidarity is generally to prevent them from singling out "organizers". This is all MLK, civil rights, kumbaya stuff, nothing particularly radical about it...

[truedelphi]

29. I wish I had your optimism.

My fear is that in this day and age, you get arrested per terms of HR 347, and if you don't give your name, maybe you will be considered to be a terrorist.

Then what?

There were people in the SF Bay area, who for the "crime" of being Muslim, were picked up after Nine Eleven and held for nine months or more. No one knew where they were, no one in their families knew what had happened.

No charges were posted against them.

And we aren't talking about some weirdos who hung around the Nine Eleven hijackers. We are talking about your suburban-raised, Muslim kids who happened to be college age. And one minute he is a citizen, and the next he is carted off.

By the time one young man got out of detention, he had lost the car that he just about had paid off. He had lost his significant other, as she thought he'd been killed. He had also lost the semester in college he'd fully paid for, and that now had him with grades registered as "incomplete."

What separates any of us from the status of that young man?