Let me clarify that I am well aware the Oakland has a reputation for police brutality. I certainly don't hold the police, mayor, or city council blameless. But it does seem reasonable that certain subversive groups are stirring up trouble for their own political agendas. Whether the agendas are to discredit OWS, or to instigate revolution is not clear.
What is clear is that the General Assembly needs to keep the subversive elements under control. It wouldn't hurt for them to send representatives to the mayor and city council to work out an equitable solution to the safety and sanitation problems.
Here are the pictures:
Protesters disrespecting the flag, and glorifying Che Guerva (a Marxist).
Protesters rioting...
A sign purporting to be from the "international communist worker's party". Admittedly, their website looks like it was designed by a child. It is registered in Panama. It seems possible that this "group" is a ploy to discredit OWS. If it isn't, I want nothing to do with it.
I totally disagree with this sign. Capitalism works MUCH BETTER than communism. I want to reform the system so that jobs are created, economic bubbles are checked, wealth is distributed more evenly, military expenditures are reduced, and corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
Again with the communist crap. OVER MY DEAD BODY!
Vandalism...
Vandalism and anarchist symbolism...
I understand that people are angry, but I don't think it is wise to throw the baby out with the bath water. Reform, not revolution!
My guess is that none of these communist agitators have actually lived under communism. Yet, they use the symbolism of communism, and associate communism with freedom. Perhaps they need a history lesson.
Rioters, and what appears to be a PLO style head covering on the guy on the right. While I support the rights of Palestinians, I don't believe we should be imitating the violence of the PLO or islamic fundamentalists in order to reform our system.
Again... what exactly do these people want to replace capitalism with? Reform, not revolution!
I'd love to find this bastard and slap him around a few hundred times. You may disagree with the state of things. You may want change. But when you trample on my flag, you'd better prepare yourself for a BIG FIGHT!
As stated before, OWS needs to reign in the crazy elements. Cool heads need to prevail, or this movement will drive away moderate people. When that happens, it will fail in a violent way.
