First, a reminder to move our money Nov 5th. I have already started...
I normally keep these posts to what I experience when I am at the People's Plaza, but this seemed like a significant development to me
ACLU has our back
The county announced new rules on Wednesday for the protesters who began sleeping on the plaza and surrounding grounds on Oct. 7. The new rules prohibit protesters from sleeping overnight on the plaza with the first prediction of snowfall or temperatures below 25 degrees. The county is also requiring the protesters to consolidate their possessions, prohibit unattended items on the plaza, and bars the placement of signs on the plaza.
Charles Samuelson, the state ACLU’s executive director, told me today, “It is possible we may file suit over this.” The ACLU believes the restrictions violate the protesters’ First Amendment rights.
more photos and tidbits below the squiggle
I arrived with a pot of chili just before tonight's Unity Rally. The site is a little compressed now but still lively
A number of our organizers spoke, some explaining what had been happening with Hennepin County's new rules. Apparently "MN nice" means they don't pepper spray or tear gas us, they just try to make life miserable for the Occupiers. But those present this morning were defiant, they put signs back up and guarded them with their bodies!
We also heard from Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, former MN Senate candidate and professor of justice and peace studies at the University of St Thomas
He was very upbeat and encouraging, told us his kids are at some of the other Occupations. Though he once sought the DFL endorsement, he had no qualms about calling both major parties corrupt.
Tonight was a student-led march, with chants like "they say tuition hikes, we say student strikes" added to the standard ones.
Instead of going by banks, which are closed anyway, the organizers decided it would be more fun and productive to march by popular nightlife spots. And patrons seen through the windows seemed supportive, some flashing peace signs or "rock on" gestures. Here we are rounding the corner by Nicollet Mall
I did not stay for the General Assembly tonight as I had another meeting to go to. One last pic that is a twist on "the fierce urgency of now"