Occupy Baltimore needs a show of solidarity, and they need it now!
I've been trying to follow the news on Occupy Baltimore via Facebook. After a hectic weekend when I barely got any online time at all, I logged into Facebook today and saw this:
Here's an update on this morning's press release regarding Occupy Baltimore's permit request for McKeldin Park.
/gulp ohpleasesaytheyveapprovedit
Nope.
Occupy Baltimore has this on their page:
On Monday, Occupy Baltimore received word that the Department of Parks & Recreation Department has not approved their permit application, and instead suggested a compromise that would allow Occupy Baltimore to continue to occupy McKeldin Square indefinitely without a permit during the daytime hours, but limit overnight presence to a maximum of 2 people, and restrict the encampment as a whole to a smaller corner of the Square (full text below). The city has asked for an answer to the proposed deal by Wednesday Oct 26th and stated that if Occupy Baltimore agrees, they will not be removed from the park for failing to obtain a permit. Should Occupy Baltimore refuse to comply with the requests to limit the overnight presence, then the city "has the right to terminate these special accommodations," though no specific date for termination has been announced. In preparation for any possible intervention by the city, Occupy Baltimore participants are issuing a general call for all allies to join the encampment starting tonight to support and protect the group sustaining the occupation at McKeldin Square. [emphasis added by diarist]
They've got about 24 to 30 hours, if I am reading this correctly, to comply with these terms. I wish I had more direct information, but I haven't gotten there yet (thank you, cold germs, you gooey little bastards, now go away). Occupy Baltimore isn't rolling over:
The city suggests that the demonstrators agree in good faith to
maintain only one overnight tent with just two people. Occupy
Baltimore counters that anyone who wants to stay in their space is
allowed a safe place to stay, out of the elements and with enough food
to eat. Furthermore, Occupy Baltimore has a complex infrastructure
already, with media, food, direct action, outreach, security, and
other working groups, which couldn't possibly be contained within two
people....
Demonstrators counter
that they would like to create a vibrant safe space that takes up as
much of the square as possible so that they can continue to grow an
organic infrastructure of democratic representation, arts, culture,
and safe space while still allowing passerby to pass through McKeldin
Square.
Occupy Baltimore recognizes that their requests are out of the box for
the city's existing permit system, but encourages the city to work
alongside peaceful and respectful demonstrators to create a legal
space where citizens' voices can be heard. Organizers add that
accepting the city's demands would essentially end their occupation
movement. [emphasis added]
My guess is that this is exactly what The Powers That Be in Charm City want -- an end to this movement in "their" city. To be frank, after having read a lot of the comments on Occupy Baltimore's Facebook page, this is probably one of the best things to happen to this city in a long time. Baltimore City has problems. It has the highest unemployment rate in Maryland. Crime has long troubled the city. So has urban blight -- decaying neighborhoods, drugs, poverty, etc. It has come a long way back, true -- but it still has a long way to go. This group has creative ideas and a lot of energy. Some of those ideas must upset the rentier class, but I haven't much sympathy for slumlords who let their properties decay. I'll be blunt -- Baltimore City residents need this occupation and the creativity, the hope, it brings.
I don't know how the Baltimore police are about these things. I hope this isn't going to turn into Oakland on the Chesapeake, but I guess we'll find out.
If there's anyone in the Mid-Atlantic who isn't trying to get over being sick and can get to Baltimore to stand in solidarity with them, get thee to McKeldin Square!
(Map here.)
12:13 PM PT: From OccupyDC K Street's Facebook page:
Contact Governor O'Malley and tell him to respect the First Amendment right to peaceably assemble! Tweet him at @GovernorOMalley and call at 410.974.3901 or 1.800.811.8336. Show your solidarity with Occupy Baltimore!
12:15 PM PT: From Occupy Baltimore's Facebook page:
Gregory Bayor, Director, Department of Recreation and Parks
phone (410) 396-6132
fax: (410) 889-3856
gregory.bayor@baltimorecity.gov
Voice your support for Occupy Baltimore!