This Friday could be one of the largest events to take place in New York in decades if New York decides to Occupy Central Park. I would go crazy if this was a three day festival filled with music, camping and a celebration of freedom against the tyranny the banks have inflicted on us. It would be wonderful for us to be able to reclaim a space inside the city and show that the city is for all its citizens and not just the wealthy ones.
Like these soldiers who occupied DC in the summer of 1932 and were driven out by six tanks and the national guard. All they wanted was the pay that was promised to them and they wouldn't have to wait till the government issued coupons matured by the year 1945 - when a good deal of them would be dead.
I imagine that the student Itamar Lilienthal who is a big driving force in making Occupy Central Park a reality. I imagine he envisions a Woodstock where the Beatles show up and play. What I want him to do is realize that 11/11/11 is not simply a party day.
It is Veterans day. I think you should talk to various groups participating in Veterans day and call this the Bonus Camp. You would be honoring Veterans of World War I, World War II and every vet that has ever fought for equal pay and basic fairness.
Itamar announces on mi2n.com
We encourage you to skip work and occupy Central Park with us. More information can be found on our website at www.occupycentralpark.org. If you have solutions of your own and would like to participate, feel free to contact us directly at occupycentralpark@gmail.com or contact Justin Samuels at screenwriter97@gmail.com
PS: If anyone knows how we can get in contact with Paul and Ringo let us know :)
When I go to Occupy Central Park it is a single page with little information on it. I understand the desire to hold such an event but I need you to understand that this is not a game. You are trying to do a beautiful thing, but I do not want to see an overwhelming crack down by police.
If this is going to happen in a week then it has to be something that is given with the approval of the General Assembly. It has to have sustainability. There has to be a bit more planning. Consider the logistics of three days worth of toileting. Down town we have been able to use local businesses and peoples places in order to solve this problem.
Huffington Post reports:
Their effort, which they have dubbed Occupy Central Park, has not received an official statement of approval from Occupy Wall Street's General Assembly. It would also directly contravene Central Park's prohibition against camping.
I would love for you to contact The Office of Veteran Affairs or consider a toys for tots donation drive which is run by the Marines. We are already planning a donation drive for Toys For Tots with MoT and and a few friends and would love for it to be extended. Or perhaps contact the people running the Veterans Day Parade and some of the family organizations that are involved with it!
I am not convinced that Mayor Bloomberg will allow them to Occupy the park. In fact I think he will try and break up the gathering if tents go up. If by some miracle the cops do not force the issue then I hope the General Assembly will come down in favor of the demonstration. Hell you have to try to at least get a permit and then do it anyway. It is important for this movement to stay on the side of the law and know how and when to bend them.
I believe in what you are doing and I hope people will email Itamar with support and ideas on how he can achieve this. This is serious business and you have a chance to start a serious occupation if it can be done right.