Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Back At Zuccotti: Occupy Wall Street Protesters Face New Security Checks, Tent-less Days And Nights: Gothamist:

When discussing the eviction, Mayor Bloomberg cited public safety and health issues, plus the fact that "no right is absolute". Tonight, OWS released a statement after its General Assembly meeting, "The feeling here at Liberty Square tonight is the feeling of a movement that is rising, building, and making headway... We will push back against billionaire Michael Bloomberg and any politician who wantonly tramples on proud American freedoms: freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and the freedom of Americans to peaceably assemble and petition for change," with those gathered chanting via the people's mic, "They showed us their power. And we're showing them ours."

In this post-raid environment, food was being served outside of the park, by people carrying it around on makeshift trays. The library is back, but it's being protected by umbrellas after the police called a plastic covering a tarp. As for what protesters will do without sleeping bags and tents, some churches have to take in those needing shelter. It's unclear how strictly police will try to enforce a "no lying down" or "no sleeping upright" policy—some people are being confronted.