Chicago Stands With Oakland

Nov 2nd, 2011
by F. Grey Parker with Nicole Zimmerer

For the greater part of the day yesterday, the Chicago Occupation was held by a small team of its most dedicated troops. It has not been easy for them to maintain their strength during certain points each week. Mayor Rahm Emanuel's brutal repression of dissent has taken its toll. Nevertheless, the corner of Jackson and LaSalle continues not to be the comfortable causeway of traders, goons and empty suits that it once was. It remains in the hands of the Occupants.

There was a mid-afternoon teach-in discussing the costs and inherent corruptions of the prison industrial complex. It was smart and it was informative.

However, there were not sufficient numbers for an early march.

Later... the crowd exploded in size.

Crying out in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Oakland, thousands marched to Daley Plaza and made the world famous Picasso their backdrop for a show of power.

It's Time

Nov 2nd, 2011

Walk out. Join them. Join us. Now.

The Oakland PD Is "Confused"

Nov 2nd, 2011

Oakland PD Chief Anthony Batts via

The Oakland Police Officer's Association has released what they are calling an "Open Letter" to that city's citizens.

It is actually a very remarkable read. Although it sidesteps issues of police responsibility for the more extreme acts of violence last week, it does raise some very legitimate questions about Mayor Jean Quan:

"We represent the 645 police officers who work hard every day to protect the citizens of Oakland. We, too, are the 99% fighting for better working conditions, fair treatment and the ability to provide a living for our children and families. We are severely understaffed with many City beats remaining unprotected by police during the day and evening hours.

As your police officers, we are confused."

I am not sure of any other police organization in this country which has, at this time, publicly declared itself to be part of "the 99%."

This is a radical development.