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In reply to the discussion: An AP photographer named Beck Diefenbach has probably just ended the Occupy movement. [View all]markpkessinger
(8,368 posts)88. I just posted this to Occupy Oakland's Facebook page . . .
Dear friends of Occupy Oakland -- Please take a look at the attached article that appeared on Democratic Underground. The pictures in it appear to show Occupy Oakland protesters burning an American flag. I really hope you can tell me that those who did this were not part of Occupy Oakland. As someone who is old enough to remember many of the various protest movements of the '70s, and as someone who is behind the occupy movement 100%, if it is the case that these folks were members of Occupy Oakland, may I offer just a word of advice? No, I don't regard myself as some kind of oracle or anything. But I have been around long enough to see how easily many a fine protest movement has lost its way. Take it for whatever you think it's worth . . .
Again, IF it was Occupy Oakland protesters who did this (and I've also been around long enough not to discount the possibility of paid provocateurs), please hear me when I tell you that NOTHING will undermine the Occupy movement faster or more effectively than stunts like burning an American flag. Right now, the Occupy movement has a great deal of support and goodwill among the public at large. That goodwill will be critical to the movement's success. I would urge you, in determine if the flag burning was in fact carried out by one of your members. If it was -- actually, even if it wasn't -- consider making a public statement to the media that the Occupy Movement does not endorse, and in fact renounces, such actions.
I would also urge you to consider renouncing the use of bandanas and masks to cover faces (something that was evident in some of the photos in the attached article). In the eyes of many in the general public, the use of masks will immediately render you suspect. If you believe your cause is just, then put your whole identity behind it. THAT'[s how you gain, and keep, credibility.
I know, I know -- you don't want to censor viewpoints, etc., or dictate how people should protest. But if you want a really clear picture of what happens to a group or organization when it refuses to set some outer limits of what will be tolerated among its ranks, may I suggest you need look no further than the state of the Republican Party in trying to choose a Presidential nominee. In a cynical attempt to gain votes, the GOP, starting many years ago, began allowing its most fringe elements to run wild both in rhetoric and action, and has generally refused to reign them in for fear of offending them. It is not surprising, then, that they are faced with a slate of unelectable candidates, each of whom is trying, in one manner or another, to out=crazy the others.
I believe the entire Occupy movement is at a critical juncture at the present moment -- a juncture which will require it to define, at the very least, what it is not. Please, friends -- your movement is too important -- to ALL of us -- to blow it now. Occupy has done so much that is right, and they have done those things right, that to allow your movement to be undercut by some very ill-considered (even if passionate) actions would be an utter tragedy.
Here is a link to the article with the pictures: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002239093#post35
Your friend,
Mark Kessinger
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An AP photographer named Beck Diefenbach has probably just ended the Occupy movement. [View all]
Robb
Jan 2012
OP
I think he photographed occupy burning an american flag but that's based on a quick skim of google
Ed Suspicious
Jan 2012
#7
The burden of proof should be proving that these were legitimate OWS protesters
Hugabear
Jan 2012
#78
As opposed to being totally beyond the realm of possibility that it IS someone
hughee99
Jan 2012
#53
Listen Jack, the movement is here. I hope your support is with us and not for our
rhett o rick
Jan 2012
#133
Ah pintobean. Who do you support? Occupy or the corporate overlords? Or are you one of
rhett o rick
Jan 2012
#145
Why are you so venomously against OWS? You dont show that "wrath" against those
rhett o rick
Jan 2012
#229
I was appalled when Atlanta OWS turned away civil rights hero, John Lewis.
AtomicKitten
Jan 2012
#216
The black bloc tactics were originally created to foil police snatch-squads.
backscatter712
Jan 2012
#236
And why are they covering their faces like a bunch of black bloc chumps?
Joe the Revelator
Jan 2012
#20
There is always the chance, however remote, that this sort of action will prompt
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2012
#21
Look at picture two. One guy is holding up a sheet of paper with "Occupy Oakland"...
gulliver
Jan 2012
#27
Okay, I read the whole damn thing and wouldn't change a word of what I said
Remember Me
Jan 2012
#242
The black bloc masked idiots want to discredit OWS, just as they did the anti-globalization movement
Adenoid_Hynkel
Jan 2012
#163
As I mentioned in another thread, there is money available to infiltrators
Capn Sunshine
Jan 2012
#70
Meh, there's been plenty of bad-looking Occupy photos already and it's still going. (nt)
Posteritatis
Jan 2012
#29
I didn't think the sarcasm tag was necessary because the premise of the OP is so absurd
Cali_Democrat
Jan 2012
#69
Actually, lots of people who are in the 99% have a roof over their heads and food
nobodyspecial
Jan 2012
#51
Your over concern for the flag in light of the brutality suffered by the protestors is sickening.
rhett o rick
Jan 2012
#134
Yes, that part is both theft and destruction of another's property. That part's a crime.
HopeHoops
Jan 2012
#71
I also remember some wingnut (O'Reilly?) ranting about a "liberal" doing that.
HopeHoops
Jan 2012
#79
A member of a church which routinely calls abortion providers "murderers" goes and murders a doctor,
zbdent
Jan 2012
#93
Just remember that when assessing the supposed Animal Rights "Feldheim Incident"
jsmirman
Jan 2012
#112
Shame on you. Shame on you. You might as well shoot teargas canisters at Occupy
rhett o rick
Jan 2012
#135
I'm entirely for Occupy but this image does it no good, however it came about, whoever did it, it
NotThisTime
Jan 2012
#149
It'll be interesting if the people who actually burned the flag get charged, with names released
Warren DeMontague
Jan 2012
#150
People were witnessed walking away freely without zip ties from the Y arrests.
joshcryer
Jan 2012
#165
I'm curious, was "casting asparagus" in your last line intended to be humorous?
Prometheus Bound
Jan 2012
#171
"But I promise you, no one will think of Occupy the same way ever again after today's AP photos."
Bonobo
Jan 2012
#178
The editorial comments of the OP remind me of 'stuff white people said post Watts'
Bluenorthwest
Jan 2012
#180
While I think that burning a flag is sure as hell not going to help Occupy's cause,
Arkana
Jan 2012
#195
Black Bloc extremists--often cops. Occupy should respond by flying Old Glory proudly
Bruce Wayne
Jan 2012
#224
hmm ... with "facial recognition" software, the cops will probably be able to identify
zbdent
Jan 2012
#226
exactly.. who could forget cointelpro w/WTO, ant-war (iraq/afghan)demos and on and on
2banon
Jan 2012
#255
You've got to be kidding me right? Free Speech exercise whether by infiltrator or OWSer end OWS,
lonestarnot
Jan 2012
#246