OCCUPY CLEVELAND BREAKING NEWS – CITY OF CLEVELAND SUPPORTS OCCUPATION
(LIVE VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Thzwr8e2X8)
#OccupyCleveland occupied the hallowed chambers of City Hall this evening. Personally invited by Councilman Brian Cummins of Ward 14, members of the group received a tour of the grounds and sat in on a City Council meeting that turned out to be mainly about them. The group received a rousing round of applause, as well as the endorsements of many key Council members.
Councilman Cummins made sure to highlight the group’s excellent working relationship with the Cleveland Police Department and its relentless commitment to the consensus process. Councilman Jay Westbrook of Ward 16 expressed his delight to see such a diverse group engaging in their First Amendment rights. Councilwoman Mamie Mitchell of Ward 6 said that she is inspired by the way the movement is engaging in democracy. Councilman Zach Reed of Ward 2 stressed that Cleveland is an important place to see this movement prosper. He was especially impressed with #OccupyCleveland’s steadfast dedication to nonviolence and peaceable assembly.
Mayor Frank Jackson was also in attendance, seen shaking hands and smiling for #OccupyCleveland’s live feed of the event. The group later received endorsements from Council President Martin Sweeney of Ward 18, Councilman Matt Zone of Ward 15 and Councilman Joe Cimperman of Ward 3. All in all, City Hall seemed pretty excited. One Councilman was even heard singing John Lennon’s “Power to the People” in the hallways after the meeting.
The trumpet of support sounding from City Hall could not come at a more crucial moment for Clevelanders taking part in #OccupyCleveland. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument Commission meets Wednesday morning to discuss whether to grant #OccupyCleveland permission to set up camp on the monument’s quadrant of Public Square. With any luck, the backing of City Hall will work in the group’s favor.
#OccupyCleveland’s current camp leaves them vulnerable to poor weather conditions. Forecasters expect the recent spate of pleasant weather to come to an end sometime around mid-week. The demonstrators hope to set up more substantial shelter before the cold and rain make their presence felt. Despite the group’s excellent track record of cleanliness and nonviolence, they are concerned about the long-term health and safety of their members. A more favorable location would go a long way toward ensuring their well-being. Most importantly, it would afford #OccupyCleveland room for the growth necessary to sustain a movement for positive social change.
- shespeaksup via the Forums
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