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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 2011)
OREGON S LGBTO NEW SMAGAZINE 4 number of small-town and rural folks,“ says Westerling. “I can’t prove it, but I’d suspect that if you look at all of the states that make up this country, there are more small-town oc cupations going on in Oregon than anywhere else in the United States. I think that particu larly is testimony to how here in Oregon we do have an organization that is entirely about amplifying those voices and making sure that these concerns are felt everywhere.” W hile the focus on individual Occupy movements nationwide begins to trend to ward sustainment of the various camps, gen eral health and well-being of protesters, and, walking the tightrope o f civil disobedience, Westerling hopes that those involved con tinue to analyze their motivations. She en courages every citizen to look at where they’re most impacted “by the downward mobility of our society, and to make that a household discussion, and to come into this m om ent.” community’ OCTOBER 21. 2011 19 » Beaverton Barber Coin and Gun "We g o t you co vered from h ea d to holster." “I would he part o f this, healthy or not,” says Westerling of the Occupy movement. “Right now, we are living in an incredibly jumbled society. We can pull at any strand and see at the other end how a problem has actually been made so much worse over recent decades. I see it as a very grown-up- movement message to say that all of us matter. If people can’t hear that, I think that’s because they’re not looking, really, at what’s going on.” I FREE H O T N EC K SHAVE with every haircut Buy, Sell or Trade Your Classic Coins and Vintage Firearms 4620 SW Washington St. Beaverton, OR 97005 5 0 3 -644-5222 You Weigh In Just Out asked readers via Facebook their thoughts on the Occupy movement and the demonstrations in downtown Portland. Below, a recent thread... I believe in the right to free speech and to ers recognize that simply sitting in the park dom o f speech is more im portant than tres- protest. I believe in what their general mes- is not enough and is really just [an] initial passing on private property, which is a mis- sage is ..(though it seems to he getting lost), action—eventually there has to be a phase demeanor. Conservatives who support the However, I also believe in abiding by laws and two, the w hat’s next. Tea Party movement, which is named after ordinances and not being destructive. It’s They have (for some time) been/are plan- a felonious act against oppression, seem not tough.The damage caused to the parks is add- ning to collect funds to pay for the park to agree. Don’t you find that oddly hypo ing up and we, as taxpayers, will foot the bill, damage— including volunteering to do the critical? -Shelly Casteel Granted, it’s far less than we work (keeping in mind the already spend in taxes, but it’s “This for me is turning broad range o f skills there). I support the cause and the message. I don’t money that could go to bet -Debra Porta believe that a (largely) homeless camp in front into yet another 1 ter use. I say move them to of Portland City Hall is going to have any percent speaking for us.” Pioneer Courthouse Square. By 99 percent they are impact. As we know there are scant few For -APRIL LANDERS talking income levels. So tune 500 companies based in Portland. Pro Even more obvious and no chance of ruining anything. technically whether you tests like this in our liberal mecca is certainly Also, they should apply for a permit to stay agree with them or not, you are part o f the singing to the choir. If the movement is going overnight in an effort to make it legal. [Mayor 99 percent. Unless you’re a billionaire. I am to have any impact, besides whining about the Adams], surprisingly, has worked well with tired o f people complaining about how much obvious and abhorrent inequities in our soci- them so far. I’m sure he’d entertain the idea of this is costing the city. The damn fact is peo- ety, they need to have a platform o f issues, an legally allowing them to stay overnight, pie have the right to protest without frigging agenda to accomplish them, and leaders to -Michael Olson . permits, and if our government and financial promote and elect. They will N O T overthrow sector hadn’t screwed us we the government or subvert the I understand the basic thought behind the wouldn’t be having a problem *qn Am erica current paradigm by camping Occupy movement, but I do not think they with our budgets being ____ ^ . in a park. I think it’s time to go have the right to claim they are the “99 per- stretched. Your apologetics for reecfo m O Speech IS home. -Scott Osburne cent.” If they base their actions on a vote, I do the 1 percent is sad. So let me more important than My partner and I have par not remember ever being asked if I agree with get this straight. You would trespassing on private their actions. They are no more the “99 per- halt all demonstrations and all ticipated in the marches... very property, which is a cent” than the “1 percent,” if you ask me. As the progress this movement is inspiring... so many different things move on and on, the communities they making because it costs money? misdemeanor.” kinds o f people participated... are protesting in are burdened with having to -Djambel Unkov -SHELLY CASTEEL union folks, grandmas, every pay for more police, cleanup, etc. I don’t think ethnicity, not just the usual with all the budgets already stretched pretty Throughout history REAL change has suspects. The message is important... the in- far this is a good use of the funds. Nor do I only occurred by the people. Instead o f fo- come disparity is about the disappearing think blocking streets, derailing other groups cusing on the minimal cost of a park cleanup, middle class... the richest folks and corpora- who took the time to get needed permits, etc. perhaps attentions would be better focused tions OW N our government. This model is really speak for the 99 percent. Sorry but this on the trillions of dollars the banks have UNSUSTAINABLE. The park that is being for me is turning info yet another 1 percent taken from us and the criminal activities occupied (in a very organized way) is paid for speaking for us. -AprilLanders they have yet been held accountable for. O r by the taxpayers. It is being used for an impor- perhaps the fact that the banks/corpora- tant purpose. Those who are occupying are They have been working on education/in- tions/rich own politicians and the people’s representing those of us who stand in solidar- formation campaigns— I think the organiz- will is being ignored. 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