@Number Six: Yes, it seems clear that Nick Fish would rather they occupy Pioneer Courthouse Square. Takes a little more effort to drive in the tent stakes there, of course...
Nick Fish cares so much about greenspace, he forgot who the greenspace is there for in the first place! They're called citizens, Nick. You asked them to vote for you, and they voted for you. Send the bill to Geithner and find something worthwhile to whine about..
By Occupy being there, the citizens at large are now unable to enjoy that space. The majority of citizens would rather downtown parks not morph into makeshift camps, regardless of the reasons.
Don't worry. We all ready have plans to clean the park when we are done. I am sure plenty of people will donate their time, some rakes, and grass seed to fix the park. If you haven't heard, Occupy Wall Street has accumulated 300K, so I am sure Occupy Portland can come up with a $1000+ to maintain the park.
In comparison to the destruction the protestors caused in England. I think the city should be proud that our non-violent movement only destroyed some grass in a city park.
Yes, complain about that unemployed middle aged lady walking on the grass while the bankers keep you over the barrel and ream you. Sheeple will be sheeple.
You've addressed what my question is Demondog: how does a bunch of well-meaning folks hanging out in a park in downtown Portland result in bankers not reaming me anymore? The Tea Party is full of psychotics, but they're getting their issues filtered up to decisionmakers, without taking up public space for indefinite periods of time. What is the Occupy Portland end game? What will victory looks like, and roughly how long is that going to take? And how in the hell does camping out downtown get Occupy closer to that goal? You can be sympathetic to their general message ( I am ), but I can't see how any of their tactics, which have more negative impacts as the days go by, are going to produce a result.
Give them time. I'm as cynical as the next guy when it comes to anything political (or just anything), but I think they've accomplished a decent amount already in the month or so this has been going on. There is a national dialogue about economic inequality, and a voice for economic populism in the media. That hasn't really happened since, what, 1965. In NY the movement is giving considerable weight to progressive tax proposals. And we'll wait and see what impact the Nov. 5th Bank-whateverthefuckthey'recallingit has. Simmmmer dowwwwn.
My question: Is this $19,000 damage done to GRASS?! Or is this actual damage to trees, shrubs or otherwise harm the infrastructure of the sidewalks/paths/streets? What kinda damage?
Today, I got a call from a local station, about ropes on the trees, where Occupy Portland set up camp. I spent about 10 minutes explaining to the caller, that the soil compaction and damage in the root zone was probably the worst problem caused by the protesters. Roots use oygen and need to release carbon dioxide. When soil compacts, it traps the gas, and it's similar to putting a bag over one's head, only it happens slower.
More specifics about this here ... page on soil care ...
get off my lawn!
In comparison to the destruction the protestors caused in England. I think the city should be proud that our non-violent movement only destroyed some grass in a city park.
WTF??
I'm with Chuck on this. Walking through there the other day was quite an eye full - eyesore.
More specifics about this here ... page on soil care ...
http://www.mdvaden.com/soil.shtml