It's another big day for the occupiers in Oakland, and it remains to be seen what sort of citizen backlash may arise as night falls. But elsewhere in the world, the occupation continues undaunted...
First off, everyone must read this excellent and passionate essay by Rolling Stone scribe Matt Taibbi, "How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the OWS Protests." No matter how you feel about the movement or its aims (or lack thereof), Taibbi makes a compelling case for the idea that "It doesn't need to tell the world what it wants. It is succeeding, for now, just by being something different." [Rolling Stone]
The City of Oakland, trying to put on a strong and brave face, promises to reopen Frank Ogawa Plaza (a.k.a. Oscar Grant Plaza) tonight. We'll see how that works out. [NBC Bay Area]
Up in Eureka, the small Occupy Eureka camp outside of the Humboldt County Courthouse got raided this morning and 31 adults and one juvenile were arrested. This is the second raid of the camp in two weeks, with many campers returning after being removed and arrested the first time. As the Chron reports, the raid was "largely peaceful, except for one person who threw a chunk of asphalt at police." [Chron]
And up in Portland, rather than scream and whine about being kicked out of their campsite, the Occupy Portland gang called for a big party to happen Saturday night on the eve of their eviction by the mayor. Occupation Fest 2011 drew several thousand people for a big happy dance party downtown, which finally dwindled the next morning and the campers dispersed peacefully. [HuffPo]
Back in New York at Zuccotti Park, a sentiment we've heard a lot from Oakland restaurants and businesses is being echoed by Financial District businesses near Wall Street. Says one restaurateur of the campers, “They are not against the banks; they’re against society. Who gives them the right to come and use my toilet for half an hour?" The businesses are planning a counter-rally of their own at 5 p.m. today. [NYT]