Occupy SD

 I headed downtown on Wednesday afternoon in hopes to get an up close and personal look into occupy san diego. After perusing through various posts, I’ve noticed that not many individuals commented about the role of law enforcement and whether they had a chance to speak to any.

I took it upon myself to speak to a few law enforcement officials regarding their stance as well as their role in all of this.

            I asked one official, “So, what do you make of all of this?” She wouldn’t release her name, but the officer responded, “I’m all for freedom of speech. However, I have a job to cater to and regulations to abide by. Once an individual or a group of individuals compromises that or gives me reason to enforce such regulations, I’m not concerned with what message they’re trying to send, I am solely just doing my job.”

Maybe the correct way to ask would have been, “ Do you agree with what these individuals are so desperately trying to relay..and though their tactics may be a bit unorthodox, can you understand the frustration, the pain and the toll it must be taking?” Hm, I wonder if I would have received a less self-absorbed response.

            Unfortunately, none of the other 20+ officers were open to a quick five minute chat, which was fine because ultimately I did want to hear what many of the protesters were feeling and thinking.

             99% of the population IS affected with the current state of the economy and the recent economical recession has left many jobless, homeless and left with a feeling of hopelessness.

George, a long time protester and anarchist, as well as native of san diego lost his job in the construction field last year. He explained to me that this movement represents so much more than unemployment. The state of the economy is in turmoil George relayed and relative to the rest of the world, the U.S. claims to be a country of equality, yet we are settled in a state of economic and social injustice. After asking George what the aim of the protest was, his particular answer of solidarity and standing up for what he believes in, helped me discern that there is not one unified aim to the occupy movement. In fact George said it best when he stated, “I think we should Occupy Everything…but truthfully it’s a mix of reasons out here. The basis of the movement is more and better jobs, equal pay, bank reform and a reduction of the influence of corporation on politics…however its among a plethora of other unheard issues..we just want change”

There was also an apparent sense of camaraderie amongst the protesters. I look forward to heading back to occupy san diego in the weeks ahead.