Update from Occupy - urgent request for supporters (contact info added)

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kim defranco

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Dec 1, 2011, 1:04:07 PM12/1/11
to kim defranco
Please Forward widely!

On Thu, Dec 1, 2011 at 10:58 AM, Jess Sundin <je...@antiwarcommittee.org> wrote:
Last night, the Anti-War Committee joined a rally at Occupy Minneapolis, to support the occupiers demand for shelter. Some 400 people rallied with us, including Union leaders, and elected officials from City Hall and the MN House of Representatives. It was a great rally, and in the midst of it, we set up dozens of tents, posted protest signs on them, including one for the Anti-War Committee. After a few hours, we went to sleep... Just after 4am, county security stormed into the Plaza and began dragging people out and tearing down our tents. All the tents, as well as many sleeping bags and blankets were taken, but no one was arrested.

After a brief meeting, most of the group decided to reconvene across the street at City Hall, where we set up a few more tents. At 9am, Minneapolis Police came in to tear down the tents, brutally arresting at least two protesters. Shortly after that, County security informed occupiers that they intend to clear the Plaza of any remaining Occupy stuff - tables, blankets, food, etc.

We need community support to defend the Occupy movement!

1. URGENT: Go to the Plaza to ensure that no more property is seized.

2. CALL: County commissioners to demand accountability for last night's attack on the Occupied tents! They should immediately return all the seized property, and protect the rights of occupiers to continue an around-the-clock presence on the Plaza, including the right to shelter.

Call as many of the commissioners as you can, but if you can only call two, call Gail Dorfman and Peter McLaughlin.
3. CALL: Mayor Rybak to demand accountability for this morning's attack on the occupiers at City Hall.  He should ensure that City property is a protected space for protest and dissent, and call for the release of the protesters arrested with the occupied tents this morning.
Mayor's office - (612) 673-2100

***4. Rally at 5pm today at People's Plaza to protect the occupiers. Stay stay the night, or as late as you can!

kim defranco

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Dec 2, 2011, 10:53:27 AM12/2/11
to kim defranco

 
Thank all for making calls and sending emails. I have gotten a report that Occupy Minneapolis got a written warning that if stuff is unattended it will be thrown out. It makes it sound that if you can't carry your stuff or "keep your hands on things" it would be considered unattended. This is suppose to take effect by 10 am Friday, Dec 2. 
 
We know the County has been trying to get the Occupation off the plaza for awhile now by making more restrictions and rules.
 
We already seen this harassment through people getting trespassed off the Plaza (which the number is stated at 30 people) and making it difficult to stay during winter without shelter.
 
I am resending the urgent message again. Please, once again please call.  Please call Gail Do and Peter McLaughlin. (They state they support the peoples' right to be on the plaza so now it's time for them to stand outside with the people and ACTUALLY CALL off these rules.)  (as a personal note, I received 2 emails from Commissioner Dorfman, see below).
 
We need community support to defend the Occupy movement!

1. URGENT: Go to the Plaza to ensure that no more property is seized.

2. CALL: County commissioners to demand accountability for Dec 1's attack on the Occupied tents! They should immediately return all the seized property, and protect the rights of occupiers to continue an around-the-clock presence on the Plaza, including the right to shelter.
 
*Call off the unattended rule of Occupations' items on the plaza. Items are consolidated enough where people are attending them around the clock.
 
*Dorfman and McLaughlin say they support all Occupiers, so now it the time to show their support by standing with them.

Call as many of the commissioners as you can, but if you can only call two, call Gail Dorfman and Peter McLaughlin.
 
Gail Dorfman: "I've been in favor of allowing tents since the start, but unfortunately have been outvoted by my colleagues. But the truth of the matter is that Hennepin County (and my colleagues) have been supportive of Occupy and pretty lenient about the rules for the Government Center Plaza. Unlike elsewhere around the country, we're not arresting people, have not set curfews, and are being pretty accommodating. We've welcomed Occupy members to address County Board meetings and they have done so, quite articulately I might add. I believe in this movement, don't think it's going away (even here in MN as the temps drop), and will continue to welcome Occupy members in my office and on Government Center property."
 
*I have responded and now called. I stated to her make no mistake these rules and treprassing people off the plaza is a underhanded way of kicking the Occupation off the plaza. If you really support the Peoples' right to be there, step out of the office and stand with them.
 
*I called McLaughlin's office. The person answering the phone stated this "unattended rule" was the first she is hearing about it (or maybe was that written warning). They are gathering information. McLaughlin won't be in until 10 am. I stated the same message to his office also.

kim defranco

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Dec 2, 2011, 6:19:01 PM12/2/11
to kim defranco
Great news!
 
I confirmed with Ben, who is on the plaza, regarding County security or the Sheriff was about to go clear the Plaza, but the County called and told them to back off. And so they did!
 
Great work on the calls, presence and all the pressure! More details and next action steps to come. Thanks again for everyone's support.
 
We are the 99%. The people united can never be defeated.
 
For folks in town, please stop by and stay as long as you can. Bring hot foods like chili, soups, hot coca, hot tea/coffee even water for people. Socks is always a need. Perhaps a few shovels since snow is in the forecast.
 
Kim DeFranco

kim defranco

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Dec 3, 2011, 12:07:09 AM12/3/11
to kim defranco
Since the eviction crisis seems to calm down for now,  it would be great if people (hopefully can) go down this weekend and support the Occupiers that are staying on the plaza. I know I sent a similar message but I am stressing the part about spending time at the Peoples' Plaza. It would be great if you haven't visited for awhile to stop by. Plan just for an hour, few hours, even half a night or come early morning for a few hours.
I know they really appreciate all the support. If you dress appropriately, it's not too bad. Bring something hot to drink/eat. Soup/chili is always great. You might also want to bring cups/bowls/plastic ware since I am not sure that was taken off for storage.
 
Bring socks! Shovels especially if you make it there when it's snowing!
 
Light Rail was a shelter with heat light so folks can take some refuge.
 
Kim DeFranco
From: kim defranco <kimde...@yahoo.com>
To: kim defranco <kimde...@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, December 2, 2011 5:19 PM
Subject: Great news for Occupy Minneapolis on the plaza
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