Occupy Boston is denying what it says are “reports from Fox News” that an Occupy Boston participant “spit on a member of the Coast Guard” near South Station in Boston last week.
In a press release posted on the Occupy Boston website, the group said “Coast Guard has also confirmed that there are no allegations that this assault was committed by an Occupy Boston participant. Occupy Boston unanimously condemns violent actions. We are committed to non-violence and consider conduct of this sort to be an act of violence.”
The growing group of Boston protestors also said that some of its members are, in fact, “former servicemen and women” and that Occupy Boston has respect for others in the so called “99%, including members of our armed services, many of whom stand with us in our pursuit of economic justice.”
See Occupy Boston Livestream Video from Occupy Boston website (pre-recorded)
Occupy Boston also discussed an alleged incident last Tuesday morning, when "members of the group Veterans for Peace stood between protesters and police prior to the arrests that took place at 1:30am. "
"They stood in support of our right to free speech. They were pulled to the ground, their banners broken, and their bodies bruised"
"This also is reprehensible behavior—committed by Boston police officers—and deserves widespread discussion and media attention. We stand with the Veterans for Peace and the rest of the 99%, offering our solidarity for all those who have served and continue to serve to keep our country safe"
SOURCE: Occupy Boston press release
The Occupy Boston group is part of a nationwide movement that began with protests on Wall Street and has now developed into a multi issue campaign that appears to be gaining momentum in Boston and other cities across America as well as across the globe.
Protest and free speech are a hallmark of American culture. The U.S. has a long history of men and women organizing to speak out against the government and social institutions, beginning with the American Revolution, on up through the Women's right to vote movement, the feminist movement, the Vietnam War and Civil Rights protests of the 1960's and more recent protests against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The 99% movement is a fascinating occurence that appears to be expressive of the social unrest and economic anxiety of recent years. It will be quite interesting to see how the 99% protests and evolving platform affect the course and outcome of the 2012 presidential primaries and general election.
Though some question the Occupy movement's goals and strategies, others are embracing them. Thus far, this has been a relatively peaceful movement, though public officials in Boston and elsewhere seem to be losing their patience. One wonders, should the Occupy Boston movement continue with the passions running high, if it can remain non violent, with protestors and officials showing appropriate restraint.
Here is another excerpts from the press materials that sheds some light about Occupy Boston's general aims and beliefs:
"Occupy Boston depends upon the fair and diligent reporting of individuals, independent reporters, and professional press organizations to convey important messages regarding: our participatory democracy, our march towards government and financial reform, our ongoing non-violent events, and our culture of inclusion"
For more information about #Occupy Boston, visit the group's website
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