Occupy Palm Beach - Protesters Refuse To Leave

Aerianne · Dec 9, 2011

Occupy Palm Beach Moves Into Old West Palm Beach City Hall

In recent weeks, numerous cities, including New York, have evicted members of the Occupy movement from parks and other public spaces. There have been bloody clashes with police, arrests and ugly recriminations.

But, in West Palm Beach, officials have cooperated.

"As long as they remain peaceful and continue to point out what they believe is wrong with our financial system I think they should have that opportunity," said Commissioner Bill Moss.

While some of those living in the encampment are homeless, he said the welcome the city has shown doesn't conflict with past policies. Two years ago, commissioners enacted a law, banning free food giveaways downtown, and sued two groups that refused to abide by it.

Moss said the law and lawsuit were fueled by complaints from families and business owners. Ultimately, commissioners settled the lawsuit by repealing the law.

Since then, the feedings have continued. And, he said, like the encampment, no problems have occurred.

Occupy members said they are occasionally jeered at. "Get a job," people have yelled from car windows. But, they said, the vast majority support their cause.

Those who are homeless said they are victims of the economic policies they are trying to change. Further, while they said they are looking for work, as demonstrator Jennifer Hayes, 27, said, it's difficult without an address, a phone or a place to shower to prepare for a job interview.

The City Hall site will give them a welcome amenity: running water. The group already had electricity from roughly 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., after city crews ran a line into the encampment from a nearby street lamp. They have the keys to nearby public restrooms. They city, said demonstrator Brien Hurley, has been great.
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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/pb-occupy-protesters-moved-20111209,0,7732260.story

Tyrsonswood · Dec 9, 2011

Right on!

Odd how some cities embrace the movement and others abhor it....

Aerianne · Dec 9, 2011

Tyrsonswood said:

Right on!

Odd how some cities embrace the movement and others abhor it....
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Isn't it? Wasn't it reported that Democratic Mayors were the ones most prone to the cracking down?

Aerianne · Mar 4, 2012

Protesters Refuse To Leave

WEST PALM BEACH — About a dozen Occupy Palm Beach County protesters this morning declined appeals that they leave their encampment at the old City Hall site at North Olive Avenue and Banyan Boulevard.

"We will stay as long as it takes," said Brien Huley, a 45-year-old West Palm Beach resident. "We're standing up for our own freedom of speech and freedom to assemble. Those aren't things you're supposed to require permission from anyone."
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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/occupy-west-palm-beach-protestors-refuse-again-to-2216082.html

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Occupy Palm Beach - Protesters Refuse To Leave

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