In some cities occupiers have been active for as long as seven weeks now, and impatience is beginning to set in on both sides of the fence. Authorities in some cities are stepping up the pace of arrests for various violations, and some protestors have become anxious to see more dramatic steps taken on behalf of their causes.
Twenty people were arrested at Occupy Atlanta yesterday, two for attempting to continue the encampment at Woodruff Park after closing, seventeen for obstructing traffic, and one for assault on a motorcycle officer. Occupy Delaware has been notified by Wilmington city officials that Spencer Plaza or Freedom Plaza may be occupied until 9:00 Monday morning, after which time an application must be filed with the city for further use of Spencer Plaza, and applications must be filed with the city, county, and state for further use of Freedom Plaza. After that time, further occupation “will be deemed a violation of the law and will be dealt with accordingly.” Thirteen people were arrested after 2 this morning at Occupy Fresno for gathering at Courthouse Park without a permit. Despite dozens of arrests to date, Occupy Boston moved into the area of foreign affairs, staging a sit-down in the lobby of the Israeli Consulate there. Most violent so far has been Occupy Oakland, and there 103 arrests were made by 3 Thursday afternoon. Among other things, protestors trashed Whole Foods’ exterior due to a false rumor that the company had taken the position that it would fire any employee who joined the protestors.
Winter will thin out the occupiers’ numbers to some extent, especially in the northern cities. Attrition due to the passage of time will reduce the numbers further. If the Oakland situation abates and if protestors in other cities remain calmer than their Oakland counterparts, the movement – and the country – will have done well.