Occupy Oakland - All of It - Today

Oakland police officers' association have issued a statement criticising the city's mayor and administration on the eve of an Occupy strike which has pledged to "shut down" the downtown area.

In an open letter to the citizens of Oakland the association, which represents all 645 Oakland police officers, accused Mayor Quan of "staffing" the strike on Wednesday and said the administration was sending out "mixed messages".

[...]

"We, too, are the 99% fighting for better working conditions, fair treatment and the ability to provide a living for our children and families," the OPOA statement said – one of the first times a police force has officially adopted the '99%' language of Occupy protesters.

  UK Guardian

That’s why you pepper spray and shoot the 99%, I suppose.

"On Tuesday, October 25th, we were ordered by Mayor Quan to clear out the encampments at Frank Ogawa Plaza and to keep protesters out of the Plaza. We performed the job that the Mayor's Administration asked us to do, being fully aware that past protests in Oakland have resulted in rioting, violence and destruction of property.

"Then, on Wednesday, October 26th, the Mayor allowed protesters back in – to camp out at the very place they were evacuated from the day before."

I can see their confusion. Does she want the protesters “taken out” or not?

Apparently the Oakland police only know one way to keep people out of an area, and it involves “rioting, violence and destruction of property.”

Wednesday's strike, organised by Occupy Oakland, aims to "shut down" the city, culminating with a march to the Port of Oakland to prevent the transit of cargo. Workers, university students and school pupils are being urged to rally close to the Occupy camp, outside city hall, during the day before marching to the port at 5pm.

Be careful out there, Occupiers. Don’t forget your gas masks and

Maalox. It’s hard to know whether the police statement signals an intent to stand down or to stand up and then blame the mayor. I’d probably bet on the latter.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.