On Thursday, "Occupy Dallas"

By Robert Wilonsky Fri., Sep. 30 2011 at 11:47 AM

Categories: Events, Politics

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There's a HuffPo piece this morning about how the pepper-spray-flavored Occupy Wall Street protests moved to the West Coast yesterday -- San Francisco, specifically, and the Bank of America building in the Financial District. Next Thursday, though, they hit a little closer to home. Without Radiohead, which may or may not (not, most likely) be playing the NYC protests today, but, still.

Occupy Dallas's Facebook page, which has close to 2,500 likes and 549 RSVPs, says a similar event, though a one-off, will be staged here October 6 beginning at 9 a.m., when protestors are scheduled to begin gathering at Pike Park on Harry Hines before they make the long march to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas at N. Pearl and Woodall Rodgers, where we've espied Ron Paul supporters during a few recent Saturday morning trips downtown. Their mission, natch: "to peacefully protest with the rest of the world against corruption and greed." In that case, why not Bank of America too?

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You are an idiot!
Hi Noel. Why do you feel any of us should determine what bonuses a banker- or anyone else in a private company- should receive? If you are an investor in a company fine, otherwise...it's not my money. Those "friends and neighbors" who are are losing their homes to foreclosure all voluntarily took out the loans that they are now defaulting on. Nobody forced them to take out the loan, and it certainly is not my money. Apparently Noel you have an opinion that the world's monetary system is "unsavory, unethical, unfair and baseless". Why? Are you an advocate for the gold standard and against fiat money? Do you disagree that the world's financial system has produced a tremendous level of economic growth for billions of the world's population to gain wealth over tha lst half century? the stats sure say it has.
All of this 'Occupy (whatever)' business looks like the left's version of the Tea Party...
you guys covering this today?
bums? So when BoA and others were kept afloat because they made bad business deals, that was ok with you? Do you understand what's happening and why they're doing it? Most people are tired of working their ass off and putting money into 401k's or pensions and then these guys investing it in high risk ventures or ponzi schemes, and when it goes bad, they get a slap on the wrist and keep working. Easy analogy, if a doctor had a history of misdiagnosing patients and they died, he'd be sued for malpractice and forced out of the business. If he's a bad doctor, it's deserved. If your banker makes bad decisions, oh well, no biggie right?
Most of the BUMS that go to these commie pinko events are idiots that got us Obama. Spare me...while you are Occupying Dallas....Im smoking a doobie and donating to the Republican Party.
I actually came here to get more info. People are posting this all over fb with no real info. It really does sound like to me that a lot of people just want to be a part of something. I believe in protests, I was a part of one that produced great results. But this protest is sounding unorganized and out of hand already. Shit I still don't understand it's purpose...I will not be there...
LINK for information on OCCUPY DALLAS http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/8502817/TX/Dallas/Occupy-Dallas-Oct-6-9am-12pm-amp-Oct-7-4pm-7pm/The-Federal-Reserve-Bank-Dallas/?ps=6
I'd go in a heartbeat but i can't get out of work on such short notice. the irony, it burnnss!
thanks - i was on a roll
Stay positive.
*affect
PlanoDave - I failed out of college. Can you explain Socialism to me? Or, what a socialist movement is? I'm not being sarcastic, I really don't know. Thanks dave!
WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS NOW IS HOPE http://www.theburningplatform.com/?p=22172
In one sentence you make a lot of assumptions Plano Dave. I paid for my education, paid my taxes, paid my dues. I've owned a business for 20+ years. I've worked my ass off for 40 years. Don't tell me I hate the "work ethic".
This is great, but I hope these socialist brats take a bath before coming downtown. They also might think about getting rid of the 9/11 truther and Hitler signs.
Hi Dave, Seriously not trying to be ugly here but did you read somewhere that we (the U.S.) could avoid a European contagion effect? I can't find anything online to suggest otherwise.When the Fed offers "unlimited liquidity" to Europe's largest banks how could it not effect you and I? Ultimately we'll pay for it. This country's entire wealth is based on it's debt. Our currency has no real value. Money comes from thin air and printing presses. How is that sustainable? If you still feel your government and the 1% have you and your family's best interests at heart think again. Personally, I no longer wish to allow our politicians and bankers to live it up on my dime anymore. There is no plan Dave. Bernanke has no plan, Obama has no plan. We've been lied to for a very long time. If you'd rather try to preserve the status-quo and let the world's financial institutions run the show then so be it. If you'd like the occupation movement to be part of a national debate, please show up and speak up. Now's the time.This should be your wake-up call.
Sounds like you missed the 60s protests
It is an ENTITLEMENT so get over it. It's nothing but a transfer payment.
Sort of. Most didn't pay in anything close to what they will take out.
yeah looks like that one shut you up chris danger
I wonder if the hippie sheeple realize that they are following a group of criminal anarchist hackers (anonymous) who are on a power trip.
Is a follow-up story coming on this article? I read somewhere that there wasn't going to be valet parking, so I sent someone to protest in my place. Would really like to read about it and/or see photos of my stand-in protester. At the very least, I'm assuming no arrests, etc....
I would be interested to hear your plan to keep the European monetary situation from affecting our economy once you have thrown the 1% out of office.
Why do you hate "work ethic"?
So, this is a socialist movement then. Thanks for clearing that up.
this "we are the 99%" crap is really obnoxious. are you the 99% that took cash-out reverse mortgages so I could buy a new car and take a vacation.
Because they're jaded burnouts and only interested in sensationalist tabloid pieces, such as their "On the QT / Hush Hush" segments on John Wiley Price.
It's really sad that Dallas Observer staff like this one are just too stoned to give a damn about anything.
I will be there and I'm NOT a 20 yr old with no job. I have a job and kids that I provide for, but part of providing for your kids is making sure that they keep their freedoms, constitutional rights, and have a better world than what we have. And if everyone thought like the majority of the people on this site, then our country would be doomed. Don't believe everything you see and hear on the news, check into things for yourself, research and be informed. Because if your not informed, then you are exactly what the government wants you to be.......SHEEP! And you know what happens to sheep? They get lead to the slaughter. I'm not trying to start debate, everyone has their eight to their own thoughts and opinions, I'm just saying, be informed and not so quick to judge others who have the guts to stand up for what they believe in
Not worth responding to.
Thank you for this information Doc.
Please remember that Senior Citizens PAID for their Social Security and Medicare 30-40 years before applying for it and found most of the monies diverted by the government. This money is NOT an "entitlement". That word to me is as bad as the "n" word. This word was created by the government and expanded upon by your media. Something already purchased is not charity.
Why so flippant about such serious issues? Or are you rich enough as a journalist that you can continue to feed your family and yourself. There are too many of us who have no job and no hope of keeping our homes....this is not a joke. I, as a 67 year old senior will march as part of the 99%.
www.occupydallas.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHO: OccupyDALLAS.org WHAT: Organization of the General Assembly WHEN: October 3, 2011, Monday night at 7 PM WHERE: El Centro College, 3rd floor C398, 801 Main St. Dallas, TX up the elevator, to the right WHY: Discussion of: A. Group Dynamics in People’s Assemblies http://takethesquare.net/2011/07/31/quick-guide-on-group-dynamics-in-peoples-assemblies/ B. Creation of Committees and Volunteering of Committee Members C. #OccupyDallas Logistics i. Civil Disobedience ii. March Route(s); Occupation Tactics iii. Out Reach and Recruitment FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Email PEOPLESASSEMBLY.DALLAS@GMAIL .COM facebook https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=223818611005119 OccupyDALLAS.org CONTACT: Rhonda Varsane Editor@Goodnewpress.net www.goodnewpress.net 1-972-948-7657
I agree. It seems to me like the message is being co-opted by Libertarians. Even on the OccupyDallas site.
Some of us are working behind the scenes for the day that YOU don't have to work your "ass off to generate some wealth for my family so we can get the economy cruising again." Do some research Larry
Here comes the flood ;)
If you're clueless about the issue please open your ears to Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert http://maxkeiser.com/2011/10/01/kr191-keiser-roseanne-barr/ Expect Us
I am THERE!
Chris, what the corporations are up to that is causing problems has little to do with free markets. We must realize the corporations write those regulations! It is those regulations that protects large corporations from the risks associated with operating in a free market. Think about this for a moment: Who is best equipped to be SOX compliant, a large corporation that can afford to hire an army of lawyers and accountants to figure out how compliance is accomplished (or even better, dodged) or a hungry startup that wishes to provide that large corporation with some competition? The obvious answer is that those regulations feed right in to those corporations' plans to dominate their respective markets and thereby take their consumers for a ride. What we are missing is free markets. And don't think Reagan or Bush promoted free markets, they certainly did not. Please, consider: We need to stop protecting the big corporations with these onerous regulations that insulate them from competitions. And get rid of that cabal of bankers we call the Federal Reserve Bank and its "paper standard". These are the things that are causing disruptions in the financial markets will likely bring the world economy down.
Haha! Awesome :) Boy, they sure do look like fringers to me, I bet they smell terrible! ;)
For all of those who are not aware, on September 30th, Occupy Wall St released it's Declaration of Occupation. Here is the log from the website of their General Assembly. http://nycga.cc/2011/09/30/declaration-of-the-occupation-of-new-york-city/ "As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality: that the future of the human race requires the cooperation of its members; that our system must protect our rights, and upon corruption of that system, it is up to the individuals to protect their own rights, and those of their neighbors; that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth; and that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by economic power. We come to you at a time when corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments. We have peaceably assembled here, as is our right, to let these facts be known."
Corporate transparency, accountability and penalties for unethical business practices. Incorporate humanitarian rights and environmental ethics into your CBA for the sake of the future of our species!
There are plenty of good people in Dallas. We've just been quiet too long, unfortunately. Glad to have you here. :)
I've been surfing all around these sites and have been noticing more and more trolling by Ron Paul activists. If representative Paul is for this movement (besides doing away with the federal reserve) let him come out and make a national statement, The mission statement is well presented on multiple sites. Everybody is welcome no matter what political persuasion you are, just don't try to hitch a ride on our bandwagon.
To anyone going, take a good look at the Occupy Dallas Facebook page or PerceptionVsReality's post on here to get a grasp of the demands. Study them, memorize them. It's also a good idea to do business casual for the protest. It's a lot harder for the media to dismiss a bunch of organized people with a coherent message politely protesting in polos and khakis than it is to ignore the ragtag bunch of misfits in tie dyed hemp shirts and djembes they imagine us to be.
Here comes the storm.
weed is not a drug. its a way of life. im 62 everyone i know has smoked weed. stop the war on weed . have congress consume weed instead of booze. im from texas . most car wrecks are from booze not weed. you should have tried to stop the weed thing 40 years ago. the bordars are open.the CIA make money with Mexico. lets not be nieve.pardon my spelling
they dont respond to 10 they blink to to 10,000
It isn't a "one-off" it is a continued occupation once it begins.
been waiting 30 years for this. it is the people, it is for us. ill be there thursday amen
amen to that
I know what you mean about the lack of uniform message, but it seams the Occupy Dallas people are catching on. I was pleased to see they are taking this seriously and addressing other issues that may affect how seriously they want to be taken. This is from their facebook page: 1. Corporatism– firmly establish that money is not speech, corporations are not people, only people have Constitutional rights, end corporate influence over the political process, protect people and the environment from damage by corporations.2. Wars and Militarism – end wars and occupations, end private for-profit military contractors, reduce the national security state and end the weapons export industry. War crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes against peace must be addressed and those responsible held accountable under international law.3. Human Rights – end exploitation of people in the US and abroad, end discrimination in all forms, equal civil rights and due process for all people.4. Worker Rights and jobs – all working-age people have the right to safe, just, non-discriminatory and dignified working conditions, a sustainable living wage, paid leave and economic protection.5. Government – all processes of the three branches of government should be accountable to international law, transparent and follow the rule of law, people have the right to participate in decisions which affect them.6. Elections – all citizens 18 and older have the right to vote without barriers, all candidates have the right to be heard and to run and all votes should be counted.7. Criminal justice and prisons –end private for-profit prisons, adopt evidence-based drug policy, prisoners have the right to humane and just conditions with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society, abolish the death penalty.8. Healthcare – create a national, universal and publicly financed comprehensive health system.9. Education – all people have the right to a high quality, publicly-funded and broad education from pre-school through vocational training or university.10. Housing – all people have the right to affordable and safe housing.11. Environment – adopt policies which effectively create a carbon-free and radio-active free energy economy.12. Finance and the economy – end policies which foster a wealth divide and move to a localized and democratic financial system, reform taxes so that they are progressive and provide goods, monetary gain and services for the people.13. Media – airwaves and the internet are public goods, require that media be honest, accurate and accountable to the people.14. Food and water – create systems that protect the land and water, create local and sustainable food networks and practices.15. Transportation – provide affordable, clean and convenient public transportation and safe spaces for pedestrian and non-automobile travel.
Yeah, I understand. I'm a Dad, self-employed, etc. The major concern that most of us have is OUR FAMILIES HAVE NO LIFE, our children have no future, and if you ask them, they'll tell you they HAVE NO HOPE! This whole thing started in NY by college students who said "Fuck it. I won't get a job good enough to pay my student loans. Mom and Dad are working hard and don't have the time or energy for a 3 month long occupation of Wall Street." I'm sure you didn't know all that, but if you'd look into it... Current plan is to occupy 53 plus cities and counting until December 24th and counting in 7 countries and counting. Hope you can be a part of it...maybe on the weekends. Take care, brother.
There's still Ferris Plaza park. It's across the street from both Union Station and the Dallas Morning News' main building. Ever seen the quote on the front of that building? http://www.markdroberts.com/images/dallas-morning-news-7.jpg
Related pages: Occupy Dallas Scouting Party Meet: http://www.facebook.com/OccupyDallas?ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=294125937271567 Occupy Dallas event: http://www.facebook.com/OccupyDallas?ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=164892940262240 Occupy Dallas Facebook Page (Post under Discussions) - http://www.facebook.com/OccupyDallas?ref=ts
I am 42 years old. I have a degree in Biology I also have 7 felony convictions ALL for Marijuana. I have never had a job that paid more than minimum wage and I have not had a job at all in almost five years. My wife has a degree and 10 years experience in her field she is back in school because all she can find right now is minimum wage jobs. If my father hadn't died and left me a paid off house and truck we'd be living in a box. Because I am a drug felon I cannot get food stamps or any type of assistance. I cannot get a a Pell grant or any type of financial aid because they are forbidden to drug felons. Someone who has raped and murdered a child, done their time and gotten out of prison is eligible for food stamps and educational aid. I have been denied of my basic human rights. I know I am not alone, there are millions like me. What would the establishment do if everyone like me suddenly became organized and decided we are not going to take it any more? I think we are about to find out.
How to further your involvement: First... tomorrow at noon a small group of us will meet at the Cafe Brazil in Deep Ellum to discuss some logistics. We will be scouting the area for parking, restrooms, food and medical area prospects. We will engage local business owners if possible and inform them personally of the march and ask for their support and if possible, their aid. We'd also like to find a place with power and wifi where we can set up a media center. Protesters will be constantly feeding this center with images, video and information for live blog feeds. Monday, October 3, 2011 - 7:00pm El Centro College, 3rd floor C398, 801 Main St.We will discuss civil disobedience, marching routes and the creation of committees and volunteering of committee members. Wednesday, October 5th 7:00pm - 10:00pm. 1408 N. Washington Ave. (Parking lot and picnic grounds) Civil Disobedience Training for the demonstration 'OCCUPY DALLAS!' And to answer your question: "In that case, why not Bank of America too" This was mentioned several times today. I've suggested a boycott and will probably have signs available for those who wish to support it. They're crooks.
I just moved to this area from San Diego. So glad to see Occupy Dallas exists. At least this area isn't just full of Republicans.
I am the 99% and I will be there, too. It's time for things to change. If not us, who? If not now, when?
its sad you really believe you can get the economy "cruising" by working hard for a dollar thats interest is 49 cents PER DOLLAR... Best advice I can give you people who don't see the truth .... Educate yourself by doing RESEARCH quit relying on the media & government to tell you the truth because they themselves are ran by the world banks the federal reserve.... They tell you what they are allowed to tell you. And then deliver the message in a bias way .....FOX NEWS!
How about the "class warfare" being waged on the middle and lower classes so that the rich can give themselves another bonus for destroying our economy, kicking familes out of their houses so they can buy another yacht or high end sports car.
I'll be there Oct 6th for occupy Dallas. Government belongs to the people, not the corporations.
Glenn Beck?.... That is extremely not funny. Leave the pundits out of the cause.
Most them appear to be hippies wanting to legalize weed? Thats an interesting view because I've seen all different types of people out in wall st., a lot of well respected public figures have came to show they're support. And I have yet to hear anybody go on any video saying they're purpose of protesting is to only legalize weed. Don't let the media influence you. Most likely you are to part of the 99% and all the people 20 somethings or not are out there fighting for you to to have a better life. You should feel proud to see so many younger people out there involved... Go to YouTube and search zietgiest federal reserve...it is a great documentary that explains our federal reserve's history & how it really works.....I'm sure a lot of you don't know that for every dollar we owe 49cents in interest to the federal reserve..... Now how exactly are we suppose to get out of debt?.... And that is just one issue "occupy together" is fighting demanding to change.
I will be there on weekends. Remember, Thursday is just the beginning...not a one-time event.
Hi Larry Johnson Jr. If you'd like the bankers to keep giving themselves bonuses, bailing out Europe (again) and foreclosing on your friends and neighbors homes - all with your money - because after all, you are paying for these actions - please don't attend since you're "taking responsibility for turning our country toward a healthier direction". Honestly Larry, once you educate yourself on how unsavory, unethical, unfair and baseless the entire American monetary system is you'll wish you had taken the day off to show up. But that's just my opinion. Yep, everybody's got one.
Remember when teachers, public employees, Planned Parenthood, NPR and PBS crashed the stock market, wiped out half of our 401Ks, took trillions in taxpayer funded bail outs, spilled oil in the Gulf of Mexico, gave themselves billions in bonuses and paid no taxes? Yeah, me neither. We are the 99% and we will not be stopped.
Ill be there and I'm bringing as many people as I can!!!!
I am not a "trustafarian" nor am I "leeching" the system by utilizing the food stamps I qualify for. I am a hard-working mother and full-time student, bustin' my ass and wondering why I even bother. When I get that law degree I'm working towards, will there be a job for me? If a job does materialize, will unregulated Wall Street schemes bankrupt my retirement before I get there? Will my 2 daughters grow up in the 2100s or the 1800s? Venting my outrage online is no longer sufficient and it's time to walk the walk. If you've had enough, I'll meet you in the streets on October 6th.
We are the 99%. We are tired of the top1% violating our civil rights, destroying our economies, hoarding the wealth. We will no longer allow families to be kicked out of their homes while large corporations get billions in government bail-outs.
Or they just change the law so it's legal.
I thought it was just avante-garde architecture (around the 30s-50s). I personally like it, but yeah, it can seem cold...
This is awesome. Be there!
Bank of America is the prostitute of The Fed. I am glad that word is spreading about the economic injustice and political treasons at play.
Sarah Jaffe is AWESOME! Also, Taylor Rea is a badass! Ishi rocks!
Me too! I'll be working to pay for the oil from Yemen for my Japanese car, which will allow me to buy the shoes made in China from the Super Mega Box store whose call center is in India so that we can eat the food strafed with carcinogenic insecticides from Taiwan, which I can attempt to use my unaffordable insurance to cover a Pakistani doctor while I attempt to pay my mortgage that was packaged with one-hundred other non-performing mortgages that were sold to a Turkish investment group, and when the oil gets expensice my kids can fight in Iraq so that I can continue to pay for the gas from Yemen for my Japanese car... Yay...it's the American Dream!
I'm "taking responsibility for turning our country toward a healthier direction" by working my ass off to generate some wealth for my family so we can get the economy cruising again.
yea, but I'm criticizing them because I disagree with them. so I'm going to keep at it.
Instead of criticizing the details of this citizen action, we should all get our asses out of our chairs and organize a more effective demonstration. These people are doing what most citizens never do - taking responsibility for turning our country toward a healthier direction.
Sorry I can't be there, I will be working to provide a better life for my family
That guy Fisher who is always on CNBC stops in to get the scoop on velocity of money and earning profits in a flat interest rate curve environment.
Looking for space, they better not wander around the back side when the huge guys with very big shotguns are. That's where the currency moves and like Tommy Lee Jones, the guards have no sense of humor.
One of the comments on their FB site says to be sure to wear a mask to the event so that big gov can't catch up with them. The comment is made by someone who's FB profile is 'open' allowing everyone to see all of his photos. Ironic?
Yes, and valet parking? If not, I'm sending someone to protest in my place.
check out these angry 20 something trust fund hipsters!! http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310289_246533588726537_181577995222097_700159_1975736424_n.jpg
yea, but we're immune to protests. there was one across the street for months but it just looked like a bunch of homeless people standing out there. and no one openly manipulates markets unless they want to go to jail. you have to do so stealthily.
except the Fed is in Uptown. at least they can pop over for drinks at the Ritz or ZaZa if they get bored protesting against the people who don't walk in and out of the Fed. and I'm going to say this before the event gets started and they blame the Dallas police for shutting down "democracy in action" - there is no way even half that many people will fit within the sidewalks around the Fed without blocking it in violation of Dallas city code. those are really narrow sidewalks except for the section in front of Woodall Rogers. I guess the construction workers at Museum Tower can watch them if they want to gather there.
Yep. The Federal Reserve Building in Dallas even lacks a proper front door. Designed much like the SIS building in London. It's more warehouse than an office building. The old Dallas Federal Reserve building at 400 Akard, built in the early 20s is the same way. Designed to look authoritative, cold and strong.
Who told you about the head cook at Mama's Diner ?
Plenty of choices other than the Fed downtown. Bank of America. Standard & Poors. AT&T. Price Waterhouse Cooper. Ernst & Young. I do give props to them for marching during a week day morning when there are actually people downtown to see it.
The big word that ties to all of this at the end of the day is ethics. Many of these companies got rich by ill-gotten means during the reagan-era of trickle-down economics and again during the bush the lessers administration. Even in this post "Enron" era of tighter regulations, SOX compliance and the like is many compaines and the federal government are still up to their old Ayd Rand/Objectivism-type of business, which is to say the hell w/ what their customers,constituencies or workers think. At the end of the day, it'll take actual grass roots efforts to elect responsible progressive-minded leadership to clean up this mess..
That is pretty funny. All the real investment banks are at the Crescent. The only people at the Fed building are civil service drones that have as much impact on monetary policy as the head cook at Mama's Diner. Same thing at the BofA Plaza building.
Unknowingly? Not now!
It's a start, at least.
Hilarious that they will walk unknowingly right past Goldman Sachs office and a slew of hedge fund HQs. Funds that openly manipulate the markets, oil, food, people.
but there is just so much to protest...most involving the selling out of American citizens and interests for Global Businesses.
So, THAT's why city hall is trying to close the tunnels!