The use of weapons, lethal or life-threatening, against peaceful protesters anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere. The police raid on OccupyOakland and serious injury to Scott Olsen is reminiscent of the early force ordered by Mubarak on the protesters in Tahrir Square. While Mubarak employed henchmen to carry out vicious attacks on the backs of camels, we see our own police using rubber bullets, pepper spray, tear gas, and flash grenades against unarmed people. Like Oakland, we want justice for Scott Olsen.

What we must learn from history (as we remake it) is that no one is above justice, even when following orders. Not Mubarak’s security forces who are currently being prosecuted and, certainly not Oakland’s Mayor Quan, who authorized the use of excessive force against her own great citizens. But, whose orders will she eventually claim she was following? We acknowledge the resolve of the Albany police force that did not follow their Mayor’s orders to clear out peaceful demonstrators.  Like life in the occupation, this shows that alternatives are available and there is always room for new leaders.

Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta told CNN on October 27th that Mayors around the country are watching for the public response in the aftermath of the raid on OccupyOakland. Therefore, if Oakland is the test site for Mayors around the USA to see if the public truly supports our cause and demonstration, LET IT BE KNOWN that OccupyLA fully supports OccupyOakland’s call for a general strike on November 2nd in the city of Oakland. Furthermore, we support the call for the resignation of Mayor Quan.   

We understand that on November 2nd OccupyOakland along with the Longshore workers plan to shut down the Port of Oakland, so we call on all occupations worldwide to disrupt the flows of capital by peaceful demonstration in solidarity.  Tactics should include marches, sit-down strikes, college walk-outs, and teach-ins.  Be Creative! And most importantly, BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER!

As Agreed upon by the General Assembly of OccupyLA 10/30/11