Should I stay or should I go now?

12.12.11

Should I stay or should I go now?

OWS, at least from the superficial view, seems to have hit a rhythm – occupy, actions, arrests, random police violence. What was groundbreaking news, and relatively easy to follow, has now exploded to the point of having a MSM presence all day, every day. So many occupations…so little time.

Under the veneer of organized chaos, OWS is slowly morphing into a national conversation among the various, disparate occupations – coordinated actions, national strategy, email threads with hundreds involved. As winter comes, the question on everybody’s mind is….should I stay or should I go now?

NYC was able to end things on a high note with a monumental police crackdown, leaving them poised to gracefully, strategically retreat and resoundingly claim victory. The conversation is happening everywhere where the winter temps will realistically hit single digits. Nashville falls squarely in this category.

A piece in the national media, from whence I cannot recall, posited that occupiers from across the country may head south for the winter. When this whole hootenanny began, and I was asked the question of winter occupation, I would respond in one of two ways – first, Occupy Key West as a fall back; second, if snow was in the question, I would respond with build an igloo. Our cohorts in Anchorage have no sign of heading indoors and, indeed, have built igloos.

This story highlighted Nashville as a likely destination for the wondering occupier. Although we will see single digit temps, that is usually for a relatively short period of time. My hope is anyone brave enough to weather those kind of elements will be materially prepared to do so. Unfortunately, the camp size will be forced to contract, supporting folks without their own gear will become too much in my opinion.

The article did posit one very good reason to continue the occupation of Music City: our thus far successful 1^st Amendment battle against the state of Tennessee and our Governor, oil man, Bill Haslam. We aren’t planning on going anywhere, the contest of wills between State and ON shows no signs of abating, and that is a “fer piece” better than most can say. I’m sure the State is banking on the fact that Legislative Plaza is a granite expanse which will redouble the unpleasantness of (trying) to sleep there in the coming season.

Should the camp be held for the winter, the tenacity of the movement will be exemplified by the strength of occupiers standing in the face of cold and wet. Our occupation will also continue to shine a light that we, the people, are in the right.

Another very good reason for maintaining the camp at the Plaza is the “in your face” component. Already, the considerable pedestrian traffic cannot ignore our presence. This is significant. Although one might not see the camp from the street, it is tucked in a corner of the Plaza, behind a wall, well above street level, people know we are there. Many must walk past the camp to get where they are going so, like it or not, they know we are there.

Optimistically, some of the good juju of ON will rub off on the passerby. The passerby becomes inquisitive, eventually stops to ask just what the hell this is all about (a question which seems dated at this point to anyone paying attention), and, maybe, like the Vanderbilt Young Republicans, leaves a little more enlightened. This optimism has played out numerous times, though not as numerous as it will take for many to “get it”.

Some of the most hale and hearty occupiers, such as my friend M, of whom I spoke in a previous entry, folks who have been there from early on, have said with resignation that this might be time. Time to call it a day, call it a victory, and gracefully, strategically retreat from our presence on the Plaza. I will be forthright and say much of this resignation comes from “Plaza Drama” fatigue, the never ending mire one must deal with to actually occupy the space.

After having said all of the above, I would proudly stand behind the GA if consensus were reached to close the camp. This is all practical, realistic planning.

BUT: Our presence is a physical representation of a very ephemeral idea. We are there, we cannot be ignored. If we packed up the camp, the public at large will most likely, wrongly, breath a collective sigh of relief, echo internally “Thank God, it’s over, they are gone.” Regardless of whether we are occupying the Plaza, our couches, or foreclosed homes, the Occupation will continue. That is a fact.

However, after much thought, maintaining any semblance of a presence in the Plaza seems mission critical. The legislature returns to session after the first of the year, doing their business, the people’s business, under our feet if we stay. Being there will undoubtedly reverberate throughout.

The legislators, and the lobbyists, will have to see us each and every day. Some will fall into the “optimistic” category, wander over, and maybe encounter the juju, maybe gain some enlightenment. All it will take is 10 tents as a reminder of the weight which will be upon their shoulders when the weather breaks, say late February.

Hell, we could even go eat in the cafeteria, shower there (yes – well kept secret – there is a shower, at least in the men’s restroom). Talk about an “in your face” reality check…we wouldn’t have to do anything dramatic to carve a dramatic presence other than these two simple acts. Need a warm spot, undoubtedly with wi-fi, walk down and perch, have a cup of coffee, in the cafeteria. Let Haslam chew on that one for a while.

So, what is my conclusion?

1) We cannot sustain the presence we have through the winter.

2) We need to sustain a presence, even if it’s only 10 tents, simply to not let it go, maintain visibility through the legislative session.

3) Occupy the Legislative Plaza cafeteria!!! Seriously!!