Lucasfilm
Another rebellion in a cold climate, a long, long time ago.
Occupy Wall Street, of course, is an outdoor movement, and it has withstood its share of inclement weather to this point. When I visited two weeks ago to report on the protest, the hundreds of protesters assembled were all drenched in a cold rain. Some of those out there were people with major health concerns, including one 9/11 first responder with whom I spoke. Being in the rain was a health hazard for a guy suffering from sarcoidosis; what would he and other protesters in New York and other cold-weather cities do when the weather worsened? We're about to get an answer.
New York City, along with a lot of the Eastern seaboard, is predicted (even by the Occupiers' own meteorologist) to be hit with several inches of snow tomorrow. It's already quite chilly out, and preparations are underway. There will be no electric heaters, it seems: the NYPD and FDNY swooped in today to confiscate generators and gas canisters. So if they're going to tough it out, they'll be relying on donated blankets, coats and other clothing (and whatever clothes are on their backs). Occupiers in Lower Manhattan are getting tips from the homeless on staying warm:
"I actually originated using newspaper — newspaper and cellophane. You put the cellophane on first, and then you put the newspaper, and that keeps you warm," said Jeremy, a dreadlocked 25-year-old who has been homeless for three years. "And there’s meditations that you can do to heat yourself up. Hot thoughts. Like summer, or fire, anything that’s hot, you know what I'm saying? And it works."
One adamant OWS organizer was quoted by New York magazine saying, "The real revolutionaries will stay in minus-50 degrees." That absolutism alarmed a friend of mine, GOOD associate editor Nona Willis Aronowitz. Inviting in the issues of privilege, media visibility and "martyr politics," Nona writes that the revolution should not be winterized:
The idea that comfort and excess equals greed and corruption is embedded in the message of Occupy Wall Street, but images of shivering martyrs are counter to the underlying meaning behind economic justice, which is that every person has a right to live a fulfilling and pleasurable life. It's always a shame when people are so intent on fighting against something that they forget to exemplify what they're for...
Yes, sleeping indoors every night reduces Occupy Wall Street's visibility and waters down their stay-put rhetoric, but one-upping the "fair-weather activists" with hypothermia is exactly the kind of irksome privilege that threatens the movement's authenticity and mass appeal...
Anarchist feminist Emma Goldman famously said, "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution." It's hard to dance with frostbitten feet.
There's no doubt that the Occupy protests have blown up, putting a lot of neglected issues back on the forefront -- but in so many ways, it's become about the parks they've taken over. The police violence carried out against protesters in Oakland this week came after they tried to reclaim the park they'd been occupying.
The issue of physical space is so important to the genesis of this movement, and perhaps still to its survival. So how much would that suffer if Occupiers moved their protest indoors? (Below: @jesidres sends this from her gig in Boston.)
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The whole point of the protest is to take up space on Wall Street. I suppose that it could move to a daylight affair during business hours. However, the OWS needs to make a political point and they should be present in DC when the Congressional supercommittee issues its report on or before November 23. The news indicates that Dems want to make a deal which includes cuts in programs as well as tax increases. But the Republicans have refused to discuss tax hikes in any form. OWS should converge on Washington to deliver its message. They could assemble a large protest with the unions and all the other groups that are helping OWS.
This is insanity.....We need a process that will get the attention of the Wall Street Wallet. People on the street make for good TV and world attention...but ladies and gentlemen, We are the World Power. Our government has no shame so not much will be accomplished other than letting the rest of Americans know that they should start thinking about Who they are spending their money with. The little money that we do have should be spent with Corporations that stand with US. Reverse this process of asking them to give us a break....it's time for the Corporations to come to us for Our Money. Withdraw your money from Big Banks and go to your local Mom and Pop bank even if you have to leave the city. Leave the city and go shop at a mom and pop clothing store. Leave the city and buy your large ticket items....Move your money around and give it to smaller businesses that you can deal face to face with. To Big to Fail?....To Big to Get My Money!!!
Protesting at Wall Street is symbolic. But OWS needs to move to DC where the facilitators, people in and out of government, are helping Wall Street and the banks. The supercommittee is the easiest big target for OWS, but you can toss in Congress, the White House, the Treasury, the SEC and Supreme Court. Maybe even some lobbyists offices. Take your choice.
hear ye, hear ye!!!
Maybe you should start the protests in DC ?????
They're hanging tough in Portland, Maine -- high of 49 today.
I can believe that. And that's probably without the wind chill factor, which can be devastating down there.
Don't forget thermal hand and feet warmers that hunters use! If any people can donate boxes and boxes of those, that'd be awesome.
Any tips from the Wisconsin Protests earlier this year?
How about igloos made of blankets with communal seating? More people = more heat (global warming? Hmm...) How about wigwams? Bonus points for attaching signs and banners to the outside layer!
Brutality against free protests will only galvanize public opinion in Occupy's favor. The corporate elite won't pay their fair share in taxes, so they face accountability at the hands of the people. These protests are an inevitable reaction from a nation and a people pushed to the brink by the corporate elite and by political gridlock. Americans are fed up with the special treatment lavished on Wall Street by our elected lawmakers while the hard-working folks of this country are called names, insulted, and forced to take the brunt of "deficit reduction." Wall Street gets government bailouts and record profits while real Americans are laid off and have the government benefits long promised to them ripped away. http://www.sunstateactivist.org
I should note the sign is from the ceramics studio I work in- we've got a big collection of blankets and tarps going, even getting the kids from the local neighborhood donating stuff when we have them come for our community halloween event. For a wide range of people (age range here is from the 20 to 70s) it's amazing how many of us jumped at the ideas of helping out.
Great Idea!!!! thank you and your associates sooooo much!!!
Here is an article about OccupyPhilly http://www.philly.com/philly/news/132756218.html You don't hear alot about it in the news. I'm guessing it's because it is too peaceful. I believe it SHOULD be mentioned as an example of how a peaceful protest can work when the City, the Police and the Protestors all recognize they are on the same side - we are the 99% - and therefore work together. I certainly hope it can continue. Here is an excerpt:
Pretty sure NYFD took their generators to stop the livestreaming. Then cops could do whatever and avoid scandal.
They NEED help with battery charging, and eventually something like bicycle generators. (OF course that wouldn't be enough current for heaters or light, but would keep streaming alive. And IMO streaming to the public is their only safety)
Any deep pockets out there, and/or people willing to do a battery brigade from apt's or the 'burbs? (Or area engineers willing to DIY some bike gens?)
IMO bike gens would be a great PR move - very green. They have lots of manpower to keep 'em running.
12 volt 70 watt solar panels are about $200.
Adding a 12 volt motorcycle battery ($50) with a battery charger ($40) and inverter ($50) would allow this to be used to run almost any device (phone, camera, laptop, ...).
Solar panels work best laying on the south side of the tent in full sun.
Police cannot confiscate running generators located in a pickup or other truck, and extenuation cords to separate generators from the crowd with duct-tape to waterproof the connections will increase safety by isolating people from the exhaust vapors and dangerous voltage.
I understand OWS has reps from OccupyAnchorage coming to advise them on cold weather activism...
Mountaineers camp in tents on the side of snow-covered mountains. There's gear for that.
When I lived in Alaska, one of the fun end-of-semester mini-courses that was offered in my junior high was winter survival, with an overnight winter camping trip up in a mountain pass. For years my dad had in our basement several of the super-cold sleeping bags that mountaineers use, for hunting trips into the Bush. My brother goes on film crews all over Alaska now, and I'm sure he has the same gear. As does the military in Alaska.
Anchorage was originally settled as a tent city, year-round. People in the Asian steppes have lived in yurts. Native Americans have lived in tipis and igloos. The notion that one must sleep indoors in the winter, while certainly more comfortable, is a construct that many traditional and non-traditional cultures can counter.
My dream home is a yurt!!
... And a BMW 800 F GS **pause: wipe saliva from chin** with which to arrive at mi homey place en las montañas (o el desierto!)
A full-body insulated suit, hooded sweatshirt, insulated boots, rain suit, waterproof tent, and insulated sleeping bag are adequate down to 20 degrees in snow.
Also need multiple towels to dry inside of the tent when entering/leaving.
The current temps are not a big problem. But what happens when subzero temps hit or a major snowstorm?
Thank you for the link to Nona Aronowitz's full article. Maybe it is just me, but the excerpt struck me as the words of an elitist candy-a** jerk. Context, Jamil, context.
I cannot be there, but I have made arrangements to donate supplies for both NY and Boston where I have aquaintances participating. I hope they stay. Fair weather revoultion my butt.
Whether you felt that the context of the quote didn't do Nona's argument justice, or you simply disagreed with her opinion isn't entirely clear to me. Either way, I'm sorry that you felt that way.
I felt that way until I read the whole piece. Ergo, the "Thank you" :0
Better to ask the Alaskans for tips than the Wisconsinites. I attended protests in Madison, WI on the weekends last Feb./March, and the outdoor activity was mostly in the daytime. The overnight occupiers were in the capitol, therefore well-sheltered, with indoor plumbing and food delivery. Yes, I was there on some cold days, but one could always go in the capitol or any of the retaurants, bars, and coffee houses nearby for warmth and sustenence. Most of those businesses were sympathetic to the protests, but even if they weren't overtly so, I don't think any of them complained about the bump in winter business!
I wish them all the best. The movement is a great one,,,I just wish they all voted in the last election. I am so far away from NY but did go to one in Ft. Lauderdale...I just have to work. I will be going in at 4:30 today and will miss your show as I did last night.
Stay home again in 2012 and it will only get worse.
If the protesters are close together, it should be warmer. Just like during New Year's Eve celebrations.
Even if winter drives the protestors to take shelter, Spring will come eventually and the battle will continue.
Perhaps another movement called American Spring will arise. Genuine grass rots social movements are not the work of single day, month or year. It took 30 years for this mess to be built by the Rich.
The longer this battle continues the more fundamental change it will produce.
Go 99%
We need to keep the movement going regardless of the weather. Also, like the vets did in the spring of 1942 (Bonus Army), #OWS should pitch their tents on the great lawn. Let our political leaders see and hear our voices all day and night. Take the cause to their door steps. . . they will see us, hear us and be damn if they don't begin to listen to us.
Here comes the nit picky amateur historian. The Bonus Army was in 1932 not 1942. Here's an eyewitness account of the attack on that army of vets by Generals Douglas MacArthur and George S. Patton Jr on July 23, 1932.:
http://www.historynet.com/the-bonus-army-war-in-washington.htm
They should have been ashamed of themselves!
Lower Manhattan is an extremely cold and windy place in winter. Not a great choice for an outdoor protest, unless one wants to be arrested. When the really cold weather hits, the police will force them to leave as a matter of personal safety, in my opinion.
It's rough just trying to tough it out in NYC on New Year's Eve. They're going to need some indoor shelter for warm up breaks, or rotations.
Might be nice if someone parked a spare semi trailer nearby with kerosene heaters to provide temporary warmth.
We do need to continue this to get our point across. The politicians need to start running scared, because 99% outvotes 1% any day! Just remember, if you are poor or middle class, voting Republican is against your own best interests.
1 sleeping person produces about the same amount of heat as a 75w incandescant. double it if the person is awake, triple if awake and doing some light activity. Keep a couple people in each tent playing cards with the windows/vents taped off and everyone stays warm. The only fuel needed is food and water. I've camped in a tent with snow on the ground as a child with the family, it isn't as cold as you might think.
Besides, Washington DC is a warmer and more appropriate place to be protesting anyway. Our politicians are the sellouts, wall street and greedy corporations are simply exploiting their weaknesses. (money and power)
Can't tape off every hole.
People produce carbon dioxide just like a car exhaust. Dangerous.
The best solution in very low temperatures is to put one small tent inside a larger waterproof tent with the door openings offset by 90 degrees. The window flaps are tied down but not taped shut to allow some fresh air.
Rather than let their numbers dwindle and lose impact they should take the lead. Announce a date to put the protest on pause and another date to reboot. I guarantee the reboot date will come back with renewed energy. By calling the shots/dates they remain in control of their destiny and do not go away looking defeated.
Attention all Kentuckians here in the Maddow Blogosphere, lets take action against our Congressional representation in Washington, who doing nothing for anyone but their pocket liners.
http://www.change.org/petitions/senators-mcconnell-r-ky-paul-r-ky-rep-guthrie-r-ky-immediate-removal-from-office-without-benefits
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Anti. I was wondering if no one in Kentucky cared about what their representatives represented to the rest of the country. I am encouraged to see your efforts. I just wish I lived there so I could help you.
Greetings! Rachel
I do pray that the most High grant the participants of the Occupy movement good weather that they may continue their protests confortably and safely as necessary but if it be the will of the most High for this cold weather to come I do pray that he grants them strength and courage, and wisdom to remain faithful to the cause of the protest and to endure the cold to come.
Peace be unto you!
Marquest Burton
Hi Rachel, if by any chance you're reading this, I will appreciated it if you can get back to me on that matter. Its true time is running out for my fellow 99% and they still don't have a clear message regarding how they want to solve the crisis. I know it started getting cold out there, and them Congress people are betting on the cold for the movement to vanish. We can't let that happen; believed it or not Ms Maddow, I have a pretty good idea on how to solve the crisis. I am just not going to leave it like that on your blog, but I am dead serious about it. I am praying that you could take the time to listen to me. Right now, I am too far from NY to be present in the movement, but my heart and soul are there with all my true patriots brothers and sisters. Please, Ms. Rachel, I am waiting on you, J. C. response
How cool is this?!! http://boingboing.net/2011/10/28/tahrir.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=36761
Egyptians march from Tahrir Square to support Occupy Oakland protestors
By Xeni Jardin at 8:12 am Friday, Oct 28
F-bombs and all : )
Ms. Rachel, I do hope that you take time to read this blog; because what I want to say, I am not going write it in the blog, just like that. As you already know, time is running out on my fellow 99% and Congress Republican are betting on the cold to vanish the movement; therefore, it is extremely urgent that we let the world know what this movement is all about. Until now they (Congress) are saying they don't know what we want, we don't have leader. I say we do know what we want, I just need your help to put it out and solidify the movement, before its too late. I am counting on you Ms. Maddow and wainting on your respone. Thank you,