I spent Nov. 15 reoccupying Zuccotti Park, home base for the Occupy Wall Street struggle in New York. It was a tense day following the city's disgusting surprise raid on the rebel camp. By 5:30 pm the park was reopened and jubilation prevailed.

Based on a judge's decision to overturn an injunction, the OWS protesters were allowed back in the park minus camping gear - no tents, sleeping bags, large items or generators. How can you occupy in cold weather without proper shelter? That's the city's plan to drive OWS out of the park.



Last night, I left the park after 10 pm. It was unclear what the hundreds of people there were going to do. Since it was unseasonably warm, I assume many slept under the stars. But what happens today when the forecast is for rain and tomorrow when temps are supposed to drop?

Zuccotti Park has become New York's free speech mecca as well as the epicenter of the OWS movement. People from all over the country and world visit daily. It must remain, despite efforts by Mayor Bloomberg, NYPD, business interests and neighborhood complainers to fracture OWS. Bloomberg vacillated between support and contempt for the protesters before he acted. This ranks with the Republican Convention roundup in 2004 as Bloomberg's worst decision during his three terms as mayor.

The standoff at the park on Tuesday showed OWS's true colors. Not one bottle or object was hurled at police in full riot gear as they guarded the park for more than 10 hours with a large crowd waiting at the barricades. There was some verbal abuse, but no pushing and only a few were arrested when they climbed over. It was a circus, with trumpets wailing, women singing and Lady Liberty (below) showing up as marchers arrived at the park down Broadway.

Finally and very slowly, we entered the park single file, warned by bullhorn about the items that could not be brought in (including drums and guitars). But that didn't stop the drummers, who were playing all day on Liberty St. Everyone jumped for joy to be back in the freshly cleaned park. Quickly, a new library (5,000 books were discarded and possibly destroyed during the late-night raid) sprung up and food (pasta, salad, pizza) was served to the famished revelers.

A lengthy General Assembly ensued, the largest I've sen so far. There was so much to talk about and, using the people's microphone repeats, it went on for hours. Most important was to deal with the 240 arrests that took place and getting many of our brothers and sisters out of jail. Also discussed was Thursday's Day of Action throughout the city.

Emboldened by New York's cheap shot to clear the park and end the occupation, more people than ever will join the OWS movement. Each police tactic gives us more strength. But will the Wall Street protesters be able to rebuild their community in the park? Only time will tell.

Photos by CelebStoner

Also see:
Occupy Oakland Clashes with Police
OWS Rallies Behind Injured Vet
Weed Not Greed - #OWS
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