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Saturday, October 8, 2011

Protesters Block Traffic at 4th and Pike

Posted by on Sat, Oct 8, 2011 at 6:37 PM

Lots of folks are sitting down in the intersection. A photo. A much better photo.

UPDATE: According to the humans on Twitter, two folks were arrested.

 

Comments (16) RSS

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Matt from Denver 1
There's about ten thousand threads about the protests, so sorry if this is a topic already under discussion, but... Anyone else think that the protesters are starting to take counterproductive actions? Things that will not communicate the message to the rest of the 99% who may not be all the way with them? Because I don't think blocking traffic will do anything to affect the corporate tax rate or government policies that will either turn the economy around or close the wealth gap.
Posted by Matt from Denver on October 8, 2011 at 6:49 PM
2
@1 Why did they decide to block the intersection?
Posted by Ken Mehlman on October 8, 2011 at 7:09 PM
platypusrex256 3
@1 you're so right on the money with that point. i talked to a cop who was assigned to protecting the protesters (another can of worms) and the irony was not lost on him. sometimes community oriented action groups seem to forget the larger community when busy asserting their rights.
Posted by platypusrex256 http://platypusrex256.blogspot.com on October 8, 2011 at 7:13 PM
platypusrex256 4
@2 does it matter?
Posted by platypusrex256 http://platypusrex256.blogspot.com on October 8, 2011 at 7:14 PM
Gern Blanston 5
I'm guessing the Sounders' March to the Match still has this beat.
Posted by Gern Blanston on October 8, 2011 at 7:24 PM
6
I think the point of blocking an intersection is to get people's attention. I think protesters are trying to say: wake up. Look at our economy and political system. The problems we're facing are more important than where you are going right now, and you should join us.

Makes sense to me.
Posted by Queermo on October 8, 2011 at 7:39 PM
7
@6 Will blocking an intersection make people think about problems in our political and economic system, or will they just hope the cops pepper spray all those obnoxious fucks who are making them late for work?
Posted by Ken Mehlman on October 8, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Supreme Ruler Of The Universe 8
If a yacht toots its horn, it can block hundreds of citizens because of right of way.

Ships were here before cars.

Yet, people were here before cars.

Hence people have the same right of way in crossways.

Toot! Toot!
Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe http://www.you-read-it-here-first.com on October 8, 2011 at 7:56 PM
9
@6 - Alternatively, blocking an intersection shows contempt for the ordinary problems of ordinary people. Not necessarily the vibe you want to project in this instance.
Posted by RonK, Seattle on October 8, 2011 at 8:02 PM
10
This protest is well on its way to being even dumber than when it started. It has nothing to do with accomplishing its supposed goals and everything to do with the typical pain-in-the-ass where the message could matter less like protests here always end up going.
Posted by The CHZA on October 8, 2011 at 8:35 PM
11
@ 9 FTW
Posted by Democrat1234 on October 8, 2011 at 8:42 PM
Teslick 12
Block an entrance to Redmond Town Center, then you might get some attention. The attention may be YouTube clips of you getting run over by a Land Rover, but still...
Posted by Teslick on October 8, 2011 at 9:04 PM
treacle 13
So, here's an example of a successful labor/protest action. Bus drivers striking their pay downgrade: Kept driving their routes, but allowed everyone on for free.

See how that works? Benefit Everywoman, but stick it to the bosses/budget.

Don't fuck over the people to protest in favor of the people. Be creative. We'll win.
Posted by treacle on October 8, 2011 at 9:08 PM
TLjr 14
If it becomes just another cops vs hippies protest, it's over.

Don't just do the whole get-arrested thing, fergawdsake. Do something creative!
Posted by TLjr on October 8, 2011 at 10:24 PM
15
all I can say is, you had to be there. Try it some time
Posted by occupier on October 8, 2011 at 11:53 PM
KittenKoder 16
The hipsters ... so blinding they are.
Posted by KittenKoder http://digitalnoisegraffiti.com/ on October 10, 2011 at 1:47 AM

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