Moving day for Occupy Dallas came and went with little to no drama . The protesters packed up their tents and relocated from Pioneer Plaza to a grassy patch near Dallas City Hall. No arrests, no major problems to report. That can't be said in a number of other "occupied" cities across the country.
In Dallas, credit goes to police and government officials, as well as the protest leaders. From the start, all involved have clearly communicated their intentions, and they've worked to find mutually agreeable solutions - instead of allowing small sticking points to mushroom into larger conflicts. Last week, we had some back-and-forth about insurance policies and liability. But eventually, the city offered up a new location, and the protesters agreed to move.
Regardless of what you think about the protesters' message - or lack thereof - they have helped their cause with their conduct. And the city has been wise to accommodate a peaceful protest instead of throwing up roadblocks.
Mayor Mike Rawlings has helped set the tone for the city. He reportedly paid a visit to the protesters yesterday. And when someone asked Rawlings on Facebook what he thought about Occupy Dallas, he offered: "I believe individuals should be able to express their views within the framework of the law. Thanks for asking."
Apparently, our former mayor, Tom Leppert doesn't share that view. Texans for Tom Leppert has launched an "End the Occupation" website, decrying protesters' "false sense of entitlement" and calling upon President Obama to denounce this movement. Um ... why? I'm not sure how that bolsters Leppert's Senate bid. But I guess at this point, the Occupy Dallas folks should just be glad that Rawlings -- not Leppert -- is at the helm at Dallas City Hall.
In Dallas, credit goes to police and government officials, as well as the protest leaders. From the start, all involved have clearly communicated their intentions, and they've worked to find mutually agreeable solutions - instead of allowing small sticking points to mushroom into larger conflicts. Last week, we had some back-and-forth about insurance policies and liability. But eventually, the city offered up a new location, and the protesters agreed to move.Regardless of what you think about the protesters' message - or lack thereof - they have helped their cause with their conduct. And the city has been wise to accommodate a peaceful protest instead of throwing up roadblocks.
Mayor Mike Rawlings has helped set the tone for the city. He reportedly paid a visit to the protesters yesterday. And when someone asked Rawlings on Facebook what he thought about Occupy Dallas, he offered: "I believe individuals should be able to express their views within the framework of the law. Thanks for asking."
Apparently, our former mayor, Tom Leppert doesn't share that view. Texans for Tom Leppert has launched an "End the Occupation" website, decrying protesters' "false sense of entitlement" and calling upon President Obama to denounce this movement. Um ... why? I'm not sure how that bolsters Leppert's Senate bid. But I guess at this point, the Occupy Dallas folks should just be glad that Rawlings -- not Leppert -- is at the helm at Dallas City Hall.
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/10/city-of-dallas.html
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