Jugo1502 says:
I was present last night. I am an organizer working with Occupy Boston’s legal team. The encampment is at Dewey Square which is directly across Atlantic Ave from both South Station and the Fed Reserve building (we’re talking just a few meters distance here). Plus, very clear line-of-site.
After the Bank of America protest earlier in the afternoon (a separate Move On.org event), Occupy Boston moved in on Dewey Sq. for encampment at 18:00 hours (apologies, I’m ex-Army, I prefer 24-hour clock).
At about 22:00 hours we moved (est. 500-600 bodies) out of our encampment and marched through Downtown Crossing, up through Beacon Hill, down through Government Center, through Quincy Market, back onto Atlantic Ave where we then proceeded down the Rose Kennedy Greenway back to the encampment at Dewey Square. Instead of bedding down for the night, we crossed Atlantic Ave at approx. 23:00 hours to demonstrate in front of the Fed Reserve Building (now, suddenly, a considerable police presence appears). Demonstrated for a couple of hours to the delight of the drunken crowds of bar goers headed home from South Boston. Line of police moved in after we initially touched the glass of the Fed’s lobby. Police formed a buffer between us and the Reserve building. Protest continued with no police action. Police continued to stay gentle (even the Staties!). No actions followed. Bedded down. Day one complete.
Loads of foot traffic in the area. Loads of onlookers. Truckers, cabbies, motorists, etc. all honked and cheered in support. Also, the vast majority of onlookers (sitting in restaurants, strolling about, etc.) clapped and raised fists in support as we marched past. Many looked bewildered. A couple of frat-boy, self-described “bankers” in very fine suits half-drunkenly approached the edge of Dewey Square to begin an argument with whomever they could. They approached a couple of “socialists” and commenced bullying. I (and my tall, muscular frame) joined in when I could bear the stupidity of the arguments being made no more. I asked the young “bankers” some questions about accounting policy, and some pretty heavy financial questions about their daily operations at their “bank” (as I am an accountant) and it quickly became clear that the two gentleman lack fundamental finance knowledge. They also wouldn’t identify which institution they work for. Angered by my calm statements and questions, which caused them to fumble and exhibit ignorance, they began using expletives and stormed away as they did so.
In general, police were gentle, polite, and professional (not that I expect this to last into the long term). Did not make moves to suppress our action as we took to the streets in this unplanned, late night march. They blocked traffic and anticipated our route as we moved. They made no attempt to divert our path of movement or break up our phalanx. I do have to salute the action of Boston PD. Unexpectedly helpful.
‘Twas a positive first night. However, I expect “friction” if and when this starts to get serious.
I have loved, love, and shall continue to love Yves Smith, NC, and all the brilliant voices who contribute to this blog. A haven off sanity and reason.