Man, so much has happened since I wrote my initial musings on Occupy Wall Street. It seems like in the short span of 3 days, things have started to solidify on a more national level. And after pouring through tons of articles and videos, I can agree mostly with what #OcuppyWallSt stands for.

The tipping point, for me, was reading this CNN article on how this movement is different. Unlike other protests, this is the first protest for the Internet native. Since communication has changed, so has thinking. This movement is not read like a book with a beginning and an end; rather, it flows like the Internet. It’s full of crowd-sourcing and collaboration–and it’s not polarized by Democrat or Republican. (Seriously: The article states that much more eloquently.)

To me, it’s about finally waking up and understanding that a democracy is run by the people–not big businesses that pay politicians. Trying to explain this to my mom yesterday was like pulling teeth. In her world view, votes still count. But for me, my vote doesn’t count for anything: Someone’s money is more powerful than my vote, and politicians on both sides of the aisle are suspect. And when the people in a democracy start to lose power, the democracy fails. To reclaim our democracy, it’s time to take to the streets. It’s time to occupy public spaces and show the civil servants that they work for us.

Occupy Austin kicks off at City Hall today at 10AM, with a General Assembly at 3PM. It’s an occupation, not a protest, and is supposed to last until December 6th. That means that people will be there 24/7–which is a good thing, since working stiffs like me gotta be sitting in a cubicle during the weekdays. I’ll be heading over after work. Come join the more than 4000 folks who have RSVPd.

5 Tips to Get Ready for Occupy Austin:

1. Know what you are protesting.

The General Assembly of #OccupyWallSt in New York released their first official announcement earlier this week. Keith Olbermann read it on his show last night. This will help you if any members of the press or your not-quite-so-understanding friends ask you what this stands for. If you’d rather see the text version, click here.

2.This is supposed to be a nonviolent protest.

Remember that we are looking to change the whole system. But you are a part of the system–and so is the police officer. We want to liberate their minds as much as we want to liberate ourselves. Violence will not do anything but position people against you.

Be cautious of anyone trying to rile people to violence. Sometimes these are just anarchists. Sometimes they are operatives. In either case, it will muddy the message. This article describes an interesting way the OccupyWallSt protestors are countering the crazies.

3. Know how to handle police.

The New York City General Assembly has posted this Legal Fact Sheet. The National Lawyer’s Guild also has this fact sheet. Know it before you head out.

Here’s a good overview from the New York General Assembly:

“If You Come into Contact with the Police During the action, if police prevent you from leaving, ask if you are free to go. If they ask to search you or your bag, you should repeatedly state, “I do not consent to a search.” The New York City chapter of the National Lawyers Guild advises that if you are arrested, it is best to say, “I am going to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.” The police can legally lie when attempting to acquire information from you. You have the right to ask for an officer’s name and badge number. If you are mistreated, obtain this information as well as contact information of witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible. Lastly, the National Lawyers Guild states, “If you are undocumented, out of status, a legal permanent resident (green card holder), or a citizen, you do not have to answer any questions about your immigration history [to government officers].”

4. Bring a camera or a phone that can record video.

If the police do arrest folks or do resort to brutality, we need to get it on tape or film. Even though this is a non-violent protest, there have been documented cases of police brutality in the #OccupyWallSt campaign. In a few instances, the folks with cameras were targeted by police. The more cameras there are, the harder it is for police to attack one person.

Despite what anyone says, videoing police is protected under the First Amendment. Check out this article from the ACLU. And here’s a printable card that tells you your rights, should you be arrested for photographing the event.

This is a graphic video, but it shows the kind of violence folks in New York experienced last night. I hope this doesn’t happen in Austin.

5. No sleeping or camping.

Although protesting is allowed on public sidewalks, the city does not allow camping. Apparently that means you can be there, but can’t sleep. I call BS. How did all those folks camping out for Hanson last week get away with it? OR does APD only enforce it if you are making a political statement? Also, Chief Acevedo has said that APD will arrest anyone in the parks after the 10PM curfew.

I can’t seem to find the no sleeping ordinance anywhere except in the Occupy Austin guide. If you find it, please share it. In the meantime, Occupy Austin is saying they will not pitch tents and that people will protest in shifts to get around the no sleep rule.

[UPDATE: The two most pertinent parts of the city code seem to be § 9-4-11 and § 9-4-14.]

This, to me, is probably going to be the clashing point with APD. Yesterday, police moved in on the camps in San Francisco and Seattle. They tried to evict the protesters who were camping. Will that happen in Austin?

The OccupyWallSt folks have managed to create a village without setting up a single tent or structure. Check out this beautifully shot video of how they have formed as a community. It’s about coming together. Kinda inspirational, no?

More than 4,000 people have RSVPed to join Occupy Austin. If you’re like me, you can’t miss work, so come after work. Bicycle, because parking and traffic may be a fluster cuff.

The People united can never be divided.

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