I see that activists are planning for an Occupy Whitewater event. Although I have more than a few doubts about the Occupy agenda, I sincerely wish the group well. Protest movements are both a right of speech and assembly, and they typically offer something to society no matter what their stated aims. (The right, in any event, settles affirmatively the question of whether they may speak or assemble.)
Dane 101 reports that
Occupy Whitewater is being organized in solidarity with a “99% National Day of Action” that will see large and small towns alike “occupy” streets, squares, and parks. The Whitewater event will also coincide with the launch of an effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker which starts on November 15….
State Senator Jon Erpenbach, long rumored to be a possible Gubernatorial candidate if a recall signature drive for Walker is successful, will speak after a 5:15 p.m. rally. After his speech occupiers are being encouraged to camp. James Hartwick, one of the organizers, said he camped out with Occupy Madison recently and hopes they’ll join him in Whitewater and return the favor. Occupiers will start setting up tents at 2 p.m.
Speaking at the kick-off event at 5:15 p.m. will be Reps. Andy Jorgensen and Peter Barca. That will be followed by a march to Hyland Hall at 6:30 p.m. to hear Erpenbach speak.
The kick-off event is being sponsored by the American Dream movement, Forward Whitewater, the Peace Group, and the UW-Whitewater College Democrats.
I’ll follow this protest as it develops.
Ideological differences notwithstanding, best wishes for a successful event.