Gansevoort Penninsula, New York City, September 16, 2012. I arrived early, before everyone else, because I wanted to witness the assembly of Occupy Pipeline’s dragon puppet. I knew I was in the right place when I saw these three dogs occupying the front seat of a work truck.
Les chiens de la aiguisage de couteaux camion
Then the sun rose. To be more specific, puppet master Marina delivered the light and love of her essence, not to mention the puppet, to Gansevoort Peninsula. Some assembly was required. Rough and ready occupiers sprang into action. Yes, the dragon is now flat as a sheet, but soon the occupiers will inflate it with their spirit.
Meanwhile, across West Street, near the site where Mayor Bloomberg seeks to mainline radon infested “natural” gas into New York City’s veins, there assembled a collection of usual Occupy Pipeline suspects along with enthusiastic Occupy Wall Street guests. Serenaded by guitar playing troubadours, the crowd thickened.
There was no place to stand other than a narrow access path and a busy bike lane. Why? Because in violation of two state laws and the public trust doctrine, a corporation called the Hudson River Park Trust has closed a key walkway to accommodate the pipeline extension.
Oh wait, good — Officers of the peace arrived to enforce the law. But whose law, which law?
Turns out, these police were not at all concerned that thousands of square feet of walkway had been illegally appropriated by corporations, forcing peaceful citizens into a dangerous bike lane full of Type-A technoübercyclists. Instead, they threatened the assembling marchers with immediate arrest if they stayed in the bike path. What law did they cite? The fluid and all purpose “disturbing the peace”.
The occupiers knew exactly what to do — march to Union Square (which we were about to do anyway) — to join more occupiers for a day of music, celebration, and demands for social justice.
Along the way, the troubadours used sorcery to cause people to dance and clap.
Les manifestants pause pour le chant et la danse
As we approached union square, we met our friends, Code Pink, who were menacing Bank of America with the prospect of pink bras being hurled in BofAs general direction. Look at these menacing Code Pink ladies…
My dear reader will no doubt understand the necessity of law enforcement’s reaction. Not at all concerned with the vast crimes perpetrated by corporations such as BofA, and quite rightly threatened by the notions of justice advocated by Code Pink, the officers swiftly implemented a campaign of Shock and Awe against any woman who raised a bra to insult BofA.
Juste récompense pour lancer underware
Nevertheless, a defiant female sent one more bra on a ballistic trajectory, yet miraculously escaped arrest.
Une catapulte lançant défi rose underware
The Little One was not amused. Or maybe a little amused, at being photographed.
Yet this viscous demonstration by pinky lingerie tossers did not stay the faithful pipeline occupiers from their swift march to way-station Union Square.
Défenseurs courageux pour les 99%
We all took a break, sang some songs, and collected more followers. Somehow a pink bra wearer infiltrated our cozy club.
Le chanteuse pied de Occupy Pipeline
Then, led by the magic dragon puppet, we marched down Broadway towards our afternoon objective — Foley Square!
Le dragon magique
Additional magic was delivered by The Rude Mechanical Orchestra. When they played, even the police moved to the music, smiled and said they are good. Notwithstanding the conflict just a few minutes ago, tensions melted away.
The procession walked many blocks to Foley Square, but everyone had a wonderful time marching, dancing, chanting and handing out leaflets. When we arrived at Foley, we found hundreds more creative, wonderful activists. Quickly, Monica organized a rehearsal for the premier of our song, “Frack You”
Rehersing pour la première de “Frack You”
Une performance commande
Afterwords, interviews by the adoring Media. Who is this lady? She must be a One Percenter because she has a million dollar smile.
I am @Tsentropa, and I approve of this message.
No comments:
Post a Comment