Police placed on 12-hour shifts around Occupy Atlanta
An interesting tidbit was dropped inside a noon report by Channel 2 Action News. Two dozen cops patrolling the Occupy Atlanta campsite downtown are now on 12-hour shifts, and have been since Saturday.
That means increased overtime costs to the city, and a human strain on a police force with finite personnel resources. When taking into account the likelihood that — once it ramps up pressure, City Hall is unlikely to retreat — then it becomes hard to see campers remaining in Woodruff Park for another two weeks.
See the video below:
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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128 comments Add your comment
pb
October 24th, 2011
2:36 pm
Time for the party in Woodruff Park to be over. More police means they are watching the protesters closely for any illegal acts, and once the cops start arresting, the” hippie and homeless” party will be over… And what did they really accomplish?
gnomeboy
October 24th, 2011
2:55 pm
Mayor Reed still hasn’t got the cajones to do anything. Just because these “OCCUTARDS” are yelling First amendment doesn’t mean you can’t enforce the laws.
DixieDemons
October 24th, 2011
2:57 pm
Unemployment in GA is over 10 % . When more of the unemployed start showing up to ” camp out “, Atl will wish they had left them alone. Then you will really see ” increased overtime costs to the city. “
Future
October 24th, 2011
2:57 pm
Jim you are wrong. Every cop in the city is on 12 hour shifts, not just the ones assigned to Woodruff Park. That is a lot of overtime being spent by the city. It is time for the protesters to clear out.
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
3:08 pm
Let’s be honest here the bohemian hobos want a confrontation with police. That is what they are waiting for and they will not leave until they get to “experience” being arrested for the cause. They want the full multimedia verification of how committed they are and how “the man” violated their rights. It is a difficult situation for the City, but I am afraid a confrontation is inevitable.
pb
October 24th, 2011
3:10 pm
DixieDemons:
Think this movement is fizzling out, at least here in Atlanta. Unemployed are not going to go downtown to” camp out ” with these people. How will that help get them employed? This group is just a bunch of dis illusioned liberals, radicals and a few homeless thrown in.
Jimbo 24
October 24th, 2011
3:12 pm
Time to take the park back, Mr. Mayor. The party’s over. Man up and move them out!
Susan Wilson
October 24th, 2011
3:15 pm
Why is the City of Atlanta Tax payers HOSTING Occupy Atlanta? Why are non-protesting TAXPAYERS paying our Atlanta Police Officers to PROTECT the Occupy Atlanta’s PROPERTY/TENTS from the homeless while they are away from their tents sightseeing – I mean “protesting”. What is up with that????? The Atlanta Police rather be doing their REAL job, PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF ATLANTA. The Atlanta Police are having to work EXTENTED SHIFTS. Where is all this money coming from? The Atlanta Tax Payers!!! When is enough, enough Mayor Reed????? Atlanta City Council????
Jackie
October 24th, 2011
3:16 pm
Occupy’s fifteen minutes of fame is up. These inarticulate, silly people don’t seem to have any concrete ideas. When intrerviewed they come across as simpletons, whose “solutions” are worse than the problems they complain about.
They are most certainly NOT the 99%. More like 3%.
Please. It’s time for Occupy to be over. Either Reed is going to enforce the law and protect his citizens or he is going to be the tool of the People’s Republic of Atlanta.
Jack
October 24th, 2011
3:18 pm
I’m with SAWB. The losers at the park want more media coverage. If they’re ignored, they’ll crawl back under their rocks.
Concerned
October 24th, 2011
3:18 pm
This whole process is a knee jerk reaction to an ever worsening economic situation. It may not be the best way but at least they are out there voicing a cause. We in this country have lost the passion of our fore fathers to get out there and let the top 1% know that the rest of us are struggling. The local press that all of these cops were just sitting around is a good reason to decrease thier numbers….that would save money and preserve the Occupy protestors 1st amendment right. If they take away a few cops it can’t take long for one of them to call in the troops if they need help.
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
3:31 pm
“We in this country have lost the passion of our fore fathers to get out there and let the top 1% know that the rest of us are struggling.”
While I do understand the frustration these folks have, but sitting in a public park is not the answer. Most of us are not there because we have to work to pay house notes, power bills and feed kids. If they want real change it will not come from running around yelling at people, but form working within the system.
Based on several interviews I have seen I would suggest they start with a basic understanding of economics maybe they should read the book Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Freidman. Then get involved and elect some real leaders not the posers we have right now.
Atlien
October 24th, 2011
3:32 pm
This is an intelligent way for the mayor to build support for kicking these people out. I think no one cares because downtown Atlanta has become irrelevant. If these people were in Midtown or Buckhead, they would have been thrown out long ago.
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
3:39 pm
“If these people were in Midtown or Buckhead, they would have been thrown out long ago.”
Funny did you see when they tried to march on Lenox and Phipps security turned them away because it was private property. The March Leaders stated that they did not know it was private property. I suspect many of these people do not have a clear understanding of private property, but feel society owns all wealth and government should evenly distribute it. I suspect the hobos adhere to this motto more so than anything in the Constitution, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”.
td
October 24th, 2011
3:44 pm
I must be caught in the filter.
Lawman
October 24th, 2011
3:49 pm
Its high time the mayor fullfilled his responsibilties to the good taxpayers of the city of Atlanta and enforced the LAW. The LAW is quite clear, no ONE may be in a public park between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM. These people are NOT law-abiding citizens, they are scofflaws and should be treated as any other common criminal.
A dad
October 24th, 2011
3:58 pm
These “Occupy” clowns have been camped out for what, 3 weeks now? Like, don’t they have jobs they need to get back to?
GaBlue
October 24th, 2011
4:02 pm
The police officers are paid to serve and protect PEOPLE. Protestors are people and they are within their rights, until such time as some of you fascists pukes get your way and make this a completely repressive oligarchy where only people with money get to have their voices heard. Sure, Mr. CEO! BUY ANOTHER BILLBOARD! Advertise some more garbage people don’t even know they need yet, so you can up production in your Asian sweatshop, increase your personal bottom line, evade even more US taxes, and tell the citizens whose retirement savings are gone to get the heck out of the park because they don’t have the RIGHT to stand up and speak out!
Please don’t any of you facists on here start waving your flags around on Veteran’s Day or July 4th, if you think these people need to shut up and go away because YOU find them unpleasant or inconvenient! Christ.
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
4:05 pm
“These “Occupy” clowns have been camped out for what, 3 weeks now? Like, don’t they have jobs they need to get back to?”
Actually I think that is the point of the entire fiasco. I saw an interview with one girl and she stated that she graduated with a degree in music, but all she could find was a minimum wage job and there was no way she was taking that. She wants the government to provide her a job that pays her a “living wage” even though she is the one who made the decision to study music and not accounting.
Acer706
October 24th, 2011
4:06 pm
GaBlue:
They do not have the “RIght” to be there after 6. That is breaking the “Law.”
A dumb dad
October 24th, 2011
4:06 pm
A dad:
I believe that’s what the protest is all about. No jobs. No jobs for the middle class while the corporate guys who got bailed out, write themselves huge bonus checks. So, no … they really don’t have a job they need to go back to.
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
4:09 pm
From a just released CNN poll,
“In the 1990s, only 30% of the country said they had no trust at all in Wall Street to do what is best for the economy, 24 percentage points lower than now.”
54% of all Americans now distrust Wall St.
Retired Solider
October 24th, 2011
4:10 pm
Mr. Mayor-
I have a great suggestion for you. Do your job! You have lost all the kudos you have earned since you entered the office. Frankly no Mr. Mayor you just look foolish.
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
4:12 pm
So, what percentage distrusts the Federal Government?
GaBlue
October 24th, 2011
4:12 pm
Acer706,
Laws violate rights all the time. A hundred years ago, women had to violate the “law” for years in order to obtain the “right” to vote. The men of their time were none too pleased about either. On behalf of the brave suffragettes that came before me, I invite you to salute our sweet round behinds. You’re welcome.
Acer706
October 24th, 2011
4:18 pm
Anyone heard of the tension within the Occupy crowd in NYC with distributing funds? To request funds proper paperwork must be submitted for review of a financial committee. Protesters interviewed say that they take a portion of donations they receive to pay themselves first before turning remaining money into the financial committee each day. Hilarious!
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
4:19 pm
Here’s more from the poll,
80% think those involved with Wall St are GREEDY
65% say they are DISHONEST
77% say they are OVERPAID
24% say the are Community minded
The Occupy people are forcing the so-called “liberal” media to get their heads out of the sand.
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
4:24 pm
“They do not have the “Right” to be there after 6. That is breaking the “Law.””
I’ll bet you would have sided with the British. The modern day Tea Party named their movement after one of the nations most famous acts of civil disobedience.
The Occupy folks are peacefully camping out in a public park, oh the humanity!!!
Acer706
October 24th, 2011
4:26 pm
GaBlue:
Duh. And they were arrested for their protests.
Acer706
October 24th, 2011
4:32 pm
Danny:
Boston Tea party was The People vs. Govt. Modern Tea Party is The People vs Govt. Occupy Movement is The People vs The People.
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
4:33 pm
The protestors need to keep in mind that average Americans are invested in Wall Street. Most of us have money tied up in IRAs, 401Ks, pensions, or other investments and when “Wall Street” makes money that means we do also. While I agree Obama made an error with his stimulus package and bailouts I think it is wrong to condemn the entire system for the errors of a few.
Bill Orvis White
October 24th, 2011
4:34 pm
Dear America’s Mayors Who Have OWS Protestors In Their Way:
Have the guts to stand up to the liberal media, the socialists, environmental mafia, the communists and union thugs! Order your police units to give the protestors until 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2011 to pack up their belongings and leave. If said protestors do not leave, then you have the right to remove them by any means necessary for law and order to be restored! GOOD NIGHT!
Amen,
Bill
P.S. Y’all on this lefty blog can see that I’m to the right of Attila the Hun and guess what? I’m damn proud of it.
God Bless this once-free nation
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
4:38 pm
“Occupy Movement is The People vs The People.”
I guess so, since our GOVERNMENT, the Supreme Court, ruled that corporations are people too.
td
October 24th, 2011
4:39 pm
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
4:24 pm
The original Tea Party had something at stake. They were the riches people in the country, they all their land and wealth confiscated and all had a death sentence put on their heads.
What do these occupy people bring to the table. They are going to loose their welfare benefits?
A dad
October 24th, 2011
4:41 pm
Folks, my post was 100% sarcasm. For the few of you who didn’t pick up on that, well, not much I can say about that other than “sad.”
td
October 24th, 2011
4:42 pm
Bill Orvis White
October 24th, 2011
4:34 pm
I do not believe they think you have reached my level yet. LOL Love your post.
GaBlue
October 24th, 2011
4:42 pm
Acer706,
You’re almost right there, sport. It’s People vs. The People who BOUGHT and OWN the people in government who are supposed to represent all of us but clearly, by any measurable standard, do not.
Bill Orvis White
October 24th, 2011
4:43 pm
@DannyX If these OWS folk are angry, they should be blaming installed-”leaders” like Bawney Frank who handed out bogus loans running up the nightmare housing market. They need to blame Hussein Obama who created a multi-trillion dollar deficit through reckless spending on socialistic programs like illegal health care. They need to blame Hairy Reid for yapping his ole gums off that we need to increase more big gov’t jobs instead of private sector jobs. These deadbeats are sitting on their duffs while folk like me run businesses and create the job in this once-free nation and guess what? We’re going out of business because of draconian taxe$, regulations and unfunded mandates on us like health care!
Amen,
Bill
Bill Orvis White
October 24th, 2011
4:46 pm
@td I’m madder than heck. My blood is curdling right now as I tighten this lugnut. I’m sick and tired of far left secular-progressives ruining this once-free nation.
God Bless,
Bill
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
4:47 pm
When the corporations have more power and influence in the government than the people do, that is taxation without representation.
Bill Orvis White
October 24th, 2011
4:47 pm
@Ga Blue – You sound like a mad feminist. You can get fixed if you come to my church. We have groups for mad women like you who meet in the basement that eerily smells like tuna.
Amen,
Bill
A dad
October 24th, 2011
4:47 pm
Also, somehow, looking at photos of the Occupy folks, I’m not quite sure they’d fall into “middle class.” While not excusing both sides for creating this mess, people need to realize that no one owes them anything, and like SWB posted, if you pick a major that’s not really employable, don’t complain if you can’t find anything over minimum wage.
yuzeyurbrane
October 24th, 2011
4:49 pm
td, I hope you are joking. Let’s not get bent out of shape. This is essentially free speech issue representing legitimate gripes. Reed better decide whether he is part of good ole boy network or the middle class. And there is the race issue. I have know doubt Reed would behave differently if the OWS people were not primarily young white kids. For that matter, so would the police—I fear for a police riot.
Blue Man on a Red Island
October 24th, 2011
4:50 pm
@ Bill – So you want the government to silence the protesters in an effort to regain our lost freedoms??? Yeah, that makes sense. Take away free speech so we can all be free again…genius!
Not to mention, unless you have the world’s worst accountant, your taxes are lower than they have been in your lifetime. If you are going broke over taxes your business sense is as bad as your common sense.
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
4:50 pm
“…like Bawney Frank who handed out bogus loans running up the nightmare housing market.”
I know Bill it was terrible, Bawney Frank pinned Tom Graves down and shoved a 2 million dollar signature loan down his throat. Disgusting.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 24th, 2011
4:50 pm
stop replying to td, you’re only legitimizing him
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
4:50 pm
“When the corporations have more power and influence in the government than the people do, that is taxation without representation”
Aren’t Corporations made up of people? Don’t those people have rights just like you?
td
October 24th, 2011
4:52 pm
Bill Orvis White
October 24th, 2011
4:46 pm
I am right there with you. You keep up the good work.
Centrist
October 24th, 2011
4:56 pm
@ yuzeyurbrane posted earlier today: “Centrist is a conservative retiree who spent his working years living off of socialism (i.e. career military) who now has a generous pension (and maybe income from a new career and/or Social Security?)”
Way off on you speculation – but not surprisingly considering the content of your political posts. NOT conservative since I am a pro-choice Secular Humanist who usually votes Libertarian, NOT collecting a pension or Social Security, NOT career military (although I served) and have been in the private sector since. Not telling/ confirming/ denying my age, profession, or area of residence.
I have no interest in speculating any of your characteristics – you have confirmed you are an endangered Georgia liberal (like most who read/post/congregate via the AJC).
td
October 24th, 2011
4:57 pm
yuzeyurbrane
October 24th, 2011
4:49 pm
I did not see you defending my free speech rights when GaBlue was on here yesterday threatening me into censorship or others were calling for me to be band from these boards by Jim? Or do only libs have free speech rights?
As far as the group having free speech rights then that is fine from 8am to 6pm daily. They can come out each and everyday and speak and say anything they want too. For then to occupy the park is illegal and the mayor needs to stop it. They are not above the law and making them leave at 6 is not abridging their free speech rights.
Acer706
October 24th, 2011
4:59 pm
Danny:
You do realize that an election is around the corner and the Obama Administration’s biggest fear is a former CEO. There has always been a top 1%, so why the uproar now? Gotta give the Obama Administration credit for playing this card well.
The Snark
October 24th, 2011
4:59 pm
I work fifty yards from Woodruff Park and I’ve been seeing the Occupy people every day. I am neither with them nor against them. Fact is they are well behaved and bother no one — actually, they’re an improvement on the derilects who usually hang out there. But reading the posts above, it’s pretty clear to me that the vast majority of you have no earthly idea who the Occupy people are or how they act.
td
October 24th, 2011
5:00 pm
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 24th, 2011
4:50 pm
stop replying to td, you’re only legitimizing him
What are you so upset about? That I am telling the truth or that your vote for Obama next year will not be counted and you do not like being told the truth?
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
5:01 pm
“Administration’s biggest fear is a former CEO.”
LOL. That former CEO is being ridiculed left and right.
TruthBe
October 24th, 2011
5:04 pm
Kick the bums out of the park. Reed is a big sissy. Obama probably called Reed and told him to let his followers stay in the park.
DannyX
October 24th, 2011
5:08 pm
Acer706, from right wing polling company Rasmussen:
Oct 15th- Cain + 2% over Obama
Oct 22nd- Obama +6 over Cain
What happened? lol
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
5:09 pm
“Obama probably called Reed and told him to let his followers stay in the park.”
Well, obviously we all know this whole “Occupy” movement is just a tool to get Omama reelected. Just the same old foot soldiers (socialist, unions, Hollywood, Hip-Hoppers, etc) teaming up to do the Democrats dirty work.
Centrist
October 24th, 2011
5:14 pm
@ The Snark posted “reading the posts above, it’s pretty clear to me that the vast majority of you have no earthly idea who the Occupy people are or how they act.”
Are you living under a rock? Every day there are articles and blogs with pictures and videos in the AJC about these bums and freaks, and every local newscast breathlessly reports with videos about them. Of course we know who they are, who filthy they are, their anti-Semitic remarks, crimes, and most citizens are laughing at them and their silly anarchist/leftist demands/ ideas. Liberals should be proud – they represent you well.
GaBlue
October 24th, 2011
5:25 pm
td,
Bless your delusional little heart! Get out of Mr. White’s church’s basement, already! I did not threaten you “into censorship” (whatever that means). I said IF I knew where you lived, I would occupy your street and out you to your neighbors as someone who actively seeks to suppress the vote with ongoing attempts to convince people that their votes “WILL NOT COUNT.” And that, angry lady, is what you do, and why I will contrast my beliefs to yours any day and twice on Sunday (after I have dinner at Bill Orvis White’s house and help Mrs. White with the dishes while she complains to me about her husband’s long lost “interpersonal” skills. Bless her heart!)
I encourage people to vote in every single race in every single election, no matter what. You do the opposite. Keep preaching it, td, and I’ll keep calling you out.
Mr. White,
See you Sunday! HAHAHA!
Jackie
October 24th, 2011
5:32 pm
Being unhappy or frustrated does not give you the right to take (steal) what is rightfully someone else’s . Being unhappy does not give you the right to break the law.
Certainly, believing that a law about park hours should be evenly enforced does not make anyone a fascist. In fact the use of that term in this context makes me wonder if you have a clue of what a fascist is. From my seat, Occupy’s demands are much more likely to lead this country toward fascism than the Tea Party’s ever did.
The truth is that Occupy is a few hundred dissaffected souls. Some a hard core lefties, revolutionaries, communists and anarchists. Some are lost collge students with big loans and useless degrees who don’t have the skills for meaningful employment. They are getting a lot of coverage and deserve practically none. Who cares if a couple hundred far left loons want to overturn the social order. Where is the news in that?
td
October 24th, 2011
5:49 pm
GaBlue
October 24th, 2011
5:25 pm
First off I am not a she but a he.
Second: You left a few name calling out of your version above.
Third: I am speaking the truth and you will not admit it. I have asked you several times and you chose not to reply and admit what I said is fact.
Forth: I never told anyone not to vote. I asked the poster why they bothered to vote and not just stay at home because there vote for Obama would not be counted in Georgia. Is that a true and accurate statement?
I you and all your other Democratic friends in Georgia want to go out, waste your time and vote for Obama next year then go ahead and I do not personally care. I know your vote is not going to be counted for Georgia and whoever the Republican nominee is will receive ALL the votes from Georgia.
double
October 24th, 2011
5:51 pm
Orifice got in bottle early today.Don’t believe his and woodrow’s Bible study helping his attitude.Could be altidude at present.Barney Frank may have loaned Orifice money.This country is where the shrubs put it.nema that is your amen reversed.
double
October 24th, 2011
5:52 pm
altitude
Dyniecia
October 24th, 2011
5:58 pm
The Snark
October 24th, 2011
4:59 pm
“…it’s pretty clear to me that the vast majority of you have no earthly idea who the Occupy people are or how they act.”
I didn’t, until I saw that they’ve named their hangout “Troy Davis Park” in honor of the cop killer who was recently executed. Now I know who they are.
Bob
October 24th, 2011
6:03 pm
Why don’t these deadbeats use this time to look for a job? Don’t say “there aren’t any” because the AJC classified is full of job openings. Just because most may not pay as much as unemployment or welfare, they are still jobs. I’m thinking this generation is nothing but a bunch of freeloading, blaming, and lazy youth who have been enabled all their life…just my opinion.
findog
October 24th, 2011
6:07 pm
when the tea party was expressing their free speach thecost was to be paid by society they were protecting from the President
now comes a similar type of protest but we don’t want to here their free speach?
GaBlue
October 24th, 2011
6:10 pm
td,
Newsflash: There’s never just one race on the ballot, sparky. However, a large cross section of discouraged (or apathetic) citizens who think their vote doesn’t count ONLY come out and vote during the Presidential race. By staying home, thinking that it doesn’t matter anyway, which is what YOU want them to think, they miss the chance to vote in the other races on their ballots, and I don’t appreciate that, although I’ll just BET you do.
DO it, people! EVERY RACE. EVERY BALLOT. EVERY TIME.
findog
October 24th, 2011
6:14 pm
td, if all the Georgian’s that want to vote to re-elect stay home then only republicans at every level will win.
Ok, as long as all the republicans that are going to vote in the blue states atay home too
the five or ten states iin the balance will select the president and their electives
Bet the GOP looses the house and senate
Shan
October 24th, 2011
6:40 pm
Atlanta sucks, Georgia sucks, America sucks, and the world sucks.
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
6:42 pm
The Tea Party and the OCCUPY have two things in common. The First Amendment and having an initial incoherent issue.
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
6:46 pm
Those who call the OCCUPY deadbeats do not realize that deadbeats wouldn’t be caught dead in public.
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
6:55 pm
Obama has probably called Reed as many times on local matters, as Bush called the Mayor of Smyrna.
Thanks APD and GSU Police
October 24th, 2011
7:03 pm
It is not easy to patrol the streets of Atlanta. APD and Georgia State Police have a tough job protecting students and business interests in the city that brought the world to Atlanta in 1996. I wish somebody would help out the homeless people in Woodruff Park. It is not pleasant to see so many people looking through garbage cans. Instead of blowing up people in the streets of Iraq, let us spend spend trillions of dollars solving our own problems. Thanks George W for your antics. (Sarcastic Thank you, btw)
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
7:05 pm
Ronald Reagan fell into that newspaper ad argument. He found that jobs posting in papers like the AJC either are posting because of law and already filled, high qualifications, or the jobs are scams. but folks have a better chance in finding a job through the (Lord forbid) Department of Labor website.
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
7:07 pm
I wonder how many who have made negative comments about the OCCUPY at Woodruff have gone done there and just listened or seen for themselves? Crickets chirpping.
SAWB
October 24th, 2011
7:08 pm
“Atlanta sucks, Georgia sucks, America sucks, and the world sucks.”
And who said Occupy Atlanta did not have a coherent message?
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
7:10 pm
If you have to claim that you are telling the truth or presenting facts, you are probably doing neither.
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
7:16 pm
There is a record of opinions regarding whether or not the OCCUPY have presented coherent message. For the record, as a collective, it is my opinion that they have not. Just like the Tea Party did not have a coherent message until Dick Armey and Americans for Prosperity got funding and honed the message. However, I doubt that the OCCUPY will get the kind of funding to hone their message, but their voices will be heard.
BIg Hat
October 24th, 2011
7:51 pm
Where’s Bull Connor when you need him?
liars anonymous
October 24th, 2011
7:57 pm
the opinions here are not responsible for anything other than the drone of background radiation that permeates all of cyberspace. Not one original thought. Just refried rush or pelosi.
Edward
October 24th, 2011
7:57 pm
The most un-American, un-patriotic people are those like td, centrist, bill orvis white, etc. who repeatedly denounce everything that this country was founded upon and spit on the Constitution of the United States at every opportunity. But, they wrap themselves in the flag and sing the national anthem like true hypocrites. Karma will get them eventually, and I will laugh and laugh and laugh. There is no such thing as too much suffering for the likes of them.
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
8:00 pm
Most Dixiecrats don’t realize that focus of OCCUPY Wall Street is about the collapse of the financial markets by the 1%’ers. While some folks have criticized the OCCUPY Atlanta Group thinking that they are about some trival things, but here is a little known FACT that MSNBC forgot to tell me. OCCUPY Atlanta is actually OCCUPY Wall Street too. Wall Street in Atlanta is only one block away from Woodruff Park!!
td
October 24th, 2011
8:10 pm
Edward
October 24th, 2011
7:57 pm
Since I am so unpatriotic then please tell me what is patriotic? What principles was our country founded on? Please give me some specific examples what our founders said.
td
October 24th, 2011
8:15 pm
Smoke
October 24th, 2011
8:00 pm
Most Dixiecrats don’t realize that focus of OCCUPY Wall Street is about the collapse of the financial markets by the 1%’ers
How id the top 1% collapse the financial markets? Did the government have any responsibility in the market collapse or was it all the fault of the top 1%?
td
October 24th, 2011
8:38 pm
A little off topic but for all you libs who think Obama is the next coming, take a gander at this article from politico (not a right wing paper). It loos like other Dem politician in swing states are avoiding him like the plague.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/66677.html
liars anonymous
October 24th, 2011
9:01 pm
I’m with TD. Get this: Has anyone noticed that Obama has not been seen live since Osama Bin Laden and Gaddafi was kilt to death? Obama is a DOUBLE TOWEL MOLE for the JIHAD!!
I have good intel that only the stunt-double for Qaddafi and the understudy for Osama Bin Laden was kilt to death, by the rebels and then our army special forces team six guys; not the real bad-guy dudes, man.
Cause how else can you geniuses explain how Obama is still doing live press conferences. He’s the alter-ego superman, Uber-Nitchze, second-story shadow-man we still can’t catch. Expect a briefcase nuke attack on American soil soon, man.
Think, you morons.
THINK!!
U morons
td
October 24th, 2011
9:09 pm
Hey guys…I just realized that the clock is ticking. My time here is limited. OH MY GOD! I have lived a disillusioned life. My jealousy of other people’s success has sickened and hindered Atlanta’s growth, even though I am sitting alone here in my apartment in Flint, Michigan. Wow, my life is coming to an end. Did I live an honest life and help others to the best of my ability?
td
October 24th, 2011
9:12 pm
Stealing people ids is a typical tactic from the criminal left. Why should I be surprised?
Michael
October 24th, 2011
9:13 pm
The protesters have created a dangerous situation whereby they may get their heads bashed in by cops. Move your protest to Bank of America Plaza and I’ll join you. Bankruptcy Attorneys of Atlanta Unite!
Rabbit
October 24th, 2011
9:25 pm
“We’re going out of business because of draconian taxe$, regulations and unfunded mandates on us like health care!”
A post that is well read in the sound bite universe. But accurate? Not so much, I think.
In 1980 the top 1% earners earned 10% of all the $ earned. 27 years later, the top 1% “earned” more than 23% of all the $ earned. In that same period, Republicans held the Executive Office for 20 of the 27 years and the House of Representatives for almost half that time. Both houses for a bit less. The moderately wealthy became much worse off and the lower middle class fell into poverty. When the top 1% sucks a bit more than 13% out of the economy, it is not the fault of taxes and government spending. It is due to the fact that your hero, Milton Friedman acknowledged: In a purely free market, it is a fallacy to expect the oligarchs to act in their own long term best interests.
The Real td
October 24th, 2011
9:27 pm
Hey jokester from above!!! Did you know I can trace your IP?!?! I know where you live now!!!NOBODY STEALS MY IDENTITY AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!!!! Do you understand me?! How dare you poke fun of my precious little Tony Danza! I live, sleep, work, poop, play, fornicate, visualize, taste, and fart in the name of TONY DANZA! I will die in the name of Tony Danza! Have I made myself clear you rotten hill billy!?!?!
td
October 24th, 2011
9:31 pm
Let me make myself clear. These last three comments were not made by me. Everybody knows where I stand on issues, and that I am not a fan of Tony Danza.
double
October 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
GABlue Think he is another Bono,TrishDishWareagle,now he TD.
Al
October 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
I can take poorly considered opinions, and to a lesser extent name calling hyperbole within the context of topical debate. I have little tolerance, however of the intrusion of the sports bloggers (like the one who is skanking td.)
td
October 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
Rabbit,
Below is a link to give you the real numbers about income since 1980 from the IRS.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/indincdi.pdf
Al
October 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
From your link td: “The share of income accounted for by the top 1 percent of the income distri- bution has climbed steadily from a low of 9.6 percent for 1979 to a high of 16.5 percent for 1996.” This is in line with my earlier post. It is a report limited to data from 1979-1996.
The information I posted extends to 2007 when the high was over 23%.
double
October 24th, 2011
9:46 pm
Who you skanking with td,are you on DWS?
Al
October 24th, 2011
9:50 pm
It should be noted that the report you cite confirms the decline in the top 50% income during the 17 year period cited 79-96. Moreover, the decline of the bottom 50% during that period was almost 25%.
Al
October 24th, 2011
9:55 pm
To be clear. Rabbit copied my post from Dupree’s blog on the top 1% earners. My information came from data posted on the 60 Minutes website.
Al
October 24th, 2011
10:06 pm
Percent of total AGI earned by bottom 50% 1980=17.68% — 2007 =12.26%
Percent of total AGI earned by top 1% 1980=8.46% — 2007=22.83%
Al
October 24th, 2011
10:11 pm
Between 25% & 50% 1980=25.62% 2007=19.04% (more than a 20% drop) while top 1% had over a 275% increase.
td
October 24th, 2011
10:26 pm
Al,
Do you think there is any corrlation between the household income level declining and the steady rise in single parent headed households?
http://www.bsos.umd.edu/socy/vanneman/socy441/trends/femhh.html
rudikkingme
October 24th, 2011
10:38 pm
WTF? RU dikking me? occupy atlanta is about the experience. People want to viscerally taste each other. They need a grounding reality.
Galloway: U need to inspect your staff. There is a rebel. There is a Palin clone. Find her. Destroy her. Get her out of my face.
Otherwise, the terrorists win.
td
October 24th, 2011
10:43 pm
Al,
Here are some more stats for unwed births to go along with the divorce rates. Look at the steady rise of these rates along side the decrease in household income rates. I would submit that there is a direct correlation between these numbers and the numbers you supplied and these numbers.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db18.pdf
Al
October 24th, 2011
11:05 pm
td
I see where those numbers might affect the bottom, but the bottom half? And this wouldn’t explain the dramatic decline in the group between the top 10% and 50%
yuzeyurbrane
October 24th, 2011
11:08 pm
td, I thought I defended the right of you and Centrist to express your views on another post today. Didn’t read the post to which you refer yesterday. If he attacked your right to speak, I would have defended you. As to Centrist, source of info re career military is, surprise, a Centrist post wherein he bragged about his 10 plus years military service. Sorry for assuming it was career but my personal experience has been that anyone who serves more than 4 yrs. at least intends to be career. Don’t know why Centrist service was 10 years but he is the source. And that is a long time to live in socialist system . . . long enough to qualify him for a lot of govt. benefits which I am sure he now takes in addition to the money he earns in his second career in private sector (source: Centrist), and to which he has added or will add his Social Security old age benefits. Sorry it made him so pissed he resorted to name-calling, but it is not the first nor will it be the last time that I see him resort to that.
Message for td
October 24th, 2011
11:16 pm
Hello td. I have studied your comments quite thoroughly over the last several months. Some of your comments bug me, but I am sure you feel the same way about some of mine. I love America just as much as the next person. Wherever one may stand on the political spectrum, nonetheless, it is always important to spread the message of peace instead of hate. I am sure you are a successful person, for you have good writing skills and stand to the right on all matters. What is your profession?
Al
October 24th, 2011
11:19 pm
Anyway you slice it, when you move 15% of the overall earnings to the top 1%, there is going to be substantial declines across a wide segment of the population and births, divorces and debauchery are not going to be able to explain the numbers away. There is still 15% more the money in the hands of a tiny fraction of the population.
This is out of balance. The ration of pay of the CEO to the wage earner on average in the USA is 475:1 Compare this to the second largest gap – Venezuela at 50:1 The ninth largest CEO to wage earner ration is Germany at 12:1. The USA numbers in 2005 were just a paltry 262:1. It was only 35:1 in 1978. Our ratios were bigger but close to other industrialized nations throughout our history. In the last few years, the differences have exploded.
For the life of me I can’t understand how “conservative” thought can wrap these dramatic changes into their ideology. There’s nothing conservative about it unless you concede that the coservative standard bearers have become the jokers in the courts of the oligarchs.
Peace is possible
October 24th, 2011
11:22 pm
PEACE AND LOVE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Al
October 24th, 2011
11:22 pm
I hate auto correct. Every where my last post says “ration” I meant ratio. Also, I detect an error in the first sentence as well. Should read “…there ARE going to be substantial declines…”
LizBeth
October 25th, 2011
1:19 am
Twelve hour shifts are inappropriate for skilled employees who need to be in control of their emotions on the job at all times. This would also have a profound negative affect on their families and off time. I am appalled that the city of Atlanta is engaging in this practice with its employees, especially if it is to save money. The quality of work by employees rises when an employer cares about their employees and exhibits that care by making the welfare of the employees the priority.
td
October 25th, 2011
2:21 am
I look for people who can love. Once I find these people, it is my job to make them suffer. That is also why I stand for republicans. I have not accepted that life is beautiful. That notion never crossed my mind because I am an oppressor.
Smoke
October 25th, 2011
6:08 am
I’m trying to figure out why the City needed to have police work 12-hour shifts watching OCCUPY (Atlanta) WALL STREET. It’s is not stressful. There are no reports of crime, that I can think of, and no one walking around with AK-47’s or Glocks claiming their second amendment rights.
Buckhead Boy
October 25th, 2011
6:33 am
td, about anything can be correlated to the rise in income disparity because that has been so pervasive. Spurious reasoning produces nonsense — and propaganda. You are the purveyor of which?
Local man feigns ignorance
October 25th, 2011
7:16 am
Headline: “Local man pretends to have no idea”
The local resident who was interviewed said “I don’t think they (the protesters) even know what they are protesting today”. Ha! That was great. It’s like someone living next to a church and proclaiming, “I have no idea what those people are doing in there”.
pete
October 25th, 2011
7:40 am
police need to be patrolling wallstreet Banker crooks to get tax payor money back.If you think Bernie Madoff stole and got away , you need to look at wallstreet Bankers stealing our tax dollars.Bernies deals go way deep right into wallstreet.
Centrist
October 25th, 2011
7:58 am
@ yuzeyurbrane – You obviously did not serve in the military. There is nothing socialistic about it. My 10 years of voluntary service was not all active duty, but some monthly reserve time. It was not a career, but an added education and skill level with considerable technical training between college and graduate school (reserve time then and after). Only those who put in at least 20 years get a pension. Military “benefits” include living in substandard places like on board ships, in tents, in Quonset huts, without family, long work days using very dangerous equipment, and having enemy troops try to kill you. Pay is below average but there was the base exchange and commissary where retail items were slightly cheaper and without sales tax. Believe it or not – there is a lot of personal satisfaction, honor, patriotism, and sense of duty for those who serve. The experience is also appreciated by the private sector upon receiving a voluntary Honorable Discharge.
Michael Marr
October 25th, 2011
8:30 am
pete is right. Why are the police not stationed outside the banks, real estate offices and brokerages so they can can catch the real criminals in the act? 72 bank failures in Georgia since 2008 and just a few arrests. Not even 72 arrests?
MissMollie
October 25th, 2011
8:49 am
Atlanta has been famous for GWTW, the Varsity hot dogs, The Fox, good hospitals, CocaCola, beautiful women, Ladies Paradise (Rich’s), The Nancy Hanks, football, MLK, MARTA, colleges, marches, wars and now THIS….
Centrist
October 25th, 2011
8:56 am
@ MissMollie – At least MARTA and Occupy are more infamous than famous.
Al
October 25th, 2011
9:27 am
“The poor population in America’s suburbs — long a symbol of a stable and prosperous American middle class — rose by more than half after 2000, forcing suburban communities across the country to re-evaluate their identities and how they serve their populations.” today’s news
The Serfs of the Middle Ages, I suppose could be blamed for their poverty. They, after all, didn’t get an education and allowed the ruling landowners to dictate every aspect of their lives. Perhaps one or two, on occasion escaped to another place and through hard work or avarice, gained some measure of wealth and posed as other than a Serf.
We cannot lay all the blame for today’s news of poverty at the feet of those impoverished. Some, yes. Profligate spending. Lack of commitment to a two parent family. Unrealistic job expectations. But, at the end of that line of thought, we must acknowledge that at no time in this history of this land of opportunity has the accumulation of wealth been clustered at the very top as it is today. This is a problem.
Independent voter
October 25th, 2011
9:53 am
Kasim going to lose votes over the Occupy Atlanta they need to protest against cop killer.
Buymadeinusjobs
October 25th, 2011
10:03 am
Let the protesters be as long as they are not actually hurting someone. Go investigate a few of these posters, completely, IRS, Georgia income tax laws, Do they owe child support like republican congressman from Ill.?? Check into their business practices. Who should throw first stone, poor liberals or rich right wingers who are stealing from them.
Who do you think got money from 14 trillion dollar debt?? tax cuts for rich,defense contractors for war equipment , services, oil contractors. marriott contracts for food Cheny’s haliburton , Blackwater now known as XE, check who is still in Irag wanting U. S. taxpayers to protect them.
First p0liticians are bought by campaign contibutions by defense contractors. other international corporations, wall streeters, banksters.
These same people donate to Karl Rove Grassroots, Paul Weyrich’s Republican Study Group(155 Republican congressman) ,
Repub think tank Heritage foundation Which pushes policies for war, tax cuts.
Go google congressional hearings 2001-today and look for heritage testifying folks.
Now there is heritage action group to push their viewpoint..
There are many other groups affecting the 99% ers lives right wing CATO, Norquist no tax increase on wealthy just tax cuts, so cut food stamps , medicaid, housing on low oaid service workers like wal-mart, unemployed (children, grandma-medicaid healthcare).
I would like to see a list of how many GA families are on food stamps social security, medicaid, medicare, veterans retirement, veterans tricare or other gov’t healthcare. SSI and other gov’t programs and how many families get nothing?
I would also like to know how many work for local. state and federal gov’t paycheck or retirement /medical from either. Who are the 1%ers in GA beside congressman??
They get all that power from the rich and if they are not rich going in , they will be soon.
The People’s power is their numbers and they had better stick together, Go read U. S. History 1920,’s;
Now There is biggest disparity between have/rich/1%ers and have nots (rest of us 99% ers since the 1920s. Median income workers $25,363.
T
October 25th, 2011
11:11 am
The mayor is letting this self proclaimed “leader” get out ahead of him at every media cycle that comes along. He is driving the news and the mayor looks like a fool. Clean out the park mayor or keep looking like a fool.
Grits
October 25th, 2011
11:15 am
Think these idiotic Occupy idiots will gladly pay for their damage and other costs to the tax payers and proudly put their occupation location and dates on their resumes? Miscreants all.
Justine
October 25th, 2011
11:20 am
Obviously I woke up this morning in a dictatorship. Isnt it strange how we teach our children about the fact the revolutionary way which allegedly created this country was developed by “violent” protestors who fought against the ruler. Or have we forgotten it was students who sat down at lunch counters that helped bring an end to segregated lunch couners. Or that it was Rosa Parks refusal sitting down that ended segregated bus service. Or have we forgotten that it was students who sat down, sat inn or otherwise refused to be moved that now stopped the draft. That now no male in this country has to worry about being forced into military service and eventually into war.
Yeah I think we have forgotten.
A.S.
October 25th, 2011
11:59 am
Gets the losers are of there. They have no clue what they are protesting and residents/students are getting frustrated having to see this park turn into a refugee camp for a bunch of lazy bums. Go find a job!
Rick Fontaine, 30311
October 26th, 2011
12:01 am
The Mayor is the real goofball here. If Reed could create a job using all his high fallutin washington connections, then we wouldn’t need to protest would we? The homeless population downtown seems to be getting worse…Shirley, what happened to your stop homelessness priorities? (and now you’re national with your grand plans to fix communities??!!) Shirley’s hand picked successor doesn’t seem to have the same convictions.