Kasim Reed, Occupy Atlanta, and a fresh wave of history
Derrick Younge of Atlanta holds a sign next to Occupy Atlanta leader Tim Franzen, left, during a press conference at Woodruff Park discussing their next move Thursday afternoon in Atlanta. Jason Getz, jgetz@ajc.com.
Fifty years ago, when Shirley Franklin was still a high school teenager, she slipped away from her Philadelphia bed – without telling her mother – for an anti-nuke march on the Pentagon.
The biographical tidbit is necessary to any assessment of last week’s decision by Mayor Kasim Reed, Franklin’s successor, to clear Occupy Atlanta and its tents from a downtown park – and send the bonded-out protesters against corporate greed and economic disparity on a nomadic trek across the city, like some Lost Tribe of Ishmael.
Atlanta may not have realized the implications at the time, but the city crossed a generational divide when Reed was elected two years ago. Born in 1969, he is the first mayor in nearly 40 years who did not spring from a culture of protest.
However inevitable, it was not a fact that some were willing to ignore last week.
“If he wants to be like Bull Connor, then so be it,” one of Reed’s elders, state Sen. Vincent Fort of Atlanta, said shortly before he and 51 others were arrested at the park.
To call up the specter of Birmingham was a vast – the mayor might argue slanderous — exaggeration. No injuries were reported Monday night. No fire hoses were turned on schoolchildren. No German shepherds were sicced on the defenseless. No skulls were cracked by batons. This wasn’t Alabama. It wasn’t even Oakland.
That said, Fort’s 48-year-old reference point was revealing. As was Reed last Monday, when he put Occupy Atlanta on 24-hour notice.
In front of reporters, the mayor first said grace over his city’s reputation for tolerance and the right to free speech. But Reed – a former music industry attorney – then drew on more recent history.
He pointed to a flawed hip-hop concert that Occupy Atlanta had attempted to stage at the small park. With inadequate security and radio spots that advertised at least one rapper whom concert promoters couldn’t deliver.
“You’ve had people killed in concerts where artists who were promised do not show up all across the country. This happens all the time,” Reed said. The mayor judged Occupy Atlanta to be a danger to themselves and nearby residents, and ordered the impromptu campground shut down.
The Occupy Atlanta decision may be the first real evidence that the city is being governed with its changing, more conservative demographic in mind.
In a recent post on “Blogging While Blue,” Democratic strategist Cabral Franklin, son of the former mayor, noted that the three of the four fastest-growing districts in the city were in downtown Atlanta, Midtown and Buckhead – “areas where people vote more conservatively.”
“Midtown in 2011 is not Midtown in 1990,” he said in an interview. Franklin’s assessment of Reed, who stands for re-election in 2013: “I don’t think he wanted the Occupy movement to be that one thing that he didn’t play right. I think he was trying to govern as close to the center as he possibly could.”
Criticism of Reed has been muted, but it exists. Eric Robertson, political director of Teamsters Local 278 and a Reed supporter, consulted with the mayor throughout the confrontation – and disagreed with the decision to resort to force.
“My hope is that we can get into some sort of dialogue where he can understand what’s happening with the movement,” Robertson said.
But if Reed is new to an era of protests, so is Occupy Atlanta. “There have absolutely been mistakes made,” Robertson said. His union members brought U.S. Rep. John Lewis to speak to the protesters in the first days of their occupation of Woodruff Park – only to see the civil rights icon turned away. “Disastrous,” he said.
Occupy Atlanta’s insistence on unanimous decisions paralyzed any attempts to give the movement a sharper focus that the public could latch onto, the union official said.
One of the more nuanced reactions to the removal of Occupy Atlanta came from Michael Julian Bond, a 10-year city councilman and son of ’60s activist Julian Bond.
“I really don’t know why the mayor didn’t act sooner. I believe in civil disobedience. I grew up in a household full of activists,” said the younger Bond. But he also represents the downtown residential district, and spoke of a recent neighborhood meeting.
While sympathetic to Occupy Atlanta, his constituents “pointed out a stark contradiction to me,” Bond said. After years of complaints, police only recently had swept aged, homeless black men out of the park.
“But when it’s twenty-something white kids, it’s allowed to go on. That kind of stuck with me,” he said. “If [police] had been allowed to go out on the first night when the park closed, there probably wouldn’t have been but about five or 10 people who were willing to go to jail that night, and the cost of it would have been considerably less.”
Bond also said Occupy Atlanta may have a rose-colored view of history. Arrest and jail are central points of civil disobedience, he said.
“I don’t know if that’s been forgotten over time, or just romanticized. But there were real arrests in Atlanta,” Bond said. The difference between Birmingham and Atlanta, he said, was how protesters were subsequently treated by police.
As for the prospect of growing conservatism in the city, Bond was unimpressed. “Atlanta’s always been a conservative place. We have a culture here that’s deeply rooted in church. Atlanta’s always had this very conservative undercurrent, even though – at the same time – it’s been very progressive mentally. But the values have been conservative,” he said.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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243 comments Add your comment
Kfinley
October 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
Why aren’t these occupiers protesting at the state and federal levels? Why aren’t they occupying the GA Federal Reserve, The State Capitol, Nathan Deal’s estate and/or Buckhead, Georgia (the richest section of Atlanta)? Every state in this country is made up of a conglomerate of cities with hundreds of Mayors. The governors, congressmen/women, and state senators have much more political and legislative power. These are the individuals that these “occupiers” should be targeting. I have posed these questions several times on the Occupy Atlanta Facebook page. Not only did my questions remain unanswered, but they blocked me and deleted all my comments. Can someone please answer my questions intelligently??? #notholdingmybreathe
Jackson
October 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
As a African-American, I am embarrassed by the antics of Vincent Fort, Joe Beasley, and Derrick Boazman. Each of these crooks pretends to stand with the poor while pocketing $1000s of dollars under the table and living lavish lifestyles.
Jesse
October 29th, 2011
9:19 pm
The three stooges – Fort, Beasley, and Boazman – go away, please!
Julie Atlanta Taxpayer
October 29th, 2011
9:29 pm
Who paid for the damage done to Woodruff Park – Atlanta Taxpayers. Exercise your first amendment rights on someone elses dime.
Sick of Vincent Fort
October 29th, 2011
10:06 pm
Sen Vincent Fort was included on a list of lawmakers in 2009 who failed to pay their taxes.
Another Atlanta Taxpayer
October 29th, 2011
10:08 pm
@Julie
Yeah! Screw the Constitution! City tax revenue should only be spent on things that benefit you directly, because you’re a harder worker and better citizen than everyone else.
Julie Atlanta Taxpayer
October 29th, 2011
10:19 pm
@ Another Atlanta Taxpayer -Your constitutional rights end where mine begins. I should not have to pay for your protest.
Another Atlanta Taxpayer
October 29th, 2011
10:32 pm
@Julie
I’m not a protester but a proponent of democracy and the First Amendment. Please educate me: What constitutional right ensures that your tax dollars will always be spent on projects you support?
td
October 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
Make room for constituent assemblies. It is called a system of “weak constitutionalism.” This is real political science. Face it…if it were up to me, tenacious d, society would not even exist. This means that instead of making the constitution your guide, we replace it with something more reasonable. Our constitution is hundreds of years old. It is rotten. It allows aliens to commit war crimes without ever being held accountable. We are in 2011. Religion is a thing of the past. We are all equal. Gone are the days of hiding and oppressing people. Just think about how stuck we are because of the ancient court system in place. It simply is time to change.
Jack
October 30th, 2011
7:41 am
Some dude walking around with an AK-47 in a tenderbox should make everybody a little uneasy: like yelling fire in a crowded theatre.
Frederick Douglass
October 30th, 2011
7:52 am
Haul George W. Bush, and Dick Cheney up in front of a war crimes tribunal now!
I love conservative whiners
October 30th, 2011
8:43 am
Critics of the OA are actually jealous of these protesters. Let’s face it, these kids have commitment. We’ve had some pretty bad weather and they persevered. They’ve been arrested and they go right back to protesting. I admire their grit. I support their efforts, heck I may even send em some money.
Here’s their web site:
http://occupyatlanta.org/
Alexander
October 30th, 2011
9:15 am
Excellent story Mr. G. The growing redistribution of wealth to the top 1% is an issue worth protesting, but this group couldn’t coalesce around this single message and ultimately became a danger to themselves and others.
The poster who called this article slanted should take a reading comprehension course.
honested
October 30th, 2011
11:41 am
The republicons want Atlantan’s to ignore the facts and the elimination of taxation at the top.
They want us to quietly pay our taxes to fund pointless wars because hey, they own the defense contractors and profit handily.
They insist on continued ‘free’ security for petroleum extraction and transportation as they shudder at what the cost per gallon would be if oil companies had to pony up for the protection. When that finally happens, the miles per gallon will go up and the gallons consumed will go down. Bad for profits at the top.
So make fun of the people with the tenacity to bring attention to the truth. The established order is totally dependent on preventing CHANGE.
Randy
October 30th, 2011
11:59 am
To the Racist Fool using several names. Do you have nothing better to do than than to bash Vincent Fort, Derrick Boazman and Joe Beasley. Taking a stand on something is better than doing nothing. What stand have you taken? Seems to me you need a life Fat Man.
TruthBe
October 30th, 2011
12:54 pm
Markus Justice
October 29th, 2011
12:34 pm
Occupy Atlanta, Wallstreet, Oakland are all part of the Democratic Socialist movement and its historical roots are in Marxism. This demonstration is not different from the early 20’s and 30’s when the movement was started in the US however they went underground once people realized their true aim was to install a European style socialist government. Now they are progressive using class warfare as part of their arsenal of weapons. All of these clowns have products made by corporations, some work for corporations, some were given educational grants by corporations but all are too stupid to realize they are being pimped by the Marxist movement in the US.
AMEN, AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off de Plantation
October 30th, 2011
12:56 pm
Some of you supporters of the Occupy Atlanta “movement” (dont bowels do the same thing?)should feel good about the calibre of those in attencance. This person is one of the better ones in explaining what is the main purpose of the “Occupy Atlanta”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW56Z-0xwIQ
TruthBe
October 30th, 2011
12:57 pm
Frederick Douglass
October 30th, 2011
7:52 am
Haul George W. Bush, and Dick Cheney up in front of a war crimes tribunal now!
If you do that than haul Obama’s ass up there with them.
Big Papi
October 30th, 2011
1:59 pm
And the loser here is …….Woodruff Park. Its been through two multi-million dollar renovations. One in excess of 10 million before the Olympics and another 5 million dollar one in the last 5 years or so. No telling how much damage has been done to the park by these LOSERS, most of whom do not reside in Atlanta. Mayor Reed needs to get serious and clean up Barbara Asher Square leading to 5 Pts Station. That area is a bastion of illegality. Remove the planters and drive out the loiterers, drunks and dope dealers. make the area safe for downtown residents and workers, what a novel idea.
Jude
October 30th, 2011
2:16 pm
I feel my heart fall in my chest when I read through some of the very selfish comments. Don’t we care about each other anymore? The Occupiers and the Tea Partiers all want the same thing…. an end to this oppressive life we are forced to live. Whenever you start calling people names you play right into the hands of those who have always had control… and I’m not talking about those in public office. Every time we divide ourselves we keep the current regime in power. GET SMART… IT’S ABOUT LOVE… it’s always been about love. That is the ONLY way out of this mess.
The Homeless Are Also In The 99%
October 30th, 2011
3:01 pm
OWS has received $500,000 in donations but refuse to share their food with the homeless. OA has settled into an Atlanta homeless center taking up space that the homeless sorely need. Looks like the homeless are taking it in the shorts while the “Occupy” folks carry on their wealth envy campaign.
Home Sweet Home
October 30th, 2011
4:25 pm
“The Occupiers and the Tea Partiers all want the same thing…. an end to this oppressive life we are forced to live.”\
Excise me? Just who the hell is forcing this “oppressive life” on you?
Is that (if ture) their fault or maybe just the fault of your lazy ass?
Home Sweet Home
October 30th, 2011
4:27 pm
I was so irate I had a type: EXCUSE is the correct spelling, and, “if true”.
I need to get some meds right now.
double
October 30th, 2011
5:17 pm
So religion is a thing of the past.Belief in God,Bible just been a hinderance to scientific progress.Is this what you are saying TD?
honested
October 30th, 2011
6:21 pm
home sweetie
Who decided the price of electricity and food this year?
Was it based on the need of the consumers or the greed of the controllers?
I wish the Occupiers had a better understanding of ‘European Socialism’ as the wrong wing nuts on this blog are prone to parrot.
It might help us all develop a more livable less kleptocratic society.
DannyX
October 30th, 2011
6:24 pm
“kleptocratic society.”
Good one!
Big Dog 98
October 30th, 2011
7:27 pm
Jim Gallaway and the “Occupy Atlanta” are both losers.
Stating the obvious...
October 30th, 2011
7:30 pm
Hey Gallaway,
Why not write an article about the Tea Party being told they would have to pay to use the park and the racist mayor allows this group of misfits and losers to use the park for free.
td
October 30th, 2011
9:10 pm
honested
October 30th, 2011
6:21 pm
What is the average gas prices in Europe? Are there food prices cheaper than ours?
What do you think the prices of food would be if we got the government to stop paying people to not grow food and let the free market take over? What would oil prices be today if government was out of the way and stopping drilling?
The free market would prevail with less government intervention.
m vale
October 30th, 2011
9:39 pm
You have the right to express your views.
You do not have the right to camp out in a public park. Our parks are for everyone, not a special group. Thank you, mayor, for cleaning up Woodruff Park.
m vale
October 30th, 2011
9:42 pm
If I don’t like my stock company or my bank, I can change stock or use a credit union.
This what our country is all about, freedom. I can’t control the billions of dollars this government wastes on useless spending. This hurts everyone. They should be in Washington D.C.
Nadia
October 31st, 2011
3:30 am
@The Homeless Are Also In The 99% – Individuals experiencing homelessness were welcome residents of Occupy Atlanta’s Woodruff Park encampment, were free to share in any of the meals delivered to the camp, and were offered tents and blankets when they were available. Many chose to take active part in the movement… but from what I observed, those who didn’t were still treated with dignity and respect. We may have struggled to support those struggling with addiction or mental health issues (as we obviously have limited training and resources, and had rules against having alcohol & drugs in the park), but we did our best. And the current “occupation” of Peachtree & Pine is of a floor in the shelter that has been unused for years. Much of the reason for going there is to stand in solidarity with a shelter that is on the verge of being shut down. Occupy Atlanta participants definitely consider the homeless part of the 99% and have no intentions of taking resources from those who need them most.
Jezel
October 31st, 2011
6:12 am
Galloway…many relevant points as to where Atlanta of 2011 is and where it might be going. Nice job.
Jezel
October 31st, 2011
6:19 am
If someone took something from you…why is it not appropriate to protest and call attention to that.
mike thompson
October 31st, 2011
6:32 am
Rethink the problem I believe that Fox News the Minister of propaganda for the rich deserve attention. Corporate headquarters or the affiliate stations would be appropriate. Maybe they’ll invite you in for some hot cocoa and some cookies.
Jackie
October 31st, 2011
7:51 am
Liberals are the new bigots. If the Tea Party was trying to demonstate downtown wihtout a permit, breaking the law, the “broad minded” liberals would go nuts demanding that they be jailed for their protest.
It seems the new liberal motto is “Free Speech for Some”.
nasir
October 31st, 2011
8:35 am
Reading through this article and the posts that have followed, some light is shed on the mood of our city and country. Within the Occupy Movement, there seems to be a sense of distrust for political leadership across the board; a sentiment that was exemplified in the turning away of Rep. John Lewis. This can be counterproductive for all of us, as leaders are being forced to choose between doing what they believe is best for their constituents and avoiding being on the opposite side of a rapidly growing international movement. Mayor Reed had to make a tough decision that some may or may not agree with, but that’s what it means to be a good leader. It’s taking decisive action for the greater good, even in the face of great opposition. He executed the expulsion without any major disasters and prevented Atlanta from being added to the list of other major cities that have experienced bloody clashes between protestors and the police. Well done Mayor Reed…
vote for cain because he is black....
October 31st, 2011
10:23 am
occupiers need to go and occupy some jobs
Susan Punden
October 31st, 2011
1:49 pm
Can’t make it down to the protests?
Reach 700+ million people from home and do your part in a HUGE way:
http://occupyinboxes.weebly.com
Too Much Truth Recap: Michael Julian Bond Sets the Record Straight « CBS Atlanta
November 2nd, 2011
12:39 am
[...] Mayor Kasim Reed, Micheal Julian Bond, News and Talk 1380 WAOK, Occupy Atlanta In a recent AJC article, Micheal Bond stated “I really don’t know why the mayor didn’t act sooner. I believe [...]
Jesse Lee Cable
November 2nd, 2011
12:12 pm
Kasem Reed, a corporate lawyer for the union busting firm Holland & Knight, promised to deal with downtown “panhandlers” in a muscular fashion. He and his wealthy real estate backers are attempting to close Peachtree and Pine Homeless Shelter, where Occupy Atlanta is sleeping since their eviction from Troy Davis Park.
He represents the interests of wealthy real estate backers who use the cover of Black Leadership to line their coffers. Occupy!
Georgia Family Council - Occupy Atlanta and Representative Government » GFC Blog
November 2nd, 2011
12:49 pm
[...] Reed, decided that the time had come to evict the Occupiers from Woodruff Park. Some noted the apparent irony of an African-American mayor, who was in some sense the heir of a successful civil rights movement, [...]
Georgia Family Council - Occupy Atlanta and Representative Government » Center for Policy Studies
November 2nd, 2011
12:50 pm
[...] Reed, decided that the time had come to evict the Occupiers from Woodruff Park. Some noted the apparent irony of an African-American mayor, who was in some sense the heir of a successful civil rights movement, [...]