By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-993293.mp3
Albany, NY – In addition to making provisions for camping out in cold weather, the Albany Occupy movement is adding a few business techniques to ensure the "occupation" runs smoothly and efficiently. WAMC's Dave Lucas explores whether Occupy could be emerging as the seed of a template that could change government and democracy as we know it in The United States.
About three weeks ago, the Occupy movement came to Albany, adding New York's capital to a growing list of cities where occupy camps have become downtown fixtures. Occupy, generally touted as a "leaderless" movement" - is quietly adapting a business model in order to assure things run smoothly and efficiently. On Thursday morning, Albany resident Dave Sickler was manning Occupy's headquarters, called the "info tent". Cloistered in a nearby tent, a group of occupiers were discussing outfitting the info tent with an internet-capable computer, a telephone, and other business-oriented amenities.
24-year old Justin Secor-Rubenstein, an Albany baker by trade, describes himself as "one of many people who keeps things running smoothly at the Occupy Albany encampment" - We spoke about First Amendment Rights regarding free speech and freedom of Assembly, and the conversation turned to a newspaper article by the Times Union's Jimmy Vielkind about an Occupy protester who vows to challenge the 11pm curfew this weekend in the portion of the park that is controlled by the State of New York. Secor-Rubinstein tells me the actions of one individual do not represent the rest of those in the tent city.
For some, The act occupation itself takes a bit of scheduling -- Jennifer Kotary of Albany explained that people naturally have questions about why Occupy protesters can't simply opt to assemble on a scheduled basis rather than ensconce themselves in tent cities. Could this "living gallery" of humanity represent a blueprint for a future way of government? Some of the occupiers I spoke with adhere to the concept of "Change" and they say there are many ways democratic governments can be run that do not necessarily follow the way the rules and regulations are currently structured.
In a show of solidarity, The Veteran for Peace have invited the Albany Occupiers to join them in the city's veteran's day parade.
Facebook Community Page about Occupy Wall St. Albany, New York
The official twitter feed from the media and PR working groups of Occupy Albany.
People's twitter page OccupyAlbany