Is this lame or legit?

[gimmethesimplelife]

I have a question, just wondering what you all out there might think. I am back home in Phoenix and am thinking of checking out a gathering of the Occupy Wall Street (Movement?) here - so what's stopping me, you ask? I'm wondering if I might get arrested....Is this lame, or paranoid, or legit, what do you'all think? I would personally not do anything crazy, only peacefully, but I wonder if there is an arrest risk involved.....Rob back at home in the Valley

[Alan]

No one gets arrested for attending. They get arrested for "occupying" other people's property or public property after being advised to disperse. It's not rocket science.

[Spartana]

I don't think you have to worry about being arrested - or even hassled by the police - as long as you "move along" if they ask you to in the event of curfew or loitering laws. Most of the protests seem very peaceful UNLESS they have been asked to vacate and resisted (resistance is futile :-)!). I have to say I've actually been very surprised that the police haven't tryed to vacate them at night when, at least in most public places like parks and libraries, there is a curfew and no way you would be allowed to spend the night. But maybe the places they are camping at don't have such a public ordanince. In any case, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just leave if things look like they'll get rough.

[Gardenarian]

Definitely take part! It isn't paranoid or anything; the media make a big deal about the few incidences that have gotten out of hand. Best wishes!

[redfox]

If one wants to go to a demonstration and engage in civil disobedience, get CD training ahead of time. This teaches one what to expect, how to be really truly non-violent, what the arrest process is about, etc.

[Mrs-M]

Another vote for- take part.

[iris lily]

I checked out the Occupy St. Louis group ( ha ha--just drove past them) but things were quiet although messy. They are having a fabulous time with the World Series just a few blocks away.

GO CARDS!

[loosechickens]

definitely, go! We have a number of friends across the country who are participating in various cities and I'm even eyeing a few that are within reasonable driving distance for us.

Just because WE are quite comfortable doesn't mean that I don't think the system is rigged.

[ApatheticNoMore]

You are way overestimating the risk of arrest. Is there an arrest risk involved? Is there a risk you might get struck by lightening some day. Well yes but .....

Go and report back.