Occupy Las Vegas: Here to make a point, Peacefully and Legally

Upon entering the permitted parking lot of Occupy Las Vegas you are immediately struck by the simple but organized layout. There are cars parked in proper parking spaces the tents (approximately 35) all lined up in rows in clearly marked living areas. The common area consists of assorted tables, folding chairs and plastic outdoor furniture all in a defined an orderly fashion as are the Port-o-potties several yards away. “Both the Fire Marshal and the Police come through regularly we have had no problems at all and we are more than willing to comply with any request,” stated one of the Occupy Las Vegas members.

When I inquired about the number of people present versus the number of tents (more tents than people inside the common area) I received a warm smile and a snicker, “They’re at work, and the assumption that our protestors are bums, hippies or anti-government is erroneous. Most of our occupants have jobs; we are here to make a point”. When I further inquired about the events of “Occupy in Oakland and Atlanta” the response was equally interesting: “we (Occupy Las Vegas) are Law abiding citizens, our Protest and Occupancy of this Space was granted by the County, the Police have been very nice almost empathetic to the cause, we want to keep it this way”.

The obvious questions regarding what will “Occupy Las Vegas do when the 30 day permit runs out”? Answers were addressed in a vague but positive manner: “We are looking at this initial occupation and permit as a test and an opportunity to build trust with the community, the Police, the Fire Marshal and the County Commission. We will remain a Peaceful and Law abiding group”, stated another member of my round table discussion.

In writing this account of my unannounced visit to Occupy Las Vegas I walked away with a feeling of “good for them, they are doing it right”. Occupy Las Vegas truly is a group of Patriots exercising their rights to gather and protest in a Peaceful and Law abiding manner.  Tonight (thursday night) the Occupy Las Vegas group will have a .99 cent pot-luck in protest to the 1,000.00 per plate dinner President Obama enjoyed at his fund raiser earlier this week. OLV's point, 99% of Americans cannot afford a 1,000.00 meal.

We at VNR will continue to follow Occupy Las Vegas and report their ongoing progress. Click here to visit  OccupyLasVegas.org website. Occupy LasVegas is located across the street from the Thomas and Mack
Rick Singer, VegasNewsReview.com