The Danger of Inanity

Definition of inanity-A senseless action or remark.


The inanity continues. In Oakland California last night, a young man was shot to death just outside the Occupy Oakland encampment.


The media reports say that it is not known whether or not the victim was one of the protesters. However according to one of the protesters, Madea Williams, the victim was her cousin and he had been sharing a tent with her at the Occupy Oakland protest.


The problems within the Occupy Oakland camp have been growing-drug abuse, crimes & fights amongst the devoted campers. One city council member, Ignacio De La Fuente-has repeatedly called for the protesters to leave, and said today, “Unfortunately, we will have no excuse for not taking action. This was escalating and was going to happen." The Mayor – Jean Quan, stated in her news conference that she wants the “protesters to leave voluntarily”. She didn’t ORDER the police to force the evacuation. She just hopes they’ll leave. More inanity. If a DEATH related to this illegal encampment isn’t enough to put an end to this, what WILL it take?


Back in Portland Oregon, as I reported yesterday – the Mayor finally came to his senses and ordered that the camp be evacuated as of Sunday, November 13, at 12:01 am. Not a surprise to learn that the occupiers have decided to have an “Occu-Fest” on Saturday-inviting all citizens to come to the parks for food & music. They hope to encourage attendees from the region and count on some to come down from Seattle as a show of force. Guess they want to make the planned 12:01 am eviction as difficult as possible for the Portland Police. The police report that they’ve heard there will be up to 300 people travelling from out of the from out of town to inflate the ranks of protesters. The police have also heard that 150 anarchists plan on attending & reports that some of those who plan on staying, are using nails and wood from pallets, to fashion weapons. Rather than encouraging the illegal protesters to leave voluntarily & peacefully, the National Lawyer’s Guild is instead offering free training Saturday afternoon, for those who plan on getting arrested.


I can’t help but wonder if the ever present media isn’t fueling the continuation of these protests. A quote from Seneca (Roman Philosopher, 1st century AD) comes to mind: “It's the admirer and the watcher who provoke us to all the inanities we commit.” Countless reporters have been assaulted while covering these protests all around the country. Perhaps if we all stop filming & watching this train wreck, the inanity will stop.