This week I read an article in the Oregonian about escalating protests taking place with Occupy Portland. As the protests in New York City began to quiet down, it seems as though Occupy Portland has only gotten worse.
On Sunday, the protests came to a halt as confrontation took place in Shemanski Park, where 19 were arrested. When the protestors set up a camp in the park, police, in their riot gear, moved in and made the arrests. The march later moved to Salmon Street Fountain, where over three dozen protestors were involved.
"The thing that concerns me is reflections on McCarthyism," said march organizer Terris Harned, 32. "Our main concern and our main goal is to raise awareness. This bill has very much flown under the radar, and we don't think people have been made aware enough about it."
A photo taken by Ray Whitehouse depicts a bloody 15-year-old protestor, Walker Pettyman, who had been hit by a baton late Sunday night. However, Sgt. Pete Simpson doubts the teen faced police brutality because he likely would have had reasoning to be arrested. The police are currently reviewing video reports.
As the Occupy protests continue on an international level, the Oregon movement is said to be decreasing in numbers. As the movement breaks down into smaller, more mobile groups, the power of the people remains united, but wide-spread.
"These camps are mobile and on the move, said protestor Todd Herman, 23. "This has been our winter survival strategy, and it has worked fantastically because we are definitely achieving the goals we want to achieve."