Still here, a month later

OccupyICEPDX is a month old on July 17. The camp is non-violent. The ICE Agents are armed, violent, and eager for the opportunity to exercise force.

Again and again, fear of violence or threats of violence alarm all who are close to the encampment. This leads to hyper-vigilance and wears people's nerves out. The ICE Agents blast loud music at the protesters, set off alarms, and arm themselves. They come out to the literal steel barricades they have erected to protect themselves and point their "less lethal" guns at protesters. If anyone crosses their  taped police line, four or five of them working together will slam the protester to the pavement and kneel on their prone body, sometimes shooting them at close range with tasers and either pepper bullets or rubber bullets that leave huge bruises and create a powerful shock to the bodies of those who are shot.

However when the Agents are not out threatening, the camp is a peaceful place. There are potted plants. There are three or four raised beds with newly-planted vegetables in them. Someone donated a piano. It feels more like a little tent-town every day. 

A vigil is held each night and provides a spiritual focus for the camp. General Assembly meetings are held each afternoon. Feelings are intense, but the bottom line is that the camp still stands. I made this photo on Monday evening while all the occupants of the camp were attending meetings.  There was a threat of extreme violence on Tuesday evening, and I feared the camp might cease to exist by Wednesday. No new violence occurred on Tuesday evening, for which I am deeply grateful. I care about the people living in the camp. It may be true that some who are living there have lost sight of the original intention (direct action, Abolishing ICE), but they are embarked on an experiment in community living, and I admire their idealism and hope.

I'm working on the meditation for Antifascists, got a first draft finished. I thought I would have time to respond to comments, but I am writing and processing photographs. Thank you for your words.