Occupy Seattle at Westlake to relocate

Occupy Seattle protesters will move their operational base to Seattle Central Community College. Last night 108 members voted in favor of the idea while 26 opposed the relocation.

Some demonstrators will remain at Westlake in downtown Seattle during the day, but there are plans underway to “begin a mass occupation” at the community college campus at 1701 Broadway. They plan to set up tents Saturday and “keep occupying SCCC until we vote to do otherwise.”

At their organizing meeting, which was streamed online, they presented these reasons in favor of the move:

It will be easier to defend ourselves if we can win broad public support.

Pressuring the Mayor is very difficult, and not working well.

At SCCC, with huge base of support, can put massive pressure on campus president. Flyering and campaigning is ongoing.

Commuter students will be more likely to participate if they can camp out on campus.

President has already claimed we’ll disrupt education. We know occupation is an educational experience.

SCCC is even more visible than Westlake.

Westlake dies nightly, empowering police. On Broadway, we’ll always be visible, and will draw support from the community.

Stop wasting time rebuilding every night, and go on the offensive.

Some opposed the relocation, saying it would not be legal.

“If we move to SCCC, no matter what has been said, it is not a location we have legal right to set foot upon. Without invitation, it’s illegal,” Corey, an Occupy Seattle member says. “One of the fundamental principles of Occupy Seattle is taking part in lawful and peaceful protest. (We) have legal right to be here (and) can continue to fight that battle.”

The group is also planning a demonstration against Chase bank to raise awareness of their concerns.

Photo courtesy music activist site jtmp.org