OWS - Bloomington Indiana - I visited the camp update: One DEAD
11-12-11 Update
I returned to the site about 11 am this morning.
Two people were sleeping on the ground ( they looked passed out to me) with people walking by or stepping over them. I asked if they were alright and the three guys said they were fine. Fewer tents were at the site, and I counted 7 people outside who looked like they were part of the protest. Remember 2 of the 7 were sleeping or passed out. I also spotted two people in a tent moving around.
I asked what happened to the signs outside, and they said many of them are missing. One of the guys told me about the water ballon attacks and honking late at night that makes sleeping difficult. They also said the bars across the street have been very mean to them and the noise the patrons make is rude. When the bars close, they are getting yelled at and have almost reached the breaking point. (not sure how to take that from the peaceful group)
He also admitted several of the tents have been empty for a few days. A few had collapsed and not been set back up.
I detected a strong smell of booze on several of the protesters and the smell of stale urine in the alley behind the movement was powerful. The recessed doors in back must look like urinals to them.
OP update:
Previous week
ne dead already today!
Don Swank passed away in People's Park early this morning. From what we understand, the cause was most likely alcohol related. Don was good man, and many are mourning his passing. I have posted a statement below, and I would like feedback on it, as this tragic incident will probably draw attention.
from: https://www.facebook.com/groups/occupybloomington/?id=283295638361176¬if_t=group_activity
not much traffic on this forum: ttp://occupybloomington.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=5
Hell yes and it is not in the paper yet?
Today we were hanging at home and Mrs. says, lets go see the OWS Bloomington site at Peoples Park. When the Mrs. says she is well enough to do something, that makes everyone's day and off we went.
The park is 155 by 125 feet in Bloomington just west of the Sample Gate. It is smack in the middle of the retail district just west of IU and in downtown liberal Bloomington.
20 people were active at the site but I counted 40 tents, some of which had not been touched in days. The group members were preaching to the Chior and they tried to convert Mrs. Longbow. I listened and she was safe. For some reason they didn't talk to me other than ask why I was taking pictures. Guess I look like the problem to them.
They had a kitchen that is a health hazard and numerous fire hazards were seen. They were getting water from the drinking fountain for many uses and it did not look sanitary Not a toilet was around so I guess they are using the local merchant sites. ( lucky them)
This was an image that ticked me off. It was in the main event and membership tent. My wife pointed it out to me just as we where leaving.
These are some general pictures of the people at the site. Several were handing out flyers to the public walking by. I heard at least two people tell them to get a life or invest some time to get a job.
I was told by one of the merchants that yesterday they were burning constitutions to keep warm and smoked up the area. What a nice group they are!
11-12-11 Update
I returned to the site about 11 am this morning.
Two people were sleeping on the ground ( they looked passed out to me) with people walking by or stepping over them. I asked if they were alright and the three guys said they were fine. Fewer tents were at the site, and I counted 7 people outside who looked like they were part of the protest. Remember 2 of the 7 were sleeping or passed out. I also spotted two people in a tent moving around.
I asked what happened to the signs outside, and they said many of them are missing. One of the guys told me about the water ballon attacks and honking late at night that makes sleeping difficult. They also said the bars across the street have been very mean to them and the noise the patrons make is rude. When the bars close, they are getting yelled at and have almost reached the breaking point. (not sure how to take that from the peaceful group)
He also admitted several of the tents have been empty for a few days. A few had collapsed and not been set back up.
I detected a strong smell of booze on several of the protesters and the smell of stale urine in the alley behind the movement was powerful. The recessed doors in back must look like urinals to them.
OP update:
Previous week
ne dead already today!
Don Swank passed away in People's Park early this morning. From what we understand, the cause was most likely alcohol related. Don was good man, and many are mourning his passing. I have posted a statement below, and I would like feedback on it, as this tragic incident will probably draw attention.
from: https://www.facebook.com/groups/occupybloomington/?id=283295638361176¬if_t=group_activity
not much traffic on this forum: ttp://occupybloomington.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=5
Hell yes and it is not in the paper yet?
Today we were hanging at home and Mrs. says, lets go see the OWS Bloomington site at Peoples Park. When the Mrs. says she is well enough to do something, that makes everyone's day and off we went.
The park is 155 by 125 feet in Bloomington just west of the Sample Gate. It is smack in the middle of the retail district just west of IU and in downtown liberal Bloomington.
20 people were active at the site but I counted 40 tents, some of which had not been touched in days. The group members were preaching to the Chior and they tried to convert Mrs. Longbow. I listened and she was safe. For some reason they didn't talk to me other than ask why I was taking pictures. Guess I look like the problem to them.
They had a kitchen that is a health hazard and numerous fire hazards were seen. They were getting water from the drinking fountain for many uses and it did not look sanitary Not a toilet was around so I guess they are using the local merchant sites. ( lucky them)
This was an image that ticked me off. It was in the main event and membership tent. My wife pointed it out to me just as we where leaving.
These are some general pictures of the people at the site. Several were handing out flyers to the public walking by. I heard at least two people tell them to get a life or invest some time to get a job.
I was told by one of the merchants that yesterday they were burning constitutions to keep warm and smoked up the area. What a nice group they are!
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