Hi, Sometime in May of this year, about 30 homeless people who had lost their jobs, saving and homes banded together to start a tent city that was popping up in other states and cities. The local organizer who I met had been an activist for a long time. The people leased some land and keep police at bay by requesting a warrant. With the Republican National Convention (RNC) coming to town, they decided "Romneyville" was a good name to point out what was happening to the poor and homeless.
They sent out the word to other encampments and invited them to Tampa, Fla. An alliance with many of the Occupy Wall Street groups quickly formed. More space was needed and the lot next to the Army Navy Surplus Stores was granted by the owner. The Occupy Wall Street found space a few blocks away.
These are not dirty unwashed stoners or drunks. They sought and solicited funds. Two buses from New York City with 50 people in each were rented and made the 24-hour trip. There were ice machines, a Porta Potty set-up, secured Wi-Fi and food, with many of the local charities providing water. Last night, the Tampa police offered me water several times. They were respected leadership, with the voice of democracy and extreme cooperation in organizing and problem resolution. Bad haircuts, worn clothes and dirty hands gave way to a very impressive motivation of the masses and manipulation of the on-site media as well as the timing of the local news broadcast.
The first march was a signature street action of this generation. Masked with bandanas and sunglasses, they first gathered under the highway bridge. They headed up North Tampa Street, defying traffic; soon, the police lined the streets. Lykes Gaslight Square Park, next to the police station, was the destination, and they peacefully sat down. As the group returned back down North Tampa, a blockage of cops on bicycles stopped them. Police told me that it was because it was a one-way street. Cooler heads prevailed in heat and humidity from hell. After stares were exchanged, they were allowed to pass.
The second demonstration started 15 minutes later, but this was the 1% Flash Mob. Word spread that the plan was to lay down and block conventioneers as they exited. The dance of blocked streets, long stares and sideline negotiations between leaders on both sides resulted in goals being reached. Note: These scruffy kids stayed on streets legally open to the public, didn't provoke violence and got excellent news coverage with arrest.
There was also a demonstration in the gay district, Ybor, by a group of Christian right protesters. A counterprotester told me that, in solidarity with the gays involved in both the Occupy Wall Street and Romneyville, the people had enough of a small group from Tampa's West Hillsborough Baptist Church. A mixed group of 50-100 people of various orientations put on a counterdemonstration at the church. Non-violent and very effective, they just kissed each other. After a while, the police asked them to leave.
A final note: As I sit here, I see a nation with problems too great for any one faction to resolve or even agree what they are. As I drove away last night I saw a very diversified mix of people from all walks of life, including the police whothrough cooperation and negotiationmet their goals without violence.