ManicDDaily

I find it very hard to assess my feelings about police clearing out Zuccotti Park, a place I walk by twice a day.

I have to say that the movement seemed to have changed lately.  Yes, there were some very serious people–the union guy with the hard hat–and the knitters–but it also seemed to have gotten seedier, with lots and lots of flat-out panhandlers.  One guy in particular was a bit creepy–he used a kitten as a prop in collecting “donations.”   (The way he clutched it, one hand out, honestly made me feel a little sick.)   (Although not nearly as sick as another guy this weekend hustling tourists a few blocks away at Ground Zero–he was dressed like a bronzed statue of a 9/11 fire fighter.)

The raggedness of the park was oddly much exacerbated by the change from daylight savings time.  Very early in the evening, the area, though incredibly crowded, became also incredibly dark, a kind of crowded darkness you rarely come by in the City.

That said, I was never afraid walking through it or around it (though I was annoyed by the drumming.)  But hey, I’m a New Yorker.  This means I rarely feel truly threatened by people.   (It’s bombs and airplanes I’m worried about.)

So, did Kelly and Bloomberg do the right thing?  I just don’t know.  On the one hand, it seems harsh.  On the other, well, I know a lot of residents who were totally fed up, especially people with children.

Were there fire and safety concerns?  Undoubtedly.

Were their concerns about serious crime?  Well, sure, but the place was surrounded by police.  (That said, all those fortified tents in the dark are surely things that make policemen nervous, regardless of first amendment rights.)

Was it a cost for the City?  Well, sure–see paragraph above.

Bloomberg says protests can go on, but without tents.  It will be interesting to see.