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Statement on NYPD Violence at Occupy Wall Street and DSA Activist Cecily McMillan
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) condemns the unjustified and excessive violence that the New York City police used against peaceful protestors in Zuccotti Park the weekend of March 17th and 18th.
We are deeply concerned about the well-being of all those who suffered injuries and particularly that of our valued member Cecily McMillan. We reaffirm the right of all people to engage in non-violent civil disobedience and peaceful assembly, and this has been a guiding principle of Cecily’s organizing and that of our youth section the Young Democratic Socialists. Cecily has contributed selflessly for the past few years to organizing for non-violent social change to create a more just and humane society. Yet too often at past Occupy protests, and again in this instance, the NYPD has failed to exercise appropriate restraint and, at times, has engaged in both provocative acts towards protestors and the excessive use of force. Protestors who are being detained, under no circumstances should be subject to excessive and unjustified force and, if injured, they must receive immediate and appropriate medical attention. DSA is particularly concerned that the medical attention (and eventual hospitalization) that Cecily needed may have been delayed.
Although DSA was not involved in the preparations for this protest, we have been deeply involved in Occupy and reaffirm its spirit of non-violent protest against unbridled corporate power and rampant inequality. DSA is a socialist organization that works for social change through education, movement organizing, electoral activity and nonviolent social protest.
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Join DSA Honorary Chair Cornel West and the Young Democratic Socialists in taking action against student debt!
News directly from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) national office…
February 27 – March 2
National Student Debt Week of Action
Student debt exceeded $1 trillion in 2011 – for the first time, more than credit card debt. For too many students, access to college involves taking on unbearable debt. From 1981 to 2010 college tuition increased 7% every year, more than double the overall inflation rate of 3%. College tuition and fees have quadrupled in real terms from 1982 to 2007. Many young people give up on higher education entirely, and graduates who struggled through school often remain jobless in an economy creating only one job for every four job seekers. On top of being jobless, they then become stuck in accelerating debt slavery as their interest rates compound. Deregulation of the finance industry, particularly student loans, budget cuts to higher education, threats to privatize public colleges and universities, and the recession and jobs crisis have created a perfect storm for young people today.
It’s time to demand a solution! Draw attention to this issue with the National Student Debt Week of Action. The Occupy movement has been instrumental in shifting the conversation away from austerity and budget cuts, and towards fixing income inequality. This week of action can force decision makers to pay attention to the student debt crisis.
Join the National Student Debt Week of Action now – click on this link to get the materials you need to fight back!
Students across the country are leading the fight back against snowballing student debt, predatory lending and rising tuition. Join in!
Monday, February 27: Table and Leaflet on campus
Tuesday, February 28: Fax-Blast Action Day
Wednesday, February 29: Screen Default: the Student Debt Movie
Thursday, March 1: Escalate!
Let us know, and the Young Democratic Socialists will send you what you need to get ready for action!
In solidarity,
Maria Svart
National Director
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Not only did our chapters fight the austerity agenda, whether during the debt ceiling debate or the Super Committee process, but we jumped right into Occupy organizing, transitioned to a new national director, held two intergenerational regional activist trainings, and gained increased media attention with appearances on Thom Hartmann’s radio and TV shows and a piece in In These Times magazine and other publications. We also joined the Ohio fight against anti-union Senate Bill 5, with our central Ohio DSA chapter and four Ohio YDS chapters participating.
– What the Democratic Socialists of America and Young Democratic Socialists didthis year?
