Evidently, the Portland Department has never heard of the First Amendment — they routinely violate the Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly when they insist protesters get “permission” to protest. Asking those you’re protesting for permission to protest them is beyond ludicrous and insulting, and it is a testament to the courage of Occupy that they don’t submit to such arbitrary, capricious and unconstitutional demands. Of course, this doesn’t make the 1% (or the cops who serve them) very happy.
The march started around 1 p.m. at Holladay Park in Portland’s Lloyd District as a protest against excessive debt, and cuts to education, healthcare and social services.
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Protesters told KGW that police sprayed a group of about 24 people during a march in Northeast Portland. The handful of people hit stopped to wash the pepper spray off while around 200 other marchers continued down Northeast Halsey Street. Police confirmed they used pepper spray after they said demonstrators used wooden shields to directly confront them. They have made one arrest.
Occupy Portland continues to be active and promote events like the Anti-austerity Day of Action aimed at combating cuts to crucial social services and education. To raise awareness of the continuing Occupy movement, Occupy Portland is soliciting donations to create an advertising campaign on Portland city buses. Here are some of the poster designs submitted; you can vote for the ones you like best on the comments page.
