I'm not sure how many here are aware, but there's important information you need to understand about the situation we're up against. The raid on Occupy Wall Street and the eviction of Occupy Toronto are connected. Recently about 30 mayors of major cities conducted a conference call to plan their course of action, in an act of militant solidarity all their own. Therefore we are not just up against Mayor Rob Ford, but also the group think and collaboration of shutting the GLOBAL movement down. What we need most is for occupiers to gather in strategic planning. There are many of us who've been down this road before and I suggest networking with professional activists and trainers to begin hammering out a framework to move forward.

 

I will be fighting the eviction like any of you, but I can't implore you more that we are forced to grapple with the big picture now. Our own collaboration is the only thing that will stand up to what government has planned for us. Right now we need to protect the sanctity of our movement's existence in the face of this oppression. I was at the G20 and know full well what's coming. We need to be prepared there will be violence used against peaceful people and countless illegitimate arrests. PLEASE do not let this get you down!! We are not finished spreading our messages!!

 

The best advice I can give anyone right now is to write a legal help number on your arms in marker. Here's the digits for Legal Aid and I ask that you mark them down now: 1-800-668-8258 toll free or 416-979-1446 locally. Anything important should be written on your body, as paper and any supplies you have will be removed from your possession.

 

And for those of you who are going to battle with your cameras (to get names on badges and proof of brutality), please be mindful this is not a defensive weapon and authority is NOT afraid of it. They've been trained to take our cameras and smash them so there is no evidence. Therefore whatever action you take must be strategic and keep those cameras out of sight! Snap your pictures when they're not yelling directly in your face.

 

Let us stand together and remember this is just one battle in a very long war. Make sure you keep that perspective. You have to be ready for the days that follow afterward, more than just this night of the other side revealing its hand and how it intends to respond to us. We may or may not be at the park tomorrow, but no matter what it is only a small obstacle in the greater scheme of things. A simple park location cannot stop us from moving forward. It will be a great lesson for many who are new to activism. So anyone who's experienced, please do your best to provide others with comfort and reassurance. In solidarity my brothers and sisters, we stand together through this trial.

 

PS. While I know the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prevents government from treating us this way, citing the document will not be of help while the mayhem is occurring. The mayor is already in the wrong and intends to proceed anyway. The Charter will only come in handy after folks are arrested and it's a court stepping in to correct the matter. Don't waste your time or feel a false sense of security because our rights exist. The eviction notice was a written warning the City of Toronto has no intention of respecting it. So save those arguments for where they'll be successful and concentrate now on a plan of action to educate the group on what to expect and what peaceful tactics you'll employ at midnight. Locking arms and laying down is about the best way to avoid severe beating and weapons. That in itself will make the attackers look worse, when they finally stand before a judge.

 

So please spend your time brainstorming on an adopted behaviour for tonight's challenge - and don't lose sight of the fact this is still just the beginning. Cheers to the 99%!!

 

In solidarity,

Amy MacPherson

Poverty activist

Disability & Childrens rights advocate