Should City Taxpayers Foot Bill for Occupy LA Damage?

The estimates are still coming in, but at this time the amount to repair the damage to city property and pay the overtime for staff to supervise and oversee the Occupy LA camps may top two million dollars.

SEE:http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...t-23-million/2011/12/23/gIQAo68SEP_story.html

Should the city and its taxpayers be responsible for this huge bill, or should the city "sue" those who were arrested and their organization?

SEE:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/occupy-la-lawsuit-financial-damages.html

 

Additional Info on OWS Organizational Involvements?

I was thinking along the lines of the Accorn Group since they were rumored to be part of the movement. It seems to me, that while any organizational ties are somewhat loose and vague, there are subtle ties to consider in law suits.

Accorn:http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/26/exclusive-acorn-playing-behind-scenes-role-in-occupy-movement/

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/0...orkers-and-shredding-documents-after-exposed/

Occupy Organization - "The New York City General Assembly (NYCGA), held every evening at seven, is the main OWS decision-making body and provides much of the leadership and executive function for the protesters. At its meetings the various OWS committees discuss their thoughts and needs, and the meetings are open to the public for both attendance and speaking. The meetings are without formal leadership, although certain members routinely act as moderators. Meeting participants comment upon committee proposals using a process called a "stack", which is a queue of speakers that anyone can join." From:Wikipedia (Organization and group process) and (Funding) "A few weeks ago, the Alliance for Global Justice, a Washington-based nonprofit, agreed to sponsor Occupy Wall Street and lend it its tax-exempt status, so donors could write off contributions. That means the Alliance for Global Justice's board has final say on spending, though it says it's not involved in decisions and will only step in if the protesters want to spend money on something that might violate their tax-exempt status." SEE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Wall_Street

 

You Always Have a Good Point...

However, here is another members point of view on this subject. "If any U.S. city had any real guts they would file charges against the occupests as a criminal enterprise, due to the refusal to pay for permits, refusal to secure sanitation, conspiracy to block criminal investigations, intimidating businesses, vanalism and arson to public and private property, assaults on public workers, etc...take them to court, fine them, or put them in jail." BroCurtis

The city of LA brought up the idea of filing a law suit, NOT ME. I only brought up the questions! However, if individuals and their supporting organizations were made financially responsible (sued, if need be) for the millions of dollars of damage across the nation; they'd be more civil the next time they protest.

I have never heard of an anti-abortion group defecating on, and destroying public property. Sure there have been some radicals who have blown up buildings and even killed abortion doctors, etc., but for the most part, I have not heard of anti-abortion groups camping out on public property and doing the vile, immoral things these OWS people did. IMHO, The OWS people acted more like criminals and animals than peaceful protestors.

Of course, the above is my opinions, but I do not believe I stand alone on this, just as you do not stand alone in opposition to frivolous law suits.

Try not to get yourself worked up with my views. They are simply that: Views. And I think I can still share my views without the fear of being subjected to judgment or reprisal by others. So, again, thanks for playing "devil's advocate." I think you have a good point! Maybe someone in the city offices will see your concerns and drop their pursuit of suing for damages. :thumbs:

 

I'd rather sit this one out (the dance)

Huh (back at ya!) Sometimes, your questions are laughable C4K. :BangHead: You're defintiely trying to read between the lines, AGAIN! You want to draw me into another debate, and I will simply take this time to wish you and your family a Happy New Year (in other words, there will be no more responses coming from the dude on this). You'll have to either go on with unanswered questions, or be rejected, because I am sitting out this dance! :wavey:

 

Go to Google Bill...and find what I found!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/0...-violent-crime-breaks-out-at-occupy-protests/

http://communities.washingtontimes....1/nov/6/seven-deadly-sins-occupy-wall-street/

http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/2011/11/occupy-wall-street-has-vindicated-tea-party

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2812763/posts

Hardly a glowing endorsement of the OWS movement. How do you like your "crow" fixed, rare, or medium well??? :smilewinkgrin: