Tent pitched in SF BofA on 50 California
A group of college students took over a Bank of America office in San Francisco tonight, highlighting the fact that a member of the board of Regents of the University of California is also a member of the board of B of A, the Goldman Sachs of the West coast.
Then one of them did something totally unexpected: they pitched a tent in the middle of the lobby. This simple act was no more defiant than the takeover itself, yet it brilliantly encapsulated in a single image the direction that our movement must go.
The two flagship cities of the movement–New York and Oakland–have lost their camps temporarily. Whether and when those camps will return is unclear, but what is clear is that there are an unlimited number of spaces ripe for being occupied, from bank lobbies to foreclosed buildings. By occupying public spaces we have insisted that we will no longer be ignored, but occupying private property potentially poses an even more radical challenge to the priorities of capitalism itself.
This may be an historical turning point for our movement, which was quickly realized by the B of A occupiers themselves who put the tent up on eBay with the following Craigslist-style description:
DON’T MISS THIS LIMITED OPPORTUNITY — AS SEEN ON TV!Deluxe single-family dwelling located in the heart of San Francisco’s prestigious financial district. Open air bungalow style residence is flexible and portable — the perfect first home for these uncertain financial times.
• Ideal location for an aspiring small-business owner — Bank from the comfort of your own home!
• Bay windows with 360-degree views for plenty of sunlight.
• Extremely secure location!!! Armed private security force on duty at all times.
• Recently remodeled. Heavily insulated from government regulation.
To arrange a viewing of this property, contact Bank of America, or visit 50 California Street, San Francisco, CA. (While there, consider closing your account, and moving your funds to a local credit union.) Please do not disturb, harass, or arrest current residents.
This dwelling has been previously occupied by brave members of the 99%. All proceeds from this auction will be donated to support the Occupy Movement.
NOTE: This item is being offered “as-is”, as its condition is dependent on the respect and institutional ethics of the San Francisco Police Department. Caveat fscking emptor.
Camping is not a movement, just a way to draw attention. Mission accomplished, congratulations, now its time to evolve into something with influence and make a real difference. Or else sink into irrelevance.
This is so relevant it surpasses any other direction the movement could take. Not just squatting, or taking possession in whatever way makes sense, of abandoned, foreclosed properties–but using them as centers to clarify and continue what Occupiers can accomplish. Tents are symbolic–they’re fun when camping but not when that’s the only home you have. Homes should keep people safe from the elements, from danger–and people should have homes. Proper shelter is one of the few non-negotiable requirements for personal actualization, like food and health. Think about what can be accomplished with an established address, by dealing with mortgage holders about what they’ve done and how to fix it. By being challenged by the 1% and winning!!