Occupy Seattle has taken a few blows during their demonstrations for May Day.

From this:

http://ladyliberty1885.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/occupy-seattle-facebook-sees-blowback/

to this:

http://weaselzippers.us/2012/05/02/seattle-mayors-home-attacked-by-occupiers-windows-smashed-with-rocks/

and then as a result of the day long attacks of anarchists, this happened:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=87h7-u8HjSI#at=24

Unfortunately in this instance, we face a general media blackout of everything except the violence.  What is almost impossible to find are the reports of thousands of peaceful demonstrators that were actually Occupy Seattle.

We have to be aware of and acknowledge the very real aspect of various groups and their ability of co-opting a name.  General media understood that the days events that were going to be the most news worthy were that of Occupy Seattle. Turns out the most news worthy event was not thousands of peaceful protesters but rather the onslaught of property destruction.

The obvious connection to be made without any investigation is clearly, Occupy Seattle damages property.  It is important to remain vigilant to show proof that there were other elements at play in Seattle on May Day.  Citizen journalism in this case is your best friend.

The overlap of Occupy and Anonymous lies in that anyone can use the name Anonymous and/or Occupy.  The 99% is a very diverse crowd and yes, some of the 99% are going to want to destroy property.

The fundamentals of solidarity are important.  It is fundamental.  And it will erode some of the damages caused by general media reports and associations with the damages.

As a show of good faith, it is wise to organize some form of event to assist the people that were victims of black bloc tactics.  People were affected by having their cars damaged, these people are going to be understandably upset with Occupy Seattle since the association of the violence with Occupy Seattle has already been wrongfully made.  Besides, since we are all in this together, we should be helping out the rest of 99% when we can.

Occupy Cleveland was hit hard by a bomb plot which forced the cancellation of May Day events.

Here is the link to the official statement from Occupy Cleveland

http://www.scribd.com/doc/92046030/May-Day

It is worth noting that while most general media organizations have chosen to run with stories similar to this:

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland-fbi-makes-national-security-arrests

The details of this event are not quite what are reported.

Per this information:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/fbi/fbi-informant-infiltrated-occupy-movement-758348

It is known that most stories given to the public are not telling the entire truth.  Yes, FBI was involved in orchestrating said events.  Yes, FBI encouraged the 5 arrested to follow through with this plan.  Yes, the 5 arrested were wrong for deciding that actual terrorism is a worthy plan.

Those are all truths.  What is also the truth and what is not being reported is that these 5 were coerced, encouraged, and their attitudes amplified by a department designed to protect the United States.

Occupy Cleveland has remained a peaceful non violent movement of and for the 99%.  They will continue to be just that.

It is unfortunate that the acts of a few mar the image of the many but that is in fact the case.  In this instance it is important to remember that we are all as individuals responsible for our actions.  

Blame is being unduly directed at Occupy Cleveland rather than where is justly deserved: the 5 arrested, and the FBI.