I'm not a fan of violent actions. That's not to say I'm never violent, but I try to teach myself and others of the long-term futility of violence. Many LVIMC readers feel differently and we're each entitled to our own beliefs, that's great. But when I ask the question about the Paris uprising happening in Las Vegas, I don't ask that question as if I'd like people to burn cars and violently fight back against the police in Las Vegas, rather I ask the question because I think popular actions are important for those of us living in Las Vegas to think about. Do we need to force current leaders out of leadership positions? Yes. Do we need to use violence to do that? My answer is ... no.

But, this article is not about violence or nonviolence or anything inbetween. It's about what happened at Circle Park yesterday, November 6, 2005. Unfortunately, I wasn't present the entire time and cannot give a complete account of what happened. However, I can let everyone know about what I *did* see.

Driving south of Charleston on Maryland Parkway, coming up on the park, the first thing I thought to myself was, "Wow, there are lots of people here." I guess I was only expecting a handful of people, but there were easily over 50 people just hanging out, eating, talking, and courageously confronting the police. It reminded me of gatherings in San Fransisco and Washington D.C. The story is that a woman living nearby began lecturing folks on using profanity in front of children and that started some verbal altercations. Soon, the police were called. At least, that's what I was able to pick up about the situation.

When we parked the car, one police car was blocking the exit. From the car, I could see some familiar faces engaging the police in discussion. I only saw two police officers the whole time. Many people continued to eat and socialize around the two police officers, who were obviously uncomfortable. I got out of the car and started talking to some of the people I knew, familiar faces were linking people who *needed things* with people who *have things* together, and overall spirits were high with love.

So, what could this possibly have to do with the uprising in Paris? In Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas combined in 1999, there were between 17 and 22 full-time police officers for every 10000 people. That's about 2 officers per 1000 people (click here for stats). And that was in 1999. However, assuming that it's about the same or even higher, let's say double ... 4 police officers per 1000 people in 2005, we can see that the only people stopping an uprising in Las Vegas are the people of Las Vegas themselves.

Reports from Paris suggest that the police cannot regain control and they'll have to use other means, such as negotiation and discussion, in order to help facilitate peace. In Las Vegas, yesterday, those fifty or so people decided they didn't have to listen to the police, didn't have to acknowledge the police presence, didn't have to live their lives in fear of these police officers and instead went about their business as if the police weren't even there. At least, that's what I saw. In both cities, Las Vegas and Paris, it's clear that uprisings were taking place yesterday and continue to take place today.

In Las Vegas, the uprising is still in its infant stages. In Paris, the uprising is in its teens. And if we look at popular uprisings in the past, those uprisings that dramatically and suddenly changed the political landscape of the world, we see that the momentum for all of them started from small gatherings in parks and on streets. What happened in Circle Park yesterday is a sign of Las Vegas growing up and learning to fight back. But, it's not the first sign. In Las Vegas and Paris, people are fighting back against oppression, exploitation, and domination on a daily basis. This fight is taking place right now as I write and right now as you read. Sudden, unplanned popular uprisings are possible and take place more often than most of us are aware. Yesterday, at Circle Park, that was one of them. The uprising in Paris, France, that's another one. We are active participants in these uprisings and can choose how we want to participate, whether that's burning cars or serving food.

All talk and writing aside, what's really important to think about regarding Las Vegas and Paris is this: What are you doing to end oppression, exploitation, and domination? Volunteer with Food Not Bombs every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Circle Park just south of Charleston on Maryland Parkway. And don't just show up empty handed, bring something to share.

Thanks for sharing some of what you witnessed at the FOOD NOT BOMBS gathering on Sunday. I was present for the entire situation.

The marshalls indeed were attempting to be intimidating to the people of Circle Park. Racism was a clear motivation also. And, you are absolutely correct- the people at the park stood up for themselves as a collective! It was amazing, really.

But, for now I need to get my thoughts together and I will write a full account of what happened.

FOOD NOT BOMBS DESPERATELY NEEDS MORE PEOPLE TO HELP US OUT. ONE OR TWO PEOPLE CANNOT CONTINUE TO KEEP THE FNB TRADITION HERE IN LAS VEGAS. SO, PLEASE COME TO THE PARK- ANY DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK @ 2PM!!!!!

Thanks again for your posting...

JOE

@kieib@h, thanks so much for writing your observation. I was so "proud" of everyone. At first, I had no idea what was going on. Each day while sharing, I'm constantly looking for certain people who have greater needs than others, ie. medical. So my mind is usually pretty occupied. But then I asked a friend and fellow volunteer, "Where did Saab go?"
Saab had been helping out a lot and I was concerned when I didn't see him. My friend kiddingly said to me, "He's over there talking with your friends." When I saw the marshals, I immediately went over to see what was going on. I'll save some of my comments for another post.

But I do want to say that the fellow activists who immediately came down when they heard about the confrontation, and the homeless and the almost homeless, and the fellow fnb volunteers and homeless activists were incredible!!

They all stepped up to the plate and spoke their piece. They were not intimidated by the authority. And did not back down. (This is OUR city and home and public park, not just Goodman's and the business owners here!) Some of them even layed down to take their "nap" while the marshals were still there. This is forbidden by the authorities! <grin> If you are homeless, you cannot rest in a public park.

You ask: Do we need to force current leaders out of leadership positions?

Absolutely! Normally I do not talk politics with the folks at the park. Sure, we talk about local issues but usually we don't talk about voting. I have been very discouraged with the voting process and outcome and had come to the conclusion that it is a waste of time to vote.

HOWEVER, I have now changed my stance on this. I think that voting locally may make a difference. Local politicians cater to registered voters. If we campaign and get the homeless "legal" and get them registered to vote, there is a possibility that the future local candidates' issues and concerns will change.

And (for now) I don't really care what they register as. I just want them registered so they can have the voice they deserve.

The homeless issue is a very complex issue. There are a ton of injustices that keep these people down. It is incredible that their "overall spirits" are as high as they are.

One thing we have to do is stop the cycle of arresting the homeless for "crimes" that should not be crimes; stealing or losing their identification while in lockup; and then re-arresting them when they don't have identification!

I do not believe that "they" really want the homeless to leave town. I believe they like the idea of the revolving door just fine. Lots of money to be made off the homeless here.

There are many issues that need to be addressed. We need more people to address these issues. And as Joe pointed out, one or two people cannot continue to do this alone. If it is our goal to get the homeless off the streets (the ones who want to) we first need to address their daily basic needs: food, water, clothing, shelter, and self-esteem.

If we want to "end oppression, exploitation, and domination" this large group of people cannot be ignored or overlooked. They have a right to a better way of life that they want.

Thanks to the Marshals for doing their jobs. Why don't you guys TRULY help the homeless. I'll bet if the word gets out that you'll be at Circle park with computers, help putting resumes together, and clothing for the homeless to go to job interviews....that the park would be nearly bum free. As you keep feeding these people you are doing nothing but screwing up a nice park, enabling them to continue this homeless lifestyle, and destroying a neighborhood that has seen soooo many good changes over the past several years. Food not bombs....DUDE NOT BUMS.

lack of jobs
by social justice crusader Sunday January 15, 2006 at 03:58 AM

Many of the people whom enjoy the park are skilled laborers and craftsmen. They are underemployed or unemployed carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drywallers, iron workers, etc.

Many of the homeless are under-priviledged in many ways. They often have no family or friends that are able to assist them long enough to get off the streets.

There are also many disabled people- physically (often from on-the-job injuries that were never properly covered) or mentally (from various types of trauma. In addition, 1/3 of all the homeless in the US are veterens of foreign wars.

Government beaucracy, corrupt politicians, and social service employees whom lack social skills are conditions that make it difficult for the needy to get the services they deserve.

So, the suggestion to help the homeless get jobs is not so simple. It takes quite a bit of resources to simply help ONE person get off the streets. This is a complex issue.

I am very interested in engaging in further discussion on this issue. Any takers?

-social justice crusader