Dear Editor,
Let me just start off by saying that freedom of speech, in my opinion, is the most important fundamental right we have as Americans. Personally, I disagree with the reasons that the Occupy movement has taken hold of City Hall. This gathering is no longer a peaceful demonstration but now a costly, temporary home for the city of Philadelphia. Mayor Michael Nutter should begin the process of removing this growing eyesore.
As time goes on, we are seeing all across the country an increase in crime and arrests within these groups. In Oakland, we have seen more than 100 protesters arrested during several days of confrontations with police. Just last Thursday, 78 people were arrested in New York at the Occupy Wall Street movement. Right here in the “City of Brotherly Love,” 10 people have been arrested during at sit-in at the Comcast Center. Now, there are reports of sexual assaults in Occupy camps across the country, including three reported attacks in New York City.
Fortunately, there have been no reported attacks in Philadelphia. That does not mean that it is not going to happen. With the increasing number of people calling City Hall their home, there is increased cause for concern. The Occupy Philly movement is already costing the city more than $32,000 per day, and that will only increase as winter approaches. No one is benefitting from them being there. We’re only losing money.
Newly re-elected Nutter should begin to take serious steps in beginning to remove the eyesore that is the Occupy Philly movement. This is now a matter of public safety, not freedom of speech. Nutter must act now before this evolves into something much worse than an aimless protest.
Sincerely,
Tony Perry
Executive Director
Temple University College Republicans
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