OntheWilderSide

As the NYPD violates a judge’s restraining order allowing Occupiers back into Zuccotti Park with their tents and equipment, one thing remains clear: despite Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s persistent reputation as an “independent” mayor, his actions today have irrevocably demonstrated his collusion with the 1% and corporations that have wrecked the economy and threaten the world with climate catastrophe.

“‘Mayor One Percent’ can personally install bike lanes from now until the end of his ill-gotten 3rd term, and he will still never live this down,” said Michael O’Neil, member of the Green Party NYC Committee. “He is the NYC mayor who attempted to thwart the most dynamic, spirited movement for economic justice of our time. The 99% will not forget.”

Peter LaVenia, Co-Chair of the Green Party New York State, sees the eviction as highlighting the need to break from corporate politics. “The actions of Bloomberg and other mayors around the country to protect the criminal enterprises of Wall Street illustrate that, whether Democrat, Republican, or independent, the 99% cannot afford politicians bound to corporate money. That is why Greens have always refused corporate donations and call for an electoral system where you don’t have to be a billionaire, or in the pocket of one, to compete for office.”

Greens have supported the Occupation movement in New York City and across the country with their resources and time, coordinating donations and assisting services such as laundry for the Zuccotti encampment. A Fordham University poll reported that more than one in ten Occupiers at Zuccotti Park identified as registered Greens.

“This is just getting started,” said O’Neil, who marched in the Green Party contingent with Occupy Brooklyn this past Saturday, “we look forward to the Wall Street actions on the 17th and the strengthening of this movement everywhere.”