COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

Occupy Oakland: Dan Siegel on why he resigned from his post as advisor to Oakland Mayor Jean Quan
November 14, 2011

Keith and Dan Siegel, former legal advisor to Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, discuss his decision to resign early Monday morning after Occupy Oakland’s camp at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza was closed and dismantled, its tents torn down by police in riot gear. Siegel believes that Mayor Quan, facing public pressure from city officials, allowed herself to be “pushed to do something that is really contrary to her own values and political instincts.” Siegel announced on Twitter this morning: “No longer Mayor Quan’s legal advisor. Resigned at 2 a.m. Support Occupy Oakland, not the 1 percent and its government facilitators.”

Occupy Wall Street: Jose Vasquez on the legacy of activism among veterans
November 11, 2011

Army veteran Jose Vasquez, executive director of Iraq Veterans Against the War, discusses how the Occupy movement provides veterans with a supportive venue to voice key concerns, such as homelessness and unemployment. He also reflects on the tradition of veterans speaking up after they have returned from war, saying, “Veterans getting involved in the Occupy movement is just a tradition of veterans being involved, standing up for the people. And, you know, I think it’s a way for us to bridge the gap to other folks that might look at Occupy movements and not see their issues there. Getting veterans involved really adds a level of credibility, and it’s a powerful voice.”