Next week, thousands of displaced Occupiers from across the country are expected to converge in DC to “take back the Capitol.”
Meanwhile, the National Park Service reportedly is ready to take back Freedom Plaza and McPherson Square from Occupy DC (there are two separate camps).
The Washington Post reported:
In D.C., Occupy protesters have interpreted a new notice from the National Park Service as proof that their encampment’s days, too, are numbered, but they say they aren’t going anywhere.The memo, released Nov. 23, states that U.S. Park Police officers will be increasing patrol activities at McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza “due to increasing problems of public urination and defecation, illegal drug and alcohol use, and assaults.” The memo also reminds protesters that camping is prohibited in both parks.
Last month, I visited McPherson Square, aka “Camp David.”
It's hard to believe that mess is just two blocks from the the White House. You get a sense of the doom and gloom as soon as you exit the McPherson Square Metro stop, which the homeless have occupied for years.
Truth be told, McPherson Square has long been a gathering place for the homeless. When I lived in DC, I avoided both the Metro stop and the park after dark.
If you're interested, the Park Service memo is available here.
