Opinionator 2
Occupy Oakland Fallout May Echo Beyond Downtown
It always seems that with protesting, whether the cause is justifiable or not, there are always consequences for its actions. In this particular issue the problem arises for the businesses that are in downtown Oakland that claim to be suffering from the protests that are taking place. This issue walks a very fine line between what could be deemed as right or wrong. I believe the cause that the protesters are fighting for is definitely a just one but at the same time I do not believe it is fair for businesses to be paying for something that they have no part in. Three events planned for Oakland’s Historic Rotunda Hall had to be cancelled for the month of November. Coffee shops around the area have claimed that customers have been reluctant to come to their shops. Merchants in downtown Oakland including Oaksterdam’s Marijuana Empire has been claiming that business has been down.
As Occupy Oakland enters its fifth week the main concern that the city faces is Oakland’s image as a place to shop, eat or run a business. Some business owners are claiming the decline of business to the sights and smells of the 180 tent encampment. Protesters have said that it is the overblown media coverage and the fear of police brutality that have been hurting businesses. In my personal opinion and taking a neutral standpoint I completely see both sides prospective in the matter. I don’t believe it is fair that the businesses suffer for the protesters actions yet on the other hand true justice comes at a price. Maybe if all parties work together they could find a reasonable solution and work together for a future that will work for everybody.
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