Occupy Oakland's 'ugly' strike: What did it accomplish?

A high-profile protest erupts into chaos — and organizers declare it a success

Anarchists smash the windows of a bank during an Occupy-related demonstration in Oakland
(Image credit: Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

A day-long, Occupy-inspired "general strike" in Oakland, Calif., turned violent late Wednesday, with police in riot gear arresting dozens of protesters after crowds took over a vacant building, shattered windows, sprayed graffiti, and set fires downtown. Occupy Oakland organizers declared the demonstrations a success after protesters blocked the entrance to the Port of Oakland, shutting down one of the nation's busiest shipping hubs for several hours. What did Occupy Oakland really accomplish?

All these thugs did was discredit themselves: So much for the left-wing nonsense that the Occupy movement is a liberal version of the Tea Party, says Michelle Malkin at her blog. The Occupy Oakland anarchists spelled out exactly what they stand for — in graffiti. They "hate capitalism," and they "heart communism." Oh, and they believe in using "ugly" tactics that would get them kicked out of a peaceful Tea Party protest.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us