Boston City Council Resolution

RESOLUTION supporting the peaceful exercise of the First Amendment carried out by “Occupy Boston.”

WHEREAS, Boston residents like people across the United States, are alternately angered and frustrated by the continuing economic and political crisis that threatens individuals’ and our city’s fiscal stability and our community’s quality of life; and

WHEREAS, “Occupy Boston” is a peaceful protest and rally fueled by Boston residents and people from throughout the region from all walks of life who have come together to support the national movement started by the “Occupy Wall Street” protests; and

WHEREAS, additional “Occupy” protests have taken root across the country, and across the globe and are a growing movement with the shared goal of urging residents to peaceably assemble in public spaces in order to create a shared dialogue to address the problems and generate solutions for economically distressed people; and

WHEREAS, the roots of the Occupy Wall Street protests are various, including unemployment, growing income disparity, banking system failures, police brutality, environmental justice, discriminations based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, immigration status, disabilities, and/or homelessness; ongoing health and wealth disparities, and lack of corporate and political accountability; and

WHEREAS the causes and consequences of the current economic and political crisis erode confidence in the social contract upon which the Constitution of the United States of America is based; namely, the ability of We the People to come together and form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare; and

WHEREAS, one of the largest problems dragging down Boston’s economy is the foreclosure crisis, with many homeowners struggling to obtain loan adjustments and too many banks with flawed review procedures; while other homeless families are directed by governmental agencies to hotels and motels; and

WHEREAS, human beings from all walks of life, whether economically comfortable or destitute, recognize the destructive effects of our governing bodies and the political gridlock that protects corporations and their lobbying interests allowing corporations to control the welfare of the people and of the Earth’s environment.

WHEREAS, the Seattle and Los Angeles city councils have recently passed similar resolutions in support of Occupy protestors’ right to peaceably assemble; and

WHEREAS, a recent Boston Superior Court ruling has granted the temporary restraining order to prevent the City of Boston from removing the Occupy Boston protesters; and

WHEREAS, Boston residents can and must resolve the divisive economic and social realities facing the City of Boston in a peaceful way that honors our commitment to truth, equality and justice, and;

NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOSTON CONCURRING:

Section 1. By the adoption of this Resolution, the City of Boston recognizes and supports the peaceful exercise of First Amendment Rights by “Occupy Boston.”

Adopted by the Boston City Council the _____ day of _____________, 2011, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this _____ day of ________________, 2011.

President __________ of the City Council

Filed by me this ______ day of _________________, 2011.