Day Blogger

My uncle, Christopher Saunders (right), one of my icons growing up, during the Occupy 

Oakland protest Oct. 25 2011. 

Proud to serve the city of Oakland. That would be my uncle, Christopher Saunders, with the wide grin as he raises he fire arm during an Occupy Oakland protest. Christopher has been like a father figure to me. Someone I can look up to, aspire to be like, and be so very proud of. He has a beautiful family, is talented in pretty much anything he tries, and I feel better about myself knowing that I am related to such an awesome person. 

I find myself in a predicament after learning about the events that have transpired today. I have gone on record stating that I support the Wall Street protests happening around the nation - corporate greed needs to be reigned in. However after learning what has happened in Oakland California, a city in which I lived literally minutes away from, has me thinking. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, protesters were evicted from an encampment outside Oakland City hall that they had inhabited for 15 days. Protesters tried to retake the encampment, and about 400 people marched towards city hall and were met by anti-riot police. The protest was mostly peaceful outside city hall, but further out the situation became much more violent. Objects were thrown at police officers, and the police responded by firing tear gas into the crowds. 

Although I support the movement, I am displeased by the violence. Unfortunately I can understand where some of the pent up frustration is stemming from. Oakland has especially been hit hard by the recent recessions. Some parts of Oakland look like a post-apocalyptic ghosts towns. Poverty is growing. And then their is Oscar Grant, which has caused more tension in the community. But Oakland, resorting to violence will

not solve any problems, especially against your neighbors.

So I would like to thank my Uncle for keeping the peace and keeping the city of Oakland safe from those who want to cause harm. It seems bleak, but heroes like my uncle make it all seem worth fighting for.