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But I still think that if an OWS group wants to get a permit, that's ok. Some groups won't want to do it, and that's fine too - it especially makes sense in cities where the requirements for permits would be so burdensome or restrictive that it would effectively end the protest. But if we can do things that don't hinder our ability to protest and still make life easier for ourselves and everyone else, why not do so, as long as the group members agree to it?
Our OWS group has not secured any permits because we don't have to, but we are working with the city and the police to keep our camp in line with local ordinances. We're doing this because forcing a confrontation with the police would cause us to lose community support. Also, while many of us are prepared to be arrested if necessary - say, if they came to completely evict us - we would rather stay put and share our message with the community than sit in jail or spend time relocating.
It should be a decision for each local OWS group to make, and I don't think groups should be criticized for doing what they think is best to keep the movement going at a local level.
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