Occupy Atlanta

 I believe that the Occupy Atlanta Protesters have a right to protest whenever they choose and for however long. I do not believe, however, that protesters have the right to squat on government-owned property for extended periods of time. In the past, protesters have marched to get their point across, not camped out in a public park. Although I do believe that park of Major Kasim Reed's reasoning for forcibly removing the Occupy Atlanta Protesters from the park is a political means to an end, I also believe that the protesters should not be allowed to squat in the city any more than homeless people have the right to live in the park. I agree with the protesters that the financial institutions and the bankers are in charge of Atlanta and not Mayor Reed. I also agree that the wealth disparity in our country is growing and is an issue worthy of attention and even protest. However, I believe the protesters are angry, provoking the police and the mayor, and do not have the right to squat in the park. Honestly, I am surprised that Mayor Kasim Reed has allowed the protesters to spend as much time in the park as they already have. In addition to squatting in the park being illegal, it is also unsanitary and already there have been reports of diseases spreading throughout the camps. This poses a public safety concern and should be addressed immediately by the City of Atlanta (which it already has).