The QueQue: Occupied

With nearly a week under its belt, the future of the movement here is still hazy. Organizers think they’ve got at least a month in the City’s good graces. Numbers hover around 20, with a headquarters of sorts set up at the gazebo near HemisFair’s entrance. And, through the dirty, drawn out process of direct democracy, general-assembly voting, they’re now identifying local issues, events, and marches they feel warrant their attention. Tuesday, a small group marched to the Grand Hyatt, protesting a conference stacked with natural gas big-wigs, Texas Railroad Commissioner (and Senate candidate) Elizabeth Ames Jones, and even former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. For some, it was a rally decrying destructive energy policies. For others, it was a protest against Gates and the military industrial complex he represents. What they tackle next, and how relevant locals feel the actions are, may determine if Occupy sticks around or folds. In the meantime, QueQue wouldn’t mind seeing Occupiers convert HemisFair into a homeless camp. You know, liberate Haven for Hope for a few weeks. Just an idea. •