In a closed press conference - on Black Friday - at the very end of the day (read: serious news dump) - Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa - a mayor who has presided over a May Day Melee, massive foreclosures and the arguably the worst homeless problem in the country declared Occupy LA a success for changing the national dialog.

He said in the press conference, "Occupy LA has brought needed attention to the growing disparities in our country and I look forward to its ongoing efforts to build an economy that works for everyone."

And then proceeded to tell the protesters that it's time for them to leave. More specifically, Monday morning at 12:01 am is time for them to leave. The park will be closed.

Here's the thing: this is civil disobedience. This is occupying a public space - breaking rules that don't hurt anyone. They're doing it to bring to attention things which we would otherwise ignore. It's supposed to make our elected officials uncomfortable. It's not a comforting message: they're in office and things are bad.

But, the hubris of a politician thinking he can placate civil disobedience by saying it has changed the national dialog is stunning. Really Villaraigosa? I hate to say this but at least we know where Michael Bloomberg is coming from. This "I agree with you but you have to go" seems slimier. Especially since Villaraigosa made no offer of policy changes that would show he, in fact, has heard any message from the protest. (They have made a list of grievances and, yes, they are mostly local issues...ya know, the jurisdiction of a mayor.)

Speaking of slime, in the mayor's statement on Facebook he clarifies that a "free speech area" - the west steps of City Hall will remain open. As if free speech is something that can be designated. Not how that works. Besides it's the freedom of peacefully assembly that's being pushed to its limits to make a point, not speech.

Occupy LA's response:

We reject outright the City’s attempts to lure us out of City Hall and into negotiations by offering us nebulous, non-transparent and unconfirmed offers which fail to even begin to address our local grievances. We will continue to occupy this space, in solidarity with our global movement, until the forces of the few are forced to capitulate to the power of the people.

The Occupiers are planning to defend the park. Some are planning to be arrested. I'm told even if they lose the park, they will still be Occupying. Shepard Fairey tweeted this last night:



Full statement from the mayor after the break: