Hosni Bloomberg?

In the early hours of this morning, the New York Police Department raided New York’s Zucotti Park, clearing out the Occupy Wall Street protesters. The city says protesters will be allowed back in the park but without tents or sleeping bags. OWS has vowed to fight the decision in court and the controversy is likely far from over

At this morning’s editorial meeting, we were discussing how the protesters now have something critical that was lacking from their efforts before, and has helped motivate other efforts around the world this year, such as Egypt’s Tahrir Square protests: a compelling villain.

New York’s mild-mannered mayor Michael Bloomberg may seem an unlikely stand-in for Hosni Mubarak, but a case could be made:

He imposed a media blackout as he cracked down on the protests

He has amended the law to allow himself to stay in power.

Like Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, he prefers to remain aloof from the the partisan fray and is no longer a member of any party.

He controls a media empire in addition to his political power.

He’s richer than Mubarak.

He’s secretly preparing the city for a takeover by security forces. (What did you really think those bike lanes were for?)

Bring on the crippling sanctions! As a relocated New Yorker, I’m looking forward to my new status as a writer-in-exile.