November 10, 2011
Hi All,
Many of you have asked me about my current response to Occupy Oakland. I hope this email sent on the afternoon of November 10 to Oakland City Councilmember Pat Kernighan is helpful. With you I pray for the peace of 100% of our City.
P.S. I will be in New Orleans next Monday-Thursday for a conference of PICO Clergy. See you Sunday.
The Email
Hi Pat,
I had an opportunity to wander around the Occupy Oakland Encampment this morning. I was taken by the fact it many ways it a gathering of vulnerable people who are finding it a good place to find food, housing and medical care. As I communicated to you last week I also support your concern for the impact of the encampment on the ocean of need that is the city of Oakland and the businesses of Oakland. Thus, I urge that a moratorium on all potential police action be called and that a there be an official mediator or mediating agency appointed who will negotiate with Occupy on behalf of the citizens of Oakland in an effort to find a peaceful resolution to the current impasse.
Peace and Prayers,
Jim Hopkins