Jesse Jackson Helps Save the Medical Tent at Occupy Wall Street

He participated in a human chain keeping police from the tent.

Photo via ANIMAL New York

After a tense confrontation with NYPD over the possible removal of the Occupy Wall Street medical tent, Jesse Jackson appeared to defuse the situation. After spending the weekend in D.C., and meeting Cornel West, Raheem DeVaughn, et al., as they emerged from a night in jail, Jackson materialized in Zuccotti Park right before midnight and spoke to police.

After being asked by one of the demonstrators, Jackson joined a human chain around the tent. Soon enough, police left and the tent was left alone. Salon reports that Jackson addressed jabs that the movement lacks a focused agenda, saying “Shared economic security is the message. The language isn’t there yet but that will come.” Jackson added, “If the protest remains disciplined, nonviolent and focused, action will follow.”

[viaGothamist and Gawker]

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