Dear Occupy Pittsburgh

[AnnieBW]

One of my friends posted on her FB page that she was taking her kids to the Macy's in downtown Pittsburgh today, and the Occupiers chose to protest the people waiting in line to see Santa Claus. Now, she supports OWS, but her little ones were really freaked out by all of this.

Guys, I understand your grievances, but take it easy on kids, okay? Thanks.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. Did they say things to the children? I ask because...

There are complaints constantly. They're in the 'wrong place,' they 'might lose business for somebody,' they look bad to tourists, etc etc etc. We keep forgetting that this is a protest. This is not a group of people decorating trees for Christmas.

[Earth_First]

2. This should have never gotten out of a working group, let alone passed by a GA nt

[enigmaticang3l]

5. No one in OWS wants to make children afraid of them, the movement, and its cause.

Perhaps when taking children near these protests, a sincere attempt to calm children would be to explain in an age appropriate fashion that these are people who are trying to improve their chances for a healthy future. Regardless, the real fear should be in the police state and erosion of rights and freedoms garunteed in our constitution. Just ask the Wal-Mart grampa only trying to protect his son. Real peace officers would never have allowed a crowd to form or behave so. But then again, real police must be engaged in attempts to stifle peaceful protests by OWS. I sincerely regret any upset this cause may have caused your children. Hope your Christmas is full of love.

[Earth_First]

6. I'm sorry, but this is poor, poor planning on part of OccupyPittsburgh

There is no 'age-appropriate' manner to explain a highly complex issue like Occupy to a 3 year-old.

It boggles my mind how this action recieved group consensus.

[AnnieBW]

3. My friend was in the line with her kids

I don't know if they were saying things to the kids. Here's her exact post:

"I am all for supporting "Freedom of Speech"....BUT- can't help but feel upset over the fact that the "Occupy Movement" People in my City came into Macy's in downtown Pgh and CHOSE to center their protests close to the people who were standing in line (with little ones) waiting for pictures with Santa! Not sure if their message was understood by the parents who had to deal with little ones who were frightened and freaked out by this experience!"

[NewEngland4Obama]

4. Sounds like your "friend" is anti-occupy.

[Zorra]

7. Why post this here? nt

[ellisonz]

8. How bad for your friend...

She's now going to have to actually parent, and explain what these people were doing and why they were there protesting. "Kids, Christmas isn't about toys, but about friends and family, the world is bigger than you. I'm sorry but I can't afford presents this year, my credit cards are maxed out and Mommy is being sued by Citibank."

:hide:

[Arctic Dave]

9. How dare they distract people from the shiny thing.

Why are you not upset about your friend indoctrinating her child into a capitalistic lie that will serve no purpose other then to spend at all cost.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

10. LOL

I'm sorry.....that's funny.....Santa Claus, tool of the corporate overlords.

I just needed a good laugh today.