loitering*
mid-14c., from M.Du. loteren "be loose or erratic, shake, totter" like a loose tooth or a sail in a storm. In modern Du., leuteren "to delay, linger, loiter over one's work." Probably cognate with O.E. lutian "lurk," and related to O.E. loddere "beggar," O.H.G. lotar "empty, vain," Ger. Lotterbube "vagabond, rascal," O.E. lyðre "base, bad, wicked."
In the wake of the #ows evictions, the spaces of contention still seem to be calling us. We must propose a different mode of engagement with these now politically-charged locations. Let's loiter.
HOW TO LOITER
First, organize a small group of people to get together and linger in a politically-charged location of your choice. Each group will gather at the pre-determined location for an unspecified amount of time. Members of the group may come and go as they please, but there should be at least two or more members at a location at any given time. No solo loitering, thank you very much.
There are no constraints on what other activities you may engage in while loitering, but you must avoid any overt forms of political protest or civil disobedience. No proselytizing, soliciting, signs, banners — just loitering. Activities may range anywhere from information-gathering, time-killing, catching up with old friends, skateboarding, hackensack, etc. The less thought you put into it, the better. Also bear in mind that the less provocation you create, the longer you will be able to loiter. A minimum of 30 minutes per loitering session is required.
WHO SHOULD LOITER
Believe it or not, loitering can be a highly engaging social activity. Group organizers are encouraged to invite close friends or relatives, without regard for any political or professional orientation. This doesn't have to be a social experiment.
HOW TO DOCUMENT
The only 'official' form of documentation for each loitering event should consist of:
- A single group photograph to be taken at any point during the session. Please include location, time, date and duration of the session with the photo document.
- A brief description of the experience from the organizer in no more than one or two sentences, 10-15 words max.
Please submit your documentation to yoursmountain@gmail.com.
Because it's a de-centralized movement, there is no single location to get information on recently evicted or occupied spaces. A visit to your local Occupy's website, twitter, or facebook feed is highly encouraged to generate some ideas on where to loiter. (Most of these are "public" spaces, so you wouldn't even technically be loitering. That doesn't really mean anything to anybody. Be creative.)
http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/647.html
(h) Who loiters, prowls, or wanders upon the private property of another, at any time, without visible or lawful business with the owner or occupant. As used in this subdivision, "loiter" means to delay or linger without a lawful purpose for being on the property and for the purpose of committing a crime as opportunity may be discovered.