We all have the right to go somewhere and voice our concern over what ever it is that's irking us, but at some point other member's of our society have the right to enjoy the same areas we may be gathered in voicing our concerns. At the very least, they have the right to wander through, past, or around, without fear. If at any point during our little rally we annoy someone the police have the right to ask us to leave. Considering our few dozen are annoying many thousands of people. If we decide that we won't move away and let others be there without fear or interference the police have the right to physically move us. If we refuse to walk, they have the right to drag us away.

What's hard to understand, hippies?

I had to laugh at information on Twitter coming from "#OccupyMelbourne" was from iPhones by and large. Many enjoyed their Starbucks coffee too. Hilarious. I guess 'Apple' isn't part of that 1%.

There is a modicum of colourful truth in what you say Stg, but in the case of Victoria the actions of the authorities border on police brutality or excessive use of force. If 150'000 people turn up to do the same thing what do we do then Stg, bring in the tanks and the tear gas ?.

As we have been witnessing in the so called Arab spring of late, abuse of power is exactly the thing a citizen doesn't need, when trying to express their opinion both peacefully and democratically.

There's always two sides to the story.

"Occupy Melbourne," started out as a peaceful protest.
Consisting of people talking to each other about political
alternatives - and it looked like a very positive course
of action. However, as with all demonstrations, it did
attract its fair share of ratbags.
And from sticking to a peaceful demonstration it started
to evolve into "squatter city."

The protestors were finally
issued with eviction notices after six days of "squatting."
And were told to pack up their tents, kitchens, et cetera,
and move on. Most did, except for about 100 that chose to
remain. All in all the demonstration had been a success -
it got confrontational only in the last day - with police
taking severe action to remove those that refused to go.
The action of the police is now being investigated.

Perhaps both the protesters and the police will learn something
from all of this. It would be a pity if peaceful demonstrations
were outlawed due to the radical reactions of a few.

They got their point across, but failed to go home when the police suggested they should. How long can you put up with obstructing the daily lives of other people.

Hippies? gee going back a bit now.
The issue is worth defending and protesting about.
I support the movement world wide.
But it will be defeated,without changing anything.
In part by those infecting it.
And by its own in fighting.
POWER will kill it.
The police who flog the odd protester, media who highlight the worse, all work , without understanding it for the one percent.
And know, like most youth movements,those protesting are not idle tree hugger, but tomorrows leaders.
Of every side of politics.
They can bring change, can even win, but not without unloading the flea,s flys and bush tics ever willing to infest such groups.
I see groups even now,who could not buy a crowd with free meat pies , running around in their midst.
Flags of the lets be seen fools.
Take it to its birth place the net.
Do not block roads, do not let idiots start riots fight them, win over the public.
Find places to mass that harm no one, film, no not idiots true film the bashings, they do take place.
Be proud to occupy the high moral ground.
Those who come to be seen are best left at home sit and be seen to just want change.
Winning people over works, turning them away is no victory,

The right to protest is part of the democratic process however, protesters make more impact (and more friends) if they do not overstay their welcome or impede the movements of others to a great degree. It would be a better strategy to avail themselves of the number of parks and other open spaces where protesters could retreat if their presence becomes a nuisance factor.

Sometimes the 'cause' gets lost in the mayhem.