House Progressive Democrats Embrace the 'Occupy Wall Street' Campers

Press release headline of the afternoon:

“We have been inspired by the growing grassroots movements on Wall Street and across the country,” say Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz. and Rep. Keith Ellison, co-signing a statement. “We share the anger and frustration of so many Americans who have seen the enormous toll that an unchecked Wall Street has taken on the overwhelming majority of Americans while benefitting the super wealthy. We join the calls for corporate accountability and expanded middle-class opportunity.”

So what are these Progs buying into? How about vandalism, a sense of entitlement, and general filth?

For Tzortzatos, the “occupation” has resulted not just in a loss in business. “I’ve had a lot of damage from the protesters,” she said. “I’ve had to put a $200 lock on my bathroom because they come in here and try to bathe. The sink fell down to the ground, cracked open, pulled the plumbing out of the wall and caused a flood. It’s a no-win situation. If I open the restroom for one, 30 people line up outside, disrupting my business.”

A manager at the nearby Essex World Cafe — who asked to remain anonymous — shared similar complaints. Referring to three young men waiting at the end of the counter, he explained, “They want to use the toilet, the phones, we give them free water and free ice. They sit here and don’t buy anything, but they recharge their phone batteries with our plugs, and I tell them, ‘Hey, if you guys are going to come, I need to do some business here. We are suffering, too!’ And then they start with their own words, going against you.” The three young men eventually left the cafe, each carrying large containers the staff had filled with hot and cold water for them.

This manager also cited damages, including graffiti on his restroom walls. “For eight and a half years, there was nothing on those walls,” he said. “Now it says ‘Viva la Revolucion’ everywhere. Yes, ‘Viva la Revolucion,’ but don’t write it on my toilet. I let you use my facilities without being a customer and this is what I get?”

Some of the business folks say they’re with the protesters despite the problems, which doesn’t say much for their business sense.

But now that the House Progs and probably other Democrats embrace the Occupation, it will be perfectly fair to hold whatever the campers do against them.

Which should be fun.

More: The House Progs are also embracing Van Jones, the disgraced Communist Truther and former Obama “green czar” who is leading the protests. Too bad Clueless Joe Biden still doesn’t even know who Jones is.

(h/t Jonah Goldberg)