A shift in tactics

Occupy protests in some communities have turned away from the nonviolent peaceful demonstrations that marked the movement in its origins.

In Oakland, Calif., demonstrators broke into City Hall, smashed glass cases, spray-painted graffiti on the walls and burned an American flag. Protesters entered a vacant convention center and a YMCA building and tore down construction barricades. Police said they were pelted with rocks, bottles, flares and improvised explosive devices when they tried to disperse the crowds. Three officers and a protester were injured. More than 400 were arrested on charges ranging from vandalism to failure to disperse.

Oakland demonstrators said they also planned to blockade the airport indefinitely and shut down Oakland ports as they did in November along with other ports in Oregon and Washington. Demonstrators are blaming the violence on police and have filed a lawsuit against the city.

While the winter weather has halted some demonstrators, Oakland and officials in other cities have moved to break up the encampments. Oakland estimates they have cost the city about $5 million.

One Occupy Oakland member said the protest put the movement “back on the map.” Maybe not in the way he intended. Illegal tactics put protesters at the center of the controversy and distract from the goal of spotlighting corporate greed and income inequality.