New Policy Sets Up Potential Confrontation for Occupy Nashville

The state has issued new guidelines for the use of Legislative Plaza nearly three weeks after protesters began camping out there as part of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Effective immediately, permits will be required for gatherings outside the state capitol. And no one will be allowed to stay overnight.

Some are already packing up their soggy tents, like Jon, who wouldn’t give his last name.

“When they’re talking about the cops coming, that’s not me bro. I’ve already got too much on the line. You know what I mean.”

Scott Akers says he’s prepared to be arrested.

It’s unclear when or how the new policy will be enforced, but Scott Akers says he’s more than willing to be arrested. He wants to call attention to corporate interests in politics.

“It’s a movement. You don’t just get up and walk away because it’s uncomfortable. You stand up when you believe in something. You do what it takes to get heard.”

If being arrested is what it takes, Eva Watler says it’s an acceptable cost as long as it draws attention to the concentration of wealth and power in the U.S.

“I think there’s a very real outcome, and the real outcome is more awareness to our cause. That’s the beautiful thing. And yeah, I do think it’s worth it to me.”

Still, Watler says she is a little worried what affect an arrest might have on her massage therapy license.

Just in the last few days, cities around the country have been clearing out Occupy Wall Street protesters. Tennessee’s Department of General Services – which oversees state property – says its new permits are meant to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.