It is one thing to debate rights, but the reality is that with rights come responsibilities too. If you plan on occupying something like the Courthouse Plaza in Dayton you need to do so in a manner that is respectful of the environment. So far from what I’ve seen of the Occupy Dayton campsite their camp is not only not being respectful of the environment, they are also through lack of camping knowledge presenting a danger to others trying to use the Square. Tents are not properly secured and when the wind kicks up the billowing tents create a serious threat to pedestrians on the Plaza. Sanitation? Trash removal? Power? These are all issues which the campers appear to have no clue how to effectively manage on their own. They cry about rights, but seem to have no sense of responsibility for maintaining their presence on Courthouse Square.

Other cities are moving away from permanent camps. They’re recognizing the the tremendous drain upon organization coffers maintaining the tents truly are and are adapting their tactics to Occupy public venues temporary during certain hours and sending everyone home after events where they are warm, safe and out of the cold. Camping is a very expensive endeavor. Every dollar invested in trying to maintain a camp can purchase bullhorns, fliers, buttons, signs and the materials to spread the Occupy message. They’ve learned the truth that sometimes the principle of, Conservation of Resources, is more important than the right to camp.

Having the right to do something and standing on it isn’t always the right choice. Doing something right is more important than standing on a right to do something. When a camp becomes dangerous to more people than it serves, the city must move to protect the safety of the majority. Do it right or don’t do it at all. So far the Dayton Occupiers aren’t doing it right…

Camping and occupying isn’t new in America, and it is a protected form of speech protesting conditions. Google Bonus Army 1930s people.