Posted on 01/09/2012 4:15:49 PM PST by DeaconBenjamin
The rat population around the two Occupy D.C. camps at McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza has “exploded”since protesters began their vigil in October, according to Mohammad N. Akhter, the director of the District’s Department of Health.
Akhter said in an interview Monday that city health inspectors have seen rats running openly through both camps and spotted numerous new burrows and nests underneath hay-stuffed pallets occupiers are using for beds. Both campsites had working kitchens for weeks until last week, but protesters at McPherson Square voluntarily closed down theirs after health inspectors pointed out unsanitary conditions during an informal monitoring visit.
Akhter said his concerns about the health and safety at the camps prompted him to order a city-wide review of conditions there, including input from health inspectors, mental health professionals, experts on the homeless and others. He is reviewing their findings this week.
“I’m very supportive of their rights and ability to demonstrate but I have concerns about their personal safety,” Akhter said.
Akhter, who is originally from Pakistan and has worked for the District government for over 20 years, said that the situation in the two parks is reminiscent of refugee camps he has toured overseas in the Middle East and Africa during his public health career. He said he fears disaster could strike during a severe winter storm.
“Going down to these camps, it’s no different than refugee camps,” Akhter said. “People are living in very primitive conditions and they’re doing it by choice. They are very brave and thoughtful people, but my concern is that they should also take care of themselves. When the weather goes bad suddenly we’re watching a tragedy unfold in the middle of Washington, D.C. ”
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
people living in their own filth... rats.. conditions ripe for the plague.
Filth always attracts rats.
Well for crying out loud, what would they expect an influx of Republicans?
Oh, you mean real rodents! I thought you were talking about ‘Rats’ and we all know that the camps are filled with those.
Other than the two-legged variety were there any others?
The rats are merely Community Organizing -—they learned from the best! (or should I say BEAST)
If only....
...unexpectedly...
I really thought we were discussing the Democratic party (lol)!!
When I first read this I was thinking the rats were so disgusted they moved out of the camps. ;-)
Hahahha, nature taking its course!
Idiots and their bad intending leaders will die, no matter what, no matter where, no matter what time in civilization,eventually if left to their own devices(It can take different lengths of time). It is a law of nature.
Plagued Rats, disease, hunger, murder from jealousy, etc etc etc. All the things idiots do lead to these across a staggeringly large spectrum of human behavior and single circumstances.
Follow the rules (or do your darn imperfect-self best) or be miserable.
feel sorry for the rats and their 5 mins is up but they seem to not understand that which is typical form the lunatic fringe on the left.
We need to send in one of my ex-girlfriends. She specializes in finding rodentia. Of course, then she “summons the hit-men” (exterminators).
Since he is the gentleman who made public the real concerns about public health and safety and who is wisely pointing out the consequences of allowing squalor to flourish how do you justify your remark?
Rats of a feather...
that’s both RAT and rat
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