Toys R Us might still be temp hiring, kids...

Krugman has a fair take on the Zucotti OWS protests and overnight clearance. It was no showdown in Grant Park -- Chicago circa 1968 -- but as far as mayoral blunders go?, when it might have been easier letting things naturally wind down?... his analysis seems accurately realistic here to me:

Zuccotti
We don’t yet have the full story — because Bloomberg tried to keep anyone from getting it! What we do have is an obviously specious rationale, and a lot of indications of excessive force.

In a way Occupy Wall Street — and all of those who are sympathetic to its concerns — should be grateful. There were, let’s face it, arguments in favor of an eviction carried out with full transparency and a proper regard for civil rights — although there were also arguments, stronger in my view, for allowing this peaceful, meaningful protest to continue. By acting so badly, Bloomberg has made it easy to see who won’t be truthful and can’t handle open discourse. He’s also saved OWS from what was probably its greatest problem, the prospect that it would just fade away as time went on and the days grew colder.

Quite a night’s work.

Nothing like a little hippie hype to keep the plate steaming, afterall.