WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- A sense of impending trouble has settled over the Occupy encampment. The tents may be legally protected symbols of protest, but the mattresses, the sleeping bags, the blankets, pillows and towels -- not so much.
Authorities have ordered the Occupiers to remove the big tarp -- the tent of dreams -- that they've stretched over the statue of General McPherson, and to get rid of their camping gear.
A judge has told the Park Service it can enforce that order -- as long as it does not completely close the park and evict the protestors who are NOT sleeping.
"A lot of people are going to resist. I'm just not one of them," says protestor Jackie Lawson. I'm not going to stay here and fight with the Park Police. Just going to pack up and leave."
Charles McDonough says he hasn't slept in days. He's an unemployed carpenter. "I have a seven year old daughter who just turned seven yesterday. And I don't want her future to be my present. "
If and when the big tent comes down, we may yet see it again. The protestors say curators from the Smithsonian have asked to add it to their collection: a kind of visual reminder of the movement that's raised so many questions about the inequality of wealth in America.
Written and Reported by Bruce Leshan
9News Now & wusa9.com