Occupy Boston at Dewey Square (Occupy Wall Street)
"Our country is owned by the top 1%. We are the 99%. Join the conversation!"
After sipping champagne and nibbling savory sandwiches during afternoon tea at the swanky Boston Harbor Hotel with Bridget and Sara, we stumbled across the "Occupy Boston" encampment at Dewey Square. Wishing that I was wearing something other than a blazer and trousers that seemed to reek of Wall Street, I was nonetheless warmly welcomed at the information center in "Tent City" and encouraged to visit the camp and talk with the protesters. While their reasons for joining the national movement against financial greed and corruption vary, all of their stories are undeniably compelling.
Looking up at the imposing buildings dominating the financial district of Boston, I wondered what the future holds for the 23 year old recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts with whom I spoke. Grateful that her aging parents allowed her to move back home when she couldn't find a full-time job, she feels guilty about the toll that the 12 hour shifts at the hospital are taking on her mother and knows that every penny that she takes from her parents delays their retirement. Wanting to change how business and government operate, she joined Occupy Boston movement to work for greater economic equality.
In another part of Tent City, I met a middle-aged woman whose sign said that she is the "face of homelessness." Explaining that she lost her house when she was unable to find a new job after taking time off to care for her dying mother, she's optimistic that Occupy Boston will force an ongoing discussion about America's economic system and the problems faced by people like her.
Occupy Boston is part of the Occupy Wall Street movement that is currently sweeping across the United States. Angry that the top 1% of the population owns 50% of the nation’s wealth, the protesters are well organized and intend to remain at Dewey Square until their voices are heard. With medical, logistical, spiritual, library and information tents, the encampment resembles a small town whose residents are working together to achieve a common goal. And in case you're wondering about toilet facilities, they're using the ones in the nearby train station.
University students, members of labor unions and Occupy Boston demonstrators will join together for a solidarity march starting at the Boston Commons at 1:30 p.m. today.
Click here to read Joseph the Butler's post about the Occupy Wall Street movement in Chicago.
Wow, tents--the movement in Chicago is on the sidewalks, so no tents. And I don't know where they're going to the bathroom--they've been cut off at some of the fast food places.
ReplyDeleteI think you, like me, felt the true commitment and integrity of the people there--not at all like they are so often portrayed in the conservative-leaning media. And not to get political about it, but I found the protestors to be very organized, thoughtful and with purpose.
Slowly their voice is being heard.
And thanks for the link.
Yes, they have tents and a prime spot in the heart of Boston. According to one of the woman working in the information tent, the owner of the property gave them permission to pitch their tents there. After watching this video clip on The Daily Show, I had to ask them what they are doing about bathroom facilities.
ReplyDeleteThe demonstrators are very well organized - internet connection, a website, professors from Harvard giving free lectures, activities for the children like juggling lessons - and definitely have a purpose. It will be interesting to see how many people turn up for the solidarity march this afternoon. It's a beautiful day in Boston and they've been fortunate with the weather. It may be harder to maintain the high level of enthusiasm as the temperature starts to drop.
Ben & Jerry's has issued a statement expressing their solidarity with the protesters.
Wow, seems there was a major number of arrests early this morning in Boston. Honestly the arrests make me more sympathetic to the movement.
ReplyDeleteI've been keeping an eye on the Twitter feeds for @Occupy_Boston and @Boston_Police this morning and it looks as if the people who were arrested are "Veterans for Peace". YouTube video
ReplyDeleteWhile I was at the demonstration yesterday, there was a good deal of respect shown by the protestors to the police and vice-versa.
Yes, there is a great deal of respect going on, both ways. Yesterday someone collapsed at the demonstration and 911 was called by the on-site police officer. The fire department and ambulance came and did their jobs, as expected. When it was over, the audience of protestors applauded and said "Thank you public servers." I thought that was really nice.
ReplyDelete