Occupy Your Information- Nullify Your Ignorance

I'm proud to say that instead of watching from the sidelines, assuming, speculating, praising and/or criticizing like some out of shape TV sports fanatic, I got my ass down to Occupy Wall Street yesterday and threw myself into the game. Myself and four other inquisitive and unafraid souls, all very unfamiliar with the city and not knowing anyone who was already there or could get us there, found our way down to Zuccotti park on Saturday to see, hear, feel, smell (yes, smell, since there was much postulation about the protesters being a bunch of "dirty hippies") and formulate our own sense of what is going on there.

My honest report? This movement is not dead, not failed, and is not going anywhere. While there is much criticism that they are "disorganized" I found that they are just organized enough. There is nobody claiming to have all the answers, no one making their voice heard over anyone else. There is a central theme to the movement (corporate and big bank control over the government is ruining the economy and taking away our choice, liberties and ability to sustain ourselves individually and as a whole) and many sub-themes within. People who are passionate about a specific sub-theme will organize a group to march down there and speak to the occupiers. For instance, yesterday there was a demonstration about food sovereignty; government subsidies that sustain corporate control over a food supply that is increasingly processed, unhealthy and unsustainable and lack of development of alternatives that could provide health food for everyone. The sub-movements are organized enough to educate the crowds, and the movement as a whole is organized enough to have their own newspaper and rally people to march together throughout the city.

It was not easy for us suburban folk to navigate the NYC subway system, but we made it there. We made a b-line for Zuccotti park because we had big box of cookies and supplies (gloves, hand warmers, hats) we brought. The police wouldn't allow us to bring in our cookies because they were "on trays"...? We found a guy who helped us smuggle them in and started chatting with him and his friends- who were all extremely thankful and welcomed us with hugs and kisses!

His name was David he said he'd been there for 2 weeks and was there when they raided the camp, he was one of those who linked arms when they tried to dismantle the "Peoples Kitchen", and got arrested. He said when he was finally released after 2 days of jail and court etc, there were a group of supporters waiting outside the courtroom with food, clean clothing and most of all hugs and sincere thanks for all those being released. This organized group call themselves "Jail Support".  This was consistent with the spirit we found there; everyone supporting one another and the cause, people donating what they can and helping out however they can. I never got the sense I was in any kind of danger. I want to make clear this was not just a party, free-love, concert type of atmosphere (although there were a couple circles that seemed that way, not the majority) it was not like "The Vibes" or something. Yes there were some drum circles and people playing guitar, singing, etc but for the most part it was a place of exchanging ideas and imagining a better future for everyone. I knew I would make a sign when I got there and at the exact time I was ready to do that the idea came to me. I didn't want to make a protest sign per-se, I wanted to say something positive and goal oriented.

I had thought of John Lennon's song "Imagine" earlier that morning on our way there- that was my message; as we are spreading awareness of the existent problems, lets also start to imagine what the future can be, lets visualize it and it will slowly take shape. This obviously resonated with the people there as I was stopped several times and asked to be photographed, here is a nice one someone posted to their flicker page:

 We spent most of our time in Zuccotti park talking with people and listening to the demonstrations. People are handing out flyers with information, there are small circles of conversation going on everywhere- not arguing but real dialogue for the purpose of understanding. There were many spectators walking by taking pictures and talking with the demonstrators from outside the barricades to the park, not usually arguing but more-so curious about the protesters message.

Then a march began, we joined in to march down to the Meryl Lynch bull and back. It was exhilarating! Many more people than were originally in the park joined in. There were retired couples, teachers, professionals, students, parents and kids- all kinds of people. The crowd thanked the police who were extremely present but not obstructive on this day. A police officer even complimented me on my sign!

From where I live it was a 30 minute car ride to the train station and then an hour trip on Metro North followed by a 10 minute subway ride. I HATE the cold but dressed appropriately and felt comfortable. Only problem was finding a bathroom but certainly not any worse than going to the Vibes or the New Haven St Paddy's Parade. Total cost per person (including food but not donations) about $30. I highly suggest all you sideline commentators take a day trip and see for yourself, you won't regret it :)

Miss Z