By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society Columnist
Just as people began thinking the Occupy movement was losing momentum, billionaire Mayor Bloomberg gave it life by clearing Zuccotti Park (aka Liberty Square) Monday late night, early Tuesday morning. Meeting in secrecy with the police to end the encampment at Zuccotti Park, conveniently this meeting came shortly after the protesters had announced a series of protests aimed at shutting down Wallstreet. What happened in the days following the eviction was amazing, and something that the NYPD was not ready for. New life was given to the movement, one in which thousands had participated in.
Thursday, November 17th marked the two month anniversary of the Occupy Wallstreet movement. Protesters along with Union workers, Students, Religious leaders, City workers and people of all ages, backgrounds, occupations, genders and beliefs met Thursday with a fierce backlash at the unconstitutional behaviors of some city officials and police. Thursday morning was met with a march of thousands of peaceful protesters and in an act of civil disobedience protesters blocked all entrances to the New York City Stock Exchange and subways 2, 3 and 60 were also blocked.
Police fought back with acts of brutality, setting up blockades and regaining the subway stations which were being blocked by protesters. Meanwhile in approximately 30 other cities, similar protests were taking place. OccupyLa was busy blocking the bridge to the financial district, OccupyPortland closed off a steel bridge, and in Greece there were over 30,000 people marching in solidarity with the Occupy Movements that have swept through the world. By the time the morning ended, there were over 200 arrests and over 170 thousand people had tuned into the live cams of Occupy Wallstreet.
By the late afternoon thousands had taken over Foley square and began their march towards the Brooklyn bridge. By 7pm, police scanners estimated over 30,000 people were marching, and by this time a light show with “99%” “Occupy Earth” and “We are winning” were being projected onto corporate buildings mesmerizing the police and protesters alike as a banner which read “Occupy Wall Street” was placed at the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge. By this time several city commissioners had been arrested as well as multiple heads of Non-profits, Unions and other organizations who support the movement.
This movement has grown worldwide with always a majority supporting the efforts of the Occupy movements. All which has been peaceful and aimed at getting the voices of those who had been shut down heard. Unlike two months ago where the movement had no clear message or meaning, today the message is clear: to create a political system that serves all of us, not just the 1%. People realize that our government is not only corrupt but owned and purchased by Wallstreet. When you take a look at Congress, who are supposed to be the makeup of America, an astonishing 2/3 of Congress are millionaires. More than half of Congress is part of the 1%, so who’s interest do you think they serve?
I know there are still many people who do not understand the Occupy movements that have swept through America. With little to inaccurate mainstream media attention, I understand that people are confused as to what this movement’s goals and motives are. In an effort to reign in the elite and swing the pendulum our way something must be done. For far too long the elite of the world have disrespected life and the planet and for this all of us must pay.
As the 21st Century is underway astonishing and monumental changes both natural and man made will happen as this next century begins. This comes at a time when you must pick sides and which side you pick will change the world forever. How you decide will effect your life and the lives of the generations to follow, this is our time and the only way we are going to change the world is to do something and make sure our voices are heard in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of this blue-green planet. Become more political active, vote against the ruling parties and always remember change comes from within, so take a look at yourself and your life and begin there.
About The Columnist
With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.