Occupy Anchorage!
This afternoon in Anchorage, several hundred people gathered in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protesters. A crowd this size was a fantastic turnout for an event that was promoted largely on Facebook and by word of mouth. The weather cooperated beautifully. It was a gorgeous sunny autumn day in the 50s, and spirits were high. The crowd was full of families with kids, and dogs, young adults, and seniors. There was a great contingent from the Native community as well.
Anyone who wanted to could sign up to speak, but the main event was former Mayor of Sitka and Senatorial Candidate Scott McAdams. He was as eloquent as always, and had the crowd cheering. Others spoke about issues such as corporations, ethics, campaign finance reform, Wall Street corruption, corporate greed, Alaska Native interests, resource development, and the current strike against the Anchorage Hilton and the Anchorage Sheraton for the mistreatment of workers.
There were tables set up to make signs, people registering others to vote, petitions for the One Anchorage campaign for LGBT rights, information on the proposed Pebble Mine and Chuitna coal, and I’m reasonably sure we were the only “Occupy” rally that had free wild salmon on the menu.
Everyone had particular issues that were near and dear to them, but all agreed that the people need to take back the power that is rightfully theirs, and that corporate overreach and corruption is killing the America we know and love.
Tonight (Oct. 11) the Prez’s Jobs Bill did not pass the Senate. Two Dem senators voted against it — from Nebraska and Montana. (Shame on them!) (And of course, all the GOP senators voted No.)
In addition to these great protests going on throughout the country, what we also need to do is make our voices heard through our letters, calls and emails. Write your reps! This is a critical time in our country’s history.
Those photos speak the heart of the matter.
Occupy the Corporates is alive and well in Salem and Portland Oregon!
http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Anti-corporate-protest-arrives-at-Salem-131461018.html
Remember as you take action – we are not alone!
So lovely. I’m especially impressed by the civilized menu.
Wow, Scott McAdams and gratis wild salmon. I’m impressed.
I just read that a guy from The American Spectator has confessed to infiltrating the occupy folks in Washington and causing the problems at the Air and Space Museum. I hope that some of those who were pepper-sprayed as a result of his behavior sue. It’s about time that right-wing clowns, like this Howley guy and Breitbart, have to face consequences for their actions. For them, it’s all a big joke. For the rest of us, it’s not.
I also read this morning that the great State of Michigan is going to help insurance carriers who, under the new healthcare law, must reimburse their insureds part of their premium if not used. Our new governor is no friend of the citizens, many of whom were stupid enough to vote for him.
I sure hope that all of those who are occupying or helping the occupiers realize that their real enemies are the Republicans in power in various states and in Washington. Not one Republican living and breathing today is a friend of the working person. Not one.
I’m ranting and I shouldn’t be. It has been a magnificent week here in northern Michigan – warm temperatures, blue skies, gorgeous bay and stunningly colorful leaves. Real fall weather will resume later next week but we hope to get the windows washed and the screens put away before the skies cloud over.
Beaglemon:
I, also, have been concerned that those furthering greatest concerns with the various occupations remain non-violent. Our message of civil disobedience, non-violence and passive resistence must keep the days, and weeks ahead. The weather will change. Please don’t be fair weather friends to us.
So proud of you guys! One of my dreams is to join an Anchorage demonstration one of these days; truly warms my heart to see you all out there. I was with Occupy Seattle this time, standing next to a school psychologist who said she hadn’t been out demonstrating “since the 60’s,” and a couple dads showing their small children how to hold their signs up for the oncoming traffic.
I love your first photo of the elder and young man – the beauty and power of this movement is the awesome range of folks responding to the call. Thanks for representin’, friends.
Thank you to everyone there!
“people registering others to vote” -hopefully alot of people registered. Oh, it’s snowing here in the interior.!
Love the photos! Glad your occupation has begun. The count is now 1,165 cities. http://www.meetup.com/occupytogether/
Well, I drifted here from ProgAK… what a different take on the event. But the pics do tell the story – to be involved in national politics, and the events of the nation, there needs to be a sense of distance. You know your politicians, you meet them on the street. Whereas, the major problem for the lower 48 is that they live far from us, protected by layers of police, aides and lobbyist-fed pitbulls, and nothing we say gets so much as a shrug.
Wonderful – Scott also spoke in front of the Democrats at the Bartlett Club dinner – outstanding. No wild salmon, however.
Great pix !