I spent 2 weeks in St. Louis and 9 days with the Occupy movement located there. It was my first introduction to the sentiments sweeping the country and I couldn't have found a better introduction.
As is consistent with the beauty of this movement, it's hard to identify who put forth the first call to action for Occupy St. Louis. A Facebook page was set-up proposing an occupation and within a few days a somewhat concrete plan was in motion. Ten people showed up to an initial meeting to see each other face to face before taking their bold steps forward. They included professional organizers, disenfranchised citizens, former members of the military community, and internet activists. That first meeting was described as chaos and many of the participants had doubts as to whether their efforts could be successful.
As is consistent with the beauty of this movement, it's hard to identify who put forth the first call to action for Occupy St. Louis. A Facebook page was set-up proposing an occupation and within a few days a somewhat concrete plan was in motion. Ten people showed up to an initial meeting to see each other face to face before taking their bold steps forward. They included professional organizers, disenfranchised citizens, former members of the military community, and internet activists. That first meeting was described as chaos and many of the participants had doubts as to whether their efforts could be successful.
On October 1st around 200 people gathered in front of the Federal Reserve Building, intending on staging their occupation there. The police interceded and led them to the nearby Kiener Plaza, a public amphitheater in the middle of downtown St. Louis. The recessed park is overlooked by tall buildings belonging to a number of corporate entities currently under the scrutiny of the Occupy movement and the magnificent St. Louis arch; the perfect location to reclaim a lost democracy.
During the initial weekend, more than 50 people camped at the Plaza with no further word from city authorities. On the third day, the police returned and issued 6 citations for violations of curfew and warned the Occupiers that arrests would follow if they didn't vacate the premise. But of course the Occupiers had no intention of leaving nor forgoing their right to peacefully assemble. The next day the police returned as promised and 10 people were arrested. They were held overnight and released with citations the next morning. A compromise was reached that the Occupiers could camp on the outer perimeters of the Plaza and relations with the police have remained peaceful ever since.
I joined the St. Louis Occupy on its 13th day of existence. It is an amazing story of human cooperation. Complete strangers have come together and joined in a struggle for both basic survival and the rebuilding of American society. Every day donations of food, tents, clothing, first-aid and money pour in from supporters. It can be hard to get things done because of the number of passer-bys constantly stopping in to see for themselves what's happening. For many, it's the most pure form of human interaction they've experienced in a long time, possibly ever.
Their most common words, "I appreciate what you're doing. Thank you."
I received a ride to Chicago, where I've had a couple days to check out the Occupy movement. But more on that later...
I received a ride to Chicago, where I've had a couple days to check out the Occupy movement. But more on that later...
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