COMMENTARY | For the past few months a movement known as “Occupy Wall Street” has gained surprising momentum across America. Hundreds of activists assembled and have remained in New York City’s Zuccotti Park, speaking out against social and economic inequality. Unhappy with the current unemployment rates and debt crisis facing America, the movement has camped out in protest of cooperate corruption.
The movement’s motto, “We are the 99%”, refers to the disproportionate difference in income between 99 percent of Americans and the wealthiest 1 percent of American citizens. According to studies charting the income of American citizens, the wealthiest 1 percent have controlled over 20 percent of the nation’s income since 2007, numbers which have not been seen since the Great Depression.
The “Occupy Wall Street” movement has spread to many locations across the United States, from coast to coast, ranging from Occupy D.C. to Occupy L.A. Many Americans throughout the country have also shown their support, causing the protests to grow in size and stamina.
Two months from the start of the protests, the movement has swarmed into what has become known as “A day of action.” After the Wall Street movement was evicted from Zuccotti Park, thousands of New York protestors crossed the Brooklyn Bridge into Foley Square in lower Manhattan, clashing with police armed with riot gear.
The peaceful assembly turned into a chaotic fray as protestors and authorities were at ends. New York police contained the movement to the sidewalks and restricted several parts of Wall Street from being accessed – for fear that the protestors may attempt to disrupt stock trading. Some protestors rebelled against the limitations, removing the barricades and blocking streets and intersections.
When police met the resistance and attempted to contain the movement, violence broke out in the streets of New York’s financial district. Some reports describe officers being pelted with strange glass objects and becoming drenched in an unidentifiable liquid which caused burning sensations. About a half dozen officers were injured during the outbreak and nearly 250 protestors were arrested.
All across the country, similar Occupy movements followed in Occupy New York’s footsteps, answering the call for action. Though not nearly as explosive, arrests and disorder were reported in Los Angeles, Portland, Denver, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Milwaukee and countless other cities. Though many were arrested and jailed during the call to action, the Occupy movements continue to remain as solid as ever. Protestors continue to march, camp and chant throughout the streets of America’s cities.
Sources:
Robert Pear, “Top Earners Doubled Share of Nation’s Income, Study Finds,” New York Times
“Share of the Nation’s Income Earned by the Top 1 Percent,” New York Times
David Ariosto, “‘Occupy’ protesters, police clash during ‘day of action’,” CNN
Chris Francescani and Aman Ali, “Authorities foil NY protest bid to shut Wall Street,” Reuters