My voice is hoarse and strained. The constant Mic Checks - Singing - Poetry - Chanting - Conversations have left my voice gone but my mind and soul full. I have never felt this way before about participating in a protest. This has gone beyond anything I could have expected. What is garnered from this might change a generations perspective and give me hope that once again there can be a middle class in the United States.
Last night MinistryOfTruth and I were walking back from getting Halal food when we came across a poetry circle. After every lyric spoken the crowd would repeat and echo the sentiment. The words were beautiful, reflective and indicative of the nature of this movement.
There was anger - Anger to be sure. As we have a right to be angry when the one percent of this country control the vast amount of wealth. When Republican and bankers want to take us back to the 1890s. I don't deny the millionaires their chance to become millionaires but to quote MinistryOfTruth: "Just don't turn me into a peasant." Fair enough request right?
Well both of us partook in the celebration and spoke our minds.
The night grew long and both us got into our makeshift bed together at around 3:30 am in the morning. It was a loud night at least for me. Some of the patrons were a bit loud at 4 am with guitar playing but I took it in stride. We were living. Or at least trying to live and give ourselves a chance to fight back against the corporate personhood/greed/evil that has consumed us.
We want to save Wallstreet. At least from themselves. I have never begrudged someone who works hard the chance to garner wealth..but we need financial protections in place that are going to stop this boom and bust cycle of the gilded age that we have returned to.
We woke up a bit groggy.
We still had not had our coffee yet.
After we got some coffee in our systems we headed to a local place where we had some bagels and eggs. During the course of eating there we met a fellow Kossack who when we were getting ready to leave said "That's Jesse's table right?" Yes I said" Well then your bill is taken care of, don't worry about it." I was touched. The joy I have seen from people and the simple things that they do are beyond belief.
MinistryOfTruth and I both had different things to take care of after breakfast. I received news from my father that my grandma had taken ill with pneumonia and would be hospitalized till Wednesday . My Aunt confirmed she was fine but it threw me into a mess. My grandma is one of the seminal people in my life that has made me aware of art, culture, politics, and the joys of trying new food.
I decided at that moment to throw myself into the community and comfort of those who have become as a family to me over these three weeks. I decided to work in the kitchen for several hours this morning. I managed to help organize the dishes in a compact manner. I am a little OCD about organization systems so it was a perfect role for me.
Here is our kitchen and some of the food being served.
Here is the place we read our books. It has been named the peoples library.
Here is a man practicing meditation.
Here is our much vaunted media center.
Now I did not capture the Comfort Station where they are handing out clothing, sleeping bag, emergency blankets, and your basic survival supplies all for FREE.
I also did not cover the medic center where they have people help others stay warm, recoperate and generally look after their health.
Nor did I cover the janitorial center - Where you can find an abundance of cleaning supplies, brooms and materials to help keep Liberty Park clean. I spent an hour cleaning the garden today and felt invigorated in servicing the cmmunity. The thanks from people all across the park was unbelievable. One man told me it was the only place he had ever visited that as soon as his cigarette butt was out it was swept away.
Doing this and the kitchen helped me not think about my grandma for a few hours. I will see her on Monday with my Aunt.
For those of you who responded with kindness about my eviction notice : Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have not asked for donations - though I am 900 dollars in the hole for my rent right now. I think I have stopped the eviction process from continuing. If you'd like to help - I've decided I am not to proud. Please sent me a personal message.
I have to rush back to the park - Had to go to brooklyn to use one of my friends computers but I don't want to miss the general assembly that is starting soon.
I'd like to thank all the Kossacks who I have met downtown over the last few weeks. This is our time. HankNYNY - MinistryOfSTruth - Will (god I don't remember your screen name again I am a crackhead). The experience so far has been life changing.
We will change the world.
We will continue to Occupy WallStreet.
With Kossacks leading the charge!
Please donate to the Kossack run media fun.
WEARETHEOTHER99%
Please continue to go to
#occuptywallstreet.org
Thank you Wisconsin.
Thank you Michigan.
Thank you Flordia.
Thank you Dailykos.
Peace, love, and hope that we will have a more equal future.
Tool.