Today’s Occupy San Jose had the feel of a street fair with a wide range of people. You saw families with kids, people with dogs and lizards. Groups working on posters. Food and drinks had been donated for all to share. We even had a band. My favorite person was the young girl who took over leading chants. All people were represented. All ages, colors and types of people gathered together. When we first arrived there appeared to be 40 to 60 people. By the time we left the crowd had swelled to probably over 200.
Noon today was the beginning of Occupy San Jose’s 8th general assembly and the one-week anniversary of their solidarity with Occupy Wall Street. They have continued to grow and gain support. Many unions and organizations have joined, adding people and support. At today’s assembly a statement described as a “living and breathing” amendable document was passed to represent our demands and concerns.
We are Occupy San Jose,
Occupy San Jose is a local, grassroots, democratic movement in solidarity with the New York, Occupy Wall Street movement. The purpose of Occupy San Jose is to encourage visible and accessible activism. We foster peaceful cooperation and the empowerment of humanity to engage in the democratic process regardless of socioeconomic, religious or political status. We are shining a light on the corporate and political corruption of Wall Street and in Washington, which has methodically increased oppression worldwide to favor the 1%. We also demand accountability for the commission of these crimes. We will not tolerate the wealthiest one percent buying our government, nor our politicians selling it. We are reasserting our role in democracy. We are all in this together. We are the 99%.
A group of seven to twenty protesters have stayed overnight since last Sunday. Fears of arrest Friday night have subsided after receiving word from the police that due to budget cuts they did not have the will or the resources to arrest the protesters occupying overnight. The irony of which, was not overlooked by the protesters.
I had one photo from Friday night. I was so caught up in the excitement I forgot to take more. A group of about 20 of us broke off, marching and chanting through the busy Friday night crowds. Spreading the word and flyers.
People bringing food and supplies have been supporting the Occupiers. One lady spoke of how she came during the rain earlier in the week and dried their wet sleeping bags. The Occupiers have occupied the hearts of the people. They stand for us and we stand with them. Donations and more info here.
First the rules…
Solidarity...
Charlie the Tuna Shark...
Sign reads, "Corporate sharks are going to eat you."
When the chant leader tired this amazing young lady took over...she rocks...
Not really sure which side he is on...
This guy in orange is on our side. "Joe Wall Street" has arrived after a week at Occupy Wall St....
Young Occupier...
City Hall...Occupied...
remembrance and the "little one"...Occupying...
Did I mention the band...?
Happy Birthday John...He would be Occupying...
It is time to take it to the streets...Occupy the hearts and minds of the people...we are all part of the 99%.