Not one mainstream reporter showed up, despite press releases to all media well in advance of the advent. I guess they were all busy covering the important "Yikes! Snow Melting in Seattle!" story.
Occupy Seattle's General Assembly was divided whether to endorse an event featuring a Congressman (proudly liberal Rep. Jim McDermott)and several mainstream activists. In the end a slim majority voted not to endorse. Many participated anyway.
I recognized 83-year-old Dorli Rainey, who got pepper-sprayed recently at an Occupy event. I introduced her to Kathleen Brodine, whose 99th birthday was that very day! Ms. Brodine was determined to make it clear that she supports the 99 percent. So I made her a sign:
That is her daughter in the middle saying "Mother, this is the lady who was pepper-sprayed."
After the CU birthday was roundly mocked, Ms. Brodine's birthday was honored with a cake, a crown, and a song, as dozens came up to express their congrats and admiration. She told her daughter it was her most memorable birthday ever.
Also speaking was leftist clergyman Rev. Rich Lang, who got pepper-sprayed that same day as he tried to keep the peace.
Craig Salins of Washington Public Campaigns introduced Rep. Jim McDermott:
Craig's remarks:
EDIT: I added Kenn Dzaman's video of McDermott's remarks:
The 5 guilty Justices appeared in the Portrait Gallery of Shame:
A "corporate person" (Denise Henrikson) throws a fit at the reality of a law banning plastic grocery bags in Seattle, advocated by Ellie Rose of Zero Waste Seattle.
Jeff Reichman of Envision Seattle Blog
"Lady Liberty" and other stiltwalkers, along with with the Backbone Campaign's "Anti-Fascist Marching Band" then led the coalition through the streets of downtown Seattle to the Federal building.
This is me with my ever-present camera bag and the logos of 2 Evil Empires visible in the background.
Please comment, add pictures or vids, and correct my info if needed.
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