I didn’t know what exactly to expect on Saturday afternoon when I made my way down to the Occupy Bend rally and march. When I arrived about 10 minutes before the scheduled beginning, there were only about 50 people in the square, holding signs and generally just milling about.
But within 20 minutes, the mood had changed, as had the attendance, which had swelled to upwards of 400 by the time the protestors took to the street for a march that culminated back at the Occupy Bend site on Wall Street and Olney (which has since been packed up).
The critics of the Occupy Wall Street movement have decried the loose cluster of causes the group has championed, and some of that was seen on Saturday with signs regarding anti-war sentiment or, as far as I could tell, a few Tea Party-oriented anti-government sentiment. But, by and large, the speeches were focused on the financial inequality that has been the focal point of this movement.
Chris Lawler, who at 23 has been one of the most vocal members of the local Occupy movement, was at the microphone for most of the time, leading chants, but also making an appeal to younger people in Central Oregon, urging them to get out and get involved. He had a point. The crowd was mostly comprised of 50-and-older folks.
Interestingly, I didn’t see a single police officer the entire time, which made sense. This was a hardly rowdy crowd. I did, however, spot a less-than-enthused security guard standing at the doors of the nearby Bank of America.
Here are some videos from the event:
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 2, 2011.
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Thanks for covering the march, and for such an even-handed article. And also for posting the videos–actually saw myself! The turnout was great, and yes, the crowd was well-behaved, so it was good that no law enforcement were lurking about as if anticipating problems. Occupy Bend activities will continue–check the website, http://www.OccupyBend.org for updates.
Thanks again, Mike. Good job!
there are three opportunities to talk about occupy bend on wednesday , november 2nd . 2pm at the library . 7pm at the old stone church . 7 pm ( 5 : 3 0 sign in if you wish to speak on live t.v. channel 11 ) at city hall between the library and the old stone church . vic was the guy who made occupy bend such a success .
I agree with occupy.I am part of the 99% The Top ten Tax evaders
Have off shore Tax havens and the one with the most is Rupert Murdoch of Fox News with 152 off Shore Tax Havens,Murdoch has the Largest Cartel in the world Receiving $8.1 billion in Tax Refunds with out paying a dime due to Republican Tax Cuts&Loopholes ???
is that Fair&Balanced Fox News.KTVZ 21 is owned by Murdoch so I was glad to see the 99% their.Google Rupert Murdoch Taxes it’s Sickening also Google Top Ten Tax Evaders 2011.Murdoch own’s Grover’s Tax Pledge for the 1% so I would like to see anyone who signed the Pledge resign from office it’s a breach of oath&office it’s not ethical it’s conspiracy&Treason Google Grover Norquist Tax Pledge signers.