OccupyDC: Report from McPherson Square

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Like its New York City model, OccupyDC has started small. About 30 protestors were in McPherson Square on Tuesday afternoon on Day 3 of the local occupation, standing in solidarity with those who have been occupying Wall Street in New York City for the last few weeks (thousands are expected to turn out in New York City at 4:30p today).
       While the Occupy movement is still in its early stages, and lacks a central focus, each day it becomes more and more obvious what it's protesting: corporate greed, the influence of large sums of money in politics, the rights of the middle class and the hope of a better life for a young generation. The protestors are frustrated by a political system that fails to address the real issues affecting the lives of Americans today and angry that it only benefits the wealthiest one percent. Similar protests have already been sparked in Boston, Austin, Toronto, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Detroit and on college campuses across the country.
       The scene at the protest is congenial, with more weathered protestors talking in groups with newcomers. One man with a long beard sits among a pile of backups, the supplies they use at night. On a park bench is a box full of oranges, bread, granola bars, water, gatorade. Leaning on a nearby tree are signs that read "If you have college loans you are the 99 percent", "Repeal Citizens United", and "No representation without Taxation."
        Wes, a young protestor, told how both his parents' pensions were in danger due to his home state's finances. Leah Bloger, the vice president of Veterans for Peace, said that the economics of war are enriching corporations, rather than fighting for the nation's interests. The protestors say they're in need of supplies like sign-making tools, blankets, tarps, and a place to store their signs at night. But most importantly, says Wes, they're in need of supporters, people willing to give up some of their time to join them in the park.
       On Tuesday afternoon the protestors planned a march to the D.C. offices of Koch Industries, whose owners have been prominent Tea Party supporters. And on Thursday they'll hold a large protest with a number of D.C. area groups at Freedom Plaza.
- report/photos by Andrew Metcalf