Occupiers Converge on Washington

By Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News

18 January 12

undreds of Occupiers from around the country converged on Washington Tuesday in an event billed as Occupy Congress. Despite rain and cold weather hundreds gathered on the west lawn of the Capitol. They participated in teach-ins and non-violence trainings before a National General Assembly that began at noon.

The General Assembly broke down into four working groups. The working groups were: National Actions, Interoccupy Communications, Differing Tactics, and those staying in DC to Occupy.

At around 2 pm the Occupiers broke down into three groups: Red, Black and Green, and headed to Congressional office buildings. They broke down further in the buildings as they met with members of Congress.

One group held a street theatre in Sen. Carl Levin's office that ended with Sgt. Shamar Thomas arresting someone who was acting the part of Senator Levin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_SKX0pzBg

There were no arrests in the Capitol, but throughout the day a handful of protesters were arrested on the Capitol lawn. The demonstrators had a permit for a certain section of the Capitol lawn and whenever anyone strayed off that section they were told to move back by the police. At times it was reminiscent of a game of Red Rover, with protesters toying with the police and a few being arrested.

After the afternoon meetings in Congressional offices, the Occupiers gathered in front of the Rayburn Building and marched back to the west lawn of the Capitol.

At 6 pm hundreds of protesters marched to the Supreme Court where they Occupied the steps chanting, "Money is not speech." One protester was reportedly arrested on the steps.

At 7 pm they left the Supreme Court steps and marched to the White House behind two banners, Occupy Wall Street and Occupy United. As they arrived at the White House the crowd chanted, "Banks Got Bailed Out - We Got Sold Out."

Another prominent chant was "We are unstoppable, another world is possible."

Once at the White House the chant changed to "Obama Beware, Occupy is Everywhere." One protester threw a "Colbert for President" sign on the White House lawn. Occupiers also placed colorful postcards on the White House fence with their personal wishes.

After leaving the White House the Occupiers headed back to the Capital for a National Occupation party that included music and dancing.

All in all, everyone who participated was talking about being inspired by the solidarity between the different Occupations that took part. For many, yesterday was about building for the future. One participant in the breakdown group for National Actions was inspired by the plan for a National Occupation of Washington scheduled for March 30th - April 15th. Others were just happy to meet Occupiers from other cities.

Many will be staying around for Move to Amend's Occupy the Courts action at the Supreme Court on Friday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QptAVWbm9c

Scott Galindez attended Syracuse University, where he first became politically active. The writings of El Salvador's slain archbishop Oscar Romero and the on-campus South Africa divestment movement converted him from a Reagan supporter to an activist for Peace and Justice. Over the years he has been influenced by the likes of Philip Berrigan, William Thomas, Mitch Snyder, Don White, Lisa Fithian, and Paul Wellstone. Scott met Marc Ash while organizing counterinaugural events after George W. Bush's first stolen election. Scott will be spending a year covering the presidential election from Iowa.

Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.