NY's Occupy Wall Street Meets DC's "Stop the Machine!"

By Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News

06 October 11

ven before Adbusters Magazine put out the call to Occupy Wall Street, the October 2011 coalition was organizing an occupation of their own in Washington called "Stop the Machine!" Unlike the "leaderless" occupation on Wall Street - because all participants are, in fact, "leaders" - Stop the Machine! is being organized by veterans of various progressive political movements. The October 2011 coalition includes groups like Veterans for Peace, CodePink, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Progressive Democrats of America and Peace Action.

They have been involved in massive anti-war marches and political rallies dating back to the Vietnam War. They are back this time to establish an open-ended encampment in Washington, DC. Their timing couldn't have been better. They are joining thousands of people around the country who are demanding an end to corporate greed and political indifference.

Protesting against corporate greed is not new to the anti-war movement, they have always made the important connection between wars and corporate interests. This time, however, the usual corporate suspects have over-reached and a critical mass of people is saying, "Enough is enough."

Several hundred people have arrived for Day One of the "Stop the Machine!" encampment. It is a reunion for many involved. I have a feeling though that this time they can almost smell the aroma of change in the air. This time they are not alone ... they are part of something bigger. As I read the other news reports, I shake my head. The mainstream media is treating it like any other protest organized by these veteran organizers, and perhaps the opening rally was too reminiscent of the usual marches. But this time, when the march is over, they will have a general assembly like those happening on Wall Street. This time, the usual protest will culminate in an unusual meeting of "citizen leaders," all ready to stand with those standing up around the country.

What happens after that is anyone's guess.

Reader Supported News will keep a close eye on things and report all the latest developments from Liberty Plaza, Freedom Plaza and around the world. A young woman at a meeting for Occupy Miami said she likes the "smell of protest in the morning." She must be waking up very happy these days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6h2JM7-tfQ

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.