Let me start off by telling you how beautiful today was. It was Cold. The Sun was out. Not a cloud in the sky when we pulled up to Occupy Olympia.
We marched from Camp to a park. Had a few speakers and some music, before continuing on to the Capitol Building.
We were a mass of maybe 1500 hundred people by the time we approached the capitol Steps. It was breathe taking.
The Special Session they had come back from Holiday early for was cancelled when they found out we were coming. We would like to think it was them being scared to see this many people defending their freedom...But it was probably more or less the fact they did not have the heart to face us with ALL the WRONG they know they are committing.
We took over the building. This was young and old. The smallest was about a month old new born and the best was the 84 year old women who was sprayed in the face with Pepper Spray in Seattle about two weeks ago! She gave an amazing speech about WHY we MUST do this.
We delivered our demands to the Secretaries for most of the Representatives. None that were in the building would come and speak with those who had Demands to deliver. Which was a little sad.
When we ended up leaving, a wave of Teachers, all in red had just entered the building. It was the last wave of them at about 400-500 Teachers. for the day we saw maybe 1500 teachers, alone. All in red. My eyes filled with tears at the sight of the sea of red as I left the building.
Had I not gone to this, I may not fully understand the depth that this movement has. The diverse groups of people who are finally coming together, for alike cause. And that cause is to change the world!
If what I witnessed today is what we can get done from here on out, I know everything is going to be ok. I know with this being only our first of something in this magnitude, the next will be bigger and then bigger still.
''When the People lead, the leaders will have to follow''-Ben Harper
How was everyone else's Monday??
UPDATE: I LEFT AT 530. MY FRIENDS STARTED GETTING STOMPED ON BY THE STATE TROOPERS BY 6PM. 2 CHOKED OUT. 1 TAZED. THREE BUSES HAVE TAKEN PEOPLE BEING ARRESTED AWAY. ONE HAD HER HEAD STOMPED ON, SHE IS IN THE HOSPITAL. I AM NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY THE BRUTALITY STARTED BUT IT IS NOT GOOD.
PLEASE BE PRAYING.
I HAVE SOMEONE CALLING ME KEEPING ME POSTED.
Not yelling really scared for my family. These people were not deserving of this. When I left it was teachers. Students and families. Now it is blood. People being hauled off and god knows what else. This is not right.
I am so exhausted. But on this body high like none other. I can not put to words what I witnessed today. In fact I sat quite stunned for a very long time. The State Patrol was so calm. So collected. They were laughing with the giant number of smal kids that were there. Giving them stickers and taking pictures with them.
The only defensive means they had to take were when we rushed the Governs door, they blocked it two deep with Troopers. but then they allowed everyone to sit directly in front of it, They mic Checked for what I could gather was well over two hours. We heard alot of hardships. We cried as a group. We chanted to lift the mood and they passed out lunch to everyone.
It was the first time I had ever been in the Capitol. Only my second time to Olympia. So this being my first memory of the place. I am eager to go back.
Dawn our Demands were as followed:
ALL Lobbyists and Corporate money out of Politics. At Local, State and National Levels. And that now one single Person can donate more then 5k to any one canididate in said election campaign. No Lobbyists or Corporations are to be allowed to donate to a campaign.
Close the Federal Reserve. It is Illegal. It is hurting America and is the ROOT of the Financial Crisis we are still in.
End ALL Corporate Welfare/Personhood. No mega Corporations need giant tax breaks, and still get out of paying their fair share of taxes through loops holes and other incentives.
DO NOT RENEW THE BUSH TAX CUTS. Replace them with a Reformed Tax Code, That taxes the top 1-2% at a higher rate.
Reinstate Glass-Steagle
REAL HEALTHCARE REFORM. Healthcare for everyone, regards their state of employment. It may seem hard, but we are smart...we can try harder figuring something out...This is my personal opinion interjected here:)
Education Reform. Where our kids are not having to hope for a lottery win to get a REAL education. It is sad to see what we have allowed our Public schools to be come. And the fact that College has become such a non starter for low income families. Truly a tragedy.
that is what I handed over....in not so many words, professionally written....and signed by those who went with us from OFW.
And they say we do not know what we want. This is a fairly common list among Occupations. There are some others that hit some other notes, but that is what makes them unique:)
More Answers
A.J.
answers from
Williamsport
on
Very impressive! You know for any cause like this, there are many more people who support it and do not attend than actually show up, so your numbers were much bigger in reality. They know most people are at work, home with kids and unable to attend. Even though only the secretaries "took your messages", they do have to report how many people attended and what you said, etc, so it's just as valuable as having the big wigs there to nod while you talk. Good work. I'm glad you found some like minds and had a successful trip. Slowly but surely, the protesters and officials alike will sort out and align their causes and realize who to vote for and what to do once they see not everyone is just sitting idly by and letting them do whatever they want. Sometimes they need to be reminded we voters are out here, and you did your part to represent many people!
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☆.A.
answers from
Pittsburgh
on
You GO, Lady!
SO proud of you!
Sounds like an uplifting day for you. Awesome.
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✿.*.
answers from
Los Angeles
on
Passion+Courage=Change. People like you are the ones making things happen for the rest of us.
Thanks!
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D.B.
answers from
Charlotte
on
I'm glad it was peaceful, Libby. What were the demands that were voiced? It seems that the OWS movement hasn't decided on what particulars it wants our lawmakers to consider. Are Tacoma's demands different than OWS as a whole?
It will be interesting to see what OSW decides to focus on!
Dawn
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☼.S.
answers from
Los Angeles
on
Wow, that's an awesome update to share!! I love hearing that the granny was there. Thanks for doing this right, E.. You're a smart cookie. My Monday doesn't hold a candle to yours. You will never be blissfully ignorant!
