The Redneck Party Goes to Wall Street!

   The Redneck party arrived in NYC today to visit with the now 4 day old   Occupy Wall Street protesters. The rain came down with my arrival,  typical when I go out to protest. The protesters did not seem to noticed the light but steady rain. Small groups of people were dancing and singing.  Many were busy covering their tents and belongings from the weather.

If you are just passing by it does not look like much. There are a couple hundred young people, living among tents and makeshift cafeterias. Most are in their twenties, although their ages varied greatly The first thing I saw was a line of protesters face to face with a line of NYPD. At no point did it appear it would get out of hand, although there were some protesters shouting and seemingly upset. There have been arrests. The last report I read said 9 seems like a small number, but seeing people you have been communing with for a few days get their hands zip tied and hauled away has a psycological impact. You can feel the protesters have become protective of each other.

  

        They have set in place a "Democracy of ideas." I heard at least twenty speakers use "The Peoples Mic". Amongst the construction crews, honking horns, and general audio chaos that is the surrounding area they have been told by police that bullhorns are a no-no, and they are peacefully complying.The occupiers simply repeat what the speaker is saying so all around can get the message.
      I spoke to Alan, who flew in from L.A. to see Ground Zero and the new memorial. He had spent the past 3 days sleeping in Zuccotti Park. I had conversations with Wobblies about solidarity and a NYU filmmaker Named Dylan who was interested in politics. One theme rang out consistently was that they are tired of the corporate influence on our politics, our environment, and in our lives. They are sick of the corruption that is largely ignored by an apathetic public. The Citizens United Ruling has let a massive amount of Corporate cash into our political system,  the El Paso Times has uncovered evidence of drug gangs and their influence on our political system.  These occupiers may look like the outcasts, but they sure are screaming the truth.
     Alexia O'Brien , an Organizer with usdayofrage gave the crowd a phone number to call if they need legal assistance, provided by the Lawyers Guild. There were request for all kind of different supplies, from luggage racks, flashlights, batteries, food, a place to shower and crash. Some stood up offering people use of their mobile hotspot. A volunteer from St. Mary's Church from 126th  street in Harlem handed out rolls of plastic to help the encampment.
      It means allot to somebody fighting for a cause to see results from their efforts. Although they may not be great in numbers, the message they carry is ours, and their voices need our support. If you are in the NYC area, take some time to stop by and use the free speech our ancestors fought for to send a message of Solidarity. When I told them I was a union member and stood in solidarity with them they cheered! Not for me, out of sheer joy that their message has reached somebody, because all they really want is to know they are being heard.

The NJ Redneck Party will be visiting these soldiers again, if you want to join us email RedNeckPartyNJ@gmail.com.

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