Occupy GJ shows no sign of quitting: Demonstrators have conflicting ideas for end result
October 30, 2011 11:12 pm 2 CommentsSince the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations began Sept. 17, there are now 1,500 occupied cities around the world. Grand Junction is one of them.
Occupy Grand Junction demonstrations began Oct. 15 on the lawn of old county courthouse. Different reasons have prompted citizens of all ages to join the local movement.
“I joined [the movement] because I realized that there are injustices in America,” CMU Freshman Aaron Torline said. “Banks control our government more than our people do.”
Shasta Hall is a single mom and one of the organizers of Occupy Grand Junction.
“I can’t even find a job to cover daycare expenses,” Hall said. “I am involved with Occupy GJ because we don’t have a democracy anymore. The representatives are not doing what’s best for the people.”
The number of occupy participants fluctuates, but a small group protests 24 hours a day.
“A lot of our protesters are working during the day,” Demonstrator Jesse Montoya said. “We see more people during the weekends and when the weather is warmer.”
Unlike many occupy protests, there have been no violent actions from demonstrators or police. On Oct. 26, the protesters painted a box black, symbolizing a casket for the middle class. About 75 individuals participated in a funeral march in the downtown area.
“This funeral was for the death of the middle class,” Hall said. “The gap between the rich and the poor is getting larger and larger as time goes on.”
Some demonstrators say they plan to close their bank accounts on Saturday and open new ones at local credit unions that didn’t receive bailout money.
At this time, demonstrators are still meeting by the old courthouse, but they are not using the lawn because the city is preparing it for winter. Some members said they are thinking about moving their protests to businesses that have received bailout money or large tax breaks.
“Many people have conflicting views on what we want to see happen as a result of this movement,” Demonstrator Richard Crespin said.
Occupy GJ information is available to protesters during most of the daylight hours.
“I am not going to stop [protesting] until changes have been made,” Hall said.
To find out more about Occupy Grand Junction, visit www.occupygj.com.
sfrose@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
Categorised in: News
This post was written by critedev
2 Comments
I (Richard Crespin) was misquoted, Article should have read “Many people have DIFFERENT views on what they would like to see as a result(s) of the movement.” Our views/goals DO NOT conflict. We all have a variety of issues/concerns, the occupy movement has created space/venues to express and resolve those issues/concerns. 99%
Second, LINE 15 “Unlike many occupy protests, there have been no violent actions from demonstrators or police.” You are saying most “occupations” have become violent by protesters and police, you should separate this phrase, most occupations have not seen violence ensued by protesters, the police at times become violent at many occupy locations during peaceful assemblies. If you have any questions, Sarah, you have my number
Great article Sarah! Thanks for representing the 99%, even if they don’t seem to appreciate your press coverage.
Richard Crespin: There is a difference between “many” and “most”. Many occupations have become violent, but most have not. Line 15 doesn’t imply that “most” have become violent.