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Occupy DC strikes at heart of lobbyists’ hub
Published: 08 December, 2011, 10:31
Occupy protesters block the intersection at 15th and K Streets in Washington, DC December 7, 2011 (AFP Photo /Karen Bleier)
(13.3Mb) embed videoTAGS: Conflict, Crisis, Protest, Human rights, USA, Cary Johnston, Gayane Chichakyan, Economy
Up to 70 arrests have been made in Washington DC after the police dispersed a mass demonstration only walking distance away from the White House. “Occupiers” blocked downtown streets to protest against high unemployment and corporate bailouts.
Hundreds of protesters from Occupy DC and other groups with similar aims targeted K Street NW, home to the headquarters of some of the city’s largest lobbying firms.
The demonstrators say the lobbyists represent corporations which, along with the country's richest people, the so-called “1 per cent”, have too much of the nation's power and wealth.
The non-profit organization Public Campaign revealed in its report that the 30 big corporations paid more to lobby Congress than they paid in federal income taxes for the three years between 2008 and 2010, despite being profitable.
Wednesday’s demonstration – “Day of Action: Occupiers Unite” – was attended by around 4,000 people, according to RT’s Gayane Chichakyan, reporting from Washington.
Much of the protest was centered around the offices of the Podesta Group, a lobbying firm co-founded by former President Bill Clinton’s chief of staff, John Podesta. Others occupied the area in front of congressional offices on Capitol Hill and outside a restaurant where Washington’s power brokers often dine.
Protesters, chanting “We are the 99 percent,” blocked intersections with newspaper boxes, wooden pallets, office furniture and tents. Downtown traffic was jammed for hours during the protest.
The police tried to drag them off the street as people lay side by side, linking arms in the heavy rain.
Police arrest an Occupy DC protester as they block the intersection of 14th and K streets in downtown Washington,DC on December 7, 2011 (AFP Photo / Nicholas Kamm)
The majority of arrested protesters were charged with obstruction of a highway.
Many of the protesters were expected to be released after paying a citation, but police said they would jail any with outstanding warrants.
Wednesday’s demonstration was the most confrontational in Washington since Occupy DC protesters began camping in nearby McPherson Square on October 1.
It has been reported that at least one protester suffered non-life threatening injuries after a confrontation with a mounted police officer.
A crackdown on the Occupy DC encampment in downtown Washington on December 4 ended with 31 arrests following a nine-hour standoff with district police.
Other Occupy movements around the country are also being marked by more confrontation as the authorities continue to move against encampments of the Occupy movement across the US.
Earlier on Wednesday, police also dismantled a tent city housing Occupy protesters in downtown San Francisco, arresting 70 demonstrators.
08.12.2011, 09:52
3 comments
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David Anthony wrote in#7
These undisciplined leftists will never lead a mass movement in america. They despise, and are despised by, the majority of working class americans. Their sudden arrival should alert america (again) to the radical leftist agenda being promoted in state universities. When the counter-revolution begins, the first goal should be a major reform of the university system, starting with lifetime tenure for leftist activists posing as professors.
Amen Brother.
@David
At least 'someone' is making noise and trying to be heard. Maybe, just maybe, they are trying to wake up the sleeping because it's easier to turn on the game and eat popcorn than see where you're children's future is heading. I give any protestor credit for speaking for me. I support my local occupy even if I can't attend. It's cold and they can use a bit of help. As far as undisciplined, take a look at the people who are paid by YOU to protect and serve YOU. Undisciplined? A bit of pepper spray, a few hits of the baton and a mess of tie-raps... now there's discipline. You must be part of the 1%. Stay there. Your time will come.
@ Imajwalker
Yeah some people stand up to get there voice heard and cause revolutions preaching that they will fix the problems ,that's what Hitler and most other dictators did. Wake up this is a class war. The rich contribute more than anyone else. The bottom 40% paid negative federal income tax and according to the Heritage foundation "The Top 10 Percent of Earners Paid 70 Percent of Federal Income Taxes" So who really is getting the short end of the stick? The people who are on welfare and take advantage of the state ,who now want more money for nothing or the hard working self made upper class (most American bussiness men and women are still self made and good people) Who pays the most taxes and is constantly being criticized?I support the hard working folks ,rich, poor, and all in between, I do support the working classes ,but ruining our country is not going to help them. Want to help people? Lower the taxes on the rich so they can actually hire more people or Lower the minimum wage. That is a real sacrifice for the greater good you get paid less so someone else can have a job too ,stop being selfish.