Occupy
Ogden is demonstrating against the centralization of power and money
to a few select individuals and corporations, and how this inequity
is compromising our social, political, and economic institutions. Our
grievances transcend gender, race, religion and politics. We will
continue our demonstration until our cause is recognized and our
voices heard.
Who
are the 99%?
You’ve
probably heard the term “I am the 99%” or “You are the 99%”.
Unless you are ridiculously wealthy, you are part of the 99%. Right
now, in our country, one percent of the wealthiest individuals have
control over nearly half of the entire nation’s wealth. The gap
between the richest if the rich and the middle class has been
steadily growing over the past 40 years. As this gap grows, our
middle class disappears into poverty. At the same time, the richest
1% obtain more and more control of our country by using their money
and power to “buy” our government and to “buy” laws that look
out only for their own greedy interests. The Occupy Movement is
growing daily with the hope that we, the 99%, can come together and
take back OUR country!
How
did Occupy Ogden begin?
Occupy
Ogden started around the beginning of November because a small group
of people wanted to support those who are Occupying Wall Street in
New York City and began meeting bi-weekly at various locations
updated on the Facebook Occupy Ogden page. Since then, we’ve been
meeting regularly to determine the shape and course of the movement.
There are also groups in Salt Lake City and Provo, as well as St.
George and Logan.
What
is Occupy Wall Street?
Occupy
Wall Street is a grass-roots movement that began on September 17th
on Wall Street in NYC. The occupiers of Zucotti Park, and many other
parks around the United States, were evacuated for health and safety
concerns (orchestrated by Dept. of Homeland Security), but the
movement continues with marches, rallies, dissemination of
information and outreach.
What
is the goal of the Occupy Movement?
Occupy
Movements are in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street and the
Declaration of the Occupation of New York City that was originally
agreed upon at the New York General Assembly on September 29, 2011.
Our current goal is to rebuild our voice, gain support, and help
spread awareness about the dire situation our country is in. The
movement is still in its infancy, but becomes larger and more
organized on a daily basis.
How
many cities are participating in the movement?
Thousands
of cities around the world are participating in marches, protests,
occupations, meet-ups and other similar demonstrations in solidarity
with Occupy Movement. This number grows continuously and may have
changed by the time you read this.
Who
are the leaders of the Occupy Movement?
The
Occupy Movement is a leaderless movement in which major decisions are
made together as a group. Committees are formed and work on projects
that they fell will help forward the movement, and when/if a decision
needs to be made that may affect the whole group, the matter is
brought to the group for a decision. While the lack of leadership can
be cause for disorganization at times, it also helps protect the
movement special interests taking hold and allows for absolutely
anyone to take as big or as small a role in the movement as they
wish.
Which
political party is the Occupy Movement affiliated with?
The
Occupy Movement welcomes people from all political parties, and does
not align itself with any particular party. We believe the current
system is broken die to corruption, and that the problems our country
currently faces are much bigger than Democrat or Republican. This
movement is about people, not politics. When politicians have failed
their constituents, we can no longer turn to them relief.
Where
can I get more information and get involved?
There
are many way to be involved with Occupy Ogden, including attending a
march or demonstration, helping plan events, and flyering. Most of
the people involved with Occupy
Ogden
have jobs, kids, school, and other obligations and can fit in only a
couple of hours a week. We welcome any and all levels of
participation. If you would like more info, you can visit Occupy
Ogden on Facebook.
General
Assemblies, demonstrations, and events are held regularly, and they
are open to anyone. Visit our Facebook page for more information on
how to join a committee or participate right from your own home or
office.
