Over 100 people representing Occupy communities throughout the state met in Salem on Saturday. It was the second anniversary of Citizen’s United v. FEC, the Supreme Court case that made it possible for corporations to spend unlimited amounts to back political candidates.
Represented were at least 10 communities ranging from tiny Elkton to Portland, and included Cottage Grove, Klamath County, Eugene, Newport, Roseburg and Corvallis.
Members of each group reported on their activities, efforts like supporting the homeless and local teachers and saving the Post Office. Mary Cooley of Elkton, inspired by news of Occupy Wall Street on Free Speech TV, spoke of standing a highway to the coast, holding Occupy signs and receiving support from passing motorists, including truckers.
Jennifer Turner of Klamath Falls reported on forming a working group to monitor city commissioners who were attempting to direct library funds towards a jail project that the citizens had voted down. A member of Occupy Ashland said that his colleagues were allying with other groups to fight, on constitutional grounds, a proposition by businesses that would prohibit homeless people from sleeping in the park. “Anyplace can be a center for change especially small rural communities in Oregon,” he concluded.
Kerry Topel of Marion-Polk Move to Ammend cited Martin Luther King. “We are a new generation and we want to awaken those around us that we have the power…” She warned of the divisive tactics by corporate media who seek to divide citizens on issues such as immigration.
Erin Madden is an environmental activist and attorney on the Occupy Portland Solutions Committee. Madden reflected the experience of many when she said the movement had woken her to understanding that the solution to society’s problems could not be piecemeal. Fighting to “stop the next old growth timber sale… or next coal fired power plant…” would never be as effective as unified efforts. “The 99% can send a message to Congress that we want our democracy back” by passing “… resolutions (abolishing corporate personhood) in big and small cities and towns across this country.”
Also present was Cameron Whitten who was arrested at the previous day’s Occupy the Courts event in Portland at the Federal Courthouse in Pioneer Square. Whitten was arrested after a warning was given to get off the steps and he held his ground. He was cited and released.
The event was emceed by Peter Brugel of Oregon Peaceworks. Lightening the proceedings were performances by Dr. Atomic Medicine Show singing anti corporate and rapper Robert Sirk. The rally concluded with a march downtown led by a bagpiper.
