A couple of weeks ago, I went to downtown Portland and saw the protesters supporting the Occupy movement. They didn’t seem to cause an uproar — sure, you couldn’t miss them, but it wasn’t like a riot or mob. They were lined up on the sidewalk with enough room to let others walk by, not one was on the street; so how could they be such a disturbance?
The only thing they’re really doing is exercising their freedom of speech or expression by spreading the word or their message about the significant issue of wealth and power in the country and the huge gap between the rich and the poor.
Portland Mayor Sam Adams said it’s time to reopen the streets, that it’s time get back to reality. These protesters are not avoiding reality; they are facing it by making a stand. Even though they are left with the choice to leave or stay and get arrested, they are planning to continue their protesting somewhere else. Whether the Occupy Wall Street movement continues or is put to an end, the strength and will of these protesters will carry out their message about the wealth and power in this country.
Cindy Bertorini
Vancouver
