Dozens of Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested in New
York City on Monday morning, as activists gathered in the financial
district to mark the one-year anniversary of the movement. Reuters
reported that the number of protesters was dramatically smaller
than what was seen at Occupy's height in fall 2011, with only
around 1,000 people demonstrating. Nevertheless, the NYPD was out
in full-force, posted at major banks and government buildings,
according to Reuters.
The police also guarded the famous Wall Street bronze bull.
According to a tweet from attorney Gideon Orion Oliver, who
represents some of the demonstrators, as many as 90 people may have
been arrested this morning. The protesters gathered at the former
encampment at Zuccotti Park, but were barred access by the police.
Monday's morning events show just how far off the radar the Occupy
movement has fallen after staging massive protests across the
country last fall which grabbed the world's attention.
Many sympathizers of Occupy Wall Street undoubtedly are
disappointed that a movement which was initially so powerful has
dwindled so quickly. Unfortunately, the vast majority of issues
which sparked the protests are still at the forefront of the United
States' problems. The initial impetus for the demonstrations was to
voice anger and dissent at the influence that corporate money has
on the country's political system. Widespread and deep-seated
resentment about the Wall Street bailouts which, in many ways,
served to solidify the power and influence of the Too Big to Fail
banking cartel was also a flashpoint.
Subsequently, the movement coalesced around the idea that 99
percent of Americans are being disadvantaged politically and
economically at the hands of the so-called one percent. While a
myriad of views and political ideologies could be found within
Occupy Wall Street, the demonstration largely was representative of
fears that the country is becoming an oligarchy, controlled
entirely by corporate interests, the monied elite and self-serving
politicians.
(c) 2012 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice.
All rights reserved.