Occupy Duluth!

Yes, even Duluth is upset over corporate dominance and economic injustice. On Monday a bunch of people, including me, joined together in the park to start to plan an occupation of Duluth. We formed committees (I am on the Sustainable Food System Committee) and democratically made plans and decisions. We decided that we would rally and have second meeting on Wednesday. The rally was okay, but that is because Wisconsin has given me high standards. Despite the fact that we planned a protest in two days and that it took place during a thunderstorm....the turnout was still considerable. Since it WAS storming, I have minimal pictures.

The weather was NOT friendly....I blame the Tea Party.

Another interesting story is that the plaza we occupied is partially owned by Duluth and partially owned by the MN Power corporation. So MN Power put up "No Trespassing" signs to scare us, but the city made them take it down because the plaza is owed by the public. 

The above photo shows the Tea Party on the left with a portion of the Occupy Duluth rally on the right.

Okay, so when the local Tea Party heard there was going to be an Occupy rally they realized that they needed to counter-rally to protect their corporate special interests. Apparently within the ten people they had, one of them was actually a CEO of a big business. The Tea Party's messages were contradictory and downright confusing. To counter our "We are the 99%" slogan they had a "We are the 53%" slogan.  For starters I am pretty sure 99 is bigger than 53. I was told the 53% refers to the number of people they claim who pay taxes...

While the Tea Party had about ten people, we had about 75-100.

The media was there also. You can watch a video HERE.

After the rally we had another logistics meeting. One of the guys on my committee is a Frenchman who is a part of a group of area organic enthusiasts and foodies that are trying to promote local and sustainable food in Duluth. So they had a reception at the Greysolon. A couple of us went there after the meeting (after getting lost in a martini bar/jazz lounge) to talk about organic food as well as promote our cause. Also I got free dinner.

Saturday is a global day of action which is actually when we will start a 24/7 occupation. Unfortunately I will not be there because I will be in the Twin Cities for Brooke and Scott's wedding..