September 17th, 2011 to Present

oc·cu·py  verb 1.to take or fill up (space, time, etc.)2.to take possession and control of (a place), as by military invasion.

pro·test noun1.an expression or statement of resistance, disapproval, ordissent, often in opposition to something a person ispowerless to prevent or avoid: a protest against the war

Wall Street noun1.a street in New York City, in South Manhattan: the major financial center of the U.S.

2.the money market or the financiers of the U.S.

movement  noun 1. a) group of people with a common ideology, esp. a political or religious one 

b) the organized action of such a group

fi·nan·cial adjective1.pertaining to monetary receipts and spending;  relating to money matters

2.of or relating to those commonly engaged in dealing with money and credit.

dis·trict noun1.a division of territory, as of a country, state, or county, marked off for governmental things

ac·tiv·ist noun1.an especially active,  strong supporter of a cause, especially a political cause.

in·e·qual·i·ty noun1.the condition of being unequal; lack of equality;  inequality of size and power.

in·i·ti·ate  verb1.to begin, start

un·em·ploy·ment noun1.The state of being unemployed, having no job especially not by choice2. The number of people who don’t have jobs

cor·rup·tion noun1. The act of being dishonest, doing things that are harmful to others, but good for you. 

What is Occupy Wall Street?

Occupy Wall Street is a protest movement that began September 17, 2011 in Zuccotti Park, located in New York City’s Wall Street financial district, initiated by the Canadian activist group Adbusters. The protests are against social and economic inequality, high unemployment, greed, as well as corruption and the undue influence of corporations on government—particularly from the financial services sector.

The protesters' slogan We are the 99% refers to the growing income and wealth inequality in the U.S. between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population. The protests in New York City have sparked similar Occupy protests and movements around the world.

A list of events for the 15 October 2011 global protests lists events in 951 cities in 82 countries: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Occupy_movement_protest_locations

After months of protest and occupation in cities across America, government and police have cracked down and raided many protest areas.

Governments use the reasons of noise, garbage, and rodents as cause for their decision to get involved.

You will watch a short video from the first week of February in Washington D.C., U.S.A.. The police started to enforce a ban on overnight camping at the Occupy D.C. camp. McPherson Square had been the headquarters of the movement up till then when riot police came in to remove the protestors.

Reports say this was a calm and mellow camp up till the moment the police came in. Some reporters say after 5pm, when it became dark, the police came in and started hitting people. Reporters were told to put their cameras away. Police made a human wall to block the view of what was happening. It is said that this has happened across the country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELUTMrcqBpI&feature=youtu.be

Things to think about while watching the video:

1. How long have they been reporting on Occupy Wall Street?

2. How would you describe the feelings and emotions in area where protestors and police met?

3. Do you think the police acted correctly from what you saw? Why or why not?

4. Are there any situations when police should be able to hit and beat people?

5. How does the guest on the show describe what it was like there during the day before it became dark? Was he surprised?

6. How many people were arrested?

7. Does this news surprise you?

8. Does it change what you think about America? Why or why not?