We parked the car on Washington Street, and schlepped to Zuccotti Park which was approximately 30 minute walk from Tribecca. It was a windy day, but the sun was out, so it didn’t feel too cold. As we neared the park, we heard chants and drum beating. About an 1/8th of a mile from the new WTC the park was filled to capacity. I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowds. People from all walks of life, holding up signs with different messages everywhere.
I felt choked up, it's worth repeating that I was overwhelmed, the smell hit me first, then the people, how they dressed, how so many were so thin, so dirty, surrounded by filth, the very first thought that hit me was, why would anyone subject themselves to this if they had it better? Why would they want to be there unless their condition was so terrible, that this actually looked better.
Each one has a story, each one wants to be heard, to be seen, and most importantly they’re looking for a change.
Though I haven’t been able to pick up one centralized message, the protests ranged from unemployment, to rage against Israel. Young, old, the in between, the healthy, the ill, all came together to voice their unhappiness, to express themselves, to ask for help to ask for change.
I’ve seen Code Pink, Raging Grannies and Their Daughters, lots of other peaceniks.
It appeared peaceful, people were singing, chanting, laughing crying, yelling, whispering, smoking pot, drinking, tattooing (The old fashioned way with true tattoo needles and no tattoo guns). The energy was beyond description.
It humbled me
