Remember back to September 17, 2011, when the Occupy Wall Street movement began? That night, activists took over a block in Manhattan’s financial district, naming it Liberty Square, though many knew it as Zuccotti Park. It was a powerful moment, sparking a global wave of protests against the perceived tyranny of Wall Street and corporate power. Now, that same spirit is alive and well in Philadelphia, as protesters gather to challenge the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
News has spread about Hillary Rodham Clinton’s nomination, but many feel this victory is tainted. The DNC roll call vote is not seen as legitimate by these activists, who believe the Democratic nomination was unjustly taken from Bernie Sanders. To them, Hillary Clinton represents the very establishment they are fighting against, an enemy of the people whose actions, revealed by Wikileaks, will ultimately damage the Democratic Party.
Last night, July 26th, 2016, marked a stand against this perceived injustice. Echoing the tactics of Occupy Wall Street, a DNC walkout saw revolutionary delegates leave the Democratic Convention floor in protest. This #DNCWalkOut became a historic moment, a clear vote of no confidence in Hillary Clinton’s leadership and a rejection of neoliberal policies.
Continuing this struggle, a new occupation has begun. Adjacent to the DNC convention, protesters have set up tents in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park. This space is now declared Liberty Park, a symbolic reclaiming of public space, reminiscent of the original Occupy Wall Street encampments.
A call to action is being issued to comrades and supporters: join the occupation. The goal is to shut down the convention and challenge the influence of capitalism and racism within government and everyday life. Join #OccupyDNC by participating in #OccupyFDR.
This peaceful presence in FDR Park aims to strengthen activist networks and build political power beyond just the Bernie Sanders campaign. Inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement’s focus on economic inequality and corporate accountability, this new occupation directly confronts the Democratic Party establishment.
In light of WikiLeaks revelations exposing DNC efforts to undermine the Sanders campaign, a key demand is a review and possible re-vote in states with open lawsuits concerning voter tampering. This echoes the Occupy movement’s broader call for greater transparency and accountability from political and financial institutions.
Now is the time to act. Take a day, or two, and join the occupation in the park. Let your presence be a form of protest against both Republican and Democratic leadership. In a world grappling with the failures of capitalism and seeking alternatives, and at a moment when a Democratic Socialist almost won the presidential nomination despite DNC interference, your participation matters.
The future is in our hands. Just as Occupy Wall Street challenged the status quo, Occupy DNC seeks to do the same within the political arena.
Location of the Occupation
FDR Park, Philadelphia, PA East Side, next to the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia city officials have indicated that camping will be “tolerated” throughout the city, including overnight stays in FDR Park. During the day, please pack up tents as FDR Park will be full of activities.
