Occupy Movement: Takin' It To The Local Streets

The "Occupy Wall Street Movement," now into its third month, continues to grow across the country, even as winter approaches and some public spaces start to become unsanitary.

And the movement, which is pushing for more economic equality for 99 percent of the nation's population, continues to be active in Essex County.

According to Baristanet, a group led by Montclair's Pat Kenschaft gathered on Church Street for about 90 minutes early Saturday to protest economic inequality.

In addition, a rally has been planned for Saturday, November 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Municipal Complex in Wayne.

Activist Arnold Korotkin said that the rally is an opportunity for both Essex and Passaic county residents to come together to share ideas and to tell local politicians about their concerns.

These concerns include an unfair tax structure, a lack of investment in public education, and an absence of accountability on Wall Street.

On October 10 in Little Falls, a small but determined group of protestors gathered under the clock of the Municipal Building for a “Vigil of Concern.” Held in support of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement in New York, it carried the same message:

Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, officials in some cities have started to move to break up protest camps amid worries about safety.

Indeed, a 35-year-old military veteran shot and killed himself at an occupy site in Burlington, Vt., and a man died inside a tent at the occupy Salt Lake City site, apparently from a combination of drug use and carbon monoxide. Officials there have ordered protesters to disperse.

So what do you think? Will you join the protest November 19? Tell us in the comments section below.

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