The home of big business lobbying in Washington was taken over Dec 7, 2011, when thousands of protesters from across the nation converged on the district to voice their opposition to corporate greed and money’s influence in politics. Over 100 from Wisconsin participated in the action and, although it was incredibly soggy, spirits were high.
The march began on the national mall, and consisted of 5 separate groups with differing paths and goals. Wisconsin was one part of a contingent focused on GE’s lobbyists (tax dodging and mass layoffs) and Wells Fargo (foreclosure and the banking crisis). The GE group included great delegations from Connecticut and Pennsylvania and was large enough to stop traffic on numerous occasions.
The group soon descended on K Street and was met by the five other component groups to form a massive intersection blocking whole. After doing what they must to bring attention to the problem of political corruption the majority dispersed. Afterwards, a small group of brave souls remained and were arrested. Of the group of arrestees, three were from Wisconsin and sacrificed so that the message of the 99% could be heard.
The combined groups marched back to the National Mall, their length spanning several city blocks and stopping traffic in their direction.
Here are some pics from the day:
The group stops to protest Wells Fargo
Protesters Take the intersection
Thousands Take Over K Street
The brave ones that stayed behind
Office Workers Look On
