Imagine an America where all government decisions are based on the desires and money of a powerful, privileged few, and not the needs of all citizens.
Some believe the nation is approaching that scenario, while others say it is already here.
Either way, activists with Occupy Indianapolis claim they are fighting to keep it from becoming a full reality.
That is why, since early October, members of the group have been holding around-the-clock demonstrations near the Indiana Statehouse.
James Kerner, a spokesman for Occupy Indianapolis, said the group is working to loosen what they view as the “stranglehold” corporations have over government at all levels.
“Corporations often do what’s best for their bottom line, not for individuals,” Kerner said. “If the government is in cahoots with corporations to do everything they demand, then the American people have to make a separation. Government should have ideas that help everyone, even if it doesn’t always agree with someone’s bottom line.”
Occupy Indianapolis is part of the international Occupy movement, which involves protesters who have gathered in major cities around the world to demand economic equality, more jobs, bank reform and reduced corporate influence in politics. A large number of the protesters have included unemployed adults and students concerned about the economy’s future.
Most experts say the movement was sparked by mass frustration with sluggish economies around the world, political corruption and corporations that some complain have laid off workers while increasing bonuses for executives.
The first protest was held in Malaysia in June, followed by the more prominent Occupy Wall Street demonstration in New York in September, which inspired protestors to “occupy” places in other cities on a daily basis.
Occupy activists have often used peaceful means such as protests, picketing, strikes and civil disobedience to get their message across. However, violence has erupted in some cities between authorities and demonstrators who defy orders to disband their settlements.
Local activists are trying to unite with those demonstrating around the state in Evansville, Kokomo, Muncie and Terre Haute. The Indianapolis group reached about 100 at its height, with a dozen participating in meetings on a consistent basis.
Louis Thomas said he was motivated to join the Occupy movement when he remembered how disappointed he was with the Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission ruling last year. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that corporations, unions and political action committees (PACS) have the right to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns.
“I had a problem with that,” Thomas said. “If money is now king in politics, then how can the voice of the people be heard?”
Thomas, who is Black, noted that with African-Americans making up a quarter of the city’s population, their involvement could provide a serious boost to Occupy Indianapolis.
“We’re leading in unemployment and we have been hurt the most by the economic crisis,” he said. “Powerful interests are using their money to influence Congress and keep the president from giving us the changes he promised, such as the bill to create jobs and better health care to reduce the high rates of diabetes and obesity in our community. How long are we going to put up with this?”
Until last week, Occupy activists had tables, tents, lawn chairs, sleeping bags and other items next to the Statehouse so that they could demonstrate in shifts and prepare for colder temperatures.
Last Thursday the Indiana Department of Administration, which overseas Statehouse property, ordered protesters to clear their personal items within a day or face arrest, saying the items posed “an increasing health and fire hazard.”
Ashley Barger, an Occupy volunteer, viewed the order as a form of intimidation and said she joined the movement because of anger with what she believes is excessive government interference in the lives of citizens.
“This is about our rights,” she said. “We’re taking a stand and saying that no matter how far they try to push us, we are not giving in.”
Occupy leaders did comply with the order and were, at press time, still at the Statehouse, leading vigils for demonstrators in New York injured in clashes with police.
Kerner said the next step for the group is to open a public account and set up a budget detailing donations and expenses for parking meters, food, generators and other items. Reports from the budget will be shared with state lawmakers.
“We’re not getting the kind of transparency that shows how government is spending our taxpayer money, so we’re going to show them how it’s done,” Kerner said.
Despite its growth and relative success (mainly in getting financial institutions such as Bank of America to reduce customer fees), the Occupy movement has plenty of critics who do not believe its ideals and methods are noble.
One of the most outspoken critics, Republican Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh, has described the Occupy movement as a “well-orchestrated, well-funded, socialist effort to disrupt the American people” and “rile up Obama’s left-wing support base.”
Indianapolis protester Mike Jones strongly disagrees, saying that unlike the Tea Party, which is often associated with Republicans, the Occupy movement is a diverse effort that is truly independent of any political party.
“This is about the state of the economy and the fact that there are no jobs that pay anything, expect those that are highly specialized,” Jones said, fastening his jacket and drinking coffee to brave the cold. “Unless we change the direction this country is headed in, we’ll all be working for three dollars an hour.”
