SALT LAKE CITY- Nearly 100 people have made camp in downtown Salt Lake since Oct. 6 to protest the financial state of America. The group is a branch of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement that has had a national presence since its beginning just over a week ago. The Salt Lake-based protest currently occupies Pioneer Park.
Protesters, or “occupants,” don’t show a unified message.
Brian Palmer, Salt Lake City resident, who has been camped at the protest since last Thursday, has been watching the event unfold with what he said is an objective viewpoint.
“There really is no message other than people are just mad at the way America is being run,” Palmer said. “Most of these people have a message of their own, but they haven’t been unified very often. I am just watching, trying to figure it out.”
[/media-credit]- Jake Rush demonstrates with Protestors participating in the Occupy Wall Street movement march against the centralization of power and money in Salt Lake City, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011. About 300 people participated in the march stopping to chant outside banks throughout downtown.
Carisa Eaves, a young adult from Salt Lake City, says she can’t get a job to pay for school.
“I’m here because it’s pretty much impossible to find a job right now,” Eaves said. “Corporations try to hire as few people as possible right now. They [corporations] make lots of money. They could pay a lot more in taxes and they would still be good.”
The protesters have yet to define any specific goals for their movement. The camp has received donations of food and other basic necessities to assist in the effort. Leadership hosts a meeting with the protesters each evening around 7:30.
On Oct. 14 “Occupy Salt Lake City” will march at 6 p.m., shortly after group meditation at 5:30.Event organizers invite citizens to join them.
“We hope that the people will come out and hear the messages that are here.” said Ryan Kane, a member of the Occupy SLC leadership. Kane invites those who want to follow or learn more about the protest to visit occupyslc.org.
