From Wall Street to Main Street: Can "Occupy" Become a Political Force?
On September 17, protestors occupied Wall Street, declaring themselves “the 99%” — a reference to the difference in wealth between the nation’s top one percent and the remaining population. Within a month, Occupy protests had spread to cities nationwide — including Portland’s own Main Street — and around the world. Though still in development, Occupy’s goals appear to include better jobs, more equal distribution of income, bank reform and a reduction of the influence that corporations wield in politics.
At City Club’s November 11 Friday Forum, speakers Bob Liebman and David Sarasohn will attempt to answer the questions: “Can the Occupy protests generate lasting and widespread change? And if so, what will that change look like?”
PSU sociology professor Bob Liebman, a specialist in political movements, will provide a snapshot of Occupy Wall Street and its spin-offs, and will compare it to similar street-level movements in the US and abroad. Columnist David Sarasohn of The Oregonian will offer insights into Occupy and describe where, politically, it might go from here.
More information coming soon.
