While Occupy Wall Street has received most of the attention among the recent movements protesting against corporate greed and income inequality, there have been several smaller groups demonstrating around the country. It’s only natural that politically liberal Minneapolis, Minn., would have an offshoot group, and indeed, the city is the home of the Occupy MN movement.
Occupy MN began with much fanfare on October 7, when group members settled in Downtown Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Government Center Plaza, and renamed it The People’s Plaza. The crowd reached an estimated peak of 400 that day, and was visited by important local figures including Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Hennepin Country Sheriff Rich Stanek, and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison.
Although the protesters had a serious core message, the first day was light in tone and optimistic. “This is what democracy looks like!” was a popular chant. Sherriff Stanek even remarked how the plaza reminded him of the Minnesota State Fair.
However, Occupy MN has faced an increasingly large amount of challenges as the weeks have worn on. In one incident, 11 protesters with associations to the Occupy movement were arrested for blocking a bridge. And as the weather has become colder, the crowds have become smaller.
But the biggest obstacle for Occupy MN was a November 14 order by Hennepin County “disallowing sleeping, signs, and portable toilets” in The People’s Plaza, citing safety reasons relating to the cold. The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has prepared to fight the order, and the most dedicated members have resisted and stayed put.
Despite the new rules, enforcement has been lax to date, as protesters have continued to sleep in the area without being arrested. Even so, conditions have steadily become more unforgiving, with Minneapolis receiving its first significant snowfall and cold on November 19. And in possibly more troubling news for Occupy MN, its official website has reported that protesters are starting to be ticketed for trespassing.
Even though Occupy MN has lost much of its early momentum, it is not without hope. In fact, a recent CBS News/New York Times poll indicates widespread approval for the movement: 43 percent agree with the views of “Occupy Wall Street,” and only 27 percent disagree. Additionally, 66 percent said wealth was not distributed evenly in the country.
Although many challenges lie ahead for the movement, they won’t be giving up anytime soon. A recent post on the Occupy Minneapolis website states they will remain resolute “To show the rest of the world that Minneapolis has had enough. That we are the 99%, and we will not take our rights to free speech and assembly stripped away. That we are ready to take our country back. That we, The People, the 99%, do have a voice, and we do have a problem.”