On October 25, 2011 I was in Manhattan and visited Occupy Wall Street at Zuccotti park.  I was profoundly moved by what I saw there.

First I saw the speaker's platform, where drummers were drumming to "keep our spirits up." Then the famous "human microphone" came into use.  It was developed by the OWS folks because amplification is not allowed in the park.  The ritual of the “microphone” had a dramatic quality I found fascinating.  A speaker who wished to speak began by saying "Mic Check!"  The crowd responded en mass, "Mic Check!"  This was repeated three or four times.   Then the speaker would say a short phrase, and the crowd, in unison, would repeat the phrase.  It felt almost religious in its call-response.

I walked around the park, listening to snips of conversations until I decided to walk into the park.

Despite media speculation of theft and  disorganization, what I saw were serious minded people working together to build a small city. Above, "rules" for the park, decided by consensus by the General Assembly.

The tent city.  Several people were sleeping. 

 A young man spraypainting OWS slogans on  prooffered T-shirts and tote bags for free, but asking for whatever donation could be offered. 

The lending library.

 An area that seemed to be where OWS protestors talked with passerby, and debated legal issues. 

The food area.

 What appeared to be a make-shift altar.

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Protesters tell passerby not to block the sidewalks.

 Teach-In Schedule.

Police looking unconcerned.

What I saw was inspiring-- real diversity and democracy at work.  Which I suppose, is why Major Bloomberg called out the police in riot gear.  Real democracy is always dangerous.

text and photos copyright voicegal 2011