Report from Occupy Philly (DIAL-UP WARNING)

[Pab Sungenis]

This afternoon, after a quick walk through OutFest in downtown Philadelphia, a group of four of us decided to walk up to City Hall and look in on what's up with Occupy Philly.

I must say I was pretty impressed with the crowd. With almost no publicity (the local news have been there but been pretty much ignoring it) we had an awfully good sized crowd. Tents were up around the perimeter, information tables and booths in the center, and lots of events planned. People came and went, but it looked to me like more came than went.

The crowd has been steadily growing for four days now, and there appears to be no end in sight. I'm planning to go back for a while Tuesday with a sign reading "UNEMPLOYED NOVELIST - WILL WRITE FOR FREEDOM."

Most of these pictures were taken by my husband, Bryan Irrera. They should give you an idea of what's starting there, and what's going to build.

Philadelphia is a city of murals. Murals and paintings are literally everywhere. In keeping with this tradition there is a much more ephemeral mural (on corrugated cardboard) at Occupy Philly.




The area the Occupy movement has been set up in is also a well-known area for the homeless. Organizers have asked that the newly arrived protesters not crowd out those that call the plaza their home.




Battlestar Galactica fans will appreciate the missed opportunity here:



Being outside has its advantages for one well-wired protester.



The village even has its own library!




…with friendly librarians…



…with a simple mesage.



There is a medical tent…



…and just as important for a wired revolution…



…along with a media table.



Lots of protest signs, some a little more whimsical than others…





…but also some informational ones.




There were lots of tents…



…and some more innovative shelters, too.



And since all protest and no play makes Jack a dull boy, there were other activities planned, too.



One last photo for today. On the way out I saw a sign I just had to get a picture of.



Will report more when I get back from my next visit Tuesday.

Text copyright 2011 Paul L. Sungenis. Photos copyright 2011 Bryan F. Irrera. All rights reserved, may not be reproduced or redistributed without express written permission.

[pnorman]

1. This one!

[NYC_SKP]

2. K/R. And this artist has mad skills...

[AzDar]

3. K & R

:kick:

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Please DO keep us informed and bring back pics and news, please!!

For those of us who are unable to participate, for so many good reasons, these first hand reports are inspriing.
And in return pls. know that OCCUPY people on the ground have a lot of support and understanding from
the boomer generation, at least those of us who were in the streets and behind the movements of a time not that long ago.

:yourock: :yourock:

[Scuba]

5. "Save the libraries. Goldman Sachs can take care of themselves."

[BumRushDaShow]

6. OMG!!!

Bravo for your recap on the happenings in my hometown 'cause the local media is only barely covering the folks here and would rather talk about those in other cities! :applause:

I loved those solar panels that someone setup!!!!!! :rofl:

[life long demo]

7. Makes me proud to see "Young Patriots"

Does me old heart good. God bless all of you. Keep up the good work.

[Desertrose]

8. Go Philly!!!!!!

Where are they set up?

[Pab Sungenis]

9. 15th and Market

between City Hall and Love Park. You literally can't miss 'em.