The first National Occupy Gathering has begun, in Philadelphia, at Liberty Park, next to the building that houses the Liberty Bell, across the street from Independence Hall. Representatives from 92 different occupy locales have committed to come meet and share strategies and resources over the course of five days.
Veterans for Peace member and local organizer Bill Perry sets up
Veterans boots and Gun display on Market street at foot of mall.
You can see independence Hall in the background.
Already, the Philly and federal police were making things more difficult than necessary for the travelers. The area was cordoned off with barricades. No people were allowed within the barricades if they were carrying camping gear.
This Occupier has a backback, so Park police won't let him in.
Of course, with temperatures of 95 degrees, it's important to keep people hydrated.
Occupy supply, sponsored in part by Firedoglake.com, is providing bulk water and free water bottles, but the police give a first warning that they can't be setting up there.
giving out free water and water bottles.
I don't know that I've ever seen so many different varieties of police at an action-- and this isn't even a protest-- local park police, USA Park Rangers, US Marshalls, Philly Police-- even someone wearing a Department of Justice cap. "So you're here to protect our free speech," I joke, as he makes excuses for the barricades.
But things are progressing. Groups are meeting, sharing ideas, planting signs
Discussions, lectures
Posting signs.
I'll be posting more as the gathering gathers steam.
Remember the hashtag to follow on twitter is #NatGat
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