Occupy Wall Street Gains Traction: “The Message Is Definitely Getting Out”

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Coming to the end of its third week, the Occupy Wall Street movement is gaining traction.

The streets of downtown New York were packed with thousands of protesters Wednesday as organized labor stepped up to back the leaderless fight in a solidarity march from Foley Square near City Hall south to Zuccotti Park, home base for the cause.

In the largest protest since Occupy Wall Street's inception on Sept. 17, support came from members of SEIU 1199, TWU Local 100 and National Nurses United, to name just a few. Environmental groups like the Green Party and community organizations like New York Communities for Change were also in attendance.

Despite the growing support, Occupy Wall Street continues to be criticized for its lack of leadership and absence of a unified message.

The Daily Ticker's Aaron Task took to the streets again Wednesday to try to make sense of it all.

Many of the grievances were against Wall Street and in favor of a more equal society, similar to last week. Signs and chants included: "Prosecute the Fraud," "Restore the Budget Cuts," "We are the 99%," and "Jobs Now." (See: Occupy Wall Street: What's It All About?)

But with labor and community groups now on board, the movement has become even more fractured. National Nurses United is fighting for better healthcare for all Americans, especially for the millions who have lost their jobs. And New York Communities for Change (NYCC), based in Brooklyn, is fighting for those who have lost their homes, or are on the verge. NYCC wants banks to start lending again and to offer principal loan modifications to homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages.

Contrary to popular consensus from spectators, the lack of one single mission may not be such a bad thing. Middle class Americans, a.k.a. the 99%, are unhappy about the direction of the country, and it doesn't seem to matter why. Thus far their anger been enough to get people to rally in protest, and it seems likely to be enough to keep the movement growing.

Tell us what you think and stay tuned for continuing coverage!


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