On the world wide day of protest held on October 16, 2011, there were signs that the movement known only as, “Occupy” ,has reached into some fairly conservative areas, such as the upper-Midwest of the United States. North Dakota and Minnesota have become sites of protest against what people see as an over reach of corporate power in the United States and the world.
Occupy Comes to North Dakota
About a hundred people gathered in downtown Fargo, North Dakota to be part of the world wide protest movement. They gathered near the US Bank Plaza to air their grievances. Normally, the plaza, which is owned by the bank, is open to the public. Banks had been a particular target of the “Occupy” movement. The plaza was cordoned off by police tape and about three police officers were present to make sure that the protesters didn’t stray onto the plaza. A police car periodically drove by the peaceful protest.
Protesters lined both sides of the street. Some were there to express solidarity with local workers who have been locked out of the nearby American Crystal sugar plant. A small number of people are staying in downtown Fargo as much as possible.
“Occupy” groups have also been formed at Fargo’s North Dakota State University and in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Another upper-Midwest state also has participants in the Occupy movement.
Occupy Minnesota
There are small scale Occupy organizations is cities such as Alexandria and Duluth in Minnesota that resemble the movements that have taken shape in North Dakota.
The movement that has taken hold in Minneapolis resembles the one that has taken shape in New York. While a large number of people are coming during the daylight hours, a core of people is setting up to maintain a presence at the Hennepin County government complex that may be as permanent as the one in New York.
Protesters in Minneapolis seem intent on defying a ban by Sheriff Rich Stanek against posting tents on the complex’s grounds.
One of the protesters, Nick Espinosa told KARE 11 news, "In response to the fact that it's getting colder here in Minnesota and for the health and safety of all the participants here, we think it's essential we get some tents set up."
Stank stands by his statement that any tents will be confiscated.
But, for now, it appears that Occupy, as a movement has moved from the larger metropolises on the coasts and has taken root in Middle America.
Jon Pike - Pike is a Ph.D. in communication and writes about activism and popular culture topics for Suite101.
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