Three Generations Attend OccupyMN Protest Together

Three generations of one family arrived at the in downtown Minneapolis Monday afternoon—not long before a short but drenching rain.

Only the member of the oldest generation came prepared. Nancy Seymour wore a layer of very lightweight rain gear—more than her daughter Cindy Rouse and grandson Tyler Rouse had. 

The Rouses live in Excelsior; Seymour resides in downtown Minneapolis.

Do you know anyone from Fridley who has participated? Leave a comment below. 

Fighting Corruption, Lobbying
It was the fourth day for the local version of the Occupy Wall Street protests that started last month in New York City and have since spread nationwide. Since Friday, a loosely organized crowd of varying size has been at Government Plaza (renamed People's Plaza for the occasion) day and night.

What brought three generations to OccupyMN under threatening skies on Monday?

For Tyler Rouse, it was to show support to the demonstrations. "There's too much wrong with our government," he said, citing "corruption" in particular. "The Federal Reserve (Bank) needs to be abolished," he said. "The economy is a legalized form of slavery." His preference: a barter system.

Tyler Rouse said he would be giving his mother and grandmother a ride home from the protest Monday, but he might come back later on his own.

None of the three were carrying signs—yet. But Cindy Rouse said if she did have a sign, hers would say, "Ban Lobbying." A total ban is what she seeks: "Get money out of elections," she said. She had first heard about OccupyMN either from Facebook or the newspaper; she wasn't sure which.

What sign would express your views? Leave a comment below.

'Patriots Galore'
Seymour's slogan of choice was "Power to the People." She said she had been to demonstration on its first day, Friday. On that day, the crowd reached 1,000—perhaps 10 times the number who gathered late Monday afternoon.

A few drops began falling from the sky.

"There are patriots galore down here," Seymour said, looking around as people on the plaza prepared for rain. "I'm one of 'em."

Would you join the OccupyMN demonstration? Why or why not? Leave a comment below.