More organizations and politicians have begun to speak out about Occupy Wall Street, either in support or to distance themselves from the growing movement. Massive protests raged all over the country on Thursday as more and more cities support the New York City movement.

American Crossroads, the Karl Rove funded PAC, sent out an email to supporters about the protests. “The anti-Wall Street folks just paraded near our building, and we captured some video in case you weren’t able to partake in that joy.

One observation: I counted at least a dozen different causes – anti-Wall Street, pro-gay, pro-Palestinian, anti Afghanistan war, anti-Iraq war, Code Pink, something about farming, unions, generals-lying-and-people-dying, and so on. Some fun signs: “Wake up America we are in CLASS WAR” “Jail Obama” “Voting is a Hoax – Wake Up” A “war crimes” banner with both Bush and Obama mugshots “The military budget is KILLING Washington State!” “Free Bradley” “Stop Cheating Movie Goers” (I’m not kidding – though I assume they were) It reminded me of those World Bank/IMF protests from about ten years ago, where the exact cause was nebulous, and the protests were instead a cornucopia of disparate left wing causes from veganism to anarchy. Like today. Just your generic left wing protest,” the email read.

On Thursday, nearly 500 protesters marched in Washington, DC. At one point, the protesters spelled out a giant 99% with their bodies. Hundreds of protesters turned out in cities like Portland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The mayor of San Francisco Ed Lee issued a statement about the Occupy Wall Street movement growing in his city.

I understand and sympathize with the anxiety and frustration felt by so many in our country caused by a lingering recession and joblessness. That’s why I am doing everything I can to create jobs, get people back to work and make our families stronger here in San Francisco.

I support the spirit of the Occupy Wall Street movement that calls for peacefully assembling to protest and bring national attention to disparity issues in our country.

In San Francisco, protesters are acting within their First Amendment right to free speech and freedom to assemble. While allowing for peaceful protests, we also must ensure that our streets and sidewalks remain safe and accessible for everyone. I will continue to work closely with our Police Chief to ensure San Francisco responds appropriately to these demonstrations.

San Francisco is a city that embraces free speech and freedom to assemble like no other city.
levradin / Shutterstock.com

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About the author

Erin Chavez
Erin Whitney-Chavez has been writing professionally since 2009. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure University and received a Master of Arts in mental-health counseling from Argosy University. Erin Whitney-Chavez is a licensed mental health counselor and has worked in the mental-health field for more than 10 years.