If your day's activities brought you through the intersection of Commercial Way and Cortez Blvd. in Weeki Wachee, chances are you got a glimpse of the Occupy Hernando demonstration that took place this morning at 10:00am.
Protesters of all ages, races, and political ideologies lined the side of the road, waving to passing drivers and displaying signs with slogans like, "One Nation Under Greed" and "Leave My House A Loan!" Supportive passers-by honked their horns and waved back in support, and newcomers were readily greeted with a smile and a handshake.
Brian Moore, a citizen activist, was eager to set the record straight with regard to Occupy Hernando's intentions. "We're all just fed up with the system," he said. "We come from all walks of life, all ages, some people with home foreclosures, some unemployed. We want people from all parties," he added, pointing out fellow demonstrators and their political affiliations, including Libertarians, Democrats, and Tea Party members. "Last year, there were over 5,300 foreclosures in Hernando County alone. There is a tremendous amount of debt and the gap keeps widening between the 1% and the 99%, and when it comes to the politicians, they make legislation that supports the people who are already the most powerful."
Moore merely shrugs his shoulders when it comes to being labeled anti-Capitalist. "Some people are. Some aren't. We all have differing opinions, but we all have a common enemy. We want to hold the people accountable who have acted against the best interests of the American people. We're pro-Democracy more than we're anti-Capitalist. We believe there is a higher priority than money, and that is what is best for the people."
Betty-Jo Passalaqua, who held up a sign declaring, "We are the 99% and so are you!," believes that it is very important for supporters of the Occupy Wall Street movement to be involved in Occupy Hernando. "We want to organize the rural communities. Little cities have a great voting base."
Want to get involved? You can join Occupy Hernando's Facebook page or contact Brian Moore at brianmor@tampabay.rr.com.
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