Albuquerque’s version of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement doesn’t seem to be abating. Indeed, it may be growing.
A Saturday crowd estimated by police to be between 300 and 400 people lined Central Avenue near Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank branches in Nob Hill, vocally and visually demonstrating against corporate greed for the third weekend in row.
Albuquerque was among several cities across the state where similar protests were staged the same day. Other places included Santa Fe, Taos and Las Cruces.
In the Duke City, police reported that demonstrators at one point were hitting city buses and blocking traffic by jaywalking. They were issued warnings, and two protestors who didn’t listen were given warning citations for jaywalking, police said. Police also issued one protester three citations: for disorderly conduct, obstructing traffic and failing to obey police. Police said no arrests were made.
Local businesses displayed mixed feelings about the action, which included proclamations on signs like “Tax the Rich” and “Put the Bankers in Jail.”
Sophia Vander, of Eleck’tic Gallery at 3025 Central NE, where people demonstrated street-side, said she wasn’t bothered by the loss of business from Saturday’s protest, because she supports their efforts.
“I think it is for a fantastic reason, and if I wasn’t working, I would be out there also,” Vander said.
Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman, said the bank hears and understands the protesters’ concerns and respects their right to peacefully assemble.
“We can’t control what people do to make a statement,” Riordan said. “We took a stand to make the decision to close our Richmond (at Central) store for the safety of our team members and customers.”
APD made its presence known. Officers patrolled the area on bicycles and rode in squad cars wearing riot gear.
City resident Seamus O’Sullivan, who taught social sciences at the American University in Kabul, Afghanistan, said it’s been interesting to witness the democratic desire spread across the globe. He said the present movement is one of the most inspiring events he has seen in 20 years.
“I was wondering what it would take for the American public to say, ‘we’ve had enough,’ ” O’Sullivan said.
“Occupy Albuquerque” organizer James Roach said the movement is starting to grow, because of the increased persecution of protesters nationwide.
In Santa Fe, hundreds – perhaps more than 1,000 – people attended Saturday’s rally at the State Capitol.
