Occupy Salem: Is Something Happening Here?

Former Salem Mayor Mike Swaim addressed the crowd Oct 4 with a stirring message  about the common issues that had inspired people to come out in the cold and rain to plan an on-going encampment.

There are currently 383 Occupy Together communities in North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia with strong common issues. Among them: 

• many people are unemployed with few prospects; 
• many people have lost their homes to foreclosure and/or poverty;
• students are burdened with huge school loan debts; 
• corporations are able to buy legislation and elections; 
• millions of people have a desperate need for health care; 
• and we all face the prospect of free trade agreements that will send more jobs overseas  -- from wherever you happen to live. 

In short, there is a widespread and deep perception that "the system" is broken and corrupted.  And that 99% of us are unheard, disregarded and disrespected. And that we 99% are suffering in very real terms for basic needs as well as a belief things will be better for our children, for all of the people of the world. 


The social contract has been thoroughly trashed.


One topic among those who met at the first Salem General Assembly was comparison of personal experiences in actions taken in the past - during the Viet Nam war, the Battle for Seattle/WTO, WTO protests elsewhere, the Iraq war, local struggles, national causes, international efforts during the past 40 years. 


Will this experienced group lead a sustained and escalating effort for social justice?


We hope so. We heartily support Occupy Salem.