“Not since the '60s has America been at such an important crossroads. It is important we bring visibility and work toward change, actually rebuilding the America we loved. Our way of life is threatened.”
Occupy Atlantic City meets to discuss its planned encampment in Atlantic City on Oct. 29 at Redding's Restaurant on Pacific Avenue. (Photos Josh Kinney)
Location: Atlantic City
Dateline: 11.12.11
Occupy Atlantic City held a General Assembly at Brighton Park, Saturday, Nov. 12.
It was announced the encampment and occupation of Atlantic City would begin this coming Saturday, Nov. 19, at a location to be announced.
All who attended had been alerted through social media and email.
In this era of instant knowledge, we have found the modern equivalent to the Guttenberg Bible. Every one in the world with a computer, Facebook, Twitter, etc. has their own printing press as information is cast into cyberspace.
"Geoff’s Page" has brought e-mails to my inbox from every continent but Antartica.
I asked three students from Ocean City High School who were at Brighton Park Saturday, “Did your mother bring you or did you bring her?”
“We brought her,” they said proudly. “We think it’s important to be involved. Fortunately, she agrees. We’ve been here before and we’ll be back.”
Tyler, 16, from Freehold, N.J., was staying in town with his father to see the Further concert. “I am in the process of organizing an occupy Freehold movement and didn’t want to miss this. It’s like a living training manual.
"I am fortunate in life. My father was able to work his way up. Today that same opportunity that came his way does not exist.”
In conversation this young man quoted Sophocles, and told me he is in negotiations to publish a book.
Matt, in his 30s, a local resident, is also involved in Occupy Philadelphia.
“It is important to keep ruling by majority," he says. "In Philly there is a small minority who wants things decided by a 90% majority rule. I believe it is their intention to disrupt progress, instead of promoting it.”
Gerry, in his 50s, with his son Jeremy, 10, said: “Not since the '60s has America been at such an important crossroads. It is important we bring visibility and work toward change, actually rebuilding the America we loved. Our way of life is threatened.”
Bettie, 75, spoke to the assembly about their vote and the recent election. “Remember, we can bring light to the situations, but we cannot change the laws. All great change starts with the people.”
She then went into private conversation about this year’s election. Her sentiments were heard throughout Atlantic County on Election Day.
“It’s a disgrace … I’m so glad it's over … Finally, no more commercials.”
The name calling was bad enough in our Senatorial campaign, I didn’t vote for either candidate. I just couldn’t. It was the first time in 36 years of voting I refused to support someone. Spending in the Senate race surpassed $3,000,000 (still counting) seemingly most of it on the negative positioning of the opponent. So much could have been done spending that money on things of a positive nature.
Last summer, while eating in a diner with a friend visiting from Europe, I overheard a conversation between a waitress and three foreign-born workers.
The waitress was repeating Superman’s words: “I’m here to fight for truth, justice and the American Way.”
“Lie, steal, and cheat… that’s the American Way”, replied one worker. My friend turned to me and said, “They are right. That’s what the world sees now.”
He has been in over 100 countries.
Last week, after Tuesday’s election, our nation celebrated the 236th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and Veteran’s Day. Many died for WE the people. It’s time for those who made us proud to be proud of us.
WE the people can keep it positive and in forward motion. There’s no more time to retreat. We can do it if we work together.
We all know things are bad, and we all have heard ideas that can’t get off the ground because you can’t be heard or financed. Let’s publish them here together.
Too many projects in Atlantic City have died in backrooms as money pours elsewhere. The $16,000,000 the CRDA already spent in Pennsauken is a good example. That money could have been invested into small local projects that would have made a better Atlantic City.
Stop wasting money. Stop playing partisan politics and crazy campaign spending. Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Constitutionalist, Socialist, Green Party, Tea Party, or Occupier — let’s find the things we can agree on and work on them first. WE all agree, it’s time to rebuild America.
Here’s my idea of a great party where everyone can be invited:
R.I.D.US — Republicans, Independents, and Democrats for US
You’re invited to RSVP right here, at the bottom of "Geoff’s Page."
Geoff Rosenberger is a Broker Associate at Marketplace Realty. Read more of the acweekly.com columnist, Margate City resident and self-proclaimed visionary's "Geoff's Page," including local snap shots, thoughts, Atlantic City news, random musings, GLBT-related news, "The Real Report," and happenings every week — only at acweekly.com.
E-mail Geoff at geoffrosenberger@comcast.net or call him at 609-385-7585.
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The occupiers will be allowed to peacefully assemble during the day, they have been told by local authorities. They will not be allowed to camp overnight on city property or privately held lots, such as the former Sands site.
"Please join us — as history will be made in Atlantic City and we want every one of you, your families and your friends, to be a part of it."
The statement, which will be released no later than Thursday, Nov. 17, will state, I am told by the organizers, where and when they intend to Occupy Atlantic City.
“Atlantic City, Vegas, Reno, Wall Street is the real casino,” shouted protesters, “We are the 99% and so are you.”
The group wants a totally peaceful and family-friendly occupation, keeping everything legal with strictly no drugs, violence, alcohol or weapons at the Atlantic City encampment. “We have high hopes and we know that we are capable of doing big things if we all work together.”
Atlantic City’s Brighton Park was occupied Saturday afternoon, Oct. 22, by a group of more than 30 people who stood in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement. Occupy Atlantic City members plan to meet again Saturday, Oct, 29, back at Brighton Park.
After a tour of the area the Occupy Atlantic City organizers agreed among themselves that their next in-person meeting would be at Brighton Park, in Atlantic City, Saturday, Oct. 22, at 11am.
Washington, DC tells us the recession is over, when many of us seem to be living through a depression. We hear from politicians at all levels what they are doing for us, when many of us seem to think they are the problem. Americans want to go home again. We remember and long for a simpler time and better place… the land of the free and the home of the brave.
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1. Mark Schumacker said... on Nov 14, 2011 at 03:29PM
“Although many of us have not been there since the beginning many of us are just as motivated as any other to occupy. I myself did not know until the fourth meeting and did not know it was moved to reddings until further research, and then knew I could not miss the march. I think this is very important for all to be educated on and not be intimidated by the havoc that is going on, let us stand up and continue in solidarity and unite in this movement! God Bless!”
2. Hadley Jerkins said... on Nov 14, 2011 at 04:16PM
“Let's use this Occupy movement to achieve something. Let's step back and see the big picture: Times are changing around the world, and in America and in Atlantic City. It's a perfect storm for everybody to get on the same page and utilize resources to the good of the people — and to this city. God bless!”
3. Muhammad X said... on Nov 15, 2011 at 06:21AM
“Great job! We are the 99% & we will help drive out the money lenders from our temple/world.With love & support,Muhammad X”