Economic Disparity and Unemployment Top Concerns at “Occupy Boise” Rally
As many as 300 people showed up at the state capitol today for a protest march called Occupy Boise. The event was one of many across the country inspired by ongoing protests on Wall Street. Most demonstrators in Boise said they’re concerned about the economy and the distribution of wealth in the U.S.
Here is what a few of them had to say:
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- Nicholas Coutts is a 23-year-old retail clerk in Boise, ID “I’m frustrated. I don’t know what to do. I grew up in this country and I love it very much, but there’s some problems… I went to college for three years, couldn’t afford it. I’m halfway through a degree. I’m working at a retail store for minimum wage. Any chance to go back to college would just result in more debt, and from what I’ve been seeing people who’ve been graduating haven’t been getting jobs. I don’t know if it’s worth it.”
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- Lana Levy is a 64-year-old woman living in Boise, ID. “We need to unify as Americans, come together, work together, and not keep fighting each other… I grew up in the 60s, but I really wasn’t involved in that very much. I just lived my life and grew up. My perception is that it’s time for those of us who didn’t finish that job then to come back in and keep it going now, along with the young folks who are starting to get engaged.”
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- Kit Knox is a 55-year-old woman living in Boise, ID. “I would hope that by this movement spreading, politicians will begin to see that there are a lot of people who are feeling that they don’t have a voice. I have young grandchildren. I have elderly parents. I myself am aging. And I would like there to be some hope for us, and I don’t think people have any right now.”
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- Jerry Means is a 63-year-old retired plumber from Nampa, ID. “I’m not asking for any more than to help get our American families back to work. I personally am fortunate enough that I got to retire, but all my children – everybody in America – needs a job again. It’s very depressing to sit at home and not be able to provide for your family.”
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- Jennifer McCarter is a janitor in Boise, ID. “A couple of weeks ago, I heard what they were doing in New York, and I thought, “Finally.” Finally people are getting together, and saying, “Enough.” It’s like everybody’s waking up across the country.”
Similar protests and gatherings have already occurred across the northwest, and more are planned for communities in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
