Occupy Movement comes to Renton for a conversation about America

For about 45 minutes Friday afternoon it was Occupy Renton, as a national movement brought its call for a national conversation about corporate America to Walmart on Rainier Avenue.

By Dean Radford • November 25, 2011 7:37 pm
An Occupy Renton protester outside the Walmart store Friday afternoon on Rainier Avenue makes his point in a black mask.
An Occupy Renton protester outside the Walmart store Friday afternoon on Rainier Avenue makes his point in a black mask.

For about 45 minutes Friday afternoon it was Occupy Renton, as a national movement brought its call for a national conversation about corporate America to Walmart on Rainier Avenue.

The protest at about 2 p.m. in front of Walmart is an offshoot of Occupy Seattle; this one targeted the consumerism of Black Friday, the biggest retail shopping day of the year, said organizer Neal Bernstein.

There were several dozen protesters and onlookers in front of Walmart, with store security watching from a short distance. When two protesters sat down on the pavement, they were quickly told to move.
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It was part of Occupy Black Friday, where demonstrations with speeches and music occurred in downtown Seattle and across the state.

The idea is to create a national conversation about what’s wrong with America, Bernstein said. In particular, the conversation turned to corporate greed and mistreatment of workers.

Once millions have spoken out, he said, “we can set about fixing what’s wrong.”

Unlike Vietnam protests, these demonstrations are not about one issue but a number of interrelated issues, he said.

Signs spoke to the consumerism and speakers rallied those in the crowd in support of worker rights.

“What do we want?” yelled one.

“Respect,” came the answer.

When do we want it?” he yelled again.

“Now,” came the answer