Joel Tyner for Congress

A real Grassroots Effort: Joel Tyner for Congress

When I first heard that Maurice Hinchey was retiring from Congress, I was very concerned because he is one of the few members of Congress who seems to really stand up for the things I believe in.  This is a CRITICAL ELECTION for our community.

Luckily last Thursday, I met a candidate for the newly redistricted seat District 19 in Congress who isn't just another picture perfect politician. He's a dedicated and hard working activist and man of the people who knows that actions speak louder than words. He's also an experienced leader, and the current Dutchess County Legislator. He's been elected 5 times!

This is video of him speaking out against closing Post Offices and laying off Postal Workers. He is asking for all registered Democrats to support him by SIGNING A PETITION to get him on the ballot for the PRIMARY ELECTION.  The DEADLINE for the petitions is April 15th, so SIGN NOW.

To sign, download the petition from the website, or call the campaign, and WE WILL COME TO YOU.
If you know me, email me, and I'll bring you a petition.

www.joelforcongress.org

What Amazing Luck that I happened to be visiting Oakland California on November 2nd, during the first General Strike called since 1946. You know I HAD to participate in the march to shut down the Port of Oakland. This photo was taken by my friend Allison as we marched with the crowd.

We left her home in Oakland and walked toward Frank Ogawa Plaza where the march was setting out from, and along the way we saw the banks that had been shut down and vandalized.  There was a lot of graffiti on the wall.

While Allison and I were looking at the destruction to the multiple Banks (Bank Of America, Chase) I was approached for comment by a reporter for the Los Angeles Times.
I MADE THE LA TIMES REPORT! 

Click the link to check it out.

These notices were taped up on the Banks, and I thought the concrete demands were very powerful.

More Graffiti - Class War is ON!

The General Strike mood was all over the streets of downtown Oakland.

As we approached the square, I saw this alter, and this sign summed up a major point of the movement. THIS IS OUR COUNTRY. We paid for it, now OCCUPY.

This woman was singing songs for the people.

We made it to the plaza, and wow, the tent city was a beautiful sight to behold.

And a massage tent too. Wow, they're have it all!

There was a large group gathered in the plaza listening to the performers, poets, and people speak their mind.

This is me getting in the mood for the march, listening to the people speak their minds.

This group was a large coalition of artists of all kinds speaking about why we occupy and what we're hoping to accomplish.

Stand up and Fight! We need everyone to join this movement was the gist of this moment. The woman in the red is part of the "OccupyTheHood" movement which is calling on the urban community to join the movement.

These kids were really into it.

I loved this sign. This is what it's all about.

There were helicopters everywhere.

A dad and his kids get ready to march.

I ran into a new friend Toby who I had only met a month earlier at a wedding in New York.

All kinds of people were out.

Flags were out. And they were ready for tear gas with their handkerchiefs.    I always wish I could see all the signs at the march. This one got me to pay attention.

We marched through housing projects in West Oakland, and the people were out in support.

It felt really great to have the support of the community we were marching through.

There were great signs and good energy as we approached the entrance to the Port.

This signs reads "Here's Your Citizens United."

This Nurse and her daughter were enjoying the parade from the back of their truck.

The people filling the bridge inside the entrance to the Port took my breath away. It was a thrilling moment to be a part of.

This was my friend Allison's very first protest. Totally amazing to experience.

The view of the port bridge filled with people surging in and occupying put all of us in a contemplative mood.

We made our way closer.

I love Robin Hood Too!

I was so excited I had to ask for a picture to be taken!

Great sign!

And here were all were. The Port of Oakland.

Let the party begin! People climbed aboard the trucks that were forced to stop due to the occupation.

Climbing up to join the party.

By this time everyone was feeling total jubilation. It had the mood of a great festival.

Thew news was there getting the story.

People were either brave or crazy, climbing up everything and anything.

People power is right!

This was literally the ONLY COP we saw all day. Seriously, this was the opposite of the march in NYC. There were no police anywhere. It was SO LIBERATING.

A mini-circus was there.

Tye Dye flags were showing their support.

This band was holding it down for a few hours at least, with some kind of bike powered generator for amplification. WAY COOL.

Wow. This is my favorite photo I took of the day. This is what democracy looks like.

I was euphoric by this time. It was amazing to b a part of such a huge occupation and turn out. There were people EVERYWHERE you looked. There were thousands and thousands in all directions.    THE BEGINNING IS NEAR.

I told Allison, "This is the best march I have ever been to." "Really?" she asks. REALLY. It was AMAZING. So much energy and so many people in support of the 99 Percent, from all walks of life, that is really felt like anything, and I mean ANYTHING, is possible.

These folks were holding a port entrance closed.

Health Care for everyone. This is why I marched too.

These Berkeley High School Students were totally inspired and invigorated, and told me "They have been waiting for this for years." They also said they had heard of my blog (what!) so hopefully they will see that I included them in my story!

Keep On Occupying!
The Beginning is Near!
We are the 99 Percent.