Eugene (KMTR) – Inspired the Occupy Wall Street movement, thousands joined a day of protest across the United States Saturday, from Southern California to South Carolina.In Eugene, hundreds of demonstrators Marched from the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza, through downtown Eugene and across the Ferry Street Bridge to protest what they called corporate influence of politics, social inequality and unfair distribution of wealth.
On Sunday, dozens of protesters pitched tents and settled in for what they say will be a long-term encampment in Eugene’s Park Blocks. While they did not apply for permits and are violating park rules, Eugene police have so far been tolerant of the camping.
The Occupy Eugene group mirrors similar protests and encampments across the country to demand "accountability in the United States government." But many members pride themselves on not sticking to a single centralized message. Occupy Eugene member Robert Miller says, instead, they say every area is different, with different problems and solutions.
“It will happen by the people who know what we need right here. In Washington, they can't know what we need right here,” Miller said. “On Wall Street they can't know what we need right here. But we, right here, have to go deep into being right here and figure what are our solutions in this place.”
The location of the camp could interfere with other events planned in the Park Blocks in the coming days and weeks. Organizers of the Farmers Market say they will work around the protesters on Tuesday. And many protesters say they will clear out before Saturday market this weekend.
