By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-989270.mp3
Albany, NY – "Occupy Wall Street" has been dominating this week's headlines... WAMC's Dave Lucas takes a look at a movement that has captured many American hearts and minds...
It is generally believed that the "Occupy Wall Street" movement was inspired by the methods and successes of the Arab Spring movement that swept across North Africa and the Middle East. The seeds of Occupy Wall Street were initialized in July when a Vancouver-based magazine featured a simple poster, inviting people to assemble on Wall Street September 17th, and "bring a tent." UAlbany student activist Sharmin Hossain was among those who have heeded the call and headed to New York City.
Both President Barack Obama and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo were asked about the protests during unrelated news conferences Thursday in Washington and Albany. Cuomo told reporters protests are an important component of democracy.
President Obama called the protests a reflection of a "broad-based frustration about how our financial system works" - Karen Higgins, a registered nurse at Boston Medical Center, a featured speaker at the Wall Street Protest - she co-chairs the 170-thousand strong National Nurses United Union - she says nurses are irate over what she calls "the fallout of the economy".
Inspired by the Occupy movement, thousands of students in New York's SUNY system walked-out of class wednesday, in protest over the debt, rising unemployment, and cuts to public education. The students want recent tuition hikes repealed, an end to excessive administrative pay, and student loan debt forgiveness.
Responding to statewide student walk-outs on Wednesday, UAlbany spokesman Karl Lunta says University President George Philip vowed to address tuition and other issues.
Andy Palotta joined other NYSUT members this week on Wall Street: Palotta thinks he knows where the Occupy Wall Street movement is headed.