Occupy Albany

The Handsome Husband and I trotted down to Albany this evening to check out the general assembly meeting for Occupy Albany.

Held in the Grand Street Community Arts Center, perched on the edge of an iffy Albany neighborhood with not much parking, the meeting was packed when we arrived. As the evening wore on, the crowd thinned a bit, but a good crowd was still there when we slipped away two hours later.

As you might expect, there were a fair number of students at the assembly, but older folks were present, as well. (I, of course, immediately spied the lady knitting next to the "Occupy" sign, above.)

The HH* and I think there were about 300 people in the hall.

 Eventually, we found seats. This dad in front of us was trying to get his toddler to go to sleep.

One of the coordinators for the meeting was a young man who looked a lot like a young John Belushi. I kept thinking he might do something Animal House-like but fortunately, he didn't.

Overall, we were impressed with this earnest group. Whether or not I can dust off my 60's/early 70's liberal credentials and actually participate in this occupation remains to be seen. What I do think is that this movement is spreading and that it is long overdue. 

When the HH and I left, work groups were being formed to plan for the occupation of Albany. There will be another general assembly next Sunday, October 16 at 5:00 pm. Check out their Facebook page or website for more information and updates. And also check out the HH's political opinion blog, PlanetAlbany, for a more professional reporting of this evening's meeting.

* HH = Handsome Husband

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