Occupy Chicago will join with fellow demonstrators in the large formal marches
planned for next weekend's NATO
summit but also plan their own protests, including one aimed at Boeing
Co., organizers say.
Occupy joined with other protest leaders to
outline 10 days of "direct action," starting with free bus rides from other
cities, participation in a series of rallies and protest, culminating in a march
downtown by thousands of locals and visitors that Sunday, May 20.
The
effort brings together a range of disparate groups: nurses, veterans, Occupy
protesters, and mental health advocates. Their common message is that tax
dollars for the military and weapons should instead be spent on social needs
like schools, health and housing.
The May 20 march will feature Iraq
Veterans Against the War who will give up their service medals to demand NATO's
immediate withdrawal from the war in Afghanistan, organizer Aaron Hughes said
Thursday.
City plans for the summit, on May 20 and 21, call for numerous
restrictions on parking and closings of roads and downtown museums, to deal with
both visiting dignitaries and protesters.
But Zoe Sigman, of Occupy
Chicago, said the group would proceed without regard for city permits and aimed
to "shut down" Boeing's main office May 21, a Monday.
"Boeing is a
corporate war criminal that profits off violence on a massive scale," she said.
"They're receiving huge tax cuts from the city of Chicago while they're making
money off of death and war."
John Dern, a spokesman for Boeing, said the
company was assessing the situation and completing its plans, and would protect
its people and property. He said a nearly 10-foot fence put up around the
property Saturday was coincidental, for work to replace the plaza that will last
through November.
In response to the protesters' accusations, Dern said,
"We're proud to do our part to support the men and women of our military who are
protecting our country."
Protesters and police both said they would
remain peaceful, as they did at May Day protests last week.
"We are
committed to ensuring the public safety of our residents, visitors and those who
wish to exercise their First Amendment rights," police spokeswoman Melissa
Stratton said.
Protest organizers also plan to hold workshops on activism
this weekend at Occupy Chicago headquarters, 500 W. Cermak Road.
Two
protests are also planned for Federal Plaza, on Tuesday and next Friday, May 19.
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