by Adam Ghassemi
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dozens of people were on hand for a rally at Legislative Plaza on Thursday afternoon.
Occupy Nashville, a grass roots group, organized the rally to draw attention to economic inequality and concerns over Wall Street practices.
The rallies were influenced by protests that started in New York. Thousands of protestors across the country have publicly demonstrated what they call their frustration with corporate greed and big business.
They came to Nashville with loud voices that they believe have so far been ignored.
"We are here to take our country back," screamed one demonstrator on Legislative Plaza. "We are the 99%! We are Occupy Nashville," one woman chanted as the crowded repeated.
The group "Occupy Nashville" is targeting the wealthiest top one-percent of America who, they say, uses corporate greed to run the government.
"I am tired of Americans being disenfranchised," said demonstrator James Hubbert after speaking to the crowd.
No one believes the philosophy more than, Tracey Cullen, who's been a truck driver for 25 years. Cullen recently lost 15% of his salary.
"Too much big money in our politics," he said while holding a massive sign that read "It's WE the people! NOT we the corporations!" Cullen's sign hits at the heart of why so many who showed up believe politicians from every party are easily bought. "Sure, there's one party I lean towards, more toward than another. But I'm not anti-either. I think they're both in the hip pocket of the top one-percent, he said."
The feeling seems to reach not only across party lines, but also generations.
"There's also been this criticism that it's just disenfranchised youth. Well, I'll be turning 60 next year," said demonstrator Dara Howe.
They worry nothing will change unless they stand-up and let their voices be heard.
Since its conception last month, the national movement has spread to other cities including Los Angeles and Chicago.
• www.occupynashville.org
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