NEW YORK— Occupy Wall Street protesters have been camped out in Zuccotti Park for over a month, sparking debate and controversy since day one. An Oct. 17 Quinnipiac University Poll found that 67 percent of respondents “generally agree” with the protesters’ views, while 87 percent of respondents “think it is OK that they are protesting.”
Asked if the protesters are helping or hurting New York’s economy, 21 percent said they are hurting New York’s economy versus 17 percent who think they are helping it. The Epoch Times hit the streets to see what New Yorkers had to say.
Andre Lambertson, 47, Photographer, Park Slope, Brooklyn,
It’s serving to bring awareness to how diverse the voices are about what’s happening in the country at this time. I also think it’s important that it’s striking a chord with other movements around the world. … My hope is that out of it comes a more balanced or a more compassionate way to look at what’s happening, versus them being really polarized. I look at the images in the newspaper, and the focus is on clashing. I don’t really see attention about discussion or people finding common ground.
Drew, 37, Real Estate Broker, Manhattan
I think it’s a great thing that’s going on, and it would be great if they could find a more central message and organization along with what they’re doing.
Jo-el, 52, Businessman, Singapore
I think it’s a good thing, I think people start to come down to the street to voice their concerns, [and] their views. In many ways people are tired of accepting too many things. … If you look at Spain, and Greece, and so on, the government is imposing so much constraint on people that they start to rebel. People study, and think they can get good jobs, and so on, but it’s not true. So to see it happening here, it’s good.
Samantha, 18, Student, Manhattan
I’m glad it’s lasting, because they’ve reached a month. If anything, the progress of it has been really good.
Kyra, 18, Student, Manhattan
I’m not entirely sure too much what it’s about. I think it’s good that people are standing up for themselves and what they want. I think they’re making a good impact.
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