Occupy Wall Street Goes Global Today

Occupy Wall Street protesters have been cropping up in cities around the United States and are making their debut on the global stage today. That’s according to requests on the web for supporters to start street protests everywhere from London to Rome.

Occupy Wall Street Demonstrations Continue to Spread

Crowds have been protesting their disappointment with corporate greed and the influence of corporate dollars on governmental decisions in lower Manhattan since Sept. 17. Over the following weeks, Occupy Wall Street demonstrations began in other cities as well, including Washington D.C. (where the protest is called Stop the Machine), along with Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami and Seattle.

Nations outside of the United States have long vocalized their support of the protests, but haven’t been involved in the demonstrations. However, New York demonstrators, fearing their support could be waning, asked for support.

A new website known as United for #GlobalChange has issued a call-to-action to nations around the world. According to the website, 82 countries and 951 cities have been asked to participate to “let politicians, and the financial elites they serve, know it is up to us, the people, to decide our future.”

Several Countries Expected to Protest

Over 5,000 supporters in London have already announced their intentions to join in on the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations under the name “Occupy London Stock Exchange.” They’ve asked protesters to bring a sleeping bag, food, warm clothing and a peaceful attitude.

Other cities, including Rome, Athens and Frankfurt are expected to hold demonstrations, but some say they will likely occur because of already-present frustrations with their local governments. For instance, in Italy, police are preparing for tens of thousands to march in Rome, but the hostility is pointed more directly toward austerity measures planned by the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

There is still no clear-cut demand from any of the protests beyond seeing governments get more in line with citizens’ needs, but some think the protests could make a difference over time. Jeff Madrick, a prominent economics writer, told Reuters, “It may begin to change public opinion enough to give Congress, people in Washington, the courage of their own convictions.”