PORTLAND, Ore. — Dozens of protesters took their demonstration against income inequality and what they call corporate greed to the city’s ritzy Pearl District on Saturday.
Demonstrators marched through downtown, across the Willamette River and back, some of them carrying sleeping bags. They said they planned to camp out in a park near expensive condominiums and high-rise office buildings, although authorities said that would not be allowed.
Authorities said demonstrators must leave the square before a midnight curfew.
Some protesters said they want to camp in the Pearl District because they view its residents as part of the wealthy demographic they’re protesting. They want to bring their message to what they called “the 1 percent” — wealthy residents that some demonstrators believe have built a fortune at the expense of everyone else.
“You look at the difference between what the Pearl is and the Occupy camp… why can’t we balance these two out better in our country?” said Simon T., a 36-year-old software engineer in Portland. He handed out fliers trying to convince people to take their money out of big banks and put it instead in small, local banks and credit unions.
Others who marched into the area said they were simply looking for more room because the movement has outgrown the two downtown parks it already occupies.
Whatever their reasons, demonstrators said they hoped to avoid a showdown with police when the park closes.
“If we stand together and we have the will, they’re going to back down,” said Jim Canright, 58.
Police have allowed the demonstrators to remain in the adjacent Chapman and Lownsdale parks since Oct. 6 despite policies outlawing camping. The parks are surrounded by office buildings, mostly for the government.
But Mayor Sam Adams said last week he would not allow the demonstrators to take over any more parks. In a letter to demonstrators, Commissioner Randy Leonard said it would be inappropriate to expand the demonstration into a neighborhood park.
“We — the entire city council — are your friends… at present,” Leonard wrote. “However, our friendship and support are now being unreasonably tested by the decision to occupy Jamison Square.”
Demonstration organizers invited sympathizers to bring sleeping bags, tarps and mats but told them not to bring tents to the Pearl District. A flier announced that dinner would be brought in by bicycle from the main camp at 7 p.m., and a “cuddle party” would begin at 10.
Two protesters were arrested Friday, one for alleged disorderly conduct and the other on an outstanding arrest warrant and new charges for drugs and offensive littering. Police said he was seen dumping a plastic bottle of liquid that looked and smelled like urine.
Four others were cited and kicked out of the park for alcohol and drug violations.
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