Occupy Des Moines: Protest in the Heartland

Today, 12pm at the state capitol in Des Moines, Ia began the first general assembly of the Occupy Des Moines/Iowa movement.

I made a point to be there early and even brought my two sons. At first it seemed like very few people would be there, but many people showed up right at noon.

I snapped some pics and have some to share with ATS. I do have a few videos but will have to edit and upload later.



There was a great variety of all ages, colors, backgrounds and political ideologies. Many local "celebrity" members of the media were in attendance as well.


The media was out in force, with many of the local stations attending and people such as myself that not only came to support, but to help spread the word.


There were even some great musicians!


Ironically. just one block west of the capitol was a food festival taking place. The streets were littered with corporate advertisements and only provided a clear example of the daily infiltration the corporations and banks have. It could not have been more fitting

When I first arrived, there was a man handing out the "Declaration of the Occupation of New York City" that set a general overview of the issues causing the occupation. There was also a few people handing out copies of "The Militant" newspaper. This is a self-proclaimed socialist workers paper that talks about the struggles of the working American.

In light of such people in attendance, the first order on the agenda, which passed unanimously, was to separate the Occupy movement from any political or social movement, such as the Militant.

The assembly voted on a time to begin the occupation and then proceeded to vote and organize supplies and meeting agenda. I managed to become part of a committee to organize foo, water and I will be donating tents and some other supplies.

Overall, this was a great meeting! People of all backgrounds came together to show their support for such a movement and it was completely peaceful. There was not a cop, or even capitol security anywhere in sight.

Please show your support for a peaceful protest against that which you disagree, and take part in the process. That is what the system is designed for and I am glad that I got to take part. Now I am off to load the truck and take supplies to those who are able to Occupy.

Peace and bless those who participate!

Adding a few more pics:


Even the Ron Paul folks came out to play!

Good pics and good overview my friend!
I am on the Media Team of my local Occupy!
I'll be conducting interviews with the people who are show up, asking their reasons for being there. And will be posting them online.
Also, if it does turn into an occupation (i dont know if anyone in my area is actually going to occupy public space), but i will probable be the one setting up their livestream and wifi ,

WokFi ftw.

Adding a video:

reply to post by AzureSky


I went as just a concerned citizen, but I managed to become part of rounding up supplies and helping those who were going to occupy. I talked to many people as well, and regardless of ideology most people agreed that the banks and corporations were too powerful that the average Man has no chance. Some people blamed capitalism, but agreed that we no longer have a truly capitalistic system.

It was also great for my kids to see the exercise of our rights. I hope they learned a lot.

Also wanted to add that the assembly voted to begin the occupation immediately.

Just got back from taking water, tents and some sanitary supplies down to the capitol.

The next assembly begins at 6pm to decide what to do about food, toilets and future marches. For an "unorganized" movement, they are quite organized.

Originally posted by sheepslayer247
Just got back from taking water, tents and some sanitary supplies down to the capitol.

The next assembly begins at 6pm to decide what to do about food, toilets and future marches. For an "unorganized" movement, they are quite organized.

They are, you should see the organization happening here! They have two assemblys a day so far, and we havent even done the first demonstration (the 15th),

They already got food preparations, and are highly organized when it comes to news, and interviews with the news people here. They are organized as hell, because people who know something can step up and be like "I know some people who would donate food" and "I can talk to some unions" and so on.

Leaderless movement is good, because there is no leader, so there is no quelling this movement. If it does peter out, the seed is still planted.

reply to post by AzureSky


Sounds like you may a small step above the organisation of this occupation.

I tried to make my opinion heard at the meeting, saying that we needed to concentrate on logistics, food, water, toilets and such before making the decision to occupy. I think the emotion of the moment made most people not realize how important those issues were, but I am sure we will be able to get more done at the next assembly.

Well everyone that was occupying the state capitol were arrested last night for not having a permit.

The youngest was in 8th grade and was arrested along with everyone else.

Sad way for it to end, don't forget to apply for your free-speech permit!

Just got back from the second night of the OccupyDSM protest. Plenty of people showed up and plenty of cops as well, since the capitol grounds "close" at 11pm.

The cops were very respectful and addressed the crowd before pulling up the paddy wagons and backup officers.They said that they would arrest (again) anyone who remained in the area past the 11pm time. They also reiterated that a permit would be needed to remain in the area tomorrow or anytime after.

By the time I left there were no arrests and no issues at all, but there were at least 150 people still across the street from the capitol grounds chanting.

The only problem was two men who decided to attempt to say that these protesters were bums and wrong to protest. I, myself, got into a verbal altercation with one of the men about their right to protest and assemble. Luckily, as soon as he began spurting-off with his derogatory message, the local WHOtv13 news crew turned the camera to him and attempted to get his opinion on camera. After making a fool out of himself, he walked away!