Topic: Occupy Atlanta

Occupy Atlanta is a protest and demonstration that began on October 6, 2011 in Woodruff Park, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It is based on the Occupy Wall Street movement that began in New York City on September 17.[2][3] Intragroup discussion The group's method of discussing topics publicly amongst itself has drawn attention.[4][5] In one video, when the speaker addressed the group, the other individuals repeated what was said. The speaker also detailed why no clapping was allowed at the rally, saying that clapping "could prevent someone else who is addressing the assembly from being heard."[6] Instead, silent hand signals were used to mark approval or disapproval.[6] [edit]No consensus for a speech by Congressman John Lewis Tents used in the "occupy" protest On Friday, October 6, 2011, the protestors at Occupy Atlanta did not reach a consensus on allotting time for U.S. Rep. and Civil Rights icon John Lewis to address the crowd. The main argument against allowing Rep. Lewis to speak was that no one person is inherently more valuable than anyone else, and that allowing a speech at that time was not part of that day's agenda. Lewis did not ask to speak, but was likely volunteered by members of the crowd. He was invited to speak at time later in the day, during the "other business" part of the process, and this proposition was accepted by the assembly. Lewis was unable to attend because of prior committments, but indicated that he was not offended by the incident.[7] On October 9, the group posted an apology on its website and invited Lewis to speak. Lewis was not disappointed he wasn't able to address the crowd.[8] He later said of the movement: "I stand with you. I support you, what you're doing to humanize American corporations, humanize the American government and look out for those who have been left out and left behind."[9]