Joe DeVries on Occupy Oakland

Joe DeVries

Program Analyst III, Oakland Supervisors and Managers chapter (chapter Political Coordinator)

How have you been involved with the Occupy Wall Street movement?

I originally visited the Oakland encampment both as a union member, and as a member of my Synagogue. I’ve been involved with fellow Oakland Council members in figuring out how we can support the protests financially or otherwise, and I’ve also handed out stickers, carried signs, and participated in marches.

Yesterday during the general strike, it was wonderful to see that the 99% looks like the 99%. I saw my Rabbi, parents from my kid’s preschool, parents from my kid’s high school, neighbors, real people living and working in Oakland. We need to look past the violence of a few people and see that the majority, the 99%, were out there peacefully contributing trying to stand up and demand change.

Why are you involved with the Occupy Wall Street movement? What do you see as the connections between being a Local 21 union member, and a participant in Occupy Wall Street?

I’m involved because it makes sense. The labor movement has been saying for years what Occupy Wall Street is articulating: the wealthy are not paying their fair share and the middle class is eroding. That the majority finally believe it is a wonderful thing. I’ve been wondering when people would get mad as hell. Today, I make more than my dad did when he retired, and I have nothing to show for it. We’re not creating a better world for our children. The problem is not big government spending – it’s a lack of regulation of the financial industry and corporate greed, at the expense of working people.

What would you say to members who are interested in supporting protestors, but feel they don’t have the time, resources, or ability to sleep in an encampment?

I understand not being able to sleep at an encampment, but we have a duty to stand up. If you sit on the sidelines, we’re not going to be successful in creating change. If you look at the struggles we all go through – whether it’s fighting for our jobs or trying to take care of our basic needs - it’s our duty to do something about it. This is so much bigger than Oakland, the mayor, or the police. It’s worth a few hours of time to make change, and it felt really good to be a part of things yesterday. It’s important that we show our solidarity, whether it’s through attending a rally or holding a sign, to make this last and see change. We’ve got a big election in the next year and need to see some change at the ballot box. It’s all our responsibility to make that happen.

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