Nathaniel
Hailed in: Fort Greene
Hails from: Oregon
When I first moved here I went to anti-Bush stuff. Some anti-war rallies, then all sorts of things protesting that big event [the 2004 GOP convention]. I haven’t done anything since then, since that was pretty depressing. I was young, and Bush was so clearly awful that when he got reelected so easily it was such a huge hit. We were all so depressed. It felt like no matter how hard we worked, it wouldn’t make any difference. I was really happy when Obama won, but then the NSA stuff makes you feel like he’s no different. What’s the point?
Farhad
Hailed in: Midtown
Hails from: Prefers not to say
Where I’m from, you don’t protest. That’s very dangerous. The government is extremely corrupt and people who protest get thrown in jail. That’s why I’m here; I’m working to make enough money to bring my family over. There were some underground-type things, like people passing out anti-government newsletters, since the media is all run by the state. I know people who did that, but it’s so dangerous. You think you’re talking to people you trust, but you never
really know.
Topher
Hailed in: Gramercy Park
Hails from: Bayside
I actually just did in the global warming thing [the People’s Climate March], which was a first for me. I wasn’t planning on it, but my friends and I just happened to be there when it was going on so we joined in for a bit. That was great to see, all those people pushing for something. I hope something comes of it; Obama seems to care about the environment but I’m not sure he can do much against Big Oil. I’ve definitely been thinking about the environment more this week, I even started saving my trash to recycle it.
Rafe
Hailed in: Chelsea
Hails from: Brooklyn
No, which is terrible, since I complain about stuff so much. I’m one of those annoying people who bitches about politics on Facebook all the time, but who doesn’t vote in the midterms. In my defense, everything is going democratic in New York, but I don’t have the time or interest to stand in a crowd. Does that ever solve or change anything? I’m really asking, but I don’t think it does. I was all into Occupy when that was going on—I never went and protested because of work—but what was the result of that? Last I checked Wall Street is still running everything.
Yes
Against War in DC; for Animal Rights in Cleveland OH; Gay Rights Columbus OH, Bicycle Rights Iowa