Occupy L.A.’s Dilemma - Page 4 - News - Los Angeles
At this stage, it’s hard not to be equivocal about the movement. On the one hand, through sacrifice of time and comfort, a relative handful of people has brought the issue of income inequality into the mainstream debate. On the other, it’s been chaotic and somewhat directionless, and subject to a lot of narcissistic rambling.
The protesters themselves have experienced both sentiments.
On the north lawn, Stephen Zeigler, 41, sat outside his tent, which is covered in flags and protest signs. He’s an advertising photographer, but work has been slow since the recession. He had engaged in a solitary protest earlier this year, meditating for three hours outside Bank of America.
He was inspired by the movement’s initial spirit, but he was wary of it being hijacked.
“It’s heartening, and frustrating,” he says. “It’s inspiring, and annoying.” Asked what surprised him, he offers, “I didn’t expect so many infiltrators.”
Like who?
“Democrats.”