Protests Held Over The State Of The Economy
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Raging protests over the state of the economy are happening all over the country, including the Inner Harbor.
Monique Griego reports Baltimore is in the middle of a nationwide demonstration which all began last month with a few young people pitching tents in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
They call themselves "Occupy Baltimore."
"What we want is to have our democratically elected officials to actually represent us," said Ian Logsdan, Baltimore resident.
Protesters call it a grassroots effort to root out corporate greed, unemployment and poverty. Baltimore is one of a dozen cities where a protest is being staged. One thing every demonstrator says he or she is feeling is frustration.
"The big thing that brought me down here was watching what happened with the foreclosure crisis," said a protester.
They're drawing their inspiration from New York City, considered ground zero for the unrest because of the proximity to Wall Street. Protests there have grown violent at times, with video showing police clashing with demonstrators.
Lawmakers say they hear the message, but blame each other.
"Congress is locked in concrete for political reasons and the Republicans just want to get rid of Obama, even if it means losing the fiscal integrity of this great nation," said Rep. Charles Rangel, (D) New York.
"It's really tribute to the absolute failure of Obama's economic policy. It's somebody who was elected by the left, now has the left rebelling and demonstrating and arguing against his policies," said Newt Gingrinch, (R) Presidential Candidate.
The president says he gets it.
"People are frustrated and the protesters are giving voice to a more broad-based frustration about how our financial system works," said President Barack Obama.
Some observers are calling these protests the liberal answer to the Tea Party. But in this case, demonstrators say government is part of the solution.
Governor Martin O'Malley says he's considering the possibility of pushing for legislation during this month's special session to help create jobs in the state. That session is expected to start Oct. 17.
