Occupy protests: Month 5

An Occupy D.C. protester holds up a sign as police block the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012.

To mark the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling in the Citizens United case, which allowed unlimited donations from corporations and private citizens to support political campaigns, Occupy protesters joined with Move to Amend - a group advocating a Constitutional amendment against "corporate personhood" - in protests at courts across the country.

Washington, D.C.

Supporters of "Move to Amend" dress as Supreme Court Justices as they perform on the east Capitol Lawn in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. The group is petitioning to change the Constitution's wording so that a corporation is not called a "person."

Washington, D.C.

Demonstrators run towards the front steps of U.S. Supreme Court after they broke through the police line during a protest outside the Supreme Court January 20, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

U.S. Supreme Court Police arrest a demonstrator on the front steps of the Supreme Court during a protest January 20, 2012 in Washington, D.C. A few people were arrested as members of the Occupy Movement staged an "Occupy the Courts" rally to mark the second anniversary of the Citizens United decision.

Washington, D.C.

U.S. Supreme Court Police arrest a demonstrator on the front steps of the Supreme Court during a protest January 20, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

San Francisco, Calif.

Several hundred Occupy protesters march through San Francisco's financial district on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. Anti-Wall Street demonstrators across the U.S. planned rallies Friday in front of banks and courthouses.

San Francisco, Calif.

Occupy protester Julie Searle chains herself to fellow protesters blocking a Bank of America branch entrance on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, in San Francisco. Anti-Wall Street demonstrators across the U.S. planned rallies Friday in front of banks and courthouses.

Little Rock, Ark.

Francis Tucker, left, chants with Occupy Little Rock protestors in front of the Federal Court House in Little Rock, Ark., Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. Demonstrators are turning out to protest a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that removed most limits on corporate and labor spending in U.S. elections.

Texarkana, Texas

AP Photo/The Texarkana Gazette, Adam Sacasa

Aubrey Enoch, of Fouke, Ark., participates in a demonstration outside the Federal Courthouse in downtown Texarkana, Texas on Friday afternoon, Jan. 20, 2012. The group was protesting in solidarity with other Occupy movements across the county the anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission. The ruling held that the government cannot place limits on independent spending for political purposes by corporations and unions.

San Francisco, Calif.

Buff Bradley, of Fairfax, Calif., sits in front of one of the entrances to a Wells Fargo bank in the financial district during a Occupy Wall Street West protest January 20, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Protesters blocked all the entrances to the building early Friday morning, but police eventually cleared one door to let employees in.

San Francisco, Calif.

Paulina Nowicka (right) and Sasha Wright (2nd right), both of Oakland, sit chained to the door of a Wells Fargo bank in protest, January 20, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Occupy Wall Street West protestors blockaded all the entrances to the bank as part of a day of action.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Members of Occupy Cincinnati march to the Potter Stewart United States Courthouse, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, in Cincinnati. About 100 people protested a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that removed most limits on corporate and labor spending in federal elections.

Cleveland, Ohio

Nelli Johnson, an attorney, participates in a rally outside the federal courthouse Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, in Cleveland. In more than 100 cities nationwide, people protested at courthouses to mark the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v Federal Election Commission.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Activists and members of Occupy Los Angeles join Move to Amend protesters as they demonstrate in front of Los Angeles Federal Court on January 20, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Protesters held demonstrations in front of courthouses across the nation to protest a Supreme Court decision two years ago that removed most limits on corporate spending in federal elections. Move to Amend, a grassroots organization, said the protests are aimed at gaining support for a Constitutional amendment that would overturn the ruling.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Activists and members of Occupy Los Angeles join Move to Amend protesters as they demonstrate in front of Los Angeles Federal Court on January 20, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Activists and members of Occupy Los Angeles join Move to Amend protesters as they demonstrate in front of Los Angeles Federal Court on January 20, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Move to Amend, a grassroots organization, said the protests are aimed at gaining support for a constitutional amendment that would overturn the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision.

Dothan, Ala.

Members of the group Progressives of the Wiregrass talk with residents outside the Federal Courthouse on Troy Street during an Occupy Courts protest, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, in Dothan, Ala.

New York, N.Y.

The Rev. Billy Talen preaches to protesters affiliated with Occupy Wall Street during an Occupy the Courts protest outside the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse on January 20, 2012 in New York City. The protesters marked the second anniversary of a Supreme Court decision allowing corporations to donate unlimited funds in federal elections.

New York, N.Y.

A protester affiliated with Occupy Wall Street demonstrates during an Occupy the Courts protest outside Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse on January 20, 2012 in New York City. The protesters marked the second anniversary of a Supreme Court decision allowing corporations to donate unlimited funds in federal elections.

Boise, Idaho

Occupy Boise supporters came to the Legislature on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, to testify against a proposed bill that would ban their encampment near the State Capitol. They say the bill, which would disallow tents on state property, restricts their free speech rights of dissent.

Republican State Rep. Scott Bedke, who introduced the bill, said forbidding tents on the federal Capitol Mall doesn't violate free speech rights.

One of those who testified in support of Occupy Boise, college writing teacher Shavone Hasse of Parma (left), told the committee that she would campaign against House Speaker Lawrence Denney if he supported the anti-Occupy bill, and read a poem incorporating local legislators' names. She was removed from the podium by an Idaho State Trooper after being cut off by House State Affairs Committee chairman Thomas Leortscher, who deemed it a personal attack against another member. "It's not a personal assault," the Statesman reported Hasse saying as she was escorted away. "It's a poem."

Charleston, S.C.

Protesters affiliated with the Occupy Wall Street movement are forcibly removed from a primary night event held by Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, after protesting the former senator's stance on gay rights, on January 21, 2012 in Mark Clark Hall at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

Occupy protesters have been a visible presence on the GOP campaign trail across Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Washington, D.C.

Occupy D.C. protesters hold a sign January 17, 2012 during a demonstration in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. On the day Congress returned from recess, hundreds of Occupiers gathered on the West front lawn of the Capitol for an "Occupy Congress" rally.

Washington, D.C.

A masked Occupy D.C. protester holds a sign January 17, 2012 during a demonstration in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., during the "Occupy Congress" rally.

Washington, D.C.

An injured Occupy D.C. protester lies on the ground with another, who was arrested after several of the demonstrators pulled down the Hilton flag in front of the Capitol Hilton January 19, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Police made at least one arrest after demonstrators tried to disrupt a mayors conference taking place inside the hotel.

Washington, D.C.

A view of a tent showing a sign featuring former President Ronald Reagan at the Occupy DC encampment in McPherson Square on a cold morning in Washington, January 22, 2012.

London, England

Supporters of the Occupy London protest group stand outside the High Court, watched by police, on January 18, 2012 in London. The City of London Corporation won their legal bid to have the Occupy London movement removed from the pavements outside St. Paul's Cathedral.

Davos, Switzerland

"Occupy WEF" protesters in Davos, Switzerland, prepare shelters on January 23, 2012, as they protest against the World Economic Forum which begins at the Swiss resort on Wednesday.

Some 1,600 economic and political leaders, including 40 heads of states and governments, will be asked to urgently find ways to reform a capitalist system that has been described as "outdated and crumbling" as they converge at eastern Switzerland's chic ski station of Davos for the 42nd edition of the five-day World Economic Forum.

Davos, Switzerland

An Occupy WEF protester builds an igloo in preparation for demonstrations against the World Economic Forum which begins this week in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos.

Davos, Switzerland

Swiss riot police spray tear gas against a member of Occupy WEF during a demonstration on January 28, 2012, against the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting on January 28, 2012 in the Swiss resort of Davos.

Oakland, Calif.

Protesters with Occupy Oakland march through the streets of downtown Oakland, Calif., Saturday Jan. 28, 2012.

Oakland, Calif.

Occupy Oakland protesters are seen Jan. 28, 2012, during a day of action that began with protesters

Oakland, Calif.

Bay Area News Group,AP Photo/The Tribune

Police move in on Occupy Oakland protesters on Oak Street and 12th Street as tear gas gets blown back on them in Oakland, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.

Police said they used smoke bombs and tear gas, and protesters at the scene reported officers using batons on individuals in the crowd. CBS Station KPIX reports police saying officers were allegedly pelted with bottles, metal pipe, rocks, spray cans, improvised explosive devices and burning flares.

Most of the day's arrests were made outside of the YMCA at 2350 Broadway in Oakland after protesters allegedly attempted to force entry into the building, police said. Police surrounded the protesters and stated that they had failed to comply with multiple orders to disperse, and therefore were under arrest. A protester broadcasting live video of the event said protesters were trying to escape through the YMCA after being surrounded by police. A police spokesman said there was property damage to the YMCA but did not have details.

Oakland, Calif.

Occupy Oakland protesters burn an American flag found after breaking into Oakland City Hall during a protest on the building's steps, Saturday, January 28, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.

Saturday

Washington, D.C.

A passerby watches Occupy DC protesters with a banner at the McPherson Square Occupy encampment in Washington, Jan. 30, 2012.

The National Park Service has warned the protesters at McPherson Square and at Freedom Plaza that those who violate the camping rule beginning Monday noon will be subject to arrest. Protesters have stated they intend to stay at the two sites and defend their encampments.

Oakland, Calif.

AP Photo/Ray Chavez, Bay Area News Group

Members of the Occupy Oakland movement stand in the lobby of Oakland City Hall in protest of Oakland Mayor Jean Quan as she gets ready for the Mayor's State of the City Address, in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

Occupiers and other Oakland residents weren't allowed to go inside the City Council chamber where the mayor spoke. They were directed to watched the mayor's live broadcast in other rooms.

New York, N.Y.

People protest outside a Panel for Educational Policy meeting at Brooklyn Tech High School before they vote on whether to close or partially close 23 schools that the Department of Education considers failing on February 9, 2012 in New York City.

Members of Occupy Wall Street joined teachers, parents and concerned residents to protest against the proposed closings. Critics say Mayor Michael Bloomberg should be fixing the city's schools, not shutting them.

New York, N.Y.

A woman yells during a Panel for Educational Policy meeting at Brooklyn Tech High School before they vote on whether to close or partially close 23 schools that the Department of Education considers failing on February 9, 2012 in New York City.

Members of Occupy Wall Street joined teachers, parents and concerned residents to protest against the proposed closings. Critics say Mayor Michael Bloomberg should be fixing the city's schools, not shutting them.

Washington, D.C.

During Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's much-anticipated speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Occupy protesters conducted a silent protest that erupted into a chanting match between Occupiers and conservative conference attendees on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012. In an overflow room next door to the main ballroom broadcasting Romney's speech, about two dozen protesters stood in front of monitors, attempting to block the view, according to two attendees, college students Matt Bowe and Kevin Spiley of New Jersey.

"They weren't tall enough to block the screen, but it was still annoying," Spiley said.

The protesters, who covered their mouths with tape, wore shirts that read, "If money is speech, poverty is silence." One protester, Joe Gallant, a recent graduate of George Mason University, said, "Romney says 'I'm not concerned about the very poor,' and I'm here to say he should care, I'm one of them," said "I'm working two jobs and still can't make it."

The protesters were escorted out as the crowd yelled: "'You smell,' 'Get a job' - you know, the usual stuff," Bowe said.

San Diego, Calif.

About 100 Occupy members protested Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, outside the San Diego Convention Center, where the state Democratic Party was holding its convention. Although many issues important to the Occupy Wall Street movement were being discussed inside, protesters said some Democrats had let them down by supporting the indefinite detention of terror suspects and spending millions on political campaigns.

"Don't just watch us, come and join us," they chanted.

Speaking to convention participants, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Democrats owe thanks to the Occupy protesters. The former San Francisco mayor said they drew attention to income inequality, which he called "the greatest threat to democracy."

On behalf of his two young children, he said, "I want to thank the Occupy movement for stepping up and stepping into this space and doing more than we have in 30 years for putting the focus on the growing income inequality gap."

Philadelphia, Pa.

Retired Philadelphia police captain Ray Lewis - who was arrested in uniform during an Occupy Wall Street protest in New York last year - speaks to members of the news media at a demonstration, Monday Feb. 13, 2012, in Philadelphia.

Lewis, 60, who retired in 2004, joined Occupy Philadelphia protesters on Monday, again wearing his old uniform. He says he's speaking out against corporate greed and corruption and is not breaking any law by wearing the uniform, despite Commissioner Charles Ramsey telling him to stop.

Tacoma, Wash.

Protesters disrupt a speech by Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, during an evening outdoor rally at the Washington State History Museum, Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, in Tacoma, Wash.

Santorum said the Occupy movement represents "true intolerance" that paints those in disagreement with them as "a hater or a bigot," using the recent California court fight over same-sex marriage as an example.

As the shouting continued and three protesters were arrested, Santorum then tried to indirectly appeal to them while attacking President Obama: "I understand their frustration," he said. "For three years they haven't been able to find work, they have a president who doesn't care about them."