I work near the Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. This means I get to see the Occupy Chicago people every day. And every day I stop, ask them how they are, tell them “Yes, I work in the Bank Building right there.” If they need anything, and yes, I ask, I help them get it. I don’t carry a sign, nor do I hand out papers, but I shake their hands, stand with them, and make certain they know they are appreciated.
My conservative company (a bank) made it clear they don’t want us joining, especially if the protesters are on our block. But they know they can’t directly fire us so long as we don’t violate our contracts, so I make sure to do everything I can, and even help explain to my coworkers what they’re doing. Every day I ask “Did you see the protesters? Isn’t democracy awesome!”
A lot of us need our jobs. We can’t quit or risk being fired. But we too are the 99%. And we too care.
