JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Occupy Jacksonville protesters met for the fourth straight weekend on Saturday, this time in Riverside Park.
The protesters, like many in hundreds of cities across the United States, called themselves the 99 percent and are upset with the influence that the wealthiest 1 percent of the country has on all Americans, they said.
"I'm just out here to help America's voice be one man stronger," said Joe Edward.
The protesters said big business has gone too far, taking too much power and money from working class Americans.
"We could put that money to so much better use. Forty-six million people are starving or in poverty," said Colleen Claxton.
The group has been protesting in Jacksonville for weeks. They have demonstrated in Hemming Plaza, at Jacksonville City Hall and at the Riverside Arts Market.
The protesters are part of an international movement that began on Wall Street in New York City earlier this year. Since then, there have been more than nine-hundred demonstrations worldwide.
While some protests have been violent, those in River City believe they were standing up for the common people and for the good of the nation.
One by one, they believe they are making progress.
"Well, if you think you're too small to make a different, try going to sleep," said Claxton.
"I can't really say that it's gonna be 100 percent heard, but all you can do is try" said Edward.
The Occupy Jacksonville members plan on holding more demonstrations during the week, including picketing in front of local banks.
Previous Stories:
- Oct. 16, 2011: 'Occupy Jax' Protesters March Again
- Oct. 9, 2011: Photo Story: Occupy Jacksonville Rally
- Oct. 5, 2011: Occupy Jacksonville Plans Saturday Protest