Occupy the Legislature

Consider this a tribute for Occupy and all of its supporters - editor

Photo by Daniel F. Bonham

(SALEM) - Editor's note: This article was written and sent to our newsroom on the first of February by Daniel F. Bonham, a new writer who had expressed interest in working with our group, Salem-News.com.

Sadly, I missed this contribution in our email which accumulates several pages of information a day. Tragically, Mr. Bonham, who was a private investigator by trade, and an avid hiker, fell to his death Friday night while hiking at Silver Falls State Park.

While searching email for our prior correspondence, I found this brief report and wish very much that I had written back and published it in a timely manner, and I also wish i had expanded the relationship with this super-interesting man who had great aspirations and plans for the future.
- Tim King, Salem-News.com news editor

Here is Mr. Bonham's article, Occupy the Legislature.

Hundreds of activists from Occupy groups from around the state converged on the State Capitol today to bring the message of the 99% to the halls of power in Oregon. Occupiers explain that the intent is to maintain a symbolic “Occupation” of the Capitol building as long as the Legislature is in secession.

In a departure from previous more confrontational occupations in city parks and shipping choke points, “Occupy the Legislature – Oregon” is engaging in direct citizen involvement in the legislative process.

Occupiers received pointers on, the legislative process, how to engage with legislators and on how move or effect legislation to benefit the 99% at General Assemblies and off-site workshops.

Before the legislative committee sessions began over a hundred activists gathered on the Capitol Steps to highlight issues ranging from organic agriculture to the State Bank, to International Trade issues and how they affect jobs and the sovereignty of the State of Oregon.

“Occupy the Legislature – Oregon” represents an evolution of the movement from encampments to day-to-day grass-roots actions.

This article is published as a standing tribute to Daniel F. Bonham, an ambitious man who looked forward to attacking corruption and making Oregon a better place, by working with the team at Salem-News.com.