I was only at Occupy New Haven for a short slice of time, from about 10 p.m. Saturday night to 10 a.m. Saturday morning. I wanted to report on what happened at the protest when most of the people went home for the day. I wanted to report on the people who were so committed to their cause they were willing to brave dipping temperatures and other dangers.
The New Haven protesters borrowed many tactics from the Wall Street movement, including the hand signals used at general assemblies and the message spreading system of repeating shouted phrases heard within earshot.
Some said they felt they have more support from the police in New Haven than protesters do in New York. They also said because tents are allowed in New Haven, they feel more comfortable.
Many were convinced the New Haven version will grow in size.
It will be interesting to watch how the local movement develops and what other similarities and differences between the Wall Street movement will emerge.
When they learned I was a reporter from the Connecticut Post, many protesters asked if there is a protest planned in Bridgeport, a sign that the Occupy movement may continue to spread to other parts of the state.
The New Haven Register reported 100 demonstrators marched downtown today.
