Occupy Chicago is taking another swipe at Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
A week after protesters interrupted Emanuel's holiday lights speech, the local arm of New York City's anti-Wall Street movement will "have a presence at" Emanuel's lecture Friday during UIC's "Future of Chicago” series.
Occupy organizers said protesters will be inside and outside the UIC Student Center, 750 S. Halsted, to confront Emanuel on "decisions to cut education and public service funding while pushing tax breaks" for Sears/CME.
“We call him ‘Mayor 1%’ because it’s clear he cares more about serving the interests of corporations than the people of Chicago,” says Occupy member Corrie Westing.
Protesters last week interrupted Emanuel's remarks at a news conference to announce new holiday lights in the Loop. The boos and jeers began as soon as Emanuel was introduced, and he appeared to cut his remarks short.
“We won’t stand for greedy politicians like Emanuel calling for millions in corporate tax breaks while closing clinics and public schools, and busting college faculty unions," Westing said.
Occupy protesters are still disappointed Emanuel didn't allow them to set up camp in Grant Park after hours. They said they also plan to take him to task Friday for "disregard for freedom of speech and civil liberties."
Occupy Chicago plans to set up at 11 a.m. Friday for the lecture.
