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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The New WTC Progress and "Occupy Wall Street" Protest


When I was in Lower Manhattan last week I walked by the area where the new World Trade Center buildings are being constructed.  The 7 World Trade Center building is on the right in the photo above -- it was completed in 2006.  Located at 250 Greenwich Street and bound by Greenwich, Vesey, Washington, and Barclay Streets, it is 741-foot-tall.  The One World Trade Center Building seen in the middle of the photo, is under construction. When completed, it will soar a symbolic 1,776 feet skyward to become America's tallest building. The 2.6-million-square-foot building will include office space, an observation deck, world-class restaurants, and broadcast and antennae facilities.


4 World Trade Center, located at 150 Greenwich Street, will face directly onto the World Trade Center Memorial Park from the west.  Rising 977 feet from street level, it will be the fourth-tallest skyscraper on the WTC site.  Although the buildings look magnificent, my heart still feels the void of the Twin Towers and surrounding buildings that were lost. They were such familiar sights for so many years of my life, especially since my husband worked in the 7 World Trade building.


Almost diagonally across from the World Trade Center buildings construction site is Zuccotti Park. It is located between Broadway, Trinity Place, Liberty Street and Cedar street,  and is owned by Brookfield Properties.  The park was always a favorite place for local workers and tourists to sit and enjoy the nice weather. If you look on this link you can see how beautifully the park was decorated for Christmas two years ago and also the beautiful  Christmas tree on Wall Street. 
In the photo foreground above is Seward Johnson's 1982 metal sculpture of a businessman called "Double Check." This sculpture became a makeshift memorial after 9/11, and was eventually returned to the artist until the park was rebuilt in 2006, along with newly planted honey locust trees.


As of September 17, 2011, the "Occupy Wall Street" protest began using Zuccotti Park as a campground and staging area for their actions.


I was curious, so I went closer to take a look.


Information about "Occupy Wall Street" according to Wikipedia:
"The protest was originally called for by the Canadian activist group called Adbusters, taking inspiration from the Arab Spring movement, particularly the Tahrir Square protests in Cairo which initiated the 2011 Egyptian Revolution.  The participants of the event are mainly protesting against social economic inequality and corporate greed, among other concerns. Adbusters states that, "Beginning from one simple demand – a presidential commission to separate money from politics – we start setting the agenda for a new America. The protest's organizers hope that the protesters themselves will formulate their own specific demands, expecting them to be focused on "taking to task the people who perpetrated the economic meltdown".


There seemed to be a lot of different grievances being expressed on the signs and placards of the protesters.

The Occupy Wall Street protest members seem to be growing as time progresses and similar groups are emerging in other large cities.


Although I am sure almost everyone in the United States is frustrated with high unemployment and ongoing problems with our economy, I'm not so sure I fully understand this groups positions and if this is the right way to go about expressing them. In any event they have certainly been exercising their right to free speech the past few weeks.

Two more views of the construction of One World Trade Center, taken from West Street.
The 9/11 Memorial is located within the construction site and is open for viewing, but advanced visitor passes are required. Visitors must reserve advance passes for a specific date and time. Visitor passes are free and available through the Memorial's online reservation system.  I am waiting for a date in November to see the 9/11 Memorial, which was the earliest reservation time available. I admit I have some trepidation about visiting the Memorial, as I doubt I will have dry eyes the entire time as I search for the names of victims my husband and I knew.



A minute video taken across the street from the construction of 4 World Trade Center building. As you can see it is a very busy street.

I'm linking this post to Outdoor Wednesday blog event of Susan's blog,  "A Southern Daydreamer."


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42 comments:

  1. Most interesting. I go along with the corp greed thing..
    Can't get over the politians. Waste of our money like, buying a $16 muffin
    and the price of the coffee per cup outragious..
    I say fire the culprits. How dare
    they spend money like that.
    yvonne
    climbing off the box. Your posts are the best.

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  2. I hadn't thought about you losing friends and acquaintances on 9/11 and now hearing about your husband's job being in Building 7 shows just how much your life was touched and changed. It will be hard, I'm sure visiting that memorial site. Thanks for the information and "visit" with the protest group. I'm going to dig a little deeper into their cause and intent. I agree that this might not be the best way to go but what is?

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  3. Oh, Pat, I know your visit will be very emotional. I will appreciate your taking us along as it is unlikely that I will be able to visit anytime in the near future.

    Hmmm... I'm intrigued by the protestors. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

    Thanks, Pat! blessings ~ tanna

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  4. It is similar in the UK with a lot of people not convinced that the Tory government is going about things the right way. The rioters have been portrayed as greedy robbers, but they are just the tip of an iceberg of disaffection with how this country is being run for the benefit of the rich and the detriment of the poor. The gap between rich and poor is widening according to a study. A voice somewhere is better than silence.

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  5. All we hear in the news is the stance this group is taking on corporate greed, which smacks of socialism to me and I get really fried when politicians or anyone talks about redistributing wealth. Ugh. Seems as if you've discovered a myriad of grievances. Anyway, I hope that they will find a more appropriate way to express themselves without hijacking entire parks for days and weeks in cities across the U.S. In my opinion, that is selfish and rude and gains them no favor in my camp.

    Thanks also for the ongoing updates on the building progress. Yes, I know that there will always be a void for the buildings that were lost no matter what new building takes its place. Nothing can take their place.

    (My niece was walking around in NYC on Sunday. I was a nervous wreck all day thinking about her being in a strange city on her own. Guess that you, knowing your way around, find that a comfortable thing to do.)

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  6. Progress! It is good to finally see the buildings taking shape! Young people have every right to try to shape their world and pointing out what they consider mistakes made by government and the corporate world is par for the course. Change rarely happens until the masses energize themselves. This group could possibly be on the right track, but they need a cohesive point. I noticed in this mornings NY Times there was an article about groups of protesters forming in other big cities. Once again Pat, your post is enlightening and interesting. Thank you♥

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  7. Corporate greed will never be gone Unfortunately! We need an agency that can not be bought to cap bonuses on most of these exec's. They can not pay the government loans back but they can give themselved 50 million dollars in bonus then shut the company down! Love your pictures as usual. Grace xoox

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  8. I'm thankful God knows the answers to the problems of our world. I'm kind of thinking it needs to be a spiritual awakening to "we need God" in our lives to make changes...otherwise they could be based on the understanding of man. I wonder what He would inspire Wall Street and politicians to do differently if they turned from their ways. Money is not evil...but the greed is hard to live with. What a world....so I guess I will do my part and press in to Him for more love and do what He tells me to do, whether it's the NORM of the world or not. Start small....how to love and help others up!
    I am ignoring so much of the news because I'm not sure that most of it is very accurate and I really don't believe either "SIDE" of politics and what's going on. SO I shall pray....and love. I'm a simple girl. The world is too much for me. (c:
    Hope you're having a grand week Pat. As always I so appreciate the great posts you have so we can peek into your world. Bless your heart! You are a jewel!

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  9. Your blog is both visually interesting and beautiful, but so informative too!

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  10. It'll be brilliant to see the new buildings in all their glory once the constructions are over! I hope the christmas tree goes up again this year too!

    I do like the metal sculpture of the businessman.

    I think there is so much fear and uncertainty at the moment in this time of global economic and political unrest - everyone but everyone is affected. But yay for democracy too where people feel able to express their opinions in a peaceful manner.

    Take care
    x

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  11. I appreciate your clear explanation of the adbuster protest. We are seeing it on TV here everyday and we wonder too what will this progress to.

    It is interesting to see how that building is growing. We almost met in New York City. We were just a few months off. :)

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  12. I did see some of the memorial in September and after seeing views of some of the names I wondered why they weren't listed in alphabetical order. I learned that it took some time but some families went through a long process asking for the names of their loved ones to be together with their partners or co-workers on the memorial. I think this was a good decision. Thanks for showing us the progress on the reconstruction. We see New york through your eyes Pat.

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  13. Hi Pat, I haven't been paying much attention to this protest, so I enjoyed reading more about it. I don't agree with their method, either. I am also not such a happy camper with the new buildings, more sitting ducks I feel. Oh well. What do I know? Nuthin'. I would love some Bertolli soup, though. :o xo

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  14. Pat, thank you for reporting on the WTC. I wanted to know how this was progressing, and I'm glad to have a first hand report from a native New Yorker. Thanks. I can't imagine how hard it is for you with knowing so many who perished and everything your brother went through, so my heart goes out to you particularly.

    And while some of those signs are clearly making a good point (like one of the posters talking about a $19 muffin) and others of those signs make me mad as ten wet hens, one of the things about this country I love the most is the ability to express our opinions freely.

    That being said, I am utterly and completely opposed to both socialism and communnism. Neither work, and there is empirical research and fact that supports that statement. France is in deep trouble, and the USSR fell. While our country has its problems, this is still where I choose to hang my hat, and where my ancestors fought and died that we might have the rights proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed in the constitution. When people want to tear down what generations of our ancestors built, I would like to invite them to move to another country. But because we live in a democracy, they have a right to be heard. Just as I do.

    It's not just corporate greed, it's union greed. It's all part of the big scenario. It's complex, but we will work it out. I believe that. The eternal optimist!

    XO,

    Sheila

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  15. The Building is going up nicely it seems.
    I love the sculpture and the new trees as well.
    Troubling that calls for national unrest and revolution are coming from outside the nation. Most 'springs' and 'grass roots' movements are anything but.

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  16. It's probably shallow of me given the very important issues the protestors are highlighting, but I really loved the Christmas tree from two years ago at this site. Just lovely lights in the darkness.

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  17. I watched the news all about the memorial and it looks really impressive. I cannot imagine how it must make you feel to be there...it's hard to imagine being so far...it makes me tear up thinking about it. My son's girlfriend worked very close back then and had to move clear across the country because of how she felt...although she was not a native New Yorker...as for those protesters...I think they are not very organized as far as a theme goes...maybe they just want people to open their eyes...

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  18. I also didn't realize your husband worked in building #7. That would indeed make it very hard to go back. My close friend who worked in one of the buildings and lives in Greenwich Village does not visit. I am glad to get a recounting of the protests - sometimes MN papers skip a great deal of news! Thoughtful posting.

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  19. Pat, thanks for in information. It's nice to see the new construction, but like you, there will always be a void in my mind and heart. ~ Sarah

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  20. We've been watching a little of this. There really isn't one clear voice for sure. I'm sure they'll be protesting on the streets of Seattle soon. I like seeing the progress on the new building! That's sobering that your husband worked so close...

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  21. I was just reading about this protest in the paper! I had never heard of it before, is it a yearly thing? You got some really good pictures. What are those big tall red things sticking up? Even enlarging it doesn't t tell me. I love the sculpture, for modern times he would have a laptop instead of a computer.

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  22. Thanks for an up-close look at these protests. It was only a matter of time before they came to our shores.

    I know this visit for you is very emotional and like Tanna, I so appreciate your taking us along.
    Sam

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  23. Just yesterday we watched a news segment about 'adbusters'...how they have quietly organized this protest from their discreet offices in Vancouver. I'm not sure this protest will accomplish anything...but I see from you photos that they definitely have a presence at Wall Street.

    I called hubby over to come read your post. Most interesting! Thanks for keeping us updated on the progress of the 'rebuilding'.

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  24. Pat - I'm back home after a great day with you, Vinny and Rosemary. Re: this post , I'm so glad we live in a country where protest like this is permitted. I have my doubts as to whether this will change the environment of greed on Wall Street and the disparity between rich and poor.

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  25. I think that there must NEVER be a dull moment in New York City! It is sad to think that I will never get to see the Twin Towers. I'm sure you must feel their loss.

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  26. On my one and only trip to New York, visiting the Twin Towers was on the agenda. You certainly are in the thick of things in that city, Pat. It's interesting hearing your perspective on events there, as an insider, so to speak.
    -Karen

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  27. Glad to see that they are FINALLY completing the WTC progress. It's taken much too long..

    I have a different take on the protesters.. I say that they need to get out and get a job and work hard to gather some wealth themselves. Young people today don't want to work. They 'seem' to want the govt. and the wealthy to take care of them. I think that's kinda sad....

    We are not wealthy--but we have worked hard for our money. Why should we give it to pay for those young people who don't want to work hard??????

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  28. Thank you for taking me on this journey...your pictures tell so much. Good to see the WTC construction...

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  29. Thank you for this very interesting, informative post. I was in NYC only once over 30 years ago. I enjoyed seeing your pics of what's going on there. Also, thanks so much for commenting on my blog!
    Cindy

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  30. A very interesting post, Pat. As an old protester from the 60's I don't think it ever hurts to have people speak up ...as long as it remains peaceful. How wonderful that you got a chance to take part in it!

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  31. There are protests of any kind all over the world. WE have seen some of it on TV but as there are so many I don't look in it much any more. The world trade center is growing steadily. I couldn't think that you had to wait to visit the 9/11 memorial so long and book in advance. I love the sculpture of the business man. Bautiful.
    Have a nice day Pat.
    Riet

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  32. I have seen scences from this protest on TV, they commented it is against bakers-this wave of protest is now all around the world.
    I love that park!

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  33. Hi Pat!

    Thank you for educating us on what that is all about. I'm sure they are making a lot of people aware of these issues, but none the less they are issues that have been around for decades.

    Chris & I will never forget our trip to NYC and our walk to the World Trade Center area. The visuals that the little church gave us were overwhelming. God was truly watching over Vinny that day and we are so glad He was! You and Vinny are such a fabulous couple!!

    Many blessings & hugs to you both!
    Sherry

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  34. Hi Pat, this is very interesting and I agree with your opinion of the many ways people are displaying their signs and freedom of speech. Thank goodness they can still have freedom of speech. I hope our country can bring positive change in our government. I am sad that we have so much unrest in our country right now.

    BTW, Beverly saw the episode of the kitchen show you mentioned and she saw you and your dh in the audience. I told her to check it out because she records that show. How fun that you could be there.
    Love you, Jeanne

    Love the photo of you and your grands Pat.

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  35. I'm very sure that you will struggle to keep dry eyes during your visit to the memorial, but then again, I'm sure you won't feel you have to. I hope the visit holds some healing in the grief.

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  36. Another very interesting and informing post. Thank you so much!

    I bought some Bertolli soup yesterday but darn they didn't have the tomato one I wanted! Maybe next time.

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  37. Fabulous post, Pat. I will visit the Memorial Park but not, probably, until next year. We'll be bringing Julianna.

    I'm saddened that you and your husband lost friends on that atrocious day.

    So many people from New Jersey lost their lives that day too.

    I've always thought of NYC as my hometown though I haven't lived there in many years.

    It was a terrible wound, no question.

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  38. I don't understand this group's position either. Maybe their position is to not have one. It seems interesting how they are against "corporate greed" while blogging from their iPads.

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  39. The protesters? Yes, protest govt waste. The rest is unclear.

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