First came The Occupied Wall Street Journal, the “official” newspaper of the protesters occupying Manhattan’s financial district. The self-published, self-funded newspaper printed in splashy color shared stories of the occupation and of inequities in the economic system. It was only a matter of time until the Occupy D.C. protesters at Freedom Plaza got their own paper, and they did so Tuesday — publishing The Occupied Washington Post.
The paper was distributed yesterday to thousands across the D.C. area, according to an Occupy D.C. press release.
Although the paper’s name was a spoof of our own, that’s where the parallels end. The paper is filled with essays, articles and photos submitted by D.C.-based occupiers, including a very New Yorker-esque cartoon and song lyrics and poems.
“We picked The Washington Post to 'occupy' because it is the leading newspaper in the area and an opinion leader for the nation. While the Post often reflects the views of the government and powerful interests, The Occupied Washington Post will seek to reflect the views of the people,” said Kevin Zeese, an organizer of the occupation at Freedom Plaza.
McPherson Square protesters are planning their own rival paper, which they will call the Occupied Washington Times. But as DCist writes, “This isn’t a two-paper town.”
Read The Occupied Washington Post here.
