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The Occupy Movement turns one

Occupy activists have not seen their major goals met. These include stronger laws on banking and the environment; limits on the influence of big business on politics; and help for people late on housing payments.

However, sociologist Todd Gitlin of Columbia University says Occupy Wall Street has been influential.

TODD GITLIN: One will use the term ‘1%’ and ‘99%’ and most of America knows what you’re talking about. You’ll find it now in common usage in newspapers articles that have nothing to do with Occupy itself.”

Within months, police nationwide moved Occupy protesters out of public areas. Today, the movement’s daily presence is a few volunteers in city parks and sidewalks. They attempt to publicize the Occupy message and increase support.

Justin Stone-Diaz has been with Occupy since its first day. He says small changes are important.

JUSTN STONE-DIAZ: The revolution is the technology that’s in everyone’s pockets --- the cell phones, the information age. What Occupy Wall Street, at its core is, we’re trying to foster a paradigm shift towards a more direct democracy.”

The activist says Occupy protesters now spread their messages electronically. When needed, larger groups gather as they did at the recent presidential nominating conventions in the United States.