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Protesters Converge In Oakland For Occupy Event

OAKLAND (CBS13) -- Thousands have gathered to support the Occupy Oakland movement that seems to be exploding right in front of our eyes as the occupiers tried to shut down the city.

A swarming crowd energized and angry marched from bank to bank in downtown Oakland. The goal -- to shut the banks down.

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And it worked to some extent. Protesters stood in front of doors, put tape over the ATM machines and blocked business as usual…

"I think it's excellent that people are getting excited," protester Steve Gilbert said.
The chaos was somewhat organized and there was free food for the crowd, and even a first aid station.

Back at Frank Ogawa Plaza -- home base for the Oakland Occupy movement -- the tent city had become an all-out street festival with music, food and all sorts of protest signs. A new group of protesters, including hundreds of teachers, skipped work Wednesday to join the movement.

And businesses in the area followed suit. Law offices were closed, restaurants were closed. The one thing missing from Wednesday's protest was any visible police presence. Prostesters were allowed to have their voices heard..

"You know the way things are today, it's impossible and we need change," protester Leo Rodriguez said.

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