These words have been echoing through the streets of New York City for the past month since the start of peaceful protest movement dubbed Occupy Wall St.

The slogan references the top 1 percent of citizens that control over 50 percent of our nations’ wealth.

Beginning on Sept. 17, the marches and protests have spanned over 16 days, drawing a crowd of hundreds. Though their exact demands have been unclear, their message is crystal: end the economic and political polarization by corporations that has aided in the war waged against the middle class.

They are protesting against the 400 obscenely wealthy individuals who have more combined wealth than 155 million Americans. They are protesting against the wholly owned subsidiary of these corporations… the U.S. government.

Congress, and even the past presidency, has been bought through campaign funding and lobbying. They are protesting against the massive amount of foreclosures executed by banks on thousands of Americans. They are protesting against the unaccountability the corporations after the bailout of 2008.

They disagree that a corporation should reap the benefits and rights of being a citizen without any of the responsibilities (you know… like taxes). Protestors have marched and occupied Wall Street in droves, waving signs and shouting slogans.

Unfortunately, it has not been until recently that the movement has gained mainstream media attention. The reason for this newfound coverage, was due to the excessive police brutality and abuse of power within the NYPD. Peaceful protestors have been pepper-sprayed, beaten and arrested on charges of… blocking traffic lanes? This is deserving of mace and nightsticks?

Over 700 protestors were arrested Saturday on the Brooklyn Bridge. Occupy Wall Street has held speeches by icons like Michael Moore and Cornel West and has also had appearances by celebrities like Susan Sarandon.

“I am so impressed by what I am seeing here,” said Moore.

The Occupy movement has generated a snowball effect, spreading across the country in many similar organizations. Solidarity has also been achieved within unions and humanitarian groups.

Take Back Boston, Occupy D.C., Occupy Chicago, Occupy Indianapolis, Occupy Louisville… and yes, even an Occupy Evansville has begun a general assembly.

Occupy Evansville is still in its infancy, but it is already growing. Its first meeting will be Monday, October 3 at 6 p.m. in the Barnes & Noble at 624 South Green River Road. It also has a Facebook page that you can like (hint, hint).

The future of the movement is still unforeseeable, though they have scheduled events well into 2012. The message is loud and clear and relevant to all our lives with the slogan:

“We are the 99 percent, and we are too big to fail.”