The Occupy Wall Street movement, which began last month in New York City as a revamped version of a sit-in protest, has spread to cities around the country with participants spending long periods of time in public areas to “occupy” the space, which they say will help change an out-of-control corporate system.

Although the driving force of the national movement largely has been painted as young people who are upset with America’s wealth gap, the protestors at the Capitol fell within no stereotype — the crowd was diverse in both race and age.

There appeared to be no organized body of MSU protestors, but a small numbers of students, alumni and fans were scattered throughout the crowd. Even with no apparent leadership or specific policy goals, protestors said they were present to voice a general distaste with the wealth gap in the U.S., and the way money influences politics.

“As much as I wanted to be with my friends and celebrate the game, I think I have a personal responsibility — if I’m upset with the way things are — to take a part in (changing) it,” finance and statistics junior Lindsay Allen said.

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, who has been a vocal supporter of the movement, addressed the protestors, encouraging them to keep on their mission.

“You stand proudly for the American dream,” Bernero said. “And you haven’t given up on America, thank God.”

Without large groups from organizations present, Saturday’s demonstration largely was defined by independent protesters who had individual issue with the system — including education, health care and tax reform.

“I’ve had to start my career over and over and over again because of a system that rewards wealth and ignores everyone else,” said Tony Trupiano, a left-wing radio host from Metro Detroit, who was an emcee at the protest.

Saturday’s demonstration came after a failed attempt to organize an ““Occupy MSU”“:http://twitter.com/OccupyMSU movement last week, where students had planned to start a protest Thursday afternoon at the rock on Farm Lane, which never materialized. Leaders of the defunct group told The State News they had disbanded because of lack of interest.

History and religious studies sophomore Evan Gage said he thinks the movement will accomplish little and only is the result of people wanting to take part in a “sexy” ‘60s-era protest.

“I don’t understand how you can protest an economic system and still be coherent,” Gage said.
But others remain determined.

“Our schools are being starved, our people are being starved and a small few are benefitting every year by making billions of dollars,” said Doug Barle, a 1965 MSU alumnus, adding the movement could result in real change if it expands large enough.

“I was a Vietnam protestor — I know it works.”