Occupy, tea party groups plan Independence Mall appearances this Fourth of July

The Occupy movement and tea party members may collide in the City of Brotherly Love on the Fourth of July. Occupy Philadelphia representatives Tuesday announced plans for a weeklong summit that will conclude on Independence Day.

“Changing the dialogue has been crucial — changing the national debate, which had been focused on budget cuts and austerity, and is now focused on income inequality and injustice,” said Nate Kleinman, an Occupy member who took part in the announcement of the summit Tuesday at Fifth and Market streets.

 

Philadelphia representatives said Occupy movements from around the country have endorsed what they’re calling the “Occupy national gathering.”It won’t be the only gathering on Independence Mall, however. While members of this Occupy group say they won’t apply for a permit to demonstrate, the National Parks Service has approved another permit for the “99% Working Group.” The Mall also will be crowded with delegations from two tea party groups and participants in Philadelphia’s annual parade.

On July 5, Occupy group members intend to embark on a 99-mile march to Wall Street.