Solomon Joins May Day Rally

Congressional candidate Norman Solomon joined over 100 people gathered in City Plaza in San Rafael as part of a countywide May Day march and rally.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of union members were joined by occupiers from around the Bay Area as part of a May Day strike. l and also at Novato Community Hospital in solidarity with nurses on a one-day strike.

"We want a government of, by and for the people -- not of, by and for the large corporations. Our challenge is to shake off passive cynicism and renew the eternal vigilance that has created so much positive change in this country during our lifetimes," Solomon said at the rally.

The Marin May Day action began at 2 p.m. with 50 people marching and chanting through downtown San Rafael. Carrying signs reading "Jobs Not Bombs," "Reforma Migratoria Justa y Digna para Todos," "End Foreclosures" and more, the marchers stopped at locations along the way at big banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Chase.

Each each location the protestors stopped symobolized a major economic issue the United States faced in the past few years, according to organizer Pat Johnstone. People spoke of foreclosures and "Moving Your Money" into local banks and credit unions. At the AT&T, people were reminded of all the corporations who still participate in ALEC, author of legislation such as "Stand Your Ground" gun laws and voter suppressions laws. At the Social Security office seniors spoke of protecting Social Security and Medicare from cuts and at St. Vincent's Dining Room that in this county of abundance there is still great need. 

Occupy Marin organized the event and has been assembling every Saturday at the Plaza at noon for six months. Occupy has also been holding vigils at San Rafael City Hall, where auctions of foreclosed home are held.