Philadelphia protest of NDAA

Occupy Philly protested against the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 on Dec. 14 by performing street theatre at several locations. Performers and their supporters marched from Republican Sen. Pat Toomey’s office to Democratic Sen. Bob Casey’s Philadelphia headquarters. Then, they marched to the Ritz Carlton Hotel, where Mayor Michael Nutter was scheduled to speak, and ended up at ritzy Rittenhouse Square.

A skit was performed at each stop under the overall theme of “The 31st Fascist of the Year Award.” Activists impersonating Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and some representing Food not Bombs, eco-activists and other political organizers described their movement activities. Their heads were covered by cloth bags. All of them could be guilty of terrorism, according to NDAA provisions.

This year’s award was presented at the end of the skits to the U.S. Senate, for having passed the NDAA bill. An Occupy member designated as “Toomey” or “Casey” proudly accepted the award at each performance.

— Report and photo Joe Piette