Marchers stage mock funeral in Guilford [New Haven Register, Conn.]

Jan. 01--GUILFORD -- The Green might seem an odd place for a funeral, but that's what went on there Saturday afternoon. Well, sort of.

The Occupy Shoreline CT group staged a mock New Orleans-style funeral for the middle class and led a processional from the Green to Whitfield and Broad streets. A few people played drums and other instruments in true Southern fashion, while others carried umbrellas, signs and a black casket, and another was dressed as the Grim Reaper. "Eulogies" were given on the Green after the march.

Several cars passing by honked, but one yelled, "Go to hell," to which one occupier replied, "We're already there!" Another local, Henry Aery, at first watched the rally from afar, but then joined the end of the processional in counter protest, holding a hand-made cardboard sign that said "I won't quit until I am the 1 percent."

The Occupy Shoreline group has been making its way through coastal towns since the fall. This was the second time it's landed in Guilford, having held a small protest during the October snowstorm.

Members say they wanted to hold a "funeral" for the middle class, rather than just a traditional protest, to catch more people's attention and continue spreading awareness of what they say is a growing disparity across the country between the wealthiest 1 percent of the country and everyone else. They also continued challenging the power of corporations.

"We have a group of people who own the political system. Unless we resist and resist strongly, it will continue. ... People will be dying in the streets of hunger. Actually, they already are. We call those people homeless and veterans," Jim Connelly, of Clinton, said during the eulogy portion of the rally.

Guilford resident Julie Lewin, another member, questioned how state representatives and senators can "tolerate extreme inequality in our state," while Occupy member Amanda Norris shared a personal story.

"I've made a lot of concessions to this society. I lost my job three times in four years. I've conceded higher education, I've conceded home ownership. ... I've had no insurance for three years running because I'm denied by private carriers," Norris said, adding that she now worries about her parents who are in their 60s, unemployed and worried about the future.

Anne Maxwell was walking through the Green as Occupy Shoreline marched on Whitfield Street and said she felt Saturday's funeral demonstration was a unique idea.

"I thought there would be a larger turn-out. I agree with what they're saying. I'm fully in support. We've just lost control of the founding principals of the country," Maxwell said.

Others spending time downtown said they weren't in agreement with Occupy's efforts.

Tom Albergo was watching with his brother on the sidewalk and questioned the protestor's goals.

"I think they got their message across, but they need to take action. Call their representatives of something instead of walking through the streets complaining," Albergo said.

Aery, who stood with Albergo to watch the beginning of the event, said he finds "comedic relief" in watching the Occupy movement.

"If their original plan was to raise awareness, mission accomplished, and they can go on with their lives. But they don't seem to have a clear, concrete goal. I don't know what they want," Aery said.

Call Susan Misur at 203-789-5742. Follow her @NHRsusan. To receive breaking news first, text the word NHNEWS to 22700. *Msg+data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.

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