"When they say forclose, we say for open" quipped one organizer.
Across the country, Americans are standing together. They've come from all political parties, all walks of life, and they have a very simple message. After we, the American Taxpayers, lent you 7 trillion dollars; after we gave lent you money equivelant to half of our GDP; after we pulled you out of a burning building with a bailout, you will not foreclose on the American dream.
These homes are occupied, and they will continue to be.
We've had some significant successes already.
That's the home of a DeKalb County Police Officer, in Georgia, who was aided by OccupyAtlanta when his bank threatened to foreclose.
When the family was threatened with arrest for "being accessories to tresspassers," the Occupiers agreed to leave.
As they reopen or occupy homes under threat of foreclosure, we will probably see more arrests today and in the coming days.
But that won't be the end of this antiforeclosure movement. It won't even be the beginning.
This is the opening salvo for a spring offensive, where activists say they plan to occupy entire neighborhoods across the country. Today's national action is an attempt to gain momentum, and bring more of the American people onboard.
No one is sure that occupiers will win this first engagement. But occupiers are sure that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Tim pool is on the ground in Brownsville, Brooklyn, so we will be bringing you live video shortly, and I'll stay here to bring you the day's events.
We're live in Brownsville Brooklyn, where hundreds of occupiers will march to reclaim a foreclosed home.
11:01 AM PT: We're being rebroadcasted by several channels already. I wish we knew who!
People are honking their horns for the march.
City Councilman:
"On Behalf of East New York, I Councilman Charles Barrett, Present this Gift, as a Housewarming Gift, because on this day, we are claiming a home for our sister!"
Two city councilmen are leading this march.
11:06 AM PT: It's a very wet day in NYC. We can see galoshes, raincoats and umbrellas. People are marching down a wet street by brick buildings.
There are a lot of for sale signs. A lot of these homes have already been foreclosed on. That's a fact, but I don't have the numbers for Brownsville yet. I'll try to get them.
There are some interesting signs. "Angry Pacifist" is a good one, but my favorite is "This is a Sign."
11:13 AM PT: A search for Brownsville, Brooklyn homes turns up more that 100 homes for sale for less than $500,000. Those prices are actually lower than the value of vacant land in New York City. The fact that there are properties available in Brownsville for $150,000 should help illuminate the facts about foreclosures in Brooklyn.
11:17 AM PT: Update from action in Occupy Minneapolis:
Defending veteran Bobby Hull from eviction. Hull and his family have been in their home since 1968. He is a former Marine and a Vietnam War veteran. Some recent health problems have caused him to fall behind in his payments. Meanwhile, Bank of America has offered and then refused to modify his loan. If we do nothing he and his family are facing a February eviction.
12:06 PM PT: Bobby Hull is being defended by Occupy Minneapolis. Here's his story:
12:47 PM PT: We're seeing some incredible images over at theother99.tv. The entire neighborhood is clogged as people give housewarming gifts.
2:41 PM PT: I've closed this Liveblog. We're trying to verify a lot of information. Expect updates at WeAreTheOther99.com