SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 5, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — It seems only fitting that an “Anonymous Utah” protest would be held in Salt Lake City on Guy Fawkes Day.
A group of local people turned out to “bring light to everyone,” according to one individual who didn’t want to be identified. He said it’s time for people to realize there are issues they can do something about.
“With all the bull**** that’s happening with the government,” he said, “everybody takes our money, but nobody really cares about us. They say they do, but then nothing actually happens.”
Guy Fawkes, he said, was an anarchist and an activist. “And this is kind of a ‘F*** the Feds’ kind of thing.”
Members of Anonymous wear masks styled after Guy Fawkes, perhaps the best-known member of the Gunpowder Plot, which goes back to 1605 in England.
The mask has been adopted as a sign of solidarity — as well as a disguise — by groups protesting against government, politicians, banks and similar institutions that the protesters claim are corrupt or taking advantage of people.
The protest in Salt Lake City began early Saturday with participants making signs. The event really started coming to life at about 5 p.m., according to the person who spoke with Gephardt Daily.
“We started out at the Scott Matheson Courthouse,” said the man, who said he was in his early 30s. “There was a huge group at the courthouse, and an even bigger group at the Capitol. People started showing up at 5, and we marched to the Capitol at 6:30.
“Most of the people have already left now,” he said late Saturday evening as the remaining protesters were gathered at State Street and 100 South.
He said people complain about politics and capitalism, “but then sit on their couches watching Fox News.”
“A lot of people don’t know there are underlying issues we can have control over,” he said, adding that those participating in the protest are “middle class, with regular jobs.”
“I’m a real person,” he said, “trying to get real results.”
As far as the Utah branch of Anonymous goes, he said, “We’re small now, but it’s a first step.”
