Talk about an epic party crash. On Thursday night, about 200 Occupy DC protesters gathered at Union Station to protest the Conservation International annual gala, a $1,000 a plate affair going on in the East Room of the historic train hub. The reason they were there? Walmart’s chairman, Rob Walton, was one of Conservation International’s featured guests. The reason we were there? Actor Harrison Ford was another one of Conservation International’s featured guests.
As some guests simply tried to enjoy the pre-dinner drinks, others came over and took photos and video of the rugged band of 20-somethings. “But it’s a conservation group, we’re on their side,” Yeas & Nays overheard one guest moaning, as chants like, “What’s disgusting — union busting,” we’re flung at partygoers.
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When we talked to Ford, he was rather diplomatic about the whole thing, saying he wasn’t so surprised that the event was Occupied. “Everybody’s got a point of view and I recognize where it’s coming from. They have the right and they should have the opportunity to express their opinions,” Ford told Yeas & Nays. “But information is the most important currency in making choices and you know I just wish they had access to the information that I have in deciding to be an ally in what Walmart is doing in the world.”
Walton tried to make light of the situation too, calling it simply, “a greeting.” “I am sorry that you were all subjected to that,” he said. “It’s part of what makes us a great country too.”
