Occupy Murfreesboro protesters march Nov. 4 in protest of banking fees around the Square in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (TMP/M. Kemph)

“As the massive income gap between the richest 1 percent and the rest of us continues to widen, Americans are beginning to take notice,” said Justin St. Clair, chairman of the Democratic Party, in a press release Thursday.

The resolution passed by an overwhelming margin, even though party leaders also recognized that the Occupy Murfreesboro movement has attempted to avoid partisan politics.

Specifically, local Democrats expressed their continued support for the ongoing peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights by Occupy Murfreesboro protesters at Civic Plaza, where the group has been camping out for more than a week.

Other leaders have also acknowledged that the decision could be considered controversial, being that the local branch of the Democratic Party has largely remained more conservative than others in more liberal areas of the country.

St. Clair said the party is supporting the Occupy movement because the groups share the same goal: Large financial institutions and corporations are benefiting too much, while many Americans remain unemployed.

“At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to support their families, through high unemployment and stagnant wages, Wall Street is posting record profits,” St. Clair said.

He said the situation is unfair and that is why the Occupy movement has gained steam nationwide, including here in Murfreesboro.

“True patriotism requires a shared sacrifice,” St. Clair said. “Our party supports the Occupy movement because we believe that hard work and sacrifice are the keys to the American dream, not short-term greed."

To read in-depth coverage of the Democratic Party's support of Occupy Murfreesboro, pick up a copy of the Dec. 18 print edition.