The Occupy movement has infiltrated the suburbs.

No, Saturday’s Occupy Sammamish demonstration didn’t lead to any arrests or anyone being pepper sprayed. This protest had a different face. It was not gas masks, clashes with police and demonstrations in public squares, but 100 Sammamish, Issaquah and Bellevue residents standing at the corner of 228th and Inglewood Hill Road. They showed that the movement is not just for the young urban populations.

“I think it’s critical that the suburbs get some exposure to the fact that there are people here who want to show some brotherhood with these ideas,” said Sammamish resident Rick Allen, a retired elevator constructor.

They waived signs promulgating increased taxes on the country’s wealthiest individuals, and a crackdown on large corporations that many say don’t pay their fare share.

Though many would consider Sammamish much closer to the 1 percent of the richest Americans rather than the 99 percent Occupy represents – according to the U.S. Census, the median household income is $129,583, three times the national average – residents at the rally have felt the pain of the economic downturn and cascading budget cuts.

“Many of us used to be solidly middle class and are now poor,” said Judy Dunsire, a retired psychologist who lost all her savings when her husband fell ill. One of the main worries for people like Dunsire, a resident of Providence Point, is the constant talk that social security and medicare will soon be on the chopping block. Without those programs, she would be on the street. Though any changes are unlikely to affect people already receiving social security and medicare benefits, future generations with Dunsire’s problems could be out of luck.

“This is about hope for my child, and my grandchildren and everyone’s grandchildren.”

Dr. Jeff Wedgwood, an Issaquah resident who has been unable to work due to arthritis in his hands, was frustrated that politicians and heads of large companies are only thinking about the short term. Representatives are only thinking about what can get them another election, he said, not what will help people save retirement in the long term.

Saturday’s demonstration was organized by progressive group MoveOn.org. Much like the other Occupy movements throughout the nation, Saturday’s protest was not founded on one single principle. The overriding themes that inspired the Occupy movements – lack of job creation, not enough accountability for large banks, and frustration at the way corporations are treated – were touched on by MoveOn’s 10-point philosophy.

Those in attendance saw a peaceful and respectful demonstration as a way to be heard. Though small chants broke out from time to time, protesters did not block any roads or cause any trouble. They even made sure to pick up their boxes of food as they were leaving.

But they weren’t without resistance. While many passing cars at the busy intersections waved and honked at the protesters in support, some passersby shouted insults.

“Form your opinion; stop closing your eyes and flipping me off,” Allen, who waved a large American flag throughout the afternoon, said of those antagonizing demonstrators. He said he felt disillusioned by all parties. He wanted to know why leaders paid so much attention to popular uprisings in other countries such as Egypt and Libya, while ignoring and suppressing the Occupy movements.