Rep. Lewis Says He Doesn't Feel Disrespected by Occupy Atlanta

U.S. Rep. John Lewis, in an impromptu news conference at Galloway School after a talk Monday, said he didn't feel disrespected by not being allowed to speak last week by the Occupy Atlanta group in Woodruff Park.

Lewis, who represents Buckhead, said he felt the group was making an effort at "old-fashioned consensus building" such as he experienced in the civil rights movement. He said the group voted to allow him to speak after its completed its "agenda," but that he couldn't wait that long because of a previous engagement.

The congressman, who said he walked over to the protest meeting from his downtown Atlanta headquarters just to greet protesters, did express his puzzlement at some of the Occupy Atlanta group's tactics, such as its requirement that a person say the phrase "mike check" before speaking.

The Occupy Wall Street movement, which began in New York City, spread to Atlanta last week. The movement has said it follows "anarchist" principles and non-hierarchical organization.

A tape of the incident that has received thousands of hits on YouTube shows that the group voted to allow Lewis to speak after it has completed its "agenda." Lewis, at not being allowed to speak immediately, is shown leaving the gathering.