"Occupy" protests enter their 4th week

A New York City police officer runs over a National Lawyers Guild observer as Occupy Wall Street demonstrators march through the streets near Wall Street, Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, in New York.

The protests against income inequality, joblessness and the political influence of financial firms are now entering their fourth week in New York City. They have attracted the attention of major unions and religious groups as the movement continues to grow in influence across the nation.

Meanwhile, conservative figures have blasted or mocked the protests. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., warned radio host Laura Ingraham that the movement must not gain "legitimacy," and said the protesters must not be allowed to influence public policy. "We can't allow that to happen," he said.

GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain called the protesters "un-American," and said their demonstrations against bankers merely indicated "jealousy" of bankers' success.

Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer