By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Over the last Fourth of July weekend, Philadelphia was the place for a national gathering of the “Occupy” movement.

In advance of the five-day meeting of Occupy groups from across the country, Mayor Michael Nutter held a press conference saying the law applies to everyone equally.

“Exercise your freedom of speech, but no one has the right to act like an idiot,” the mayor said (see news story).

According to organizers, the national Occupy gathering was being held because it was crucial for the movement to “realize itself” and to make the country aware that it is an organized, united group of people (see news story).

Uniformed and plainclothes police officers were out in force keeping an eye on things (see news story).

Tea Party activists were also demonstrating, as about million others were taking in the city’s fireworks, concerts, and other events of the “Welcome America” festivities (see news story).