It’s been a couple years since I have written anything here, so I figured it’s time to get back in the saddle again. What a great place to start with what’s going on over in New York and 60 major cities around the country.
If you’ve been under a rock for the past month, or you’re getting your news from the wrong places, a huge protest started over a month ago along Wall Street. Why are they there and what are they upset about? After a decade of bailouts and corporate greed run amok, the “people” of “We the People” are making their arguments known in very public places.
The movement started on Wall Street to symbolize the heart of American corporate greed and has spread to 60 major cities across the country and even some cities around the world. Occupy Wall Street, as it’s being officially called, is representing the 99% that feels at a disadvantage to the 1% who own much of America’s wealth. They are calling for a change from ‘business as usual’ in Congress and the patronization of corporations.
Even some of the 1% have come out to support the protestors. These have included Tim Robbins, Kanye West, Michael Moore, Cornel West, Rev. Al Sharpton, Russell Simmons, and Naomi Wolf.
One issue in particular is the notion from some politicians and media pundits is that these people are causing problems and creating chaos. Unfortunately for them, the Constitution backs up their right to assemble, which the police apparently forget whenever a protest forms. Naomi Wolf, an activist and author of The End of America: Letter to a Patriot, was arrested yesterday after reminding the police of this very thing.
Republicans have predictably taken the side of “The Man.” Republican presidential candidate and Mormon spokesperson Mitt Romney expressed his disapproval of the protestors recently at a press conference, although taking the side of the protestors in an about-face the following week. Ruh, roh, Raggy! Maybe he forgot that technology catches political lies so much easier these days.
Many in our nation repeatedly forget this right of the American people; this right to assemble. Other nations do it. And we need to, as well. It helps the powers that be gauge the temperature of society in general. Without it, opinions are silenced and democracy ceases to exist in its pure form. We cannot accept the excuses “The Man” gives us for not assembling. We cannot allow police to interfere in peaceful demonstrations. We cannot let the media label protestors as radicals, idealists, bored and spoiled college kids. We cannot forget the rights created by the Founding Fathers of our nation, inspired by the teachings of centuries of worldly thought.
The Devil's Advocate 