OWS - Some perspectives

Dear Folks, I want to share some perspectives on OWS. For one thing, I get irritated when individuals say, "Its objectives are vague." My response is simply: "Its the economy and its injustices, stupid." The disperity between the rich and the poor is the greatest since l928. However, then, we did not have a supreme court made up of five mental dunces that have declared corporations and unions "persons" and so controlling the money they spend politically is against the first amendment's free speech. Put these two realities together and we face a danger to our democracy that our founding fathers never fathomed.

Deep down millions of us know this and about l00,000 are now voicing their voices on the streets of cities on various continents. Here is an irony, however, as Robert Reich recently talked about at Univ of Cal, Berkley, where he was asked to speak, honoring Mario Savio, the voice of the l950-and l960s Student Freedom Movement that then morphed into Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam. All of these issues are dwarfed by our present threat to democracy. Yet, says Reich, even as one hand the supreme court gave to corporations such a powerful voice, we watch as Mayors and cops are thwarting the voices of all of us, who have lacked a collective voice.


Our voices will not be stopped. Our frustration and yes our anger, as stated in Newsweek (Nov 2l "Mad as Bill" meaning Bill Moir, is now functioning as a powerful political energy, that has many facets. It is, spoke New Hampshire,Bishop Gene Robinson, the recovery of "a national community" which we have lacked because a narcissism that says "I have mine; go get yours'. The very name,99ERS is a powerful metaphorical statement in itself, as highlighting the incredible rich l percent as well as signifying a newly awakened political community. Last week, a great projection appeared on a New York building, first featuring 99% then such statements as "We are part of a global uprising." Even more poignantly, "We are a cry from the heart of the world; we are unstoppable." And here is an amazing support (National Catholic Reporter, Nov 21, 20ll, p. 8 from the Vatican: "The basic sentiments behind the Wall Street protests is in line with Catholic social teachings" said head of Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace."

The movements obvious impact: It has changed the national dialogue, back to jobs, wall st crimes and demand for justice, vs cut costs and don't task the rich. It influenced and strenghened the Nov 8th rescinding of Ohio';s anti union decision, it also aids the present effort to sign a petition that will force a Gov election in Wisconsin. Many local groups are meeting with majors and legislatures. On Dec 5th, Occupy Congress will happen. I predict 200,000 people will show. Enough for now. Spread the world: the voices of people and their votes will silent to voice of money and tyranny. John G