Back to Basics

Everyday citizens are now marching in the streets because they have had enough. In one month, the Occupy Wall Street protests have spread from Manhattan in New York to cities all around the world.

(Be sure to check out the October 17th post on the Occupy Wall Street Website if you don't yet know the reason for the "people-powered movement.")

Organizers want to expose much of what is wrong in today's society; however, it has also showcased one positive point: that people are willing to stand up in defense of what is right.

Despite news reports that describe participation as a mob-like, few people involved in this are fond of fighting. They've seen the outcome of unified marches in other countries like Egypt, and since they aren't getting satisfaction from their government or from corporate leaders, they've decided to do what they must to get their voices heard.

And they are protesting on behalf of all of us.

They are fighting for the middle class. They are camping out for the lower class. And they are marching for the upper class. How? Because they represent justice, fairness, and ethics. It doesn't matter who you are or how much money you have, you cannot live a good life without those three things.

Meanwhile, the protestors have been called all kinds of names in the op-ed media:

• Capitalism killers
• Anti-American
• Liberals (what does this even mean anymore?)
• Radicals
• Ex-hippies (can one ever really get divorced from "hippyism?")
• Class warriors
• Propagandists
• Lazy, trust-fund babies

I suppose there are individuals out there who deserve the labels, but it isn't true of the movement itself. No one can deny that too many working-class Americans have suffered significant financial loss at the hands of injustice, unfairness, and unethical dealings. Some of us, myself included, expected things to change after Enron, the mortgage meltdown, hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill and the big bank bailouts. Logical, corrective action was anticipated, but years later, it seems as if nothing has improved.

People are mad for good reason.

Opponents can throw around all the names they want. Many protestors are just quiet-mannered, good-natured Americans who have learned that obedience and compliance might look good in a human resources file, but it has done nothing to address corrosive power.

Capturing elusive bills is a fun game on the board walk, but the time for games is over.



Opponents have concluded that the movement does not not fight for anything in particular ... that it has not clarified its demands ... that it offers no real solutions. Meanwhile, to me the solutions are painfully simple: Justice, fairness and ethical action.

A basic protestor's profile

The people who march include folks who want to work and get paid fairly in return. These are taxpayers who have been told that their local library is closing due to budget cuts while large corporations still duck through tax loopholes. These are military family members who want to know their deceased sons or daughters fought for something meaningful and beneficial. These are children who must visit their parents in jail because Mom and Dad stepped outside strict boundaries, boundaries that others erase with money. These are people with the creativity and drive to start their own companies, but find it impossible to compete with companies who, with the benefit of government support, dominate the markets to such a degree that innovation is no longer profitable.

This week, I learned that Stephen Redding has decided to join the march. No stranger to protests, Stephen has a reputation for going against social norms for the betterment of the human experience. He believes the time is right for us take a stand so that we might protect our chance to live a life that is at peace with the universe.

Basic protestor demands

So while the issues and intentions are widespread, the solution remains finespun.

Decisions need to be based on the old-fashioned phrase, "It's the right thing to do." It's time that those within government and those in corporate boardrooms who understand these six words are able to start acting on them. The Occupy Wall Street organizers have turned the microphone toward the citizens -- in all classes -- who know what is right. May they too be brave enough to act.

Until then, thank you Occupy Wall Street for fighting for me.