I just had to write something about this - not to inform anyone about anything they didn't already know, but rather simply to express my relief - and joy - about what these Wall Street Occupiers are doing.
For most of this past year, we at Wellstone have bemoaned the lack of a grassroots movement that could "change the conversation" in this country. The Tea Party folks with their deficit reduction mantra, financed by big money and pushed by the conservative media, has been used as a bludgeon to intimidate wavering politicians and give the impression that the American people support a conservative agenda.
A number of us were working to help get the "American Dream" movement off the ground ’Äì with growing, but still very limited success. We need the presence of another voice ’Äì one that comes from the people who are bearing the brunt of this crisis and can point with conviction and passion to the real problems and the real culprits.
Then like the bazaar seller in Tunisia who had had enough of bullying and corruption and lit himself on fire, or Rosa Parks who just decided she wasn't going to the back of the bus and put up with the humiliation of segregation, these young people declared they had enough and decided to put their bodies on the line. In my experience, that is what happens when real social movements take off. Some one(s) finally takes a stand ’Äì and is willing to pay the price, whatever it might be, to make things change.
Hooray for these young people! They have captured the imagination of the country. And it won't be long before the dogs of the status quo are unleashed on them. We must all be there and stand with them. They have pushed the needs of 99% in the center of the political debate. America owes then a great debt of gratitude.
Matthew
