The unexpected benefits of OWS

Some people do not support the “Occupy Movement” (OWS) saying they do not have a clear focus or message. I separate these anti-OWS pundits into two groups; those who receive their information purely from corporate mass media sources and ask no further questions, or the “1%” who fear the movement as a threat to their unbalanced power position in our country. As I stated in my previous article that I have participated in two OWS groups recently, and found to my enlightened surprise very clear and focused demand statements from the participants. Some of these statements that were verbalized and echoed on placards said, “Audit the FED”, “Down with corporate personhood”, “Stop U.S. imperialism and wars”, “Respect labor”, “More taxes on the wealthy”, “Stop moneyed influence in politics”, “Transparency in government”. I do not believe that the majority of Americans would find these demands to be unfair or unreasonable, whether they are attainable appears to be difficult in our present system. The operative word is “Present System”. I liken our broken incestuous relationship between government and corporate America to an addict whose first step in a Twelve Step Program, admitting that they are an addict. OWS’s first step is boldly admitting that we have a problem. So before we put a lot of energy into criticizing the “Movement” for allegedly not having focus, we need to get real, and firmly grounded in the fact that we have a serious problem in this country. The important message that the “Movement” is conveying is that the present two party system is not working, and that the priorities of our government are misplaced, and that there is too much under handedness and corruption inherent in present America. Granted a small minority of protesters may be belligerent, cause property damage, or leave debris and human waste in their tracks, but we should not let this very small group within the larger group take our eye off the ball. Estimates are that only less than 3% of the larger OWS groups are trouble or nuisance makers. Some pundits who have nothing more intelligent to say demonize the protesters by condescendingly shouting, “Take a bath and get a job”. This insensitive comment clearly speaks to a patently insensitive attitude of some people who have little empathy for the rampant amount of unemployment in the US, and to the high amount of poverty in this country. In smaller locales such as Concord, Martinez, Walnut Creek, and other suburban areas every protesting participant has been non-violent, well behaved, and has respected other people’s property and persons. When the police have been tolerant and passive toward the protesters there have been little or no uncomfortable incidents. Within every group, be it religious, government, or private business, there are a few bad actors that negatively taint the reputation of the majority. One of the benefits of the “Movement” is that it is decentralized, unlike the traditional Democratic and Republican parties. The Tea Party movement also has many messages that are in concert with OWS. Fortunately the two major political parties have not been successful in co-opting both movements. So what do the Tea Party and OWS have in common? Firstly they respect the First and Fourth Amendments which are meant to protect us from censorship and suppression of a free press, and from Fascist government searches and seizures. Secondly both groups support openness and transparency relating to that private elite cabal called the Federal Reserve. Thirdly they question the movement toward the “New World Order”. Fourthly they are most concerned about US imperialism and illegal wars. Fifthly they question international banking policies and growing American debt. A more recent benefit of the “Movement” has been an awakened awareness of the American people that those in need require our sharing support. Reuters reports, “Growing poverty and a resonant Occupy Wall Street movement are likely to influence many decisions about giving this holiday season”. According to a recent Charity Navigator poll, a growing number of donors seem to be interested in directing their year-end gifts to human services groups that assist people with basic needs such as food and shelter. The poll comes at a time when the Occupy Wall Street movement has captured the imagination of the public and done much to highlight growing inequality in the country — which, philanthropy experts say, could affect both the generosity of donors and the nature of their giving. For example, Illinois resident David Moskowitz, 63, told Reuters that he plans to support both a local employment program and OWS because he "respects the movement for giving voice to the fact [that] people are suffering right now." He is not alone. Gillian and Adam Jones of Washington, D.C., gave each of their three daughters $500 to donate to a cause of their choice. After consulting with their parents, the girls, who range in age from 17 to 26, decided on a soup kitchen operated by their church, an afterschool reading program, and Occupy Wall Street. "Coming out in the new statistics and media reports is the idea that many [of our] fellow Americans are living paycheck to paycheck," Lisa Philp, vice president for strategic philanthropy at the Foundation Center, told Reuters. "When human-service or basic-need organizations reach out, there's going to be more receptivity among donors." Quoting from editor Sarah van Gelders book, “This changes everything”, the following are 10 ways the “Movement” changes everything: 1. It names the source of the crisis. The problems of the 99% are caused by Wall Street greed, corrupt banks, and a corporate takeover of the political system. 2. It provides a clear vision of the world we want. We can create a world that works for everyone, not just the wealthiest 1%. 3. It sets a new standard for public debate. Those advocating policies and proposals must now clearly demonstrate that their ideas will benefit the 99%, not just the 1%. 4. It presents a new narrative. The solution is no longer to starve governments, but to free society and government from corporate and special interest dominance. 5. It creates a big tent. WE, the 99% are made up of people of all ages, races, occupations, and political beliefs, and we are learning to work together with respect. 6. It offers everyone a chance to create change. No one is in charge or can dominate, anyone can get involved and make things happen. 7. It is a movement, not a list of demands. The call for transformative structural change, not temporary fixes and single-issue reforms, is the movement’s sustaining power. 8. It combines the local and the global. People are setting their own local agendas, tactics, and aims. But we also share solidarity, communication, and vision at the global level. 9. It offers and ethic and practice of deep democracy and community. Patient decision- making translates into wisdom and common commitment when every voice is heard. Occupy sites are communities where anyone can discuss grievances, hopes, and dreams in an atmosphere of mutual respect. 10. We have reclaimed our power. Instead of looking to politicians and leaders to bring about change, we can see now that the power rests with us. Instead of being victims to the forces upending our lives, we are claiming our sovereign right to remake the world. I urge everyone of you to participate and support those who are giving voice to our new hope. “Be part of the solution and not part the problem”. If you cannot find the time or value in supporting OWS right now, at least research their agenda, and see if it fits with your feelings of discontent with the present way of government.