I’m sure that most people would be aware of the Occupy Wall Street movement that has really gathered some steam over the past few weeks.
I’m impressed by this movement, mainly because I see people taking action in relation to something they believe in. Overcoming apathy is the first step to change. Anger is usually the emotion that pushes you into action.
What concerns me about the movement is that I don’t think it has a clear message. My general feeling is that protestors are arguing against wealth and capitalism. Neither of those things are really to blame here.
The real issue is that public funds were used to bailout businesses that are now paying it’s executives bonuses and people are right to see injustice in this (we’re talking more than $130 billion here). The bailout, wrong or right, was intended to prevent the catastrophe of having massive businesses fail. Now, somehow, big chunks of that money are making their way into the hands of the people responsible for the fuck up in the first place.
Capitalism and wealth are not inherently to blame here. Don’t forget they’re responsible for providing you with the electricity and computer you need to even read this post. There is no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Occupy Wall Street needs to unite against the gigantic misappropriation of public funds. It’s a moral and economic travesty that needs to be righted. And yes, that shit should be protested against.
Further reading: Bernake Needs To Bazooka Big Banks in Ultimate Display of Fed Weaponry
