10/7/11

In support of Occupy ...

I have been privileged to see the birth of two social movements in my time.  In the early 70's I was fortunate enough to march in anti-war protests.

In the last 20 days I have been avidly watching what I hope is the birth of a new social movement: OccupyWallStreet.

At first, I was concerned that the movement would not gain traction and would fizzle out.  Instead the movement has grown (as one can see by this map) and hopefully will continue to grow.  The challenge for me has been what can I do to help?

Like most of my generation, I have responsibilities and commitments.  I cannot simply drop everything to hang out in Liberty Park (although I do hope to make a short visit in the near future).  So what can I do?

Then it hit me, I have things to say, valid things to say, things that are just as valid as anybody else.  Things that may be useful, a dialog to offer.  I have experiences to share.

So I've made up my mind to speak out, to use this forum to share my thoughts and my experience. Instead of spending my evenings reading or playing games or watching movies and documentaries I will spend them on this, but I can't do it on my own.

The effort that I make will be determined in part by the response I get.  I need the help of my readers.  If I've got it right, tell me so.  If I have it wrong, tell me that also.  If what I say is good, tell me how to make it better.

Our country is broke, lets start a constructive dialog as to how we can fix it.  Invite your friends and acquaintances to participate.  Together we can fix what's broke and go on to do great things.

4 comments:

  1. http://www.redstate.com/moe_lane/2011/10/08/ny-08s-d22-ows-nimbyism/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Not only is this seriously off topic (the story has everything to do with the inappropriate behavior on the part of a few protesters and nothing to do with corruption of our politics and government by the corporations) but consider the source:
    - RedState and
    - HotAir

    These are hardly sources that would want to talk about corporate corruption and greed.

    The only reason I'm spending so much time and energy (with no comment on the behavior of some protesters) is that what is happening here is something that we will encounter over and over again. What this anonymous poster has done to offer up a fallacious argument (ignoratio elenchi)

    Basically an irrelevant argument. The attempt here is to divert your time and energy, probably because they have no valid response to your original argument.

    I recommend that when you encounter it you give it the attention it deserves (minimal) and stay focused.

    For my part this is the last time I will spend any energy on an ignoratio elenchi other then to respond with the phrase:

    "And this is relevant, how?"

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jim, You should talk about your youth, and how it influences the lens of your perspective. You have a unique background and experience and know both sides intimately, and the common sense to come down on the side of good.
    L.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you L - I will try to bring that sense (common or not) to bear :)

    ReplyDelete

All comments are moderated. Please be respectful of the views of others.