Chasing Dreams

Last week we witnessed what looks like a coordinated police effort to stem if not stamp out the growth of what in most cases is peaceful expressions of civil disobedience across the country. The eviction of OWS camps at Zuccotti Park in NYC, galvanized thousands in a planned march to commemorate two months of the occupation. The day of unrest threatened to cause disruptions on Wall Street as well as the transit system.  The movement which started in New York and spread globally has shined a light on the surprising income disparity in the US with reporting from foreign news organizations that reveal an America that many wouldn't recognize. Occupy Wall Streeters Evicted in NYC   Clashes in Oakland Students pepper sprayed All of these scenes are eerily similar to clashes occurring around the world. Just look at what flared up only days ago in Egypt. Scenes from Egypt last week The common thread is people tired of the economic disparity, p...

Like a lot of fellow Americans and people all over the world I have been following the progression of this movement.  My last blog addressed why the need for movements like this exist but now I am blogging in response to various claims that these protestors are anti-capitalist and therefore Un-American. So let’s start with the definition of Capitalism.  Unfortunately there is no static universal agreement except for certain elements which include; private ownership of development, manufacturing and distribution of goods and services for profit in a market where prices and wages are set by competition. We’ve all heard about Supply and Demand, well COMPETITION is the heart of Supply and Demand. The other important component of the idea of Capitalism is the expectation that it encourages Economic growth.  One last defining point before I jump into it.   As a student of economics I cling to the portion of the idea dealing with Free Markets which c...