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AND THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK


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, protesting for a more balanced system. Now despite the show of force in this country at least we enjoy the right of free speech and assembly afforded by our constitution.  But the question is what does the next evolution of the movement here look like? 

Although I agree that the visuals of the camps are a way to keep the issue “top of mind” that alone is not enough to bring about change.  Without a clearly articulated message and being unfairly characterized by certain media outlets, the movement is in danger of losing its connection with the public at large and straying into an isolated fringe.  Let’s not forget that it was the result of a growing gap between the rich and poor in this country. As I understand it, the gap is a result of policies to encourage the growth of big business (good) but at the cost of the average wage earner as average incomes decrease (bad).  All accomplished through the increase of lobbying  especially by Wall Street.

So how can these legitimate frustrations be channeled into productive and persuasive action? Well, by taking a page out of the lobbying playbook.  OWS can’t match the economic power that influences our representatives but they CAN do one better.  We know contributions are made to fund campaigns and win elections.  OWS has in its ranks, smart people from all walks of life. They need to leverage that resource through investigative reporting and research to create transparency as to who is contributing to what and how it affects legislation. They need to connect the dots and bring it into the light. Only then will they have access to the most influential power in this country short of the military… the US vote.  This may not seem earth shattering but if politicians know that they will not be able to garner votes with just an impressive campaign war chest because of the stigma of receiving certain contributions, then it removes the power of special interest money in our government by removing the incentive. 

OWS is a movement that has to become a constituent so that our representatives can begin to represent us again.

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