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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