Have you noticed the media complaining that the message of Occupy Wall Street protesters is muddled? That there is no leader? Yet, in spite of their seeming disarray, it is clear the common plaints are job scarcity, the Wall Street bailouts, and the imbalance in pay-scales.
During the last cross-roads in the US, there were similar broad protest missions. The Civil Rights movement in the 50s and 60s worked to insure that economic justice, fairness, and equal treatment under the law prevailed for Blacks . The Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) in the 60s and 70s, as manifested in their Port Huron statement, had a broader goal. While against the Cold War foreign policy (and Viet Nam, in particular), racial discrimination, economic inequality, big business (Wall Street), and the need for substantial involvement by workers in corporate management (and pay scales) were equal tenets of that movement. What people may not recall is that neither of these efforts had a single leader. Oh, yes, we had charismatic leaders among them: Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy, Roy Wilkins, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Andrew Young, Alan Haber, and Tom Hayden. But that’s a lot of leaders, all with different points of view and agenda.
The Arab Spring presaged the Occupy Wall Street by months. Those leaderless protests were all aimed at changing the systems under which the protesters lived. Where the ruling class did not fairly dispense justice, provided money and jobs to the favored, and where the common people knew their wishes were never followed. Maybe not as pronounced a difference obtains in the US, but the foundations are similar. Given the globalization of the world’s economies and the fact that worldwide AND in America the rich are getting richer at the expense of the bulk of the population, this globalization of protest is not surprising.
But, think again. Protest has been around for a long time. Think about the reform efforts of some 2500 years ago. When Yirmayahu (Jeremiah), Yishayahu (Isaiah), Amos, Micha (Micah) and others roamed the countryside. Complaining that the covenants made between people and G0d were being abrogated? Could you imagine what the media would have said about this motley group?
Because their manifestos were not just directed at religious practices. The relevant issues were injustice, economic fairness, and compassion for the poor. And, while I am not an expert, I believe this was the same mission that Yeshu (Jesus) proclaimed as his own.
So, worry less about who is the leader; instead address the commonality of their complaints. To stop the dichotomy of compensation between those that work for the organization and their executives (by going back to the 5X- 25X multiple of the last decades) and to regulate unfair business practices (e.g. after a decade or two promoting the use of debit cards to save the banks money and stop writing checks- to charging for the practice).
Oh, and we don’t need a pastor running around proclaiming (or solitary folks carry signs) the end is near. We all know we are going to die- eventually. To change things, we must have a prescription. Not just must one detail the problems in the current path, the means to change that path and to detail what that change will bring must be explained.
As it says in one of the foundational prayers for the Days of Awe. The great shofar will be sounded and a still, thin sound will be heard. We have heard and seen the great trumpet blast. Listen to the still small voice in your conscience. Act to make this world better. Now.
On 6 November, the Washington Post published this article by Barry Ritholz (FusionIQ). It discusses the cause of the financial crisis and the Big Lie that is being employed to confuse the public about the situation.
Fantastic post Roy – it’s not enough to curse the darkness, but one must light a candle as well.
Interesting perspective Roy but then we expect nothing less from you. Your point about each of us taking responsibility is important. We need to think of the consequences of our actions and what we allow others to do. We need to stop blaming others and expecting rescue by politicians. We are the government and the government is us but more importantly, we can each make a difference and as a friend of mine said the other night, be prepared to die for what you believe to be right.
We are either part of the problem or part of the solution. We need a plan for change…I understand that is what you are saying. We are each responsible for doing our part and can’t depend on a “great leader” to have all the answers.
I really think we need some serious Divine intervention to get us out of the mess we are in today.
Tor…
That is EXACTLY the point. Kudos to you for bringing it home.
Roy
Can you hear me clapping? Well said, Roberta!
No divine intervention! That is exactly why folks are not doing anything. They are waiting for the next guy- or G0d – to dove our problems.
Like the guy who was angry at G0d that he died- when G0d sent him a cop, a fireman with a boat, and a coast guard helicopter..but he took none and drowned…
Roy
Questioning the movement for lacking a singular leader seems like a way of deflecting. To me, the issues are leading and inspiring the protestors which has a great truth to it. I agree, Roy that who is leading is not where the focus needs to be right now. Addressing the disparities for the overall good of everyone is where we need to be looking.
That’s the key point, as I see it, too, Tambre!
Thanks for your comment- and the “eye on the prize” focus.
Roy
It means a lot to me Roy that you offer information that we can understand and share with others. I really like your statement …. “worry less about who is the leader; instead address the commonality of their complaints” — you couldn’t have said it any better!
I believe those that focus on things like ‘why there is no leadership for this movement’ are unable to find disagreement in the message(s) being shouted about. Maybe the ‘no leaderhsip’ in Occupy Wall Street is in direct response to the TRUE ‘no leadership’ within our government today!
Love it, Lynn!
There’s nothing to add- except the laughter/tears of recognition…
I always love your messages about change. You make me believe in the possibility of grand changes for the better. Janette’s comment about how we’re either part of the problem or part of the solution really had me reflecting. If we do nothing, we’re still part of the problem because we aren’t taking action. Thanks for always sharing your insights with us, Roy!
Samantha:
There always can be grand change- if we work for it. If we sit back and expect someone else to do it- nothing will happen, or we will be passed by. That’s true for our personal spheres (business, family, education) and the larger orb we call Earth.
Thanks for your comments and your visit.
Roy