Occupy Everywhere!

This is what it comes down to.  Armed police attacking unarmed citizens.  Have we learned nothing since Kent State?  "What?" you say.  "We have learned that rubber bullets and bean bags are better than real bullets."  OK, that's a start. 
Dearly Beloved, the things that FAUX news is saying are very similar to the things conservatives said about the anti-war protests of the 1960s.  Communist.  Socialist.  Unwashed hippies.  I don't think people were quite as confused about fascism back then...there were still people young enough to actually remember WWII and what they had been fighting then.  The fact remains that this is nothing new. 

The thing that worries me about the Occupy movement is that it has sort of sprung up, and, without leadership and training in non-violent tactics, I am afraid somebody will break and fight back and all hell will break loose. 

During the civil rights struggle in the 50s and 60s, participants were carefully educated in the non-violent tactics of Ghandi and others, and exhorted by recognized leaders to keep strong and not fight back.  Passive Resistance, it was called.  You sit, and, when they drag you off, you don't resist, but you don't help them, either.  No matter what, you don't fight back.  I hope these protesters are aware of that.

It should work even better today than it did for civil rights.  In these days of instant communication, we don't have to rely on the chickenshit press...cellphone video can go viral on the interwebs.  Facebook and Twitter can be used to great advantage, and should be.  For every one arrested or injured, ten more need to show up.

I think "the establishment" is still hoping these people are going to just leave, get bored, pack up their tents and go home--but somehow, I don't think that's going to happen.  I hope it doesn't.  It's time for this.  If this doesn't work, we are well and truly screwed.

Oh, and all of y'all howling about "redistribution of wealth?"  This 99%er is very happy that there are rich people in this country.  We all want an opportunity to become rich.  I just don't see how or why being rich should exempt people from paying taxes to support the country that has enabled them to get rich.  All the money that they save in taxes gets spent buying politicians who will help them get richer.  That would be my reason for being there, if I could.

If you, like me, can't be there, and would like to help, visit the Occupied space in your area, and find out what they need.  Blankets?  Food?  Water?  Tents?  We all have something we can contribute. 

Let's do this!