Occupy Wall Street is more than a "large mass of unidentified people discussing their concerns", whose energy Erin Bohanan offers to help focus. It is a focal point for the expression of outrage - by people who have given up on the regular political channels Ms. Bohanan suggests.
A lot of energy is going to Zuccotti Park that, in 2008, went into electing Barrack Obama to the White House. Disappointed by the lack of change, following his inauguration, in the grand bargain between Wall St. and K St., young and energetic citizens are bypassing a system that has lost the ability to change, but that absorbs and co-opts every initiative.
Should the occupiers prioritize the issues, select representation, and arrange meetings with government and business entities, you will see the life-blood sucked out of the movement. Souvenir t-shirts will be its only legacy. No, the open forum and constant influx of ideas are the proper business of Occupy Wall Street.
Calls for specific action will come from those inspired by what is taking place in Zuccotti Park. Ms Bohanan came up with a nice list herself. She should get in touch with her representatives, and help get the ball rolling, instead of telling Occupy Wall Street what they need to do.
The structures to effect change are already in place. We already have enough public servants. They just need to be reminded of their mission - and encouraged, by the voices in the streets.
It is useful to consider the trajectory of the often-compared Tea Party movement, that aligned with conservative political interests soon after erupting. Although it wields considerable power in the selection and manipulation of conservative politicians, it has made a circus of the Republican Party, and has yet to make any positive contribution toward solving the frightful problems facing our nation.
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