H O W A R D S B E N D

For the past few weeks, I was annoyed that the “main-stream media” was ignoring a growing grass-root movement that was directly challenging both established politics and social and economic hierarchies.  Was the “Occupy Wall Street” movement too threatening to the establishment? Perhaps it would stoke the fires of revolution burning inside an alienated and struggling growing number of people, disillusioned with the current state of affairs.  Has the Arab Spring morphed in our country to Fall of Wall Street?

I had to find out for myself why coverage of this spreading revolution could only be found on “leftist” media outlets.  So this past Sunday, I ventured to Zuccotti Square in the middle of the Wall Street area to see first-hand what was transpiring.  Quite honestly, I do not believe that I witnessed the early phases of  populist movement that had the potential to inspire more and more people to join their cause.  I do not believe that I saw a viable force that could challenge the way that our large corporations peddle their influence over the politicians with their large and and secretive campaign contributions.  I did not see a power base that would be able to stand up to the “barons” of Wall Street and demand the same kind of financial relief for its defaulting mortgage customers that was given to bail them out of their financial calamity.

What I did see in the  “Occupy Wall Street” movement is a collection of warm and sincere individuals that proudly although quietly condemn the profit motive blinds corporate America.  This group of about 500 protesters enjoys the comfort of a community with shared beliefs.   They politely remind onlookers and any passerby that there is lack of moral and humane values demonstrated by our large corporations. However, there is an overriding sense that these individuals are misplaced in a modern technological world.  These are the “hippies” from  Haight Ashbury who have kept the cause alive for 50 years later.  They are joined by another group of people mostly in their early 20s that are reminiscent of these “hippies” in their youth.  Together, they have created a cozy and very democratic environment where they collectively can chant their disappointments and frustrations with our current state of affairs.

However, this revolution is not ready for prime-time.  The group of citizens gathered on Wall Street with their political and social gripes do not really inspire.  Their demands are vague and their solutions are lacking.  I now believe that this movement was passed over by main-stream media because it was not that interesting of a story.  These protests are not unusual and not that interesting.  The feeling is that the movement will end once the cold weather descends on Wall Street and that business will continue as usual.  The media has avoided this story because the movement feels like an old re-run and not a new and exciting story ready for prime-time.