This morning I jumped out of my bed when I read emails from Adam Green and a plethora of other progressives, informing me that the NYC Police had raided Zucotti Park. I turned the TV on immediately looking for news updates. Though I was saddened and outraged, a few other thoughts came to mind and I tweeted them. Those tweets certainly got me unfollowed by some people, five people to be exact, but those of you who follow me on Twitter know me better than to judge me for being honest. I suppose that is the price you pay for being independent and never abiding by just one type of ideology. As a true independent, I represent the thought of the middle, the moderates, and unlike many of those moderates, I do take the time to speak what many only dare to think.
The moment that some people who identified themselves with the #OWS movement did not like my tweets about them, I was unfollowed. That behavior is no different than the very people they are opposing! Geesh! What is this? Some type of ideology that if you don’t follow to the letter you are shunned?
To expand on my thinking from this morning, I am not happy with the way the occupiers were treated as they were removed from Zucotti Park, however, I do believe it was necessary that a refresh occurs. And before any of you OWS supporters turn away, hear me out first, because I have the feeling I’m speaking up certain things that others, moderates and independents who like me, support you, won’t dare to tell you.
Each one of us, the average citizen, who toils to work every day, who pays outrageous bank and credit card fees, who got scammed in the housing boom by the greedy banks, who feel scammed by the liars in Washington D.C., and their K-Street lords, are thrilled, elated, excited that you guys took the time, effort and put yourselves out there and started this amazing movement that speaks for us, the silent majority who doesn’t have the time to occupy because there are so many other duties we must attend to, that there is no time. Here is where many of us decided to visit your location, bring stuff, go online and donate, since we couldn’t be there all the time as you have, to support you 100%, even if we can’t be there 100% of the time like you are.
Our support of the OWS movement, however, does not mean that we also support some of your methods.
While occupying beautiful Zucotti Park is certainly a way to make a statement, quite the statement no doubt, given how its lights were out the whole time you have been there, your statement has been heard loud and clear around the world, by everyone whose head hasn’t been in the sand. Thank you for speaking for us. However, moving into Zucotti Park and putting up tents, living under tarps, in the less than acceptable conditions, where in the past few weeks your movement has been filtered by petty criminals and less than desirable types, staining the good image of the movement, is certainly a major credibility killer.
I have been there, a few times, anonymously. I don’t tell you when I go there. I have spoken to some of your fine people at the “information” tables. I have seen the good work and organization. I have stood among you in the general assemblies and heard your valuable input. As I’ve walked about Zucotti Park, my heart has been broken watching some of you sleeping in bags in the cold concrete, braving rain and cold weather under tarps and tents. I respect and admire your risking police brutality, disdain, your health! What’s more, I’ve admired your amazing work online, and love the fact that Anonymous is behind you. But in truth, guys and gals, I have also seen some really odd characters there, detracting from your message. While everyone is allowed to express themselves, it seems that allowing these oddballs in the movement take away from the message. After all, it is these oddballs that make the cameras and the 6 o’clock news. We, the 99% you represent see this. I’ve seen the majority of OWS peeps at Zucotti Park, and I’ll tell you that you’re not well represented in pictures and videos!
Given the few times I’ve been to Zucotti Park, and especially having heard about some of the petty crimes happening inside the tents, makes it very difficult for your average Jane to just walk in there by herself, especially in a suit after work. Whenever I tell my friends I go there to visit the movement, I am always told, “be careful!”. This, coming from middle class professionals who are too busy to come down, but who I know have donated online supporting you. What does that say about the way the movement is perceived by the very people you are claiming to represent?
What’s more, I will confess that the smell of homelessness remains in my clothes long after I’m gone, every time I visit. The majority of the press has been diplomatic enough not to go there and share that with viewers when reporting, but those of us who have walked among you, seen the tents, know what I’m talking about. The comedians such as Stephen Colbert have touched upon the hygiene issue, which is no secret.
While we root for you, as we watch from afar, via the net, the TV, these minor detractors such as petty crimes, hygiene issues, noise, are slowly peeling away at the credibility of the movement.
Yes, you say there is no leader, but someone is handling your web presence, someone is handling the donations web page. I plead to those of you leading the movement, whoever you are; it is time to take it to the next level. You have earned enough attention and admiration, hopefully enough monetary support to open up your own offices, perhaps to rent a small building/location to house some of the people who have travelled from afar to join the movement. Why don’t you take it to the next level?
Isn’t it time you open up locations around the country? These offices could be staffed by volunteers. This movement, which we all know has gone global, could also transform itself into a powerful organized global political force, something the current establishment will fear even more and will have no choice but to take more seriously. What is wrong with protesting during the day and going home at night? Why can’t that be done?
Going back to the park, building tents and creating the conditions again that led to the petty crimes, the lack of safety, the lack of hygiene in there, is no way to increase your credibility. On the contrary, it squashes it. You all know well that throwing rocks at City Hall is not going to get you too far.
I bet if you take it to the next level and get rid of the minor deterrents which the OWS movement has been plagued with lately, open up campaign offices and organize protests from there, you will have the millions of us who have been watching you and supporting you from afar, come in, roll up our sleeves and help out in whatever way we can. The people presence would only increase immensely. I bet if you did that, the movement would be respected as a strong political movement. It will have to become that, a political force, otherwise how else can influence at the ballot box be obtained? Otherwise the real occupation of government cannot happen.
I beg you, think about it. There is no need to occupy physically anymore. Your message has been heard. It’s time the Occupy Wall Street movement grows to the next level. When you do, you will find many more of us waiting to jump in.
