So while in college, I have missed an entire movement, particularly in my home town of Oakland. I am quite regretful that I could not take part in this movement, as I have been far too busy with school. As I am hearing of many people I know having been active in the protests and even getting arrested, I am curious as to how far you would go in the protest? What would you sacrifice? Personally if I COULD, I would probably go to the protests, but that would be about it. I just don't see myself dedicating this point in my life to living in a protest camp. With that said, I am not criticizing the camps or the dedicated occupiers. I am just stating the things I am not necessarily willing to sacrifice. For instance, I am working very hard towards specific goals in school right now, and can't just go live in an occupy camp for weeks on end. It would sacrifice too much. I can't afford to risk being thrown in jail. For many of us we might just see these protests as a chance to express some corporate angst every now and then, but wouldn't dare go against police orders and risk being arrested. The thought just scares us. I would appreciate if people were completely honest in this thread, and if people not judge each other's morals, ethics, etc. for reasons such as fearing arrest or police brutality. There is nothing to be ashamed of in being afraid. I would like to ask you guys, those of you who support the movement, or if not, that's just fine: How far would you go?
Have you seen all the students at Berkeley putting their futures on the line? Lemme ask you this...What kind of job are you hoping to get when you graduate? Do you expect one just to be handed to you? Do you realize how HARD it is for college grads to get ANY job right now? Are you going to be very far in debt when you graduate? Don't you realize this is exactly one of the things people are protesting right now? You should listen to the new Third Eye Blind song about the protests... It's called "If There Ever Was A Time". Do you understand what they mean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gf45vXByCg"]If There Ever Was A Time - Third Eye Blind - YouTube
Fear is nohing to be ashamed of, but it's nothing to be stopped by either. Remaining inactive because of fear is certainly something to be ashamed of, and really, there is nothing worth fearing.
So you are suggesting we just drop everything and live in a camp? Don't get me wrong I agree with the movement and what these occupiers (well the informed ones that is...) are doing, but keep in mind not everyone can just take off work to go live in a downtown park. Forget about me. There are plenty of people who support the movement, who cannot afford to just leave their work.
MuchaGanjaI would ask yourself how important your future freedom is compared with your current comfort. I have left my work to join a protest and my boss was not pleased but we sat down over a coffee and talked about it and he understood why I needed to go and I was let go on good terms with references. Someday your grandchildren will ask you where you were during the Occupy Revolution.
ya , camping is good . and it is the symbol , the voice of Occupy , like the teepee is a symbol that speaks with deep simplicity of family and balance . it suggests you drop the stuff of materialism . but , oh , the stuff materialistic people bring to camp ... it's the sad joke . the mountain of garbage is a symbol , too . the authorities of stupid will stand next to it while smiling for the photographer like they just bagged a monster moose . so , keep working and go home to the teepee to sleep and dream with your family like a puddle of kittens . be rested , not arrested .
Just because you do not want to camp out is no reason not to attend a protest. There are thousands of part time protesters that just show up when they can and leave when they want. These people are vital to the movement, I know I am one of them. Keeping people on the curb during GAs is always hard to do or you can get more involved if you wish. But dont be ashamed because you cant or dont want to protest 24/7, its not for everyone, and alot of people simply cant. The important thing is to become involved on whatever level your comfortable with.
Look, you don't have to drop everything and live in a camp to support the movement... but if it means anything to you, please try to make some time, even if it means a little sacrifice in your scheduled, go down to the protest site and help in any way you can.. if you are a good communicator you could help articulate the movements message to the public. or you could help with the logistics of the camp, pick up trash, whatever, Just show up, talk to people, feel the energy and follow your heart.. . You may find a different idea for yourself. ZW
I have been to a couple of protests but I can't camp because I am employed. If things got a little crazy at a protest I happened to be at, I would not wish to get arrested because it could potentially lead to the loss of my job. I am extremely lucky to have a job a field thats rapidly growing in a time when most sectors are shrinking. If I did get arrested, however, those fuckers better watch out because I would dedicate the rest of my youthful life to taking my country back.
The only reason I'm not there is because I have a 6 month old son. I'm not willing to risk his safety or comfort. I understand that the things being protested could help his future, but I'm not willing to take the chance of him being hurt or taken from me.
Actually in yesterday's protest in NYC, the Children's Brigade came out and calmed everyone down. They were from elementary and junior high schools in the city. Children have an effect even upon the most violent (police). But a six-month old is pretty young to be bringing to a protest because of their personal needs. I could see coming out for a protest, but not camping out with a kid that young. Kids that young tend to cry and scream and be annoying to other adults, esp. when they are in need of sleep.
I do not support the using of children for political advancement. Liberal or not, anti-corporate or not, I think it's just wrong.
saw an acquaintance protesting on the news complaining about banks and being unemployed i know he is a happy benefit thief and a drug user. what exactly is his protest???
