Occupy Wall Street

Growing up I got the impression that protests were a ridiculous waste of time. They are something that extremists and trouble-makers do when they should be going to work. I’m not sure if anyone outright told me this. Perhaps it was just an impression that I got from the people I was around. As I have gotten older, I have grown to love protest.

When protesters are characterized at trouble-makers this is an implicit statement that speaking out against the status quo is wrong. It is also, perhaps, a statement that the only way to incite change is by adjusting the way we spend money. Is it really okay with us to base the morality of our society on the vote of the pocket book? Is it really good to want to avoid rocking the boat?

The brilliant framers of the American constitution understood the value of protest. They guaranteed all American’s the right to assemble and the right to free speech. We should always champion the rights of any person to assemble with others and to express their beliefs.

I find the Occupy Wall Street protests to be fascinating. An incredible cross-section of humanity is assembling to express their frustration about the state of big business, ecconomics, and government in our country (and around the world). While I may not agree with the politics of all these people, I love their passion. I love their willingness to sacrifice their own comfort and stand against injustice and inequity. I love their willingness to act and their dedication to be in this for the long haul.

Keep it up protesters.