The Occupy phenomenon

I was completely surprised but elated to see the emergence of the "Occupy" movement. It is similar to the "Tea Party" but much more generalized. It also has a non-political stamp to it. Actually it is critical of both political parties for their abysmal mismanagement of the country in so many ways.

The Tea Party is focusing on the excessive debt that has accumulated over the past ten years. This movement has been captured by the ultra conservatives of the Republican party. It fits nicely with their determination to limit Obama to one term. As their program has been implemented it has also been disastrous for the country as it has stalled any and all attempt to deal with the unemployment problem.

It can be argued that most TPs in the House of Representatives were carried into office on the wave of voter frustration over the unemployment problem. As neophytes they don't share blame for what was done, or not done, prior to their appearance. It is the long termers who are responsible for letting things go to hell. Still the problem has been brewing for ten years, Squandered surplus, two wars not included in the budget, massive tax cuts benefiting the wealthy, and all that time there was never a peep out of the suddenly aghast newbys.

The totally dysfunctional Congress is the spark that ignited the Occupy movement. The critical level of disgust with this situation has been reached and "they are mad as hell and are not going to take it any longer". The corruption of the legislature that allowed the disastrous collapse of the economy that has lead to the massive unemployment and homeowner foreclosures and the consequent stalling of the economy, is the reason for the outcry.

The media in general has been counter productive in its coverage of the movement as it sweeps across the country. Instead of identifying the root causes it interviews the misfits that have latched on to the uprising. The core of the movement is a representation of solid citizens who are rightly aggrieved by the state of affairs.

What is especially apparent is the lack of recognition by the politicians, the ones who are the culprits in the scenario, that this vast outpouring of rage is of any concern of , or to, them. They appear virtually tone deaf.

Some of the reactions by mayors has smacked of police state tactics. These people deserve respect for their determination, not scorn. How else can their feelings be shown if not publicly and loudly? And they have a perfect right to do so. This is supposed to be a government "of the people", not of the "corporation (people)".
If it causes inconvenience so much the better to get attention.

If it causes people to think about the problem perhaps they will make better decisions at the voting booth. There has to be change