Marni's World
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United States
November 2, 2011
The Occupy Wall Street protest movement is upon us as Portland, Oregon, joined the ranks several weeks ago with other cities across the United States. The movement is designed as a protest against the unfair distribution of wealth in this country. When I first heard about the protests in New York, I was excited and supportive. I felt like finally people were outraged enough to say something about the financial crisis and its impact on our economy and our lives. Now that the movement is several months old and seemingly growing, I can’t help but question what effect it is having in changing the status quo.
In Portland, there has been a fairly positive response to the protests. The camp that has been set up downtown seems to be organized and civil with a few arrests here and there but nothing major thus far. The camp seems to have spawned a communal sense of living and acting. I personally haven’t been through the camp (walking by doesn’t count). As I am writing this, I am wondering, “Why haven’t I been through the camp?” “Why haven’t I taken part in the protests?” I am frustrated and angry at how things are in this country and I want my voice to be heard. There have been so many examples lately of countries protesting and sparking real change that I wonder why I am so reticent to join in the “Occupy” movement. Perhaps it is uncertainty or the fact that I am so busy juggling several jobs, but I want to be involved in some way and yet cannot bring myself to participate.
I spoke with a friend recently on this very issue, a desire to act and yet not acting. We tried to understand why we hadn’t done anything ourselves to take part in the protests. Maybe it is because we are scared or uncertain or too caught up in our lives, but we agreed that there seems to be something holding us back. I am not sure what it is, but the old saying, nothing ventured, nothing gained, could not be more appropriate for this situation.
Perhaps getting out of my comfort zone and seeing what is happening for myself will inspire me to respond to my frustrations in a new and focused way. Perhaps it will simply reinforce my skepticism. I know that I want change and it seems like the time to act is now.
More entries: Yet Another Athlete in the Headlines (5), Major Life Change (4), Oh a Camping I will Go! (7), Be Careful What You Say When It Comes to That Special Day (12), A Weekend Wasted!! (8), A New Year, A Not So New Me (5), Thoughts on the "Occupy" Movement (7), Heartbreak and Forgiveness (3), Advice on Your Wedding Day (5), The Death of Osama Bin Laden (3)
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02:41 AM Nov 23 2011 |
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