Occupy Vermont

Occupy Vermont

Jacob Parker

We Are The 99%

On September 17th, the Occupation began. A group of angry Americans set up camp in Zucotti Park, on Wall Street, and haven’t left since. This is a protest of multiple things-but they all center around the same subject- America’s economy, and what we’re doing to destroy it. “We are the 99%” is their motto, and  they represent the other people in the country not benefiting from the bureaucrats in the government and in all the large businesses. They believe that all human beings deserve the same basic rights- #clean living necessities, food, and protection and help from their government.

Occupy Vermont

Their idea has attracted  many followers worldwide- over 600 – including one right here in Vermont. Occupy Vermont met at the beginning of this week and decided to Occupy City Hall Park in Burlington. This will be a very peaceful protest; they have already planned to officially register their organization as to avoid police contact-  they will leave room for the farmers market on Saturday- and anyone found to have any sort of weapon or drugs and alcohol will be thrown out. As unorganized as a group of people camping in a park may seem, they are not leaving anything unplanned. They have a “General Assembly” which takes suggestions from anyone who asks; and they supply food, water, and other supplies for members.

Problems

Even to people who oppose this protest, they bring up a great point. The way our country works is, frankly, stupid. The lower and middle class struggle throughout their whole lives while the rich keep getting richer. We give healthcare and welfare to illegal immigrants, while our own people are sick and poor. Tax cuts and bailouts for companies “too big to die”. Trickle-down economics? It may look nice on paper, but it definitely doesn’t work out to well for the people on the lower end of the spectrum. It sometimes seems that the Corporations run the government.

There is no denying it: We are a flawed democracy. And for some, it’s taken long enough for someone to stand up against it. 43% of Americans in a recent CBS News poll agreed with their means, while only 27% disagree (the other 30% are undecided).

Do you agree? Do you think a change in our economics would end this recession? These people seem to think that they can change things for the better. It goes to show that one small group of people can start a world wide movement- Can change the world.