The Nobility of Idealism...
"I think it is very difficult to do a day of action and not expect some sort of reaction from the (authorities)." Ed NeedhamThe Occupy Wall Street protesters revealed their intention to march on Wall Street on Thursday to shut down the New York Stock Exchange. They planned to celebrate the two-month anniversary of their campaign against economic inequality by mounting a carnival. Their "day of action" was meant to throw yet more light-of-attention on their protest.
They prided themselves on their plan to provoke city authorities. "I think we're certainly going into this with our eyes wide open, but (the march is) to provoke ideas and discussion, not to provoke any violent reactions", said Ed Needham, the OWS spokesman. They would leave camp headquarters and march to Wall Street and from there across the city's subway system.
After they had successfully alerted enough passersby to the message they were intent on delivering yet again, they planned to march across the Brooklyn Bridge. Their post on Facebook claimed: "We will ring the People's Bell, and initiate a street carnival in which we rebuild and celebrate the neighbourhoods that the Wall Street economy has destroyed."
If only. They've been at it since September 17. Delivering their message of righteous indignation at the unassailably rude fact of the unfair division between the wealthy and the great masses of unwealthy. Insisting that it be acknowledged that while greater numbers are unemployed and becoming poorer, the creme de la creme of society remain unperturbed and continue raking in ever more wealth.
They're right, there. On the other hand, there are many with immense wealth who also distribute their wealth. To help improve the life of the underprivileged, at home and abroad. Noblesse oblige, if you will. Philanthropic giving is notable among the filthy-rich in the United States. Not that there aren't many more who won't part with what they absorb. And of course, some of these wealthy people are responsible through their enterprises in creating jobs.
Well, it was just not to be. For, well before the planned Thursday carnival, police began clearing Zuccotti Park of Occupy Wall Street Protesters. They were informed that anyone who did not leave would be arrested; the camp was scheduled to be "cleared and restored". The protesters were not impressed, they resisted, chanting "Whose park? Our park!" Which, of course, it is not, for it is privately owned. By one of those wealthy developer-types; actually a (shudder) foreigner.
The barricades they hurriedly began to erect were to no avail. The city had ordered their evacuation of the park, having "determined that the continued occupation of Zuccotti Park poses an increasing health and fire safety hazard." The protesters self-assuredly provoked to elicit a reaction. They were responded to with a reaction. Civil disobedience will be tolerated to a degree, only.
They may rest assured, however; their message was heard, loud and clear. And will not be too readily forgotten. As that awkward old phrase goes, the bane of animal lovers: "There are more ways to skin a cat..."
Labels: Chaos, Communication, Conflict, Human Relations
posted by Pieface @ Tuesday, November 15, 2011
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