By Daniel H. Vandiver
Western senior
Creative writing major
To address the generalizations and the common misconceptions about the Occupy movement, I evoke a call to action of accountability in those who would stigmatize or condemn the actions of their fellow citizens without taking the time to educate themselves: You go to a university — sound like it.
First and foremost, demonstration is just as integral to any democracy as is voting at the ballot box; however, this demonstration isn’t aimless, with a national convention taking place July 4 where delegates from each major city will hammer out concise demands and utilize their influence for the coming elections. So, for all of you who would call the Occupy movement nothing more than static whining, your ignorance is irresponsible. Do. Your. Research. Educate. Yourself.
Secondly, as with any movement that draws so many participants, we have to accept the fringe actors who would give the movement a bad name, who would make ridiculous and unrealistic claims or demands, and the anarchists who deviate from the true cause. Do not allow the actions of the fringe to dilute or mute the true message. Do. Not. Polarize. Your. Own. Self.
Thirdly, capitalism is a market, while democracy is a form of government — the two are not synonymous institutions, but separate. I love capitalism, but our current form has no moral or ethical incentives. As it stands, our current market only requires people to do the best for themselves with no regard to anyone else, no matter how many lives you literally step on to get there. Is this the world in which you would want to live? This movement isn’t about tearing down capitalism, but improving it — by improving the American cultural value system.
Lastly, corporations aren’t evil. Banks aren’t evil. The people who run banks and corporations have made evil, evil decisions. This movement is solely about abolishing corrupt behavior and all the umbrella effects it has on the quality of life for each and every American citizen. We must not point the finger; the voters can blame themselves for allowing deregulation, but the rest of the country can blame the politicians (corporate puppets) who did so with the utmost deceit and discretion.
So, before you utter the words ‘socialism’ or ‘communism,’ you’d better have a damn good understanding of your own opinion; otherwise, you risk complying with the intentions of those whom this movement would hold accountable.
Occupy your mind.
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