If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
Although the ninety nine can't match in dollars, we answer in everyday people simply engaged in democracy. As we watch the election this week unravel in the State of Wisconsin, our hope is that our collective voice of organized people will win.
What has happened over the last five days indicates that the conversation about the effects of bank lending practices has progressed. It also shows that grassroots activism makes a difference.
As two suburban grandfathers, we went to Grand Circus Park in Downtown Detroit last month before Occupy Detroit moved out of its encampment. We wanted to see what the next generation was up to.
This is a plea for the organizers to dig a little deeper. Dig beyond the titles, dig beyond the history, dig beyond the personal opinions and reach into your deepest level of humanity. Only then can you truly reach the masses.
We recognize that Occupy Detroit has attracted the participation of people from across Michigan. This is a good thing, if people take the time to understand the current work of Detroit's social movements.
Participants acknowledged that relying on political and economic leaders to lead was a fruitless endeavor because they have forgotten the people they are supposed to represent. A "we have to do it ourselves" attitude permeated the conference in a recognition that representative democracy is in serious decline. Besides, they said, societal change usually occurs at the grassroots level--and rigid social class distinctions and hierarchies have no place in the new economy we are envisioning.
