maybe i don’t get it, but my impression of the occupy wall street protests is that they oppose the bail out of wall street. which wouldn’t have happened in a truly capitalist society.

i have nothing at all against capitalism. i agree with most of what you said about the opportunities it provides, and the hard work that it demands. i was convinced of its beauty by a friend who teared up while describing its philosophy.

but these protests, as i understand them, are less about capitalism than they are about the corruption of TRUE capitalism, and maybe even fraud. even if there wasn’t an actual crime, some hypocrisy is revealed when the government will intervene to help failing banks at the expense of individual people. i think that’s what people are so angry about.

those are my two cents.

All that being said…most of the educated folks I know who are “occupying” aren’t opposed to capitalism…as much as corruption…and the truly intelligent and committed ones know there is a big difference!

As a proud American I’m all for rock solid companies that create jobs for the people getting tax breaks etc… Innovators should be rewarded for creating that kind of economic growth…but greedy crooks and lobbyists who influence the way the government works scare me. Call me naive but I want to believe that people still have the power to affect policy, not profits.

But most of all I’m just so F#$$%^& grateful to live in a place that allows us to assemble and shout out when we have something to say. Unbelievably blessed in every way.

xoxo

At the moment, the only industry that is really growing is the financial industry and they produce NOTHING.

When I think about the Occupy Wall Street folks I dont think about them just being angry protesters (although I think they/we have every right to be). I am forever grateful for Steve Jobs and the amazing legacy he has left us. I am also grateful for the Occupy Wall Street folks for being out there when I cant do it – having a 9-5 job to do. I saw a really great youtube clip from Fox News interviewing someone. They really are about making a change and getting the media (and I certainly agree with you that they tend to make things black and white) to present another side to the story.

I dont see all bankers or corporations as bad, but there is a LOT that is broken right now and desperately needs fixing. Bottom line for me is I see them as standing up for a positive change and thats an important part of democracy. I also believe that without a middle class we wont have a democracy and that is certainly worth fighting for. Just my point of view – thank you for letting me share.

I was really helped by this post of yours. I would never have put the two incidents together (that of Steve Jobs passing and the Occupy Wall Street protests), but I love that you have a mind that would make a connection like that. I also really appreciate the perspective you shared here. I am one who has become less and less patriotic over the last couple years, but this post here of yours? It redeemed some of that back in my heart just now. Thank you.

xoxo,
Christianne