Aristocracyfull with permission of the author
Street has been occupied…by cops. I watched firsthand as these "servants of the people" took refuge behind barricades and violence to keep the spark of revolution from catching fire - the movement of #occupywallstreet. The revolt against greed began on September 17th and the occupiers plan to stay indefinitely. We came together to fight corruption in corporate America and the corporation cash that influences our country and government.
About 10% of people actually own America and only 1% of Americans hold any true wealth. From these disturbing figures stem the phrase and unofficial slogan of our movement, "We Are The 99%".
This is the beginning of a revolution to keep America from slipping back into the Feudal age. Recent events show historical injustices against the lower classes are in no way relegated to the annals of history. Those in power often choose to wield an iron fist to control, and if need be, crush those who revolt. Many born to wealth have a disturbing sense of entitlement and self righteousness. While they have dined off of gilded plates the poor have eaten with blistered hands. What saddens and enrages me, is how I see no difference in the classism of then and now.
Revolutionaries have come together from every corner to support the cause of economic equality, We come from Florida, California and Washington State. But most impressive are the people who have traveled from all over the globe; committed activists traveled from as far as Spain and Germany to join the occupation. All these brothers and sisters have united for one purpose, to scream at the top of our lungs, Enough Is Enough!
I'm pissed, they're pissed, we're all fucking pissed and we have every right to be!
The brothers and sisters of #occupywallstreet learned the hard way that this land of the First Amendment, you still have to fight to exercise your right to free speech. The NYPD have gone above and beyond the law - to silence us. A prime example of this occurred as a group of peaceful protesters marching in front of a bank and were met with police action. For expressing their opinions, and in a manner well within their rights, one brother was slammed against a wall without being told why he was being harassed. When our brother tried to say this was illegal, the cop responded with "I can do whatever the fuck I want". Those sworn to protect and defend, these "enforcers of the law” obviously had no respect for it or for people acting within their legal rights.
This is only one example of the disgusting practices of the NYPD. Others have been arrested for ridiculous charges such as wearing masks, drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, and even making eye contact (yes I said making eye contact). Things have escalated from unconstitutional actions to flat out police brutality.
Even though our brothers and sisters have been pushed around and beaten, their physical pain is not in vain. The overreaching actions of those in power shows maybe the wealthy are afraid. While sipping their champagne, in their multi-million dollar homes, on their overpriced furniture, watching us on their 60" flat screens; perhaps they are beginning to tremble. The French Revolution, the collapse of the monied American “aristocracy” at the end of the golden age... maybe the mirror of history is beginning to show how their joyride will end; usually not well. Eventually the people will call them to account for their greed and excess at the expense of the weakest among us.
This false reality created by the powerful, where the underdog has no voice or chance to change whats wrong with this country, is beginning to crumble. They are the 1% and the 99% is ready to fight to take our rights and our lives back. Without us their lifestyle is not possible, and when we begin to cut our puppet strings, they begin to fear us.
I believe average Americans are waking up and realizing they need to try to make a difference. Every story told at this movement has been tragic and unbelievable, until you begin to realize it is your story as well. Each tale is filled with a passion and emotion that rips your heart in two. There is no reason mothers should starve so they can barely feed their children. No reason you should have to choose between a roof over your head or medication. No reason achieving the ideal of a higher eduction should make you a slave to debt for the rest of your life. While these may seem like completely different issues it all boils down to is the fact that those in the 99% are often forced to make decisions such as these, as the elite amass wealth.
No matter what your viewpoint look to your neighbors, your family, your friends, complete strangers and you will see we all face these problems together. We once believed in the phrase "Give me your tired, your poor, and your huddled masses yearning to breath free…". At this point it seems like we as Americans citizens are the tired , the poor, and yearning to breath free. America has sold out the very people who support its economic stability.
What exactly does occupy Wall Street want? Equality, fairness, and to see the American dream revived instead of bought. It is not about Republicans, Democrats, ideological views or religious agendas. It is no longer thinking about from left to right, but top to bottom. Don't be afraid to speak up and say all of this is wrong, to say, “I deserve a better life than this.” We all have the power. Unified, we can take back OUR country.
I am the 99%. We are the 99%. You are the 99%. Join the revolution.
https://occupywallst.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31167233@N08/6159250121/
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