I have been thinking and microblogging a lot about Occupy in the last few months.
I think it has done some good things to think about inequality, student loan debt, tax policy, welfare, etc.
And I think Occupying around the world has done a lot of good.
But, it’s almost December. Cities are wearing out their welcome with the Occupy movement, and there seems to be more news about the end of the encampments and police action, then the political goals of Occupy.
To me the answer for this is simple. End a lot of the occupations. Winter is dangerous in a lot of the major occupy locations, including Boston, New York, Chicago, Portland, ME, etc. Cities are concerned about the warmth of people camping and I think this is a legitimate concern.
And frankly the message of Occupy can happen without the actual occupations.
So, what’s next. For me it’s continuing with your passion. Whether that is journalism, volunteering or working at a non-profit, getting involved with politics (remember all politics is local), working with the homeless, or any other passion you have.
People are paying attention to inequality in a way they haven’t before.
They are noticing the poor pay payroll taxes on the first dollar earned, while millionaires are capped around $110,000.
That small businesses like your corner deli are paying full taxes but GE, Bank of America and Exxon are getting US tax refunds.
That a hedge fund trader making $100 million pay 15% capital gains taxes, and an accountant will pay 30% making $75,000.
The message is getting out there. That Citizens United was one of the worst decisions in the history of the Supreme Court and that corporations can’t be treated like people.
So for me, you can occupy the mind without occupying parks.
Many of the occupations may be ending, but the movement continues.
–Edmund