Monday, October 10, 2011

Bloggify

As you know, there are a lot of protests going on across America over a failed economy and the part Wall Street has played in it, namely the huge payouts they have received in the past. I was invited (via Facebook) to a local "Occupy" protest yesterday, but I didn't go. The biggest reason was because I am claustrophobic, and also, I have two kids that don't need a mom in the clinker. I know, I know . . . excuses. There is power in numbers, but I saw Dr. Zhivago, man, and I didn't like the crowd scene. Overthrowing a Czar is a tricky sport. It brings on societal hemorrhage, though what's more damaging to a society than a financial institution stealing money while folks are starving? It was horrible what these corporations did. Yes, people should stand up and protest. But sometimes, when I'm around a lot of people, they start to look like Sims characters, all beady-eyed and soulless. I'm thinking I like John and Yoko's Bed Peace Campaign much better. I just need a Yoko.

I don't know. I still might join a protest if asked again. Any opinions on this? Anyone have extra bail money hanging around? Or extra long nail files tucked in birthday cakes?

12 comments:

  1. "start to look like Sims characters..." - classic lol.

    I'll bake you a cake big enough for a pneumatic drill if you like Amy, but you're right to look to your kids first.

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  2. Amy - like you said - your kids need you more. I think over here we only hear what the powers that be want us to know. Is it Obama they want to throw out? What I've seen and heard about him, I actually like him and I certainly don't envy him the task ahead. The bankers have got a lot to answer for both sides of the pond.

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  3. Chris and Molly- I very much agree. Kids come first. THough there are some parents bringing their kids TO the rallies. I just couldn't do that!

    Molly- No, it's not about Obama. I'm like you and would never protest against him.

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  4. I did 1968 in England, but I was very young. Even then, I got out of it because of a load of nutty anarchists taking over and turning it violent. It's worse today, and we are also side-tracked by a load of terrorists whose words become truer day by day. The waters are very muddied, and the people who are responsible are also in control of the switches.

    If I thought it would do any good to shout at politicians, then I would. These days, I am supposed to have a quiet word in their ear...

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  5. I'm not even sure what all the protesting is about. I know people who haven't paid their mortgage payments in four years and are still in their homes. So it's not like the big mortgage holders are putting families out on the streets.

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  6. I think someone should protest if that is the way you feel and if you think something can be accomplished by your actions. However, I saw a picture of some Wall Street biggies with a glass of champagne in their hands and smiling as they looked down on the protesters. I really don't think they care and nothing will change.

    Thirty-five years ago we protested the putting up of a nuclear power station here in my area. The government lied and said they were just doing a study, as the buildings were going up. Then they said it was just going to be one tower. Two years later, we were looking at two frightening towers. However, because of the protesters fighting this, and the escalating costs encountered because of that, it was the last one to be built in this country. When they build one of these plants near Congress or perhaps on the land owned my our rich politicans, then I will believe it is safe.

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  7. I think there are a lot of professional protestors around who just like to stir up trouble and then high tail it out of there before they get caught. We had some of them at the G20 protests this past year. Best to stay away...protest with your business practices and purchasing power and household habits....much safer and probably just as effective. But you won't get on TV.

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  8. Everyone said great things here. I love all your comments. I think Delores has a very wise idea with being careful with what we buy, watch, etc.

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  9. Amy, I just heard an interview with a lady who first organised the Wall St sit-in. She didn't seem to know what their aim was, or even what they really wanted. Her main concern was about donations... she came across as a right little capitalist.

    What IS their aim? I know that in England the tax revenue from just London's financial services, is greater than the whole of Scotland! Would we want to see that go?

    Delores is right. One should know EXACTLY who one is supporting, and why. Spending power can be very powerful.

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  10. I agree with you, Amy, and you are right to put your kids first! I have looked at Occupy Wall Street's goals - and to be honest, they just aren't organized and thought out very well. I agree that something should be done to change things. I just don't agree with the way it is getting done. They don't know what outcome they want, what are their goals? All they know is that they are protesting, but they do not know what they want done. I couldn't join a movement that is so unorganzed.

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  11. 1967... But I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now.

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  12. I think if you agree with their stance and you can protest safely... go!

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