The ability to protest is a right granted to all U.S. citizens, thanks to that always-handy First Amendment. Although the word causes most to recall the struggles of a colorful and charismatic counter-culture during the ’60s and ’70s, we can’t forget that the good ol’ Bill of Rights is still hanging in there during a time of heavy controversy.
Wall Street has been occupied for a little over two weeks now and, within that time, the brave men and women have endured plenty in an attempt to give a much-needed voice to the rest of us “99 percent,” but it seems their cries have fallen on deaf ears.
How is it that in an age when the young adult has more of a voice than ever, the cries for change from a largely liberal middle-class youth are completely ignored?
A large group of Americans, ranging widely in age, have realized that Facebook statuses and pseudo-intellectual discussions on Reddit are not the best way to get a government, mostly composed of baby-boomers and their elders, to listen.
So they’ve gone from their computer chairs into the street, Wall Street that is, to grab the attention of CEOs, bankers and politicians not just in New York, not just in America, but hopefully, across the planet.
Last Saturday, when the protesters decided to take their rally to the Brooklyn Bridge, 700 out of the 2,000 were taken into custody by police and included Binghamton students. Police brutality has also been an issue throughout the occupation. There have been a number of reports of protesters being detained with the use of excessive violence, pepper spray, etc.
But despite these hardships and a major loss in numbers due to arrests, the occupation of Wall Street doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. With each passing day, protesters continue to ensure that the voice of a discontent generation is heard, attempting to awaken a largely disillusioned youth.
Luckily, this siren song of a shrinking middle class has been heard across the country. Other movements have begun throughout the United States, as far away as Los Angeles.
Even students on our own campus have taken up the arms of demonstration. In fact, it was only this Wednesday when a group of students opened the doors to one of my classes and entreated all inside to “take back our campus.”
Though I haven’t gone and protested myself, I would like to commend those who have taken up arms on behalf of those who may not have the time or effort to go out there and voice our opinions.
And I’d like to implore others who are discontent to make their voices heard.
Lastly, warn the movement from spreading itself too thin. “Occupy Wall Street” is quickly becoming “Occupy America,” and if they are unable to focus themselves on a singular goal, then there may be trouble in the group’s future.