Forum Post: Comments from someone who believes in this movement

I actually have not been involved in the protests, which some may say I do not have a place to comment. I will, however, make a comment and hope someone listens. I agree with Occupy Wallstreet’s position wholeheartedly. I am truly scared for the future of this country. I agree with MS that you need to have a Platform. I like how your “Petition of Grievances” has a meeting take place on July 4th, 2012. I think it gives time for the message it get out. If I was organizing your group I would spend the next couple of months spreading the word in states that I grossly affected by outsourcing and inequality, however, as the book “What’s the Matter with Kansas” argues consistently vote against their economic interests. You need to educate people in these areas and make it clear that the people and causes they perceive to be the reasons for their problems are the wrong enemies. I would recommend that when you protest in these areas you might want to come up with an alternate tactics then used in more progressive areas. The message you have in a very new one and there will naturally be resistance. Therefore, it needs to be packaged in a way that allows acceptance to be a bit easier. This might mean that the persons delivering the message might need to be dressed more like the people in the areas they go into. I know this is a controversial message, because it is important to not judge people based on how they look. However, unfortunately, it is part of the human condition to judge. And, I believe that the primary purpose of the protests is to make governmental and economic change. I would also when making public appearances on CNN dress more similar to mainstream. Again, I know this is controversial, but please understand this is coming from a supporter and someone who wants your message to get across and your platform to be successful. It is kind of like the intruders on the show “V”, you have to look and talk like them to get them to hear your message.
Now on to my opinion about the platform. In addition, to having the “Petition of Grievances” I would make recommendations to people about simple things they can do to make a difference. Some people who may want to make a difference do not have time and the education to think about simple things they can do. For example, tell people to not use automated checkout lines at grocery stores, and rather take the time to get a human cashier. Things like this do not cost any more money but help people keep jobs. Again, making suggestions to people will help them to feel empowered to make changes.
I like the “Petition of Grievances” for many reasons. But I am going to tell you my suggestions first. As an attorney, I would strongly suggest that you get an attorney with knowledge of Constitutional Law to help you write the “Petition”. You want the “Petition” to have demands that CAN be passed within our governmental system. For example, in the “Petition” you talk a lot about campaign finance reform. I am assuming you know about the Supreme Court decisions that make it very hard to make changes to campaign finance. What this means is that you need to have an amendment to the Constitution to make this happen. At this current state in politics that is not realistic UNLESS you get residents of state that vote more conservative to understand the problems of campaign finance. See comment above. I like how your “Petition” addresses issues that are on “both sides of the table”. This will make it easier for you to get people in critical states on board with the movement. When you organizer in those areas stress those points first.
I have to end my point, my son calls, but great job on the movement, and if I can help in any way I would love to. Sincerely, EE12