Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill

With protests being organized across the nation, it is clear that Occupy America ain't going away. When these things erupt, politicians - especially when it's campaign season and they're up for reelection - go into a "wait and see" mode. From a strategic perspective, it makes sense. And this country hasn't seen these sorts of widespread protests since the 1960s. Things are changing and rapidly in this country. The 99%, as we keep saying, are fed up, and we're making a point to voice how angry and disillusioned we are with the state of this country. Through a collective expression of anger and frustration, we are seeing glimpses of real democracy. These camps of occupiers are organized democratically behind an oligarhic curtain - larger structures here are seeming more insignificant, despite the tremendous power they wield over our lives. When I spoke to a well-known author and activist about the unfolding events, she said, "I am transfixed by OWS."

While many politicians have clammed up or have yet to speak about the nationwide protests, some have already begun to speak out in support of the movement. For instance, when I was tweeting wildly about the arrests of over 700 people on the Brooklyn Bridge on Oct. 1st, I made an appeal to Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) and asked him to help the protesters out. (He was not the only one I sent tweets to, just like other activists supporting the group remotely and on the ground). Several others sent the Congressman tweets as well. Here's how he replied to all of us (my twitter handle is @cjohanns):

@cbrangel
Charles Rangel @NYPDnews PLS RESPECT #ocupywallstreet @cjohanns @silicon5 @quicklikerodly @jentingtin @lisarein @OccupyWallSt @OccupyWallStNYC
Oct 01 via webFavoriteRetweetReply

Rangel has continued to send out tweets that express support for the protesters.

Now that the campaign season is heating up, how will the Administration respond? At the writing of this piece, the White House - as far as I know - has remained mum.

I have a take on how they should respond. Stay tuned for that.

Related Links


"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)



"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)


"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)


"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)


"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)


"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)