Where are the Student Protests today? Vol. 2

It was May 21st, 2005 when I wrote a Blog post titled, "Where are the Student Protests Today?". It has taken this long before some have finally demonstrated. This is the 99% Occupy Wall Street movement. Here is what I wrote back in 2005:

"As we approach June 4th , the anniversary of Tiananmen Square, and I reflect on our own history of student protests, it got me to wonder where are today's student protesters, as certainly there are many disturbing trends in America today, threatening the very fabric of our democracy as we search for bipartisanship in Congress and a more humble America in our rhetoric abroad and at home. But we still seem very arrogant as a nation with little understanding of the very cultures we are trying to change. I am not talking about Iraq here. I am talking about the "Divided" States of America, that's right, the good ole D.S.A., one nation, (partly) under God, very divisible, with liberty (until we can change those Senate Rules), and justice for (a few).

There was once a time of idealism, of standing up and being taken seriously by society, a conscience for all of us. This was the time of Student protests. Students protested the Vietnam war, the May 4th, 1970 Kent State shootings, Tiananmen Square and support for democracy in China, the outrage at the Chinese Government’s reaction to the protests and some recent protests of the Iraq war in selective cities.

As a nation, we have a lot to be angry about with our government. First there was the misleading 'intelligence' of the lead up to the Iraq invasion and then the letters of former White House General Counsel and current Attorney General, Roberto Gonzales, regarding new interpretations of what is and what is not torture. Then the pronouncements by our President that certain prisoners would not necessarily be treated in a manner consistent with the Geneva Convention. Add to this more recent assertion about additional abuse in Guantanamo and the shameless deceit to get recruits on High School campuses to enlist, and you wonder what it takes to get Student protesters engaged again. There have been some protests of the Iraq war but they fade away quickly. What captures the focus and attention of the bulk of our students today? Could it be survival, as the job market still looks bleak? Or is it just apathy? What do you think? I don’t think they care much about what the Senate is proposing in its Nuclear Option to end the filibuster and allow judicial nominations through who by the minority see as extreme in their views. Stay tuned."

I think this has merit today as well. Those brave students at UC Davis who were pepper sprayed for no reason other than they were protesting. Others on Wall Street protest as they have seen what they have gained over their lifetimes gone because of the greed on Wall Street and the Banks. Let's be thankful that the conscience of some is alive and full this Thanksgiving, even though their stomachs may be empty. Bless the 99% and be thankful for their voice and their courage. They are the best of what has made America great. Back in 2005, way before the Sub Prime problem, there was a jobs crisis (during the Bush years), but many have forgotten that. Many ill informed have blamed President Obama. Not me.

Along with your dinner today, which is a blessing in itself, maybe this will give you some extra food for thought.

Occupy Wall Street and other protests: A Thought to help you!

I am heartened by the Occupy Wall Street protesters who have endured terrible conditions to make their voices heard. Those of us couch potatoes in the 99%, who see you on the news or read about your bravery in the face of tear gas, police brutality and just the hardship of doing without the simple comforts of home like a bath or use of a toilet, admire you all and support your voices to be heard. We were called the Silent Majority once.

But as one who cares, I am concerned about the storm coming today and tomorrow and what certainly will be a difficult winter and want you to be safe from harm. I ask you to consider the fact that you could go home at night, if you are fortunate enough to have a home or warm place to sleep, as many don't these days. There is no shame in doing this. Come back fresh and rested each day and use that time to organize into small groups which explore possible demands you might have of the government and the 1%. Use the time to think about solutions that can right this wrong. But it does no good to get worn down and possibly sick where your voice can't be heard.

If you have some messages, I am willing to happily post them for you on my Blog. But take good care of yourselves. People in the helping profession know that they are unable to help others if they can't help themselves. So please consider going home in the evenings and take good care of yourselves. We are behind you in spirit and voice.

Market comments for March 11th

Much news in the world today. There is the big 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan with a Tsunami following. There is the trouble in Libya, the unrest still in Egypt, and new protests in Saudi Arabia. But if that isn't enough, the Michigan Sentiment for March came in at only 68.2, while expectations were for a 78.0 reading. That is a huge drop and most likely based upon the recent rise in Oil prices because of the trouble in Libya and Egypt. The prior reading was a 77.5 reading. The reading today was the lowest since Oct. 2010. See the chart below.

The market is meandering today after the big sell-off yesterday. It has been both down and up today but the total range is about 94 points today for the Dow. It does not change my view that we are headed lower next week.

Demonstrations in Wisconsin

We are now watching demonstrations in Madison, Wisconsin because the Gov. there wants to disband the Government Employees Unions right to collective bargaining. People are getting angry everywhere it seems and this battle is between the wealthiest interests and that of the Middle and not so Middle Class. It's tough to watch as this has been one result of the divided politics of the past 2 years. People don't seem to be able to reason with each other any more. It doesn't matter which side you are on either. Most elected officials seem to be doing it.

Egyptians are still protesting somewhat and now other countries are joining them. Now it's Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and the continuing fight for a voice in Iran. It seems that when a hard hand is used to quell the demonstrations, they are successful for the moment in breaking up the demonstrations, but it is sowing the seeds of violence from these peaceful demonstrators and it will end with many lives lost. It doesn't matter whose lives as all are precious. We are regressing as a civilized society and chaos seems to be inevitable.

It's a sad day for many today. Appreciate the freedom you do have but guard it well as it could easily be gone.