"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
"There's battle lines being drawn, nobody's right if everbody's wrong. Young people speakin' their minds, gettin' so much resistance from behind ..." -For What It's Worth-Buffalo Springfield
Nothing so far in the "Occupy" movement has reached the level of what so many of us witnessed in the 60's and thank goodness. It was too often bloody and deadly. But what started out as a gathering on Wall Street has spread to Main Street. Many pundits criticize the protesters for not having a "message." It's not about a message, it's about them being pissed off. Either political party that seeks to align themselves with these folks does so at their own peril. Our political parties are why they're pissed off in the first place. They're also mad at Wall Street, Banks and Corporations. Are they right? Depends on one's point of view.
The point here is not whether we agree or disagree with the protest, but that we can do either.
It's not only young people speakin' their mind, it's people of all ages and backgrounds. Here in Denver they've gathered around the Capitol area. A tent city was set up as people exercised their freedom of speech. But both the Governor and the Mayor realized that free speech only goes so far. The park was just that, a park. Not a campground. So they were kicked out. A handful were arrested.
At no time was their right to free speech stopped. Just keep it on the sidewalk and off the street. Free speech only goes to the point where it doesn't infringe on the rights of others, like people trying to use that street to get to work.
There's no small irony seeing how many people in the crowd were using digital cameras and cell phones, products of the very system they're protesting. And of course, when the media shows up, things get loud and "visual." Social Media is keeping the protesters who claim not to be organized, very organized. Again, all protected by free speech. They couldn't do that in China. No Facebook or Twitter there. China frowns on protest.
There's also the cost to consider. Police over-time, the impact of pulling officers from other duties to keep things under control just to name a few. Costs payed for by "We the people." But should we put a price tag on something that is supposed to be priceless?
Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the "Occupy" movement, let's embrace the fact that they have a right to express themselves. People are paying attention to their "non-message." These folks are young and old, professional and unemployed, poor and affluent.
The same kind of mix that makes up the fabric of this nation. They carry signs saying they're the 99%. That also depends one's point of view. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Regardless if you're part of 1% or 99%, everyone has the right to speak their mind.
Brian Olson
Owner/Consultant
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"There's battle lines being drawn, nobody's right if everbody's wrong. Young people speakin' their minds, gettin' so much resistance from behind ..." -For What It's Worth-Buffalo Springfield
Nothing so far in the "Occupy" movement has reached the level of what so many of us witnessed in the 60's and thank goodness. It was too often bloody and deadly. But what started out as a gathering on Wall Street has spread to Main Street. Many pundits criticize the protesters for not having a "message." It's not about a message, it's about them being pissed off. Either political party that seeks to align themselves with these folks does so at their own peril. Our political parties are why they're pissed off in the first place. They're also mad at Wall Street, Banks and Corporations. Are they right? Depends on one's point of view.
The point here is not whether we agree or disagree with the protest, but that we can do either.
It's not only young people speakin' their mind, it's people of all ages and backgrounds. Here in Denver they've gathered around the Capitol area. A tent city was set up as people exercised their freedom of speech. But both the Governor and the Mayor realized that free speech only goes so far. The park was just that, a park. Not a campground. So they were kicked out. A handful were arrested.
At no time was their right to free speech stopped. Just keep it on the sidewalk and off the street. Free speech only goes to the point where it doesn't infringe on the rights of others, like people trying to use that street to get to work.
There's no small irony seeing how many people in the crowd were using digital cameras and cell phones, products of the very system they're protesting. And of course, when the media shows up, things get loud and "visual." Social Media is keeping the protesters who claim not to be organized, very organized. Again, all protected by free speech. They couldn't do that in China. No Facebook or Twitter there. China frowns on protest.
There's also the cost to consider. Police over-time, the impact of pulling officers from other duties to keep things under control just to name a few. Costs payed for by "We the people." But should we put a price tag on something that is supposed to be priceless?
Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the "Occupy" movement, let's embrace the fact that they have a right to express themselves. People are paying attention to their "non-message." These folks are young and old, professional and unemployed, poor and affluent.
The same kind of mix that makes up the fabric of this nation. They carry signs saying they're the 99%. That also depends one's point of view. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Regardless if you're part of 1% or 99%, everyone has the right to speak their mind.
Brian Olson
Owner/Consultant
Conversation Starters Public Relations
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