The Occupy Movement - Exercising the American right to free speech and freedom of assembly

The Occupy Movement - Exercising the American right to free speech and freedom of assembly

Inspired by Christopher Somers" post about Occupy Philadelphia

http://activerain.com/blogsview/2547716/occupy-philly-ignorant-americans-or-americans-against-ignorance-and-greed-

The Occupy Movement is on to something. The frustrations of young people who worked hard, studied and took loans to get their education and now find no work is palpable. It is the young people who usually are idealisitic enough and maybe risk adverse enough to start the protest. It is interesting to see that retirees are coming out and people from all walks of life are supporting this movement.

I credit Philadelphia - the administration embodied by Mayor Nutter and the Philadelphia Police Department, especially Commissioner Ramsey - for acting responsibly. Demonstrations in the name of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are guaranteed by the constitution, Keeping it peaceful and refining the message will help the movement gain credibility.

Democracy, as practiced in the street, can be ugly and a little scary but it is true domocracy. For the past three years, the Tea Party has grown to be a force in primarily conservative politics. I don't believe in just about anything they stand for, but I recognize their right to assemble and get their message out.

The Occupy Movement - Exercising the American right to free speech and freedom of assembly

The message of the 99% is very interesting and our "so-called" leaders on both sides would be wise to pay attention. Ending gridlock, by having a conversation and some compromise will go far to end our problems.

People who are job insecure and food insecure - who aren't sure what the future holds - are not going to buy houses. As painful as the housing situation is, the jobs situation is critical. Our leaders, elected by the people, have made some far reaching decisions in the last 30-40 years. The global economy is a nice idea in theory, but Americans without jobs cannot buy American products.  When folks can get jobs and feel more secure financially, the housing market will recover.

For years, I have been saying that the lower end of the housing market, fueled by first time buyers, would be the start of the housing recovery. Prices, inventory and interest rests being so attractive, I am starting to see this happen. Economists have predicted that this "percolating up" could take two years or more. As painful as that sounds, it would be a natural recovery, one that is not fueled by artifical tax credits.

I look forward to the Occupy Movement refining its message and growing. I applaud the demonstrators for their time, enthusiasm and courage. I applaud those who are supporting the movement - rhetorically and financially. The American people are finally starting to voice their concerns. May we all listen and if our leaders do not or cannot respond in a responsible way, all of their jobs should be at risk.

The Occupy Movement - Exercising the American right to free speech and freedom of assembly