Who are the protesters behind Occupy Wall Street–and what do they want?

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If only that were really the case.

Many people in America have lost their jobs their health care their homes and it will always have an effect on their self esteem.
Life is tough very tough all over the world at present especially in America.Not everyone is lucky enough to have a job or keep their home.

The Occupy protests are about getting priorities back to caring about those who need help.
For those of you who are not (yet) affected by the financial crisis then I am happy for you truly I am .Remember those who do not have your luck.

I have been personally involved to financially help someone who is from these forums from America who lost their home is disabled with desperate health conditions and is in desperate need still.Another friend on here who lost his job a while ago and is depserately worried he will lose his benefits,he cannot get another job.
Life is really really tough out there.Where you are you may be very lucky.

Please remember those who do not have what you are blessed to have

Our role as Christians is to love our neighbour (everyone) and give to the poor, feed the hungry, help the homeless, and so forth with Christian love.
 
WE have a culture in which everyone is told they MUST go to college (which is ridiculous imo). All that does is create millions of unsettled people after they finish college, or even if they are mid-way through, because they know that they will owe a lot, and yet they are now realizing that they will not be able to jump from school into a six-figure job.

In the past there was honor in middle class work, and just worrying about raising an upright moral family. Today, our kids are taught that they MUST love their work (not just be good at it), and that their life is not fullfilling unless they work 60 hours a week at a job they love, while making high salaries doing it all–kids and marriage are way down the list.

With that as a setup, of course we are going to see a fair number of young college age people upset with the current situation. They are digging into debt with their schooling, they have learned that the jobs are not there, and even if they are there, it won’t make them rich overnight. And, at their core, they know that careers, jobs, etc., all have their place, but there really is NO place like home. People, families, wives/husbands, children, stability, those are what most people really long for and our young to not to want any of the things that will bring them actual happiness.

Here is the REAL priority list that matters most and will bring prosperity for our nation:
  1. Placing God and His truths first.
  2. Placing family, including children and traditional marriage a close second behind God.
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  3. Everything else.
 
Rascalking said:
I totally agree. If you live in America, your one of the luckiest people in the world. If you don’t like the country, have the courage/guts to move.
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True that we are infinitely luckier than some of the poorer people living beyond the poverty line in other countries------on the other hand, it is still somewhat “dishonest” that because we are better than other countries poverty-wise, then therefore it’s all the fault of the people going through it and we should not do anything to help remedy the situation. Personally, I believe that, regardless of the situation, it is unacceptable that some kids are living beyond the poverty line in this country and some are starving in the treets-----many times due to situations beyond their control. Not every family in this country has lazy bums as members, Rascalking. it is unacceptable that in the greatest, richest country in the world, we have little kids and even some adults who are without because daddy’s corporation decided to go under and lay off thousands of people and now daddy or mommy can’t provide totally for their family-----or that John is now homeless mainly because of his mental illness----an illness that society attributes as a sign of weakness and “laziness” rather than as the disease it is. And the fact than John’s relatives are not allowed to get him into an institution because John refuses to go because “nothing’s wrong with me.” 😦

YES, most of the problems attending a lot of families and people in this country are
largely self-inflicted, but not ALL of them. And it is shameful that such a noble, great country like ours allows people to do that. You are a great guy, Rascal, but methinks you are becoming a tad too Darwinian here.

And no, anybody that knows me here knows I am not one of those godless “socialists,” many of whom are indeed occupying Wall Street right now.
Back to your regular broadcasting now.👍
 
OrdinaryMelkite said:
True that we are infinitely luckier than some of the poorer people living beyond the poverty line in other countries------on the other hand, it is still somewhat “dishonest” that because we are better than other countries poverty-wise, then therefore it’s all the fault of the people going through it and we should not do anything to help remedy the situation. Personally, I believe that, regardless of the situation, it is unacceptable that some kids are living beyond the poverty line in this country and some are starving in the treets-----many times due to situations beyond their control. Not every family in this country has lazy bums as members, Rascalking. it is unacceptable that in the greatest, richest country in the world, we have little kids and even some adults who are without because daddy’s corporation decided to go under and lay off thousands of people and now daddy or mommy can’t provide totally for their family-----or that John is now homeless mainly because of his mental illness----an illness that society attributes as a sign of weakness and “laziness” rather than as the disease it is. And the fact than John’s relatives are not allowed to get him into an institution because John refuses to go because “nothing’s wrong with me.” 😦

YES, most of the problems attending a lot of families and people in this country are
largely self-inflicted, but not ALL of them. And it is shameful that such a noble, great country like ours allows people to do that. You are a great guy, Rascal, but methinks you are becoming a tad too Darwinian here.

And no, anybody that knows me here knows I am not one of those godless “socialists,” many of whom are indeed occupying Wall Street right now.
Back to your regular broadcasting now.👍
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Woah my friend. I’m not for cutting social programs, and I volunteer at a soup kitchen (don’t I totally rule? ;)) where did you get that I’m against those things?

And thanks for saying I’m a great guy.
 
Rascalking said:
Woah my friend. I’m not for cutting social programs, and I volunteer at a soup kitchen (don’t I totally rule? ;)) where did you get that I’m against those things?

And thanks for saying I’m a great guy.
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More importantly what does the OWS group have to do with helping the poor?
 
Whitacre_Girl said:
I got an invite to join the local movement of this protest with (and I kid you not) “Don’t think about what this is for or the cause, just get out there and let’s make a difference”

No where did the person say what the protest was for, just to get out there. I can tell they are relying on mob mentality, rather than rational thought here.

Seriously though, I am terrified of these things getting violent - especially since they are starting to get outside peoples homes. I remember WTO clearly (given that I lived in the area) and I saw the mayhem and violence that came as a result of that and the principle with these protests are the same - down with the evil rich (well…richer than us) people. sigh When I hear interviews of protesters saying “We know how to make a Molotov and use it to get our point across” and they are at people’s homes where CHILDREN live…I start getting worried. I have been praying for a lasting peace in this situation so that no one gets hurt like the last time this happened in my area.

I have no respect for this rabble. If they want to make a point, threatening people’s lives and trying to terrify individuals with “We know where you and your children live” tactics makes them no better than terrorists.
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I basically agree with you, Whitacre_Girl.

Many commentators have also been pointing out that if these protestors REALLY wanted to put the blame where it belongs, then they would actually be blaming the GOVERNMENT, specifically the LEFT-WING government (along with some help from the previous RIGHT-WING government, admittedly) which instituted policies which led directly to the banks on Wall street screwing up. Wall Street is a SYMPTOM, not the CAUSE, of the problem. :rolleyes:

Ultimately this is an attempt by socialist/communist/anarchist elements (Acorn, GLAAD, MoveOn, etc) to try to subtly advance the agenda of this current administration and posit themselves as “viable alternatives” to the Tea Party.
At least to try to “steal the thunder” away from them.

BTW---------

You doing Ok, Girl?👍:)😛
 
irishpatrick said:
In the past there was honor in middle class work, and just worrying about raising an upright moral family. Today, our kids are taught that they MUST love their work (not just be good at it), and that their life is not fullfilling unless they work 60 hours a week at a job they love, while making high salaries doing it all–kids and marriage are way down the list.
.
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Exactly what generation are talking about? Your describing the “Silent Generation” born before 1946.

Generation Y will work for a stated goal with a specific reward, they are short term and loaded with self estime and demand respect - and that’s before they get a job. Generation Y wants MONEY first and foremost, then they want a personal schedule, relationships with their coworkers and they want to live with in an area populated with other people their own age and similar life styles. They only have to like their job, but if their employer doesn’t kiss their cheek on a regular basis they’ll leave.

valueoptions.com/spotlight_YIW/gen_y.htm
 
SamH said:
Exactly what generation are talking about? Your describing the “Silent Generation” born before 1946.

Generation Y will work for a stated goal with a specific reward, they are short term and loaded with self estime and demand respect - and that’s before they get a job. Generation Y wants MONEY first and foremost, then they want a personal schedule, relationships with their coworkers and they want to live with in an area populated with other people their own age and similar life styles. They only have to like their job, but if their employer doesn’t kiss their cheek on a regular basis they’ll leave.

valueoptions.com/spotlight_YIW/gen_y.htm
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Every generation until today.
 
Rascalking said:
Woah my friend. I’m not for cutting social programs, and I volunteer at a soup kitchen (don’t I totally rule? ;)) where did you get that I’m against those things?

And thanks for saying I’m a great guy.
Click to expand...
You ARE a great guy, Rascalking. I don’t always agree with every one of your posts, but yours are always intelligently argued and presented.

Pardon me if I soundeed uncharitable, Rascalking. I was simply reacting to your statement that if you “do not like the country, get out”----the way you said that and the previous words before sounded like you were insinuating that simply because some folks rightly criticize the state of some people in this country (like children living below the poverty line, more than 1%, too), then basically their “state” is acceptable and nobody has the right to criticize that.:eek:

In other words-------
Sounded like you were saying “Well, people in other countries are WAY worse off than the people in this country----more Poorer and more Starving------because of that, therefore the people in this country have no right to complain and should consider themselves lucky to be living in the greatest country in the world. They should quit whining and if they don’t like the state of the country, they should get the heck out. The fact that there are children living below the poverty line and are underfed in this country and some are homeless through no fault of their own is nothing compared to what other countries are going through.” I interpreted that to mean that it was was not worth to address the poverty and homelessness in our country due to the fact that we are infinitely luckier than other countries. Sounded like some “Darwinian” and “To heck with those lazy bums! Tough Cookie!!” people I have unfortunately known in my past. :rolleyes:

I am truly sorry if I misinterpreted your meaning, my friend. I was simply making the point that “just because other countries have it WAY worse does NOT mean we should not address the problems in this country we DO have. And criticizing certain problems in our country is NOT unpatriotic.” Sounded like you were implying that. 😦

Again, I’m truly sorry if I misunderstood you, Rascalking. And BTW, I also volunteer at soup kitchens. In fact, I’m serving in one this coming Saturday here in Augusta. Some of the best stuff I’ve ever done. 👍
 
The U.S. value system emphasizes economic freedom. It also recognizes that the market is limited by fundamental human rights. Human rights are the minimum conditions for life in community. They include not only civil and political rights but also economic rights.

All people have a right to life, food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, education, and employment.

Unemployment undermines the self-respect of both middle-aged persons how have lost jobs and the young who cannot find them. Today, hard-working men and women wonder if the system of enterprise that helped them yesterday might destroy their jobs and communities tomorrow.

Labor unions help workers resist exploitation. Through government, the people of the United States have provided support for education, access to food, unemployment compensation, security in old age, and protection of the environment. The market system contributes to the success of the U.S. economy, but so do many efforts to forge economic institutions and public policies that enable *all *to share in the riches of the nation.

Extreme inequality is a threat to the solidarity of the human community, for great disparities lead to deep social divisions and conflict.

Do you agree with this?
 
They are like me. I grew up in a Ukrainian Greek Catholic church composed almost exclusively of working class members of unions (UAW, OCAW, etc.). I am 58 years old and have seen the decimation of the American manufacturing infrastructure by an investment community (Wall Street) that would rather sell out to the communist (atheist) Chinese than deal honestly with labor unions. As for socialists-they are there, but as in the greater society, they are a small minority. I am offended by the hostility and vitriole in these posts. I especially question these pictures that have been posted. Where were they taken (indoors)? Facebook? Looks like at set up to me! These kids are scared! Someone posts a personal concern and it is generalized to falsely characterize the reality of a broad based movement. As for the tea party, they shout down any one that does not conform to their VERY NARROW conception of political reality. The Holy Fathers have issued encyclicals about labor, life, war among others. The late John Paul II opposed the Iraq war. We should properly use this forum to discuss how these apply to how we live our lives in the community as practicing Catholic Christians.
-End of rant-
First post, likely my last.
 
estesbob said:
More importantly what does the OWS group have to do with helping the poor?
Click to expand...
NOTHING, Estesbob. Reread the post Rascalking was responding to and then read my response to HIS response. I’m NOT one of those Wall Street protesters. You should know that.

Also read my response to Whitacre_Girl above as well.

And BTW, you yourself are a great guy as well. 👍:rotfl:
 
OrdinaryMelkite said:
You ARE a great guy, Rascalking. I don’t always agree with every one of your posts, but yours are always intelligently argued and presented.

Pardon me if I soundeed uncharitable, Rascalking. I was simply reacting to your statement that if you “do not like the country, get out”----the way you said that and the previous words before sounded like you were insinuating that simply because some folks rightly criticize the state of some people in this country (like children living below the poverty line, more than 1%, too), then basically their “state” is acceptable and nobody has the right to criticize that.:eek:

In other words-------
Sounded like you were saying “Well, people in other countries are WAY worse off than the people in this country----more Poorer and more Starving------because of that, therefore the people in this country have no right to complain and should consider themselves lucky to be living in the greatest country in the world. They should quit whining and if they don’t like the state of the country, they should get the heck out. The fact that there are children living below the poverty line and are underfed in this country and some are homeless through no fault of their own is nothing compared to what other countries are going through.” I interpreted that to mean that it was was not worth to address the poverty and homelessness in our country due to the fact that we are infinitely luckier than other countries. Sounded like some “Darwinian” and “To heck with those lazy bums! Tough Cookie!!” people I have unfortunately known in my past. :rolleyes:

I am truly sorry if I misinterpreted your meaning, my friend. I was simply making the point that “just because other countries have it WAY worse does NOT mean we should not address the problems in this country we DO have. And criticizing certain problems in our country is NOT unpatriotic.” Sounded like you were implying that. 😦

Again, I’m truly sorry if I misunderstood you, Rascalking. And BTW, I also volunteer at soup kitchens. In fact, I’m serving in one this coming Saturday here in Augusta. Some of the best stuff I’ve ever done. 👍
Click to expand...
No problem my friend.

God bless.
 
OrdinaryMelkite said:
I basically agree with you, Whitacre_Girl.

Many commentators have also been pointing out that if these protestors REALLY wanted to put the blame where it belongs, then they would actually be blaming the GOVERNMENT, specifically the LEFT-WING government (along with some help from the previous RIGHT-WING government, admittedly) which instituted policies which led directly to the banks on Wall street screwing up. Wall Street is a SYMPTOM, not the CAUSE, of the problem. :rolleyes:

Ultimately this is an attempt by socialist/communist/anarchist elements (Acorn, GLAAD, MoveOn, etc) to try to subtly advance the agenda of this current administration and posit themselves as “viable alternatives” to the Tea Party.
At least to try to “steal the thunder” away from them.

BTW---------

You doing Ok, Girl?👍:)😛
Click to expand...
You are completely right. Maybe they can start by electing someone who won’t keep handing out bail out checks. :rolleyes:

I also love how they seem to insinuate that the people against them aren’t hit by the economic crisis. I’m a lay-off that had to go back to school to be re-trained so I can re-enter the workforce. I actually got out there and DID something to fix the problem, rather than whine about the government not fixing it for me. And when I finish school, I’m going to fight just as hard to get and keep a job. This time I’m doing the SMART thing, rather than what people with no real experience in anything said I “ought to do.”

I am doing okay. Things are settling down, but I’m still recovering from the past couple weeks. As for the atmosphere on campus, I’m just having to spend a lot of time drowning everything out with Christan music on my iPod and I’ve started doodling christian art in my classes when they go on a tangent about how white American Christians are ruining the whole world. :rolleyes:Thanks for asking! :hug1:
 
Danylo said:
They are like me. I grew up in a Ukrainian Greek Catholic church composed almost exclusively of working class members of unions (UAW, OCAW, etc.). I am 58 years old and have seen the decimation of the American manufacturing infrastructure by an investment community (Wall Street) that would rather sell out to the communist (atheist) Chinese than deal honestly with labor unions. As for socialists-they are there, but as in the greater society, they are a small minority. I am offended by the hostility and vitriole in these posts. I especially question these pictures that have been posted. Where were they taken (indoors)? Facebook? Looks like at set up to me! These kids are scared! Someone posts a personal concern and it is generalized to falsely characterize the reality of a broad based movement. As for the tea party, they shout down any one that does not conform to their VERY NARROW conception of political reality. The Holy Fathers have issued encyclicals about labor, life, war among others. The late John Paul II opposed the Iraq war. We should properly use this forum to discuss how these apply to how we live our lives in the community as practicing Catholic Christians.
-End of rant-
First post, likely my last.
Click to expand...
Great post! 👍

Keep them coming 🙂
 
Whitacre_Girl said:
You are completely right. Maybe they can start by electing someone who won’t keep handing out bail out checks. :rolleyes:

I also love how they seem to insinuate that the people against them aren’t hit by the economic crisis. I’m a lay-off that had to go back to school to be re-trained so I can re-enter the workforce. I actually got out there and DID something to fix the problem, rather than whine about the government not fixing it for me. And when I finish school, I’m going to fight just as hard to get and keep a job. This time I’m doing the SMART thing, rather than what people with no real experience in anything said I “ought to do.”

I am doing okay. Things are settling down, but I’m still recovering from the past couple weeks. As for the atmosphere on campus, I’m just having to spend a lot of time drowning everything out with Christan music on my iPod and I’ve started doodling christian art in my classes when they go on a tangent about how white American Christians are ruining the whole world. :rolleyes:Thanks for asking! :hug1:
Click to expand...
That is nice to hear, Girl!!!
 
Danylo said:
They are like me. I grew up in a Ukrainian Greek Catholic church composed almost exclusively of working class members of unions (UAW, OCAW, etc.). I am 58 years old and have seen the decimation of the American manufacturing infrastructure by an investment community (Wall Street) that would rather sell out to the communist (atheist) Chinese than deal honestly with labor unions. As for socialists-they are there, but as in the greater society, they are a small minority. I am offended by the hostility and vitriole in these posts. I especially question these pictures that have been posted. Where were they taken (indoors)? Facebook? Looks like at set up to me! These kids are scared! Someone posts a personal concern and it is generalized to falsely characterize the reality of a broad based movement. As for the tea party, they shout down any one that does not conform to their VERY NARROW conception of political reality. The Holy Fathers have issued encyclicals about labor, life, war among others. The late John Paul II opposed the Iraq war. We should properly use this forum to discuss how these apply to how we live our lives in the community as practicing Catholic Christians.
-End of rant-
First post, likely my last.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this post. I agree with you wholeheartedly and hope to read more of your posts.
 
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