Occupy movement could bring some positive changes

It’s taken a  while to organize my thoughts on the “Occupy” protests.
One phrase keeps running through my head.
“DON’T BLOW THIS.”
Who is that exclamation pointed at?
Everyone.
To the protesters:
The right-wing media is already trying to portray you as latter-day hippies — lazy malcontents unwilling to work hard and get ahead.
The truth is laws and regulations are tilted to favor the wealthy and the well-connected. Wealth and power are consolidating at the very top of the income brackets.
The voice of the little guy and the blue-collar worker is being drowned out by the constant drum beat of anti-union rhetoric.
Young people should be in the streets until the America dream is back to an even playing field.
To those opposing the Occupy movement:
Do me a favor, every time that you hear the phrase “job creator,” understand that someone is trying to manipulate you into being afraid.
How many people do you know who aren’t at least a  little concerned about their job and their future?
Every time I hear a pundit use that term, it feels like they are saying “we have to be nice to these people because jobs depend on it.”
Job creators create jobs so they can make money. They need workers to make products and services to sell. There should be encouragement and communities and governments should have a business-friendly environment but not put on a pedestal.
The Occupy movement isn’t about being unfair to one group. It’s about restoring the idea that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and the game of capitalism isn’t tilted in the favor of the rich.
Listen to what these people are saying, examine the data yourself and afford them the same right to have their voice heard that every American has.
To the government:
The single most important right Americans have is the right to have their voice heard.
Free speech should be free of fear. Arrests at a peaceful protest should be the final option.
As long as these protestors aren’t hurting anyone or causing destruction of public property, they should be able to protest as long as they want or need.
The last thing anyone wants to see is more people hurt while exercising their Constitutional rights.
And remember that this movement, like the Tea Party before it, is an expression of real feelings and concerns. They should be taken seriously and addressed.

Buy this photo

•••••
The Occupy movement  brings real issues to the table that everyone should reflect on and consider — even if you don’t approve of their tactics.
Positive change can only come when Americans express their thoughts and concerns. Everyone should look at these issues.
Don’t blow it.