It is Friday October 14, 2011. Tomorrow October 15, 2011, is Occupy the World Day.
This year we have got used to seeing media reports from the Middle East, reporting on protests, especially after Friday prayers. Now it could be the West's turn.
The Occupy Wall Street protest movement began as a rather loosely organised group of individuals, who were on general sick and tired of what they called Corporate Greed. The movement has spread in spite of the fact that mainstream media sources have bypassed the protesters. A virtual blanket ban on reporting seemed to be in operation.
Today's breakfast news in the UK finally carried coverage, and one has to assume that they have realised that the movement will grow with or without mainstream publicity. It will not simply go away.
This year we have got used to seeing media reports from the Middle East, reporting on protests, especially after Friday prayers. Now it could be the West's turn.
The Occupy Wall Street protest movement began as a rather loosely organised group of individuals, who were on general sick and tired of what they called Corporate Greed. The movement has spread in spite of the fact that mainstream media sources have bypassed the protesters. A virtual blanket ban on reporting seemed to be in operation.
Today's breakfast news in the UK finally carried coverage, and one has to assume that they have realised that the movement will grow with or without mainstream publicity. It will not simply go away.
In Canada for example protests are planned for cities such as Toronto, October 15, 2011.
As is so often the case this protest movement could go either way. It could be what the western world needs to wake up and consider radical change. Then again it could be used by those wanting to pull down the fabric of our society for their own ends.
In other words it could end in hope or disaster.
It will depend upon those involved, their ideals and how the world and its authorities respond. As yet the demonstrations have been reasonably peaceful. As a person old enough to remember student protests such as the UK anti-Vietnam war, Grosvenor Square Student protests of 1968, I know it could all go horribly wrong.
There will always be a "rent a mob" element hell bent on trouble in any such protest. Sometimes this may even be supplied by a government to cause problems. Many people still believe that the Arab Spring was so influenced by the West.
In America the country seems to be divided. Republicans tend to be against OWSPM whilst Democrats are more inclined to be positive. However, it is not about politics. For those involved they see both sides as failed governments.
So if you are taking part tomorrow take care. If you live in an area which could be affected, likewise take care. Whether these protests can and will bring about any real positive change is hard to determine. This writer has to acknowledge admiration for those who are hopeful. Many of us when young were like minded. We hoped for a brave New World but sadly, although somethings changed, it did not happen.
With much of the World enduring conflict these days, or on the verge of bankruptcy, perhaps the time is right now. Whether those in power will allow radical change is doubtful.
As is so often the case this protest movement could go either way. It could be what the western world needs to wake up and consider radical change. Then again it could be used by those wanting to pull down the fabric of our society for their own ends.
In other words it could end in hope or disaster.
It will depend upon those involved, their ideals and how the world and its authorities respond. As yet the demonstrations have been reasonably peaceful. As a person old enough to remember student protests such as the UK anti-Vietnam war, Grosvenor Square Student protests of 1968, I know it could all go horribly wrong.
There will always be a "rent a mob" element hell bent on trouble in any such protest. Sometimes this may even be supplied by a government to cause problems. Many people still believe that the Arab Spring was so influenced by the West.
In America the country seems to be divided. Republicans tend to be against OWSPM whilst Democrats are more inclined to be positive. However, it is not about politics. For those involved they see both sides as failed governments.
So if you are taking part tomorrow take care. If you live in an area which could be affected, likewise take care. Whether these protests can and will bring about any real positive change is hard to determine. This writer has to acknowledge admiration for those who are hopeful. Many of us when young were like minded. We hoped for a brave New World but sadly, although somethings changed, it did not happen.
With much of the World enduring conflict these days, or on the verge of bankruptcy, perhaps the time is right now. Whether those in power will allow radical change is doubtful.
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