First World Protests

The Occupy Wall Street movement is being a bit under-reported in the mainstream media, but it's happening for sure. (occupywallst.org). I was watching a Youtube video of one of the protests, and I saw a man claim that this was the next Arab Spring. And THAT made me think about how Occupy Wall St is nothing at all like the Arab Spring.

When we protest on Wall St and a police officer unjustifiably sprays peacefully-demonstrating women with pepper spray, it shocks the country. But when several people a day are murdered by their own government in Syria, we do nothing.

Another thing is that OCWS needs to have clearly stated goals. I've heard it referred to as everything from the Left Wing Tea Party to the place for the whole 99% (of people who don't own most of the country's wealth) to come and protest, regardless of political affiliation. What, specifically, are they trying to accomplish. So much more could be done if specific goals related to legislation and the ousting of certain political leaders was stated.

I don't know why I'm bashing on this so hard. It seems to me that finally some sort of nationwide social protest is beginning to emerge (see occupytogether.org) like it already has in countries throughout the Middle East and even Europe and Latin America. I think I want this to succeed so badly that I'm pointing out the flaws out sheer nervousness. Americans have been apathetic about politics and social justice for waaayyy too long. Hopefully this doesn't become some mindless movement that just holds up signs saying "Make things better!!!"

Here's a clip from George Carlin, talking about why he doesn't vote.

I love George Carlin, but did he ever try to change anything?