The “occupy” movement has been the proverbial “pebble in the pond,” causing ripples across the political and civic ponds. I have followed it with considerable interest, but as time has passed I have begun to feel a worrying unease. The movement defines the “one-percent” and has done a great service in pointing out the utter, unforgivable immorality of allowing such a disparity. But, in the back of my mind (cynicism at full volume) I worry a lot about what will happen if the one-percent ever really feel threatened. At present, they are “annoyed,” but what happens if they truly feel threatened? I know for a fact that they will react with oppression and violence that will mask as being “justified.” And, when that happens I predict that one of two things will happen: 1)the movement will shrivel as citizens fear loss of their current station in life (average as it might be), or even injury and loss of life, or 2) a true violent revolution will ensue.
This belief of mine was brought into frightening focus when I read this article a few moments ago. I usually don’t ever share a link to an article over a page long, but this three-pager is a required, and very scary, read.
I hope I’m wrong, but I fear that I am not.
1 comment:
Swat teams are extreme for extreme conditions where weapons are employed by the lawless opposition. Pepper spray seems fine for most OWS instances. If they refuse a lawful police order and are notified that they will be pepper sprayed if they do not dispurse, so be it.
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