Okay... I'm not positive that posting on this topic two days in a row is sensible, but I will admit that I am compelled to do it, so here I am. I'll keep it somewhat short and to the point.
So I've been doing my research and I still do not see any identifiable goals for this Occupy (a city near you) movement. Yes, I can grasp the points made as to what the protesters are angry about with serious attention to the bailout $s received by corporate America and the banks and predators / creditors. I agree. Beyond that, there are more important problems that beg for such an orchestrated movement receiving such friendly press. Indulge me as I name some of the many, please...
- The US military machine is currently unleashing commando operations in more than 75 countries and before the end of the year that number will probably reach 120, according to the spokesman for US Special Operation Command (SOCOM). Interested in the full rundown? Read US Commando War in 120 Countries by Nick Turse (August 4, 2011)
- The US occupation of Iraq. Saddam has not been in power since 2003, and that is when the last excuse of war and occupation could have possibly been valid. Of course the invasion was based on lies, but for the moment I'll get past that problem.
- The US occupation of Afghanistan. As we are all aware, the invasion began in October of 2001 and there have been many troop escalations since. Apparently the US foreign policy advisers learned nothing whatsoever from the decade long mistake of the former Soviet Union. There are many schools of thought on what specifically led to the bankruptcy and subsequent dissolution of the USSR, and mine leans toward the Afghanistan debacle. But we knew how to do it so much better, right?
- The arrest, psychological torture, and confinement of Bradley Manning for over 500 days without trial at this point. Sure, I read that a few of the Occupy (your city) participants mentioned Brad Manning, but that is not enough. He (if he did it) exposed the truth about this entire War on Terror, yet he's still in a cell and no one is held accountable. We the people had a right to the information released anyway.
- US foreign policy. Enough said.
An Occupy movement for the first 4 of the 5 more important issues begging our attention today would have more obvious goals than the anti-banker sit-in that's currently preoccupying the people and the press. Of course without serious changes to US foreign policy (#5), the lasting effects would be minimal anyway.
And that is my viewpoint of the Occupy movement...
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