In early September a few dozen people began a protest in front of the New Stock Exchange to demonstrate against corporate greed and income inequality. In the beginning the demonstrators were dismissed by the mainstream media as a bunch malcontents and hippies. However, fueled by a growing number of protesters and the support of several labor unions, this grassroots demonstration has gained mainstream appeal and has forced the national news outlets to take them seriously. The group is primarily using Twitter to recruit new members to join their demonstration and to keep supporters around the country updated on the protest activities. If you are interested you can follow their tweets at #occupywallstreet. The group has three main slogans, "Rebuild America", "Tax Wall Street" and "Make Jobs Not Cuts".
Not since the 1960s Civil Rights demonstrations and the 1970s demonstrations against the Vietnam War has our country witnessed this type of growing mass demonstration. There are currently several videos posted on YouTube showing confrontations between protesters and police officers. As the number of protesters has increased, so too has the number of arrests. As a person who can recall the sometimes violent demonstrations against the Vietnam War, it is my hope that the protests remain peaceful and that there is no further escalation of violence.
I think that most people, whether you are agree or disagree with the occupy wall street movement, can understand their frustration. Unemployment has effected everyone in one way or another. As a student finishing up school I am frustrated that there is a chance I may not find a substantial job right away.
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