Occupy

That last few days I have been observing the Occupy activities in Oakland, California http://www.occupyoakland.org/. I live in Sacramento, but thought it would be interesting to observe the City I lived in briefly before my move to Sacramento 9 years ago. It just so happens that the demonstration is across the street from where I worked back then and a few blocks from where I lived. The last large gathering I attended in Frank Ogawa Plaza (now renamed Oscar Grant Plaza by the community in honor of the Bay Area Rapid Transit police slain Grant on New Year’s Day 2009) was an Obama rally on St. Patrick’s Day 2007. The mood was much different that day Obama was the upstart, young Senator from Illinois, who was at best third in the polls at the time. John Edwards and Hillary Clinton were still the frontrunners, and very few were predicting an Obama victory. A few weeks before I had made my decision to support Obama and was glad that the work event that I was attending inside Oakland City Hall coincided with the rally. I stayed for a while, collected a few t-shirts and other memorabilia for myself and family, including my now well-worn green St. Patty’s Day Obama t-shirt that now gets some of the similar bad looks I receive 4 years ago from different people, a far cry from the cheers it received in late 2008 and 2009 when wearing the shirt and other Obama gear when running in Sacramento and whatever City I traveled to for work or pleasure. Obama was more like a folk hero and to some a revolutionary. The pending election results would break molds on how to conduct elections in the future and put a stark imprint on race relations in this country. The energy and optimism of that day can also be felt this weekend by the Occupy Oakland participants.

Despite the recent violent clashes with the police, the camp is amazingly peaceful and orderly. Yes, there is the free flowing scent of marijuana in corners of the camp or in nearby streets, a possible indirect protest aimed at marijuana legalization and the recent federal crackdown on medicinal marijuana laws established by the citizens of the State of California. However, you can see many efforts to address the public health concerns around the camping. Portable potties are set up on site, washing areas for hand and face sanitation are available, food is being purchased and donated to provide nutrition and special tents and areas have been set up to support young children. What are particularly interesting are the ongoing meetings that occur in circles around the Plaza. This morning I came across a Shambhala group that sat in silence on the steps of the amphitheater. Yesterday organized meditation and yoga classes could be witnessed. Many strategy sessions were occurring and discussions could be heard on many subjects. At one morning session, participants read from books and articles that inspired them to act. Though most of the occupy crew is younger, there are many older folks that are actively involved or observing or assisting in the success of the movement. Not surprising in this liberal enclave, by I am sure this is happening nationwide.

The Occupy Oakland community makes decisions by a vote of at least 90 percent of members. They recently agreed to organize a General Strike and Mass Day of Action. On November 2nd, they are asking that corporations and banks shut down or get marched on and welcome students to walk out of school. It will culminate with a march to the Port of Oakland, intent on shutting it down at 5:00 p.m. I eagerly anticipate the result of this.

In many ways, the Occupy movement stands in the face of the promise of Obama as President of the United States. The progressive, liberal promise, with a twinge of social revolution has been drowned by the fiscal crisis in this country, the rise of the Tea Party and the more moderate response from the Obama Administration. Many of the young people and minorities who voted for the first time in 2008, embracing the HOPE of Obama, now crowd parks and squares nationwide, pushing forward an agenda that calls for the end of corporate greed and control of our country. Obama obviously faces a hostile House of Representatives bent on his removal from office, in all his efforts to transform this country, and this cannot be overlooked as he takes criticism from the very folks that catapulted him into office.

I often look at the solution in all things, as we know the corporation and financial structure behind them are going nowhere fast, but we can implement laws and regulation that balance the playing field significantly more in this country. However, I am always inspired by the efforts of everyday Americans who have come up with innovative ways to transform society. I recently came across a Northern California non-profit founded by a young woman, Rebecca Burgess to source all of our clothing from fibers and dyes were produced within 150 miles from where she lived. This move directly provides economic, environmental and social impact in her community. The organization, Fibershed, http://www.fibershed.com/ has spawned a community of individuals dedicated to changing how they live and interact with each other. All protest to gain political and economic power, must be balanced by new solutions once victory is won.

As the Occupy Movement spreads throughout the world and builds sustainability, I hope that Wall Street, the Obama Administration, local government and others will find ways to work with these growing voices to transform our country in support of all Americans and not just the 1%. As we have bowed to the relatively small, but powerful Tea Party, we should open eyes and ears and listen to this more populist movement, propelled by our future.