Authority

[Gregorian]

3. This is why Occupy Wall Street was so important, I believe

It seems that during the period of time in which OWS was demonstrating on the streets, the term "one percent" was coined. Now when a candidate who cares about the people is speaking, they can mention the one percent, and be confident that there is understanding.

In 1992 I remember being a young engineer, in the office, and thinking that Bush's war was the equivalent of shedding others' blood in order to secure a resource. I chose to speak out about it in the office, against my fear. It was when the younger Bush invaded Iraq that I heard the blood for oil chant, and I then relaxed about saying what I did in that office.

Part of the revolution in thinking is something I've said before: We versus Me. As a biological entity, this society had free reign to enough energy to support it's growth. But rugged individualism is no longer possible nor responsible. This is one area where the notion of changing our behavior is almost totally rejected.

Just the notion of "we versus me" alone is so complex and full of potential blocks that I fear for our future. I talk with people who say one thing, yet do another. So even the perception of one's own behavior must be close to the truth before an accurate consciousness can be formed. And then we can start to progress.

One thing I find very optimistic is the presence of so many people who until recently have been quiet. So I think that there is always a kernel around which progress toward a consciousness of the majority of society can grow. It's like telling a drunk that they have to sober up: it's not going to be easy at first.