Just How Far Will These Protests Go?

[WiffenPoof]

My wife and I were up until 3:00 a.m. pouring through YouTube videos of the various protests around the county. As we watched, we became more and more encouraged that something special is happening...and it is happening in our lifetime. Our thrill at seeing young (and old) in the streets protesting the injustices we have all suffered under for the past thirty years was tempered by our sincere concern over where these protests might end up going. I lived through the Viet Nam Era and the Civil Rights movement... Are we heading towards even greater violence and police brutality? My wife and I are truly afraid for the possible (or probable) escalation of violence in the streets.

I guess my question to my fellow DUers is just how far do you think these protests will go? Are we seeing the very beginning of another era of violent protests....just how bad will it get?


As a side bar...

Two years ago I posted how absolutely disappointed I was in the young people of today. This included my 26 year old daughter who did not want to hear anything negative about President Obama. I predictably ranted that "in my day" we would be in streets protesting injustice. I couldn't understand why after everything we had been through with Bush and the lack of followthrough from our current President, why the streets weren't filled with people exercising the right to petition the government...I was wrong. The onset of OWS, has convinced me that I spoke too soon. And to the brave and courageous progressive youth who are now dodging tear gas and rubber bullets, I am sorry that I misjudged you. I am so proud of you. I am glad that I lived long enough to see this happen.


-P

[gateley]

1. Has your daughter become interested in this movement? nt

[WiffenPoof]

4. In a word....YES

She has proven "the old man wrong" and I couldn't be happier.

-P

[gateley]

15. Good to be proven wrong in this instance, and she's obviously

a lot more like the old man than you (and probably she) ever thought!

Good job -- you done good!

:headbang:

[WiffenPoof]

13. Gately...

We actually know each other....I was a big Biden supporter.

-P

[Avalux]

2. Good post - don't agree with your words on Obama, but happy you support the MOVEMENT.

And it is a movement; it's not going to stop, it doesn't have a leader; a set of goals that once reached, everyone will pack up and go home.

It will not ever stop and shouldn't; we should never be lulled back into a state of complacency that has allowed a few to steal from the rest of us. The state of our country (and of the world, really) is partly our fault; for not being active in our own well-being. That is changing.

[WiffenPoof]

3. It's Okay If...

...we respectfully disagree with each other concerning our President. Who knows...I may be proven wrong on that front as well. I certainly hope so.

-P

[RKP5637]

5. I think OWS has given a focus independent of parties, so a lot more people

can relate to it ... also, I think many feel a lot hasn't changed in the past couple of years with too big to fail, wall street and the banksters. So, being party neutral is a big plus.

I think it will grow and grow, and become violent if the cops/municipalities unreasonably pressure OWS and ignored by TPTB. I'm always wondering when the hired provocateurs will start showing up more and more.

Sadly in the US, as with many places, often nothing happens when you try to make reasonable change. It just about always ends up violent.

I remember the Viet Nam Era and the Civil Rights movement. Those tried to be peaceful, but TPTB made them violent.

The 1% will resort to all sorts of outrageous tactics to quash OWS. Even Kent State again.

[WiffenPoof]

6. Kent State Was So Horrible...

You don't paint a very optimistic picture with regard to future violence. However, I think I'm leaning towards your assessment more and more each day that passes.

-P

[Mimosa]

8. ^ Reccing RKP5637's astute comment above ^

RKP5637, a couple of weeks ago I posted I also fear sabotage of this movement by provocateurs. It happened during the late 1960s, early 70s.

TPTB are very threatened.

[RKP5637]

12. Thanks Mimosa! Yes, sabotage of OWS would fit right in with how the 1% thinks. They

will put the best minds together on how to do this and pull in the professionals. They have unlimited funds to undermine OWS with their provocateurs. Then, sadly, portions of MSM will pick it up and amplify it for their profit and as greedy corporatists.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. I have a very serious suggestion.

Make a point to visit. You tube, while great, is a pale comparison to the actual place.

[WiffenPoof]

9. Can you suggest...

other resources for my wife and I to view other than YouTube?

-P

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. Twitter feeds, facebook pages

But serious go to one...it is an experience.

[WiffenPoof]

11. Going there right now...

I hadn't even considered those sources....duh! Thanks so much for reminding me. Appreciate it.

-P

[Fire Walk With Me]

14. We are witnessing a change in the world, for the better. Along the way, the black hats will fight

and cause ugliness, but know the Trend as it has already revealed itself: things have Changed, and every time the bad people do something disgusting to the protesters, it triples our numbers, it cements our resolve to make things better for ourselves and for our children.

This. Is. Amazing. This is an incredible time to be alive.

"Never in my life did I imagine I'd be sitting with a group of adults seriously debating policy as if our decision made a difference.

And that's how I—a mealy-mouthed moderate visiting Occupy Oakland reluctantly, and for the very first time—was not only welcomed but spoke, was listened to, and was heard."

http://www.theawl.com/2011/10/the-livestream-ended-how-i-got-off-my-computer-and-into-the-streets-at-occupy-oakland