Wall Street protests

[Epona]

has the revolution begun? No, no it has not. there is no revolution. This is people pissed off at the wealthy cause they got screwed even though in the end its many of their own fault. Though I get a particular laugh when a devout conservative republican protests, acting like a political party change is going to magically turn the US's financial crisis into a surplus of unknown and unprecedented magnitude.

...

TL;DR its pissed off people using their right to free speech. Good to see in the US, but its not exactly earth shaking.

I have to agree with this. I think a good chunk of these protesters are doing so irrationally because they're angry. They don't understand the real politics and don't know what they are really talking about, but lashing out against the wealthy for being "corrupt" is a handy recourse, used every time the economy gets shaky.

I'm sure there are people with real issues and who understand the situation, but most of these people are just left-wing nuts.

There was some news footage shown locally in which a Congressman of some sort was trying to talk to the people, telling them there needed to be a change in how the country was run - only for a man in the crowd to shout that he was part of the problem and shouldn't have been there.

Let me ask you something. Do you think every soldier understands the politics of the war they are fighting?

Now tell me, does it matter?

That's different. A soldier doesn't have to understand the politics. It's detrimental if they have to take into consideration the political decisions. I certainly don't.

However, if you're going to protest a perceived injustice... shouldn't you understand it?

Yes you should but it isn't a requirement. It's no different with soldiers, they can fight without knowing everything about their enemy and so can angry people.

If a revolution begins, those protestors will become soldiers anyway. Has there ever been a revolution where all the participants were 100% informed? I doubt it.

 

[StarCecil]

has the revolution begun? No, no it has not. there is no revolution. This is people pissed off at the wealthy cause they got screwed even though in the end its many of their own fault. Though I get a particular laugh when a devout conservative republican protests, acting like a political party change is going to magically turn the US's financial crisis into a surplus of unknown and unprecedented magnitude.

...

TL;DR its pissed off people using their right to free speech. Good to see in the US, but its not exactly earth shaking.

I have to agree with this. I think a good chunk of these protesters are doing so irrationally because they're angry. They don't understand the real politics and don't know what they are really talking about, but lashing out against the wealthy for being "corrupt" is a handy recourse, used every time the economy gets shaky.

I'm sure there are people with real issues and who understand the situation, but most of these people are just left-wing nuts.

There was some news footage shown locally in which a Congressman of some sort was trying to talk to the people, telling them there needed to be a change in how the country was run - only for a man in the crowd to shout that he was part of the problem and shouldn't have been there.

Let me ask you something. Do you think every soldier understands the politics of the war they are fighting?

Now tell me, does it matter?

That's different. A soldier doesn't have to understand the politics. It's detrimental if they have to take into consideration the political decisions. I certainly don't.

However, if you're going to protest a perceived injustice... shouldn't you understand it?

Yes you should but it isn't a requirement. It's no different with soldiers, they can fight without knowing everything about their enemy and so can angry people.

If a revolution begins, those protestors will become soldiers anyway. Has there ever been a revolution where all the participants were 100% informed? I doubt it.

Wait, are you seriously suggesting that this is the prelude to a revolution? That these people are soldiers-in-being? That's ridiculous.

This isn't war, and they are not soldiers. They want to affect political change, but don't even understand the system they are railing against, don't understand the rhetoric they spout, and probably don't even agree with each others' proposed changes.

Look, I truly don't understand economics. I have a very limited understanding. So, if I were to say "Social spending is wrecking our economy", wouldn't you ignore that statement?

 

[Thaluikhain]

I think you underestimate the internet. The internet:

- can get people angry about things
- can help people research things (if they want to)
- can tell people what to think (if they don't want to research)
- has been serving as a replacement for the mainstream media for atleast a decade

One thing people KNOW without being told is that their money is stretched thin and they are working as hard or harder than they ever have. They know that Wall Street and the bankers play a role in that.

Sure, it can do all those things, but there is no guarantee that it will.

I mean, look at these forums. When a protest makes it to TV and newspapers, several people will independently start threads about them. Some more informative than others, some in the wrong areas, some will end in flaming. But there will be alot of discussion. Hell, the WBC is a tiny group, but anytime it does something there'll be at least one thread on them. [small]You'll also note that the police don't pepper spray them when they use their right to free speech.[/small]

But, this is the first thread I've seen about these protests, and they've been going on for days.

Admittedly, yeah, these forums aren't a microcosm of the whole net, but you see my point.

 

[Epona]

has the revolution begun? No, no it has not. there is no revolution. This is people pissed off at the wealthy cause they got screwed even though in the end its many of their own fault. Though I get a particular laugh when a devout conservative republican protests, acting like a political party change is going to magically turn the US's financial crisis into a surplus of unknown and unprecedented magnitude.

...

TL;DR its pissed off people using their right to free speech. Good to see in the US, but its not exactly earth shaking.

I have to agree with this. I think a good chunk of these protesters are doing so irrationally because they're angry. They don't understand the real politics and don't know what they are really talking about, but lashing out against the wealthy for being "corrupt" is a handy recourse, used every time the economy gets shaky.

I'm sure there are people with real issues and who understand the situation, but most of these people are just left-wing nuts.

There was some news footage shown locally in which a Congressman of some sort was trying to talk to the people, telling them there needed to be a change in how the country was run - only for a man in the crowd to shout that he was part of the problem and shouldn't have been there.

Let me ask you something. Do you think every soldier understands the politics of the war they are fighting?

Now tell me, does it matter?

That's different. A soldier doesn't have to understand the politics. It's detrimental if they have to take into consideration the political decisions. I certainly don't.

However, if you're going to protest a perceived injustice... shouldn't you understand it?

Yes you should but it isn't a requirement. It's no different with soldiers, they can fight without knowing everything about their enemy and so can angry people.

If a revolution begins, those protestors will become soldiers anyway. Has there ever been a revolution where all the participants were 100% informed? I doubt it.

Wait, are you seriously suggesting that this is the prelude to a revolution? That these people are soldiers-in-being? That's ridiculous.

This isn't war, and they are not soldiers. They want to affect political change, but don't even understand the system they are railing against, don't understand the rhetoric they spout, and probably don't even agree with each others' proposed changes.

Look, I truly don't understand economics. I have a very limited understanding. So, if I were to say "Social spending is wrecking our economy", wouldn't you ignore that statement?

I am asking is this is the beginning of the revolution.

Let me ask you something, our economy is in a mess and the dollar is weak. Do you forsee this fixing itself without a revolution and if so, how?

Right now, people don't know what to believe. They get different answers everywhere they look and they don't know who is lying and to what extent. Do you honestly believe that keeping people confused will prevent a revolution?

You seem to be looking at revolution as a rational act, it isn't and so why would you expect all of it's participants to be rational? All you need for a revolution is angry people.

 

[TacticalAssassin1]

This is all I've seen about it.
From what you guys know, is this guy showing an accurate portrayal of what's going on over there?

 

[StarCecil]

has the revolution begun? No, no it has not. there is no revolution. This is people pissed off at the wealthy cause they got screwed even though in the end its many of their own fault. Though I get a particular laugh when a devout conservative republican protests, acting like a political party change is going to magically turn the US's financial crisis into a surplus of unknown and unprecedented magnitude.

...

TL;DR its pissed off people using their right to free speech. Good to see in the US, but its not exactly earth shaking.

I have to agree with this. I think a good chunk of these protesters are doing so irrationally because they're angry. They don't understand the real politics and don't know what they are really talking about, but lashing out against the wealthy for being "corrupt" is a handy recourse, used every time the economy gets shaky.

I'm sure there are people with real issues and who understand the situation, but most of these people are just left-wing nuts.

There was some news footage shown locally in which a Congressman of some sort was trying to talk to the people, telling them there needed to be a change in how the country was run - only for a man in the crowd to shout that he was part of the problem and shouldn't have been there.

Let me ask you something. Do you think every soldier understands the politics of the war they are fighting?

Now tell me, does it matter?

That's different. A soldier doesn't have to understand the politics. It's detrimental if they have to take into consideration the political decisions. I certainly don't.

However, if you're going to protest a perceived injustice... shouldn't you understand it?

Yes you should but it isn't a requirement. It's no different with soldiers, they can fight without knowing everything about their enemy and so can angry people.

If a revolution begins, those protestors will become soldiers anyway. Has there ever been a revolution where all the participants were 100% informed? I doubt it.

Wait, are you seriously suggesting that this is the prelude to a revolution? That these people are soldiers-in-being? That's ridiculous.

This isn't war, and they are not soldiers. They want to affect political change, but don't even understand the system they are railing against, don't understand the rhetoric they spout, and probably don't even agree with each others' proposed changes.

Look, I truly don't understand economics. I have a very limited understanding. So, if I were to say "Social spending is wrecking our economy", wouldn't you ignore that statement?

I am asking is this is the beginning of the revolution.

Let me ask you something, our economy is in a mess and the dollar is weak. Do you forsee this fixing itself without a revolution and if so, how?

Right now, people don't know what to believe. They get different answers everywhere they look and they don't know who is lying and to what extent. Do you honestly believe that keeping people confused will prevent a revolution?

You seem to be looking at revolution as a rational act, it isn't and so why would you expect all of it's participants to be rational? All you need for a revolution is angry people.

This isn't the beginning of a revolution because, as I said, a good majority of the protesters are just protesting because the sentiment is popular, not because they truly think that "Wall Street" is to blame or because they even fully understand the economic situation.

No, a revolution is not necessary. We can still use political means to achieve change - if that is truly what's necessary - and use some actual effort to sort the situation out. A revolution would not help anything.

These people, as was my original point, aren't protesting because they really believe the rhetoric - but because it's a popular thing to say. They aren't even representative of America and have no real organized goal.

Do you forsee this fixing itself without a revolution and if so, how?

This right here is what I'm talking about. We don't need a revolution, not by any standard, and it's just fear mongering and knee-jerk reactionism to say that we do.

 

[Epona]

I think you underestimate the internet. The internet:

- can get people angry about things
- can help people research things (if they want to)
- can tell people what to think (if they don't want to research)
- has been serving as a replacement for the mainstream media for atleast a decade

One thing people KNOW without being told is that their money is stretched thin and they are working as hard or harder than they ever have. They know that Wall Street and the bankers play a role in that.

Sure, it can do all those things, but there is no guarantee that it will.

I mean, look at these forums. When a protest makes it to TV and newspapers, several people will independently start threads about them. Some more informative than others, some in the wrong areas, some will end in flaming. But there will be alot of discussion. Hell, the WBC is a tiny group, but anytime it does something there'll be at least one thread on them. [small]You'll also note that the police don't pepper spray them when they use their right to free speech.[/small]

But, this is the first thread I've seen about these protests, and they've been going on for days.

Admittedly, yeah, these forums aren't a microcosm of the whole net, but you see my point.

No I really don't see your point. The internet has changed the world as we know it. It has changed entertainment, communication and most importantly, knowledge. It has changed the world because people actually use it to do the things on my list.

As much as I hate Facebook, it holds alot of power. Will Facebook be used to report and anger people about these protests, I think it will if it hasn't already.

Seriously though, it's 2011, are you really saying that you doubt people use the internet to do the things on me list?

 

[Epona]

has the revolution begun? No, no it has not. there is no revolution. This is people pissed off at the wealthy cause they got screwed even though in the end its many of their own fault. Though I get a particular laugh when a devout conservative republican protests, acting like a political party change is going to magically turn the US's financial crisis into a surplus of unknown and unprecedented magnitude.

...

TL;DR its pissed off people using their right to free speech. Good to see in the US, but its not exactly earth shaking.

I have to agree with this. I think a good chunk of these protesters are doing so irrationally because they're angry. They don't understand the real politics and don't know what they are really talking about, but lashing out against the wealthy for being "corrupt" is a handy recourse, used every time the economy gets shaky.

I'm sure there are people with real issues and who understand the situation, but most of these people are just left-wing nuts.

There was some news footage shown locally in which a Congressman of some sort was trying to talk to the people, telling them there needed to be a change in how the country was run - only for a man in the crowd to shout that he was part of the problem and shouldn't have been there.

Let me ask you something. Do you think every soldier understands the politics of the war they are fighting?

Now tell me, does it matter?

That's different. A soldier doesn't have to understand the politics. It's detrimental if they have to take into consideration the political decisions. I certainly don't.

However, if you're going to protest a perceived injustice... shouldn't you understand it?

Yes you should but it isn't a requirement. It's no different with soldiers, they can fight without knowing everything about their enemy and so can angry people.

If a revolution begins, those protestors will become soldiers anyway. Has there ever been a revolution where all the participants were 100% informed? I doubt it.

Wait, are you seriously suggesting that this is the prelude to a revolution? That these people are soldiers-in-being? That's ridiculous.

This isn't war, and they are not soldiers. They want to affect political change, but don't even understand the system they are railing against, don't understand the rhetoric they spout, and probably don't even agree with each others' proposed changes.

Look, I truly don't understand economics. I have a very limited understanding. So, if I were to say "Social spending is wrecking our economy", wouldn't you ignore that statement?

I am asking is this is the beginning of the revolution.

Let me ask you something, our economy is in a mess and the dollar is weak. Do you forsee this fixing itself without a revolution and if so, how?

Right now, people don't know what to believe. They get different answers everywhere they look and they don't know who is lying and to what extent. Do you honestly believe that keeping people confused will prevent a revolution?

You seem to be looking at revolution as a rational act, it isn't and so why would you expect all of it's participants to be rational? All you need for a revolution is angry people.

This isn't the beginning of a revolution because, as I said, a good majority of the protesters are just protesting because the sentiment is popular, not because they truly think that "Wall Street" is to blame or because they even fully understand the economic situation.

No, a revolution is not necessary. We can still use political means to achieve change - if that is truly what's necessary - and use some actual effort to sort the situation out. A revolution would not help anything.

These people, as was my original point, aren't protesting because they really believe the rhetoric - but because it's a popular thing to say. They aren't even representative of America and have no real organized goal.

Ok, so you KNOW what these people are thinking. Prove it!

Are you a politician because this is what I ask:

Let me ask you something, our economy is in a mess and the dollar is weak. Do you forsee this fixing itself without a revolution and if so, how?

Your bullshit answer:

No, a revolution is not necessary. We can still use political means to achieve change - if that is truly what's necessary - and use some actual effort to sort the situation out. A revolution would not help anything.

You said nothing of any value. We can use political means? What does that mean in the real world? More bailouts perhaps.

 

[emeraldrafael]

This is all I've seen about it.
From what you guys know, is this guy showing an accurate portrayal of what's going on over there?

He doesnt understand how the crisis started really.

Other then that, yeah, pretty much. i've likened it to the Poor Man's Tea Party. People pissed for no good reason that they themselves werent apart of at people they pay to be there.

You can sum a large part of it up to not understand capitalism really. Though I dont think the police brutality is what people are making it out to be (but then again, i could be wrong, and chose to believe that there is a second side to the story that isnt being told because the plight of the poor gets more ratings then the duty of the law).

 

[StarCecil]

has the revolution begun? No, no it has not. there is no revolution. This is people pissed off at the wealthy cause they got screwed even though in the end its many of their own fault. Though I get a particular laugh when a devout conservative republican protests, acting like a political party change is going to magically turn the US's financial crisis into a surplus of unknown and unprecedented magnitude.

...

TL;DR its pissed off people using their right to free speech. Good to see in the US, but its not exactly earth shaking.

I have to agree with this. I think a good chunk of these protesters are doing so irrationally because they're angry. They don't understand the real politics and don't know what they are really talking about, but lashing out against the wealthy for being "corrupt" is a handy recourse, used every time the economy gets shaky.

I'm sure there are people with real issues and who understand the situation, but most of these people are just left-wing nuts.

There was some news footage shown locally in which a Congressman of some sort was trying to talk to the people, telling them there needed to be a change in how the country was run - only for a man in the crowd to shout that he was part of the problem and shouldn't have been there.

Let me ask you something. Do you think every soldier understands the politics of the war they are fighting?

Now tell me, does it matter?

That's different. A soldier doesn't have to understand the politics. It's detrimental if they have to take into consideration the political decisions. I certainly don't.

However, if you're going to protest a perceived injustice... shouldn't you understand it?

Yes you should but it isn't a requirement. It's no different with soldiers, they can fight without knowing everything about their enemy and so can angry people.

If a revolution begins, those protestors will become soldiers anyway. Has there ever been a revolution where all the participants were 100% informed? I doubt it.

Wait, are you seriously suggesting that this is the prelude to a revolution? That these people are soldiers-in-being? That's ridiculous.

This isn't war, and they are not soldiers. They want to affect political change, but don't even understand the system they are railing against, don't understand the rhetoric they spout, and probably don't even agree with each others' proposed changes.

Look, I truly don't understand economics. I have a very limited understanding. So, if I were to say "Social spending is wrecking our economy", wouldn't you ignore that statement?

I am asking is this is the beginning of the revolution.

Let me ask you something, our economy is in a mess and the dollar is weak. Do you forsee this fixing itself without a revolution and if so, how?

Right now, people don't know what to believe. They get different answers everywhere they look and they don't know who is lying and to what extent. Do you honestly believe that keeping people confused will prevent a revolution?

You seem to be looking at revolution as a rational act, it isn't and so why would you expect all of it's participants to be rational? All you need for a revolution is angry people.

This isn't the beginning of a revolution because, as I said, a good majority of the protesters are just protesting because the sentiment is popular, not because they truly think that "Wall Street" is to blame or because they even fully understand the economic situation.

No, a revolution is not necessary. We can still use political means to achieve change - if that is truly what's necessary - and use some actual effort to sort the situation out. A revolution would not help anything.

These people, as was my original point, aren't protesting because they really believe the rhetoric - but because it's a popular thing to say. They aren't even representative of America and have no real organized goal.

Ok, so you KNOW what these people are thinking. Prove it!

Are you a politician because this is what I ask:

Let me ask you something, our economy is in a mess and the dollar is weak. Do you forsee this fixing itself without a revolution and if so, how?

Your bullshit answer:

No, a revolution is not necessary. We can still use political means to achieve change - if that is truly what's necessary - and use some actual effort to sort the situation out. A revolution would not help anything.

You said nothing of any value. We can use political means? What does that mean in the real world? More bailouts perhaps.

Wow, way to toss out civility. Look, a good chunk of these people are young. And young people echo popular political thought - generally left-leaning, but that's because a young person generally doesn't have the economic standing to appreciate or require a Republican stance on fiscal issues. That said, there are plenty of young, college-age people who would gladly join in on the protest for no reason other than that they are swept up in the popular sentiment.

Case in point: has anyone claimed to represent the protesters, their political goals, or even given them a collective name, political affiliation, or a set list of intended goals? No? Do most of the protesters spout such rhetoric as "Wall Street is corrupt", "Government supports big business" and "Bailouts are wrong" without also being able to discuss why it is so? No?

Bailouts might be wrong. I don't really know. The government handing out money to business owners (people with more money than me) sounds pretty bad. Sounds bad. It could be a necessary measure. I don't really know. There are some industries whose collapse would devastate the economy.

I'm not saying that they don't have a point or that their opinions aren't valid, but I will not take them seriously until they take themselves seriously as a political movement. Which they aren't.

As for your "revolution now" talk. No. Just, no. It isn't necessary, because, as I said, there is still room for political, diplomatic response.

Write your Congressman, get involved in your local politics, vote for a candidate you agree with, or run yourself. But to say that we immediately need to get up in arms and violently overthrow the government because you don't like how the economy is going right now... how is that different from those folks who talked about a revolution because a "black Muslim" was elected President.

And to turn it around on you, how would a revolution help anything? Wouldn't it destroy our economy further? Cause vast infrastructural damage and needless loss of life?

 

[books of war 13]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15140671

this link shows some more insights probably from the British perspective of the riots along with some quotes. From this it looked like this people were protesting about a capitalist country which cares more about corporations than people.

 

[Epona]

Wow, way to toss out civility.

Yes because I should just accept your non answer as an answer. No.

Look, a good chunk of these people are young. And young people echo popular political thought - generally left-leaning, but that's because a young person generally doesn't have the economic standing to appreciate or require a Republican stance on fiscal issues. That said, there are plenty of young, college-age people who would gladly join in on the protest for no reason other than that they are swept up in the popular sentiment.

Ah I see, only republicans can understand fiscal issues. Look buddy, I don't care about partition politics and if you want my opinion they are two sides of the same corrupt coin. The difference between citizens and the government is that WE have to balance our checkbooks and stop spending when the money runs out. So forgive me if I am not impressed with the current handling of fiscal issues. Shame on you if you are.

Case in point: has anyone claimed to represent the protesters, their political goals, or even given them a collective name, political affiliation, or a set list of intended goals? No?

All I did was watch a few videos and read the comments in the CNN article and I know that the answer to all of those questions is YES. Do some research and then come back and show me that you have a clue what you are talking about.

Bailouts might be wrong. I don't really know.

There are some industries whose collapse would devastate the economy.

Newsflash, the economy is devastated and the bail-outs were a band-aid and it is part of the reason people are angry with Wall Street.

I'm not saying that they don't have a point or that their opinions aren't valid, but I will not take them seriously until they take themselves seriously as a political movement. Which they aren't.

That's sad. Opinions don't matter to you unless they are wrapped in a political movement. Well, the machine certainly has you by the tail.

As for your "revolution now" talk. No. Just, no. It isn't necessary, because, as I said, there is still room for political, diplomatic response.

I never called for a revolution but I do think one is coming. I am merely asking if this is it. You still aren't telling me what that political, diplomatic response will be? More police brutality perhaps, pepper spray them all until they give up?

But to say that we immediately need to get up in arms and violently overthrow the government because you don't like how the economy is going right now

Ok, I am going to have to ask you to show me where I said that.

And to turn it around on you, how would a revolution help anything?

Study up on the American Revolution and then ask yourself that question.

 

[WOPR]

Funny how little it's been reported.

But yeah, protesting, people arresting for filming, police using pepper spray on people for no good reason, the usual.

More proof that we aren't free..? and that freedom of speech only applies to the top 2%? ...shocker

 

[StarCecil]

snip

I'm not a political pundit, I'm not an expert. I've not followed this protest, and this is really one of the few places that are even talking about it. I don't care because that's how much affect these protests have had on my life.

There is so much that just smacks of knee-jerk reaction about your responses that I truly tire about "debating" with you any further.

The very fact that you equate the current economic situation (which has been much worse in the past) with the American Revolution shows that you don't even have a full understanding of the situation. Nor did you answer my question.

 

[Maeta]

Those riots in London, it's coming to us isn't it?

We over here in Britain seem to get your weather a few weeks afterwards... maybe that's how it works...

OT: I'm totally ignorant on this matter (and it scares me). For one thing I haven't heard about this until now, and I can guess why people may want to protest Wall Street, and I understand Wall Street as a location in a way... but then again, forgive me if I'm wrong, they aren't protesting where they can really annoy those who will be able to make a difference? I don't really understand...

Back on the London riots, which I understand a bit more, I see them as a bit different. That was supposedly caused by a shooting, but then degenerated into looting and hate crimes, where the looting was perpetrated largely by previous offenders, but also some people no doubt participating due to the squeeze they are under from this government. And now in response to this, the home secretary wants to abolish human rights (I wish I was joking...).

I guess I hope that these Wall Street protests don't wind up/ haven't wound up like the London riots for 3 reasons: 1) The fact that it's such a horrific thing to happnen, 2) more news coverage on riots spreading increased fear (and that I've just seen too much due to the UK riots), and 3) that it may encourage the whole abolition of human rights in this country...

 

[Shoggoth2588]

Despite living in the US on the east coast, I haven't heard too much about this other than there were protests. I couldn't care less though. I don't understand why people protest to begin with though but I haven't really had a big enough cause to get into that whole protest mindset. Guess I'm missing out.

 

[Irony's Acolyte]

snip

I'm not a political pundit, I'm not an expert. I've not followed this protest, and this is really one of the few places that are even talking about it. I don't care because that's how much affect these protests have had on my life.

There is so much that just smacks of knee-jerk reaction about your responses that I truly tire about "debating" with you any further.

The very fact that you equate the current economic situation (which has been much worse in the past) with the American Revolution shows that you don't even have a full understanding of the situation. Nor did you answer my question.

Well the fact that in both situations, portions of the American population were tired of having to foot the bill for others who they didn't feel deserve it makes me think the connection isn't that weak.

Sure it isn't horrible, but that doesn't mean people won't try to turn things around before it gets worse.

 

[aprildog18]

This protest has been going on for a week now I think. You should see how Fox News cover this.

Usually the media goes batshit over the smallest things, so there may be a reason why they aren't reporting so much about it (like getting raped by the big corporations/companies).

 

[LordFisheh]

Heh, American police brutality, who can really say they're surprised? Surely they'll be brought to justice just like the police chief who attacked peaceful protesters with barbed wire wrapped around a length of pipe. Or the National Guardsmen who tortured hundreds of US civilian prisoners because they felt like it.

Oh wait.

The latter case saw not a single punishment and the former saw the chief win a local election.

 

[Epona]

Those riots in London, it's coming to us isn't it?

We over here in Britain seem to get your weather a few weeks afterwards... maybe that's how it works...

OT: I'm totally ignorant on this matter (and it scares me). For one thing I haven't heard about this until now, and I can guess why people may want to protest Wall Street, and I understand Wall Street as a location in a way... but then again, forgive me if I'm wrong, they aren't protesting where they can really annoy those who will be able to make a difference? I don't really understand...

Back on the London riots, which I understand a bit more, I see them as a bit different. That was supposedly caused by a shooting, but then degenerated into looting and hate crimes, where the looting was perpetrated largely by previous offenders, but also some people no doubt participating due to the squeeze they are under from this government. And now in response to this, the home secretary wants to abolish human rights (I wish I was joking...).

I guess I hope that these Wall Street protests don't wind up/ haven't wound up like the London riots for 3 reasons: 1) The fact that it's such a horrific thing to happnen, 2) more news coverage on riots spreading increased fear (and that I've just seen too much due to the UK riots), and 3) that it may encourage the whole abolition of human rights in this country...

You know what I think?

I think people the world over are sick and tired of seeing their lives controlled by politicians who are paid off by corporations. Given the first chance to protest or riot, they do, no matter the reason. In your case, police brutality. In our case, they took it straight to Wall Street.

Ask anyone, someone you know, someone on the streets, anyone. Ask them if they trust their government. Ask them if they trust banks or Wall Street or corporations in general.

I also believe that when enough people are ready to explode, all hell will break loose and it won't matter if they "understand all the politics". Why would people who don't trust politics, care to understand it?