IS THIS THE BEST OUR TOP DOGS CAN DO?

“From Oakland, California to New York City, the police, ordered by politicians, have smashed through Occupy encampments.” Ralph Nader

“Our elites have exposed their hand. They have nothing to offer.” Christopher Hedges


“Astoundingly clueless” best describes the efforts of our nation’s political leaders, at all levels, to address widespread protests. The problems we are mired in are grossly threatening, while the solutions presented by our leaders are not only ineffective, but are aimed elsewhere than at what ails us. America’s overseers seem to be intent on killing the messengers (the Occupiers), as if that will make our troubles disappear. These ham-handed police actions are more than cruel and unfair. They actually demonstrate, forthrightly, the political elites’ total lack of ideas.
Police state tactics used against the Occupiers have been unpopular among most regular folks. That the political and media elites are surprised at this outcome clearly shows how out-of-touch they now are, expecting, it seems, another reaction similar to what happened in 1968, when millions cheered the police brutality in Chicago. But the protesters of 2011 have learned the lessons of 1968, and are careful to avoid provocative harassment against the police. Besides, the times, they are a’changing, and watching police in riot gear brutalize mostly peaceful crowds has become a horrifying experience. If we give any credence to the concept of American exceptionalism, it is that we do not do that here in the U.S.A.
The scramble afterward is enlightening—not the scramble of whipped and hassled protesters to save themselves, but the scramble of elected and appointed officials to save their political hides. They claim to be shocked—shocked—to witness what we are all seeing. But they are poor actors, and some officials have admitted that there is a coordinated effort to end these Occupy episodes everywhere at once. Furthermore, the arrogance apparent on the part of the police tells us these officers are acting not on threats from their victims, but on orders from above. New videos do show some taunting and jeering from the protesters aimed at the police. But most Americans remain unconvinced that verbal jibes merit the brutal responses we also witnessed. To commit violence under orders brings out an extremely ugly and immature part of human nature, one that we all harbour. Mature people strive to avoid letting juvenile nastiness direct public policy.
People do not go into law enforcement because they want to make policy. They go into that line to do a job, and that means following instructions. They show up in riot gear and beat, spray, and otherwise harm protesters for one reason: they are ordered to do it. And now we watch the people who gave the orders run for cover at the first hint of public disapproval. This should give the police officers something to think about: they could wind up as politicians’ sacrificial lambs, if the current campaign against the Occupiers turns out to be ineffective, which appears likely.
Socially and economically, the police belong to the ninety-nine percent. Some of them always knew this, and more are steadily turning to this reality. The trend seems sure to continue, as violence is evidently the only solution the establishment has. The plan, apparently, is to deal with society’s difficulties by causing the Occupiers so much pain that they give up and go home. This tactic might work in a relatively stable, prosperous, and equal society. Or it could be effective in a culture where the general public can be kept unaware of reality. Neither of these situations is to be found in the United States right now.
Police arrest protesters for trespassing. Laws against overnight camping seemingly trump any real grievances the Occupiers might have. At the same time the authorities complain that the protesters have failed to itemize their grievances, thus they are mere public nuisances. The system allows for protest, complaint, and suggested changes, but only through proper channels. The leaders will be glad to listen to any concerns people might have, but these concerns must be voiced in the traditional ways, open to all. Until such time, officialdom is not to be bothered. What officialdom fails to realize is that the majority is aware that a small group of wealthy individuals has managed to manipulate leaders into doing their bidding, at the expense of everyone else. Occupiers are occupying because the proper channels have been effectively closed to them. Protest is the only means remaining to draw attention to America’s pressing troubles.
Our country’s founders were painfully familiar with being ignored by government officials. Constant frustration with the agents of King George on this continent and across the Atlantic, left them no options but Revolutionary War. Determined to avoid having to go through the same horrors again, determined to allow for peaceful revolution, they wrote the Bill of Rights into the new Law of the Land. Foremost of these rights is “peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” They intended for officialdom to be disturbed and inconvenienced, whenever established means of communication should fail. People have the right to assemble. Their government is not authorized to pick a fight with them when they do.