Our government’s enthusiasm for protests elsewhere does not extend to our own citizens, no matter how justified the cause. In fact, democratic movements are a threat to US policies which often support dictators. That hypocrisy remains stable from administration to administration. Real . . . → Read More: Pepper Spray, etc.]]> The recent incidents of police brutality against peaceful protesters highlight a number of things:

Our government’s enthusiasm for protests elsewhere does not extend to our own citizens, no matter how justified the cause. In fact, democratic movements are a threat to US policies which often support dictators. That hypocrisy remains stable from administration to administration. Real democracy in this country has never existed and is a threat to the established power structure.

The police use overwhelming force to intimidate peaceful protesters. When police are abusive, other officers do not intervene, becoming, in effect, accessories and accomplices. Police officers are not held accountable for criminal actions because they are in uniform. When police are caught on camera as they are so often now, they receive mild reprimands rather than the consequences that would apply to anyone else. This must be one reason they continue to abuse people. Although part of the 99% who are being used by those in power, the police are captured by their role and the code of silence that pertains in police departments around the country.

This situation is dangerous to any country that calls itself free. A badge and uniform are not a license to commit crimes with impunity. We need civilian oversight of police activities and consequences commensurate with the crimes committed.

Many locals come out during . . . → Read More: Occupy SR 11/5/11]]> I was at Occupy Santa Rosa today and was amazed at the number of tents! There must have been 100. The encampment seems well organized and the energy is really positive. That so many people are committed to staying there, I find very moving. The determination and focus is inspiring.

Many locals come out during the day, supporting the Occupiers in various ways: with donations of food, supplies, money, holding signs along the avenue, playing music and just being present. A community is evolving.

Today is Move Your Money Day and pickets marched at four of the major banks: B of A, Chase, Citibank and Wells Fargo, encouraging patrons to take their money out of these “too big to fail” predatory banks and move it to local banks and Credit Unions. This is a great idea and anyone can do it. If lots of depositors make the switch, the banks will certainly be impacted. They’ve already backed off from charging fees for debit cards.

I hope you will go down to Occupy Santa Rosa and get involved.

The commitment to non-violence and . . . → Read More: Occupy All Streets]]> I have been following the Occupy Movement with excitement and a sense of hope that’s been missing for a long time. The breadth of the Movement is reminiscent of the 1930′s when so many Americans were affected by the Depression that huge numbers of citizens were mobilized. And change happened.

The commitment to non-violence and democratic procedures is an essential aspect of the Occupy encampments and creates an atmosphere of safety and respect. This is in sharp contrast to the violence perpetrated recently by the Oakland Police Department and the serious injury to Scott Olson, the young Iraq War vet now hospitalized with a skull fracture. We are all Scott Olson and my heart goes out to him. I wish him a fast and complete recovery.

I urge everyone to support local Occupy Movements. Now is the time for us to step forward and speak out.

I have written a rap which expresses my thoughts and feelings about the current situation. I’ve been working on recording it and hope to release it soon. Here are the lyrics:

Occupy All Streets

1) The kids are coming from everywhere to occupy the streets

Confronting the bankers and brokers who are hiding in their fancy suites

They’re stakin’ out a territory for the ninety-nine percent

Who’ve been stabbed in the back by Wall Street and betrayed by the government

2) The kids made a list of why they’re pissed: unemployment, racism, war

Corporate control of everything, a system rotten to the core

Environmental destruction and those crushing student loans

Schools and healthcare broken down, foreclosures on people’s homes

Chorus

The revolution will not be televised but it’s alive and kickin’ on-line

Forget FOX and the major networks, they’re way behind the times

It’s Facebook, You Tube and Twitter, videos, blogs and text

From cell phones, web-cams, laptops and who knows what’s comin’ next

The revolution is on its way, it’s comin’ to a city near you

Check your local listings for time and place and do what you have to do

Open your heart, open your mind, it’s time, it’s way past time

3) The desperately poor and the homeless are growin’ in every town

The middle class is sucking wind and it’s close to going down

Jobs are scarce and wages are low unless you sign up for the endless wars

But fighting and dying for the empire, that’s not what these kids are for

4) And the rich men hidden by glass and steel, would like to control the scene

So they call out their boys in uniform, the teeth of their machine

So many people speaking out now are gettin’ busted by the cops

Pepper-sprayed and slammed down hard but their voices will not be stopped  Chorus

5) The world has been waiting for those of us who are living in the belly of the beast

To climb on board this train that started in the Middle East

Americans are wakin’ up, we’re tired of this ugly deal

With one percent livin’ like kings and queens, takin’ everything they can steal

6) So the kids just keep on coming, the poor, the unemployed

Those with hope for the future and a planet that’s not destroyed

Gay and straight, every color, young and old in the street

Democracy and justice on their lips and, man, the taste is sweet  Chorus

© Moss Henry 2011