R.E.M. "Welcome To The Occupation"

What with the Occupy Wall Street protests finally getting some media attention, I can't believe I haven't heard this song this week.

The song is supposedly about U.S. intervention in Central America, but like many of Michael Stipe's oblique lyrics, you can probably graft on any meaning that strikes you.

Such as it is with the protests. While much has been made of the fact that there is no coherent voice or single issue bringing these protesters together, few have seemed to recognize that all the points of view and the myriad of issues spring from the same place: frustration. And that common frustration allows each protester (and any other person who has an inkling that the protesters are on to something) to graft on their particular issue as the reason for Occupy Wall Street.

And there are many worthy things to direct anger at. Unaccountable banks. Wall Streeters who cooked up toxic cocktails for us to drink for their profit. Corporations who pollute. The wealthy who support cuts for social services for others, but not tax increases for themselves. Ineffectual politicians. Or the ones just out to screw you.

All are battles worth fighting. But let me make a suggestion, to those Occupying Wall Street and those who want them to have a coherent message.

There is an ideal that I think most all Americans, on the right, the left, or wherever, could get behind. It is a belief in a true Democracy.

Focus on political reform that returns us to a true Democracy, where every person’s vote counts equally, and elections and policy aren’t unduly shaped by wealth.

Your vote should count as much as my vote, regardless of who has money and who doesn't. And if corporations are, under the law, considered a person, their ability to influence the political process should be no greater, and no less, than yours or mine.

If you can effect that one change, then all your other concerns about the financial system, Banks, corruption, environmental polluters, etc, will be attainable.

Without removing the money from the political game, its an uphill battle in all directions.


(I should add this disclaimer that these opinions are my own, and should not reflect in any way on mvyradio, which strives to present itself as an apolitical voice)



Hear the song on Youtube.