I’m a swirl of emotions today. Last night, I attended my first GA (General Assembly) at #OccupyNashville. My brain is a chaotic joinder. I had a terrible dream after spending several hours in the cold with my fellow “occupiers” and finally getting some much needed sleep at dawn this morning. My dreams, catalyzed and catapulted from the news of the former Marine Scott Olsen suffering a fractured skull reportedly from a projectile (a “rubber bullet”, or “flash-bang” grenade), were pervaded with images of the Kent State massacre of May 4th, 1970. Then as today, the youth are being sacrificed, and looking for meaning in the deeds of mere politicians. I vividly recalled the passionate Marine Sgt. Shamar Thomas, questioning the “Honor” of police brutality against unarmed American civilians. Then as today, the younger generation are taking up the fight and seeking the “Honor” in the deeds of mere politicians. I personally pray this young man – Scott Olsen – recovers quickly, and I urge everyone to visit the website www.scottolsen.org which was launched to gather donations for Olsen’s recovery.
As usual, and as I’m sure most of you readers do in your dreams as well, part of my dream was of me replaying a scenario where I’m facing my fear of speaking in public and voicing my discontent along with others at the General Assembly. I see the faces of the ‘down-trodden’, and hope this gives me the strength of character to rationally put into words the feelings this “movement” has brought flooding in my mind. I’m humbled by those around me. I dream of rising to the occasion of speaking my piece that adds to the chorus of unity.
I use the term “down-trodden” specifically in response to the reported snipe of Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney stating, “Legislative Plaza is the property of all Tennesseans, not just a small group of loiterers who would’ve served their cause better by simply occupying a restroom, instead of showing utter disregard for public property”. Politicians of his stripe would do well to see and hear the voices of these constituents. I’m reminded of the John Cougar Mellencamp song “Crumblin’ Down”… “You can bend me, you can break me, but you’d better stand clear…”. You need look no further than here at an Occupy movement for voices of reason in a sea of despair! Republican chairman Devaney’s insolence at the “Congress of the People” (what I call our #OccupyNashville movement) is appalling, yet serves our purpose well. It demonstrates perfectly the propaganda we are subjected to, and which undermines the process of thoughtful and meaningful consensus among OUR “elected” politicians. I personally witnessed more accomplished in one GA meeting than what has taken place in months of the U.S. Congress OR the Tennessee legislature (save one… The truly astonishing ‘curfew’ imposed by Governor Haslam that passed the TN legislature with breath taking speed). While the grass roots message of the #OccupyNashville protesters is a mélange of issues and concerns, we’re finding our voice and creating consensus. While our servile and corporate owned politicians engage in obstructionist filibustering, I’m proud to proclaim that “The People’s Congress” has never once had an iota of partisan filibuster. We deserve the same from our “Robber Baron” politicians, and this movement is a turning point to that end.
Oh, and my personal warning for Mr. Devaney? “We can smell the bacon fat from you “pigs at the trough”, and we’re just outside the door!”
In Solidarity!
@paxromana5777