Occupying Rapid City Continues

Today was an interesting day Occupying Rapid City.  The pleasant weather was responsible for increased numbers of protestors and foot traffic that included shoppers and people coming out to enjoy the activities at the new Main Street Square.  The result for the Occupiers was more face to face meetings with supporters and detractors of the Occupy Movement.

The analysis of the movement by observers has changed somewhat now that many Occupy encampments have been shut down by various municipalities.  Some seem to think that the Movement is finished and that it has failed.  The most common complaint so far has been that the observers could not tell what the Movement was about, that it was unfocused, and that there was no clear leadership.  This view seems to stem from the fact that most observers wanted to quickly find a label to apply to the Movement.

On the other hand the Occupiers resist being labeled and stubbornly adhere to the leaderless general assembly, consensus method to determine what the Movement does.  Further, the Occupy Movement brings together people with a broad spectrum of concerns about government, economics, and society.  The Occupy Movement represents the interests of the 99% or the majority by avoiding the labels and leaders associated with political parties and by addressing a broad scope of issues that affect everyone.

The Occupy Movement treasures the freedom of speech, encourages civil discourse, and promotes informational education on issues of concern.  The silent majority has allowed their elected leaders to become corrupted by money and power.  The silent majority has abdicated its civic duty by allowing itself to be divided up into warring factions by political parties that are increasingly controlled by moneyed interests.  The Occupy Movement seeks to return the power to the people that are the 99%.