It’s encouraging, in some ways, to see people in the streets protesting corporate America. Over the past month we have watched as a small number of protestors joined together and began a sit-in on Wall Street, in New York City.
Many Americans find this action “reprehensible,” while many others find it refreshing – a movement of the people.
It seems to me that my generation (those who grew up in the 1960s and early 1970s) has become complacent in our view of how government should run. I can recall the days of sit-ins and protests. I can still see the construction workers opposing those “hippies” who defied the government. If nothing else, history has taught us that the young people were right, and those burly construction workers, and the police in Chicago, were wrong. The actions of those young people created a change in the very foundation of government. They did what so many did in the 1760s and 1770s, they returned power to the hands of the people.
No, I didn’t take part in most of them (I was busy proudly serving in the U.S. Army), but I applauded those who decided it was time to return the power to the people.
Just recently I finished a book on the life of Samuel Adams, the motivating force behind America’s revolution against the British. He organized similar protests, and yes, he was opposed by those who relied on England for income and power.
His stand on the Stamp Act and the Townshend Decision made a big difference and led us to the establishment of our own nation.
The current movement, although aimed primarily at big business, has spread across the nation (although, sadly, in the ultra-conservative sections we see very little of it). One must wonder how long it will be until we see these young people protesting in Washington, D.C. and demanding a return of the power to the people. Those among us who love this country and the freedoms she once provided can only hope it will not be too long, nor too late in coming.
Those “in power” must come to realize that the very power they believe they hold is only on loan to them, through the grace of the citizens of this great country. They must understand that any abuse of that power will not be tolerated by those same citizens.  Those who have chosen to “serve” must have a deep understanding of what the word “serve” means, for it most assuredly does not mean to serve their own selfish interests.
Getting back to those young people across the nation who are tired of the abuse of power by big business, through the influencing of government officials and representatives, one must admire their conviction, even if you disagree with their methods. They have taken a stand – something far too many of us fail to do.
We moan and gripe and do little else to change what we perceive as wrong. We are a nation of sheep and we follow blindly behind many of those in government who are leading us down a very dangerous path. Like lemmings, we head toward that cliff without any thought to the danger it represents.
As I talk with many around our coverage area, I hear their frustration at our current federal government, and yes, our state government. Sadly, I also see their lack of activity.
One thing is certain, in a democracy things change only when the people demand they do. It cannot be a few hundred, or even a few thousand. Things only change when the citizens rise enmasse and demand that change.
As a new nation, we set forth our own course, and it is up to us to steer this ship when it drifts from its set course. We are far off course.
So, to those protesting in the streets, I know Samuel Adams is proud of you. For only through a unified voice can we set the course straight and protect this great vessel of democracy from those who seek to pirate it for their own selfish gains.
- Dave Warren

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