What do Occupy Wall Street and Disability Rights have in common?

People finding their voice.

At the time of the writing, the number of people protesting in the Wall Street area is growing. Without a designated leader or specific agenda, participants are expressing their anger with corporate greed and the ineffectiveness of government. Similar protests are spontaneously emerging around the country. Where this will go, how much life does it have, and what will emerge is not clear at all. What does seem clear, however, is that people are not satisfied with a political economy that has a growing and blatant disparity between the various social classes.

As government spending at every level is reduced, unemployment remains at 9%, the poverty rate increases, and foreclosures continue. Simultaneously, many S&P companies are increasing dividends and profitability. Rancor amongst elected officials continues while the approval rating of Congress is lower than it was for O.J. Simpson during his trial.

Yes, people are angry.

They are angry at a system that is not solving problems. They are angry at government cuts that look at bottom lines without understanding the ripple effect. They are angry at the tax structure. They are angry at being “graduated” from services. They are angry at cuts in heating assistance when oil prices are up 38% from a year ago.

They are angry about not having a voice.

What is taking place on Wall Street and cities throughout the country is a demand to be heard. Everyone should listen and they should listen closely – this is what democracy sounds like.

- Burt Danovitz