When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Declaration of Independence, 1776

Over the past 14 days, I’ve been watching the protests by the group that calls itself Occupy Wall Street, that started in New York City and have slowly spread across the country. They seem to be gaining a decent amount of momentum (not relative to the Middle East), but I cannot seem to find their central purpose.

Go East, Young Man

Over the summer, I watched the revolutions in the Middle East, and I truly believe I was honored to witness change that will effect the entire earth for many years. A disgruntled and disillusioned people rose up against their government, and overcame great odds and powerful armies.

These men and women had the combination of things that is lethal to bad governments: free time and frustration. When economic and political problems in those countries became great enough, the people rose up and tore down their governments.

Much Ado About Something?

In what can be seen as a completely justifiable move, the disenfranchised in America are trying to do what so many men and women in the Middle East did. They’ve risen up, attempting to make their voice heard in the only way the have left. Even now, as I look over at my wife, who is sleeping on the couch with our dog, I try to avoid thinking about our future. We’ve been taken hostage by a out-of-control government (I used to be very conservative, but lately, I’ve leaned more toward not caring) that has mortgaged my grandkids’ futures. It scares me.

While their anger is justifiable, I think their choice of target is incorrect. Bankers often get raise the ire of the down and out, but I believe that focusing your anger there would be poorly placed. It’s the government that is the problem. The bureaucracy in this country is more of a hindrance than a help. The people that need help the most are the ones that have the hardest time getting it. They have nowhere to turn, so they turn to protest.

Read some of the heart-breaking stories that have inspired Occupy Wall Street at the “We Are the 99%” Tumbler.

I can’t even imagine being in that situation. Hopelessness would eat you from the inside out. I am fortunate enough to have a great job at a great company, and even still, fear is ever-present. I am afraid of what would happen if the recession ever did hit South Dakota. I am afraid of what would happen if I did lose my job. Would we lose our house and cars? Would we lose our future? Would we lose our marriage? Would we lose our lives? So often, more than just objects are tied to money.

Nevertheless, I continue to move forward. I am 12-18 months away from finishing a double-major in Computer Science and Network Security. I have a 4.0 GPA. I intent to continue on and eventually get both a Masters Degree and PhD. These are by no means a guarantee of future work, but I can’t stop now. I am also fortunate enough to have amazing parents that are paying for it all, so I would be moronic to not continue.

But What About the Protests?

Every part of me wants to support, and even participate in, the Occupy Wall Street protests. They are democracy in action. People are risking their futures to change their country. What is more democratic than that? Unfortunately, I can’t be so supportive. I’ve never heard clear-stated goals. What do the protesters want, exactly? What are they demanding? With a group so disparate and poorly organized as this one, very little has been stated. As they march, their target shifts from major corporations to the death penalty to a government that has abandoned them.

I’ve seen these types of protests before, and almost always, the end-game is socialism. Sadly, SOCIALISM IS NOT THE ANSWER. As the unemployed in France and Germany how well socialism worked for them. I am a firm believer that while pure, unregulated capitalism can bring out the worst in the 1%, socialism ALWAYS brings out the worst in the 99%.

If only these protest groups could come out and published clear and concise demands and goals, I would be more willing to get behind them. I would love to march on the Minnesota capital next week. I would be proud to be able to tell my kids that I had a part in the great social change of 2011. But without a clearly-stated end game, I have to refuse.

Still, this I believe completely: The men and women marching in NYC and around the country have every constitutional right to do so. The stories of police brutality and mass arrests have me wildly disturbed. If they are true, it is reminiscent of the south in the 1960’s. Only there, they had a clear goal that was to undo a injustice that had lasted 300 years. Now, I am not so sure.

Nevertheless, I say this to the participating parties:

To the protesters: It’s not going to get easier. Don’t give up. I am watching history happen right before my eyes, and I am proud of you for standing up for what you believe in, even if I disagree with some of what you want. The movements that gave women the right to vote and African-Americans the right to be equal started small as well. I don’t expect you to be in the history books, but you never know. 😉

To the police: Be careful. The people you are arresting are just trying to make their voice be heard by a group that has largely ignored them for the past 20 years. Let them speak, but don’t let them get out of control.

To Americans: Don’t be afraid of these protests. As long as the arrests and violence don’t get out of hand, they prove that democracy is still alive and strong. The second that this type of event stops happening is the day we see our freedoms disappear.

Please leave your thoughts below. I would love to know what you think as well.