We have heard much about the “Occupy” movement. It began with “Occupy Wall Street” and spread across the country. (There is even a demonstration in Canada.) I am not going to waste my valuable soapbox space to list them all. However, this is primarily an American phenomenon.

There is a vast gulf between the uber prosperous and almost everyone else. People are angry, and who can blame them?

We are often reminded that this is a wealthy country. Yet, other industrialized nations educate their children and provide their citizens with health care. In America, people are dying from poverty. How do we explain this?

President-in-his-own-mind, Newt Gringrich, says, “They take over a public park they didn’t pay for ….. Go get a job, right after you take a bath.” Newt might want to brush up on the first amendment. They have a right to be in those parks.

But, he may have a point, as well. The “occupy” movement is rooted in the reality that many Americans have no occupation, among many other complaints. Unemployment is at record highs, particularly in Mississippi. The figures are based on statistics from unemployment records. They are not accurate, because the accounting does not include those who are not working, but cannot collect benefits. The actual numbers would probably stun us.

I am personally surrounded by people who are eager to work, but nothing is available. (I encourage those of you who are working to read the local want ads, and then say, “Get a job.”). Multiply my small group by millions and you will understand why this country’s problems are so overwhelming.

People are infuriated, and rightfully so. Happy people do not demonstrate.

I suppose we were all horrified by the pepper spraying of students at UC-Davis (California). A dozen-or-so peaceful protesters were ruthlessly showered with a military-grade chemical. The video shows no resistance. The police appeared to be drowning them in poison. Is this the right response?

We have not had an “occupation” in Columbus. The closest was in Jackson. What we DO have is an alarming spike in crime. I certainly do not equate criminals with peaceful demonstrators. However, both may have a basis in the total lack of employment, the sense of helplessness, the inability to pay bills, whether for education or simple basic needs. The “occupy” demonstrators are primarily educated people, criminals largely are not. Different groups handle their frustration differently. Somehow, the demonstrators are treated like villains, while real felons are getting away with murder.

Politicians tell us that the wealthy create jobs. Have we seen any proof of this? Manufacturers ship work overseas. Everything, from sewing, to call centers, can be managed from abroad. Some exploit child laborers. Of course, it is cheaper than using Americans. Many foreign workers live in poverty that we would not tolerate.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said of the Occupy Wall Street movement, “I think it’s dangerous, this class warfare.” Darn right, Mitt. Pay attention- there have been quite a few incidents in history where the upper classes did not fare so well.

Unfortunately, my column contains more questions than answers. I just wish that those who can help would try a bit harder. In Columbus we hear so much about “blessings.” Sometimes gifts from heaven create a debt that could be paid back on Earth. No matter if you can create something for an out-of-work person to do for a few hours, or more importantly, just assume an attitude of kindness, letting go of that judgmental thinking that says, “Get a job.” ‘Tis the season for generous thinking to “occupy” your point of view.

Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.

READER FAVORITES

• 

  ‘Bears, beets, brownies’

  By Ashlynd King • 11 hours ago