Unfocused protests could hold great power

The “Occupy Wall Street” protest is sweeping the nation. Most major cities have had their own version of it.

About 27 percent of Americans agree with the protests. Another 19 percent disagree with them.

Not surprisingly, 54 percent are unsure about them.

That may be because no focus has surfaced in the protests. These are not single purpose protests such as those for civil rights or those against the Vietnam War.

In part, the protests are about the big banks and the rich running Capitol Hill. In part they are about the disparity of wealth and how the privileged have been protected with bailouts and other government protections while the average American has to help pay for their fancy incomes and lifestyles. In part, they are about financial pirates not being brought to justice. In part, the protests are for social equity and social equality. Some protesters want jobs and a financial system that can help them with their basic needs, such as housing. Some want to be able to afford higher education. Even labor unions are using the protests for their own agendas.

Confused and confusing? Yes. But, despite the protests’ lack of focus, they are capturing the attention of the country. Some protesters do not apologize for the lack of focus, leadership or organization. That, they say, may come.

This, in fact, is part and parcel of the movement’s power. It is driven by a general dissatisfaction and a sense that the country has gone off track. Unhappiness and discontent are driving the protests, and frustration is a formidable contributor.

This lack of focus and the multiple and varied voices may ultimately make the protests extremely powerful. These factors could attract vast numbers of the vaguely unhappy and the mildly frustrated.

That group could be enormous. That group could be most of the nation.

General discontent is hard to argue against.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher