The Democratic Party is missing the boat with the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement. The OWS ideals of equality and fair treatment are shared by the Democrats. The Democrats seem reluctant to get involved, says an AP story, and offer widespread, public support of OWS. They seem afraid to connect themselves to a movement that clashes with police and local ordinances. The Democrats are missing the point.
The reason the OWS movement looks disorganized and lacks a formal structure is that no one person or group is really leading it. Democrats should be supporting OWS by offering assistance and organizational help. They could help direct it, use their public standing to get better treatment for protesters, and link themselves to the ideals on which OWS rests. Instead they look at the protesters as a raggedy mob to be kept at a distance.
Congressional Democrats are missing a huge opportunity. Next year is a critical election year. The Democrats need public support and are struggling to keep it. The problem is that the American people don't see them as supporting the little guy any more.
Democrats don't unite to pass legislation that benefits the public. The Republicans can rally to enact tax breaks for the rich. Democrats should be able to unite to push agendas that benefit the poor and middle classes.
Many Democrats were worried about things like the USA-PATRIOT ACT but failed to vote against it. It's becoming apparent that is is being used against the citizenry. The Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies are helping organize crackdowns on OWS protests. The American people don't see the Democrats standing against that abuse of power.
Senators and Congressional Representatives from the Democratic Party should take advantage of the opportunity before them. Support the OWS movement. It really does represent the interests of most American citizens. Help them organize. Go on record with support. Offer guidance. Help them and the American people will help you. The poor and middle classes will remember who helps them the most next time Election Day rolls around.
To the elected Democrats I say this: If you want us to watch your back in November of 2012 you need to watch our backs today. Stop being so moderate. Get in there and fight for the little guy. We need you and you need us.
