I was on a national radio program earlier this afternoon that appears on NPR stations. The topic was the Occupy Wall Street Movement and its progeny, and the guest included Occupy protesters from Chapel Hill and Tulsa, a reporter from The Nation magazine, and a historian of social movements from Vanderbilt University.
Let’s just say my critique of the various Occupy movements was in the minority. (The host was fine and fair enough, though I suspect not terribly sympathetic to my views.)
There were some illuminating moments during the conversation. For example, the professor from Vanderbilt referred to the “habits of democracy” we’re seeing from the Occupy Wall Streeters. To which I replied that’s a very gentle way of referring to people whose movement has been marred by rape, violence, arson, public defecation, anti-Semitism, and all the rest. I was also struck by how the other guests were quite concerned when it came to (possible) violence used by the police, even as there was not a word of condemnation for the violence used by the protesters themselves. In fact, what the other guests tried (vainly) to do was to downplay the acts of violence, lawlessness, and filth that we’ve seen, to the point of arguing that much of it is imaginary (recalling the words of Groucho Marx, “Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?”). There were also some unintentionally humorous moments, such as when the Occupy Chapel Hill protester spoke about an anarchist book fair and anarchist library he seemed quite protective of. (It cause me to wonder whether one actually checks out and returns books from an anarchist library.)
But what was most obvious to me was the palpable sense of excitement from others on the program. One got the sense they felt as if this was their time portal to Woodstock (and Altamont). One could see how for those on the left, life and politics post-Occupy movement is more vivid and thrilling. It’s the closest thing to being part of a social revolution they may ever experience.
I said on the program that what we’re seeing is the pathetic end to a pathetic (and at times violent and lawless) movement. If that’s the case, there will be a huge void in the lives of some on the left. This is a moment they’ll be telling their grandchildren about.
There is something both poignant and pitiful about this.
I listened to the program where it originates, in Los Angeles. We are lucky if Mr. Olney includes at least one conservative voice. You nailed it. It's all about the nostalgia of the Left for the Sixties. Brainless emoting and pointless provocation. Thank you for speaking the truth. (DA)
"There is something both poignant and pitiful about this." n nPoignant? Nah. Pitiful? Yep. n nI'd love to hear the audio. Would you share the station/program so we can see if MP3 files are available?
Murder. Rape. Theft. Property damage. Going Lefty in a MacDonalds not giving you free food. Crapping on the curb. Throwing old ladies down stairs. There is just SO much for the Left to find pride in! n nNPR and their Lib guests are really just doing radio comedy, right? Right? A "democracy" movement? Newsflash: The ancient Greeks, Classical Romans of the Republic, America's Founders… ALL would use the power of the state to punish these idiots for their complete and total lack of civility, respect for the law and one another, as well as property crimes. n nThere is nothing of democracy in this movement. It's a bunch of Boomer echo children fantasizing that what they are doing has any meaning other than as an immense, and immensely public demonstration of the general lack of education and across-the-board stupidity. n nThe BIGGEST statement on society made by these kiddies is their statement about our public "education."
This is the heart and soul of the Left: Creating chaos to undercut the "system" they feel so uncomfortable with. Revolution is what they live for. n nIt was that way in the 1920s and 1930s when Communists were storming the barricades. n nIt was that way in the 1960s when the New Left were battling cops in the streets. n nIt was that way in the 1990s during the "battle of Seattle" against globalization. n nThe Left don't all go pouring into the streets. But they live that "street fightin'" vicariously. n
Burning Man has its place. But democratic institutions are ultimately built on firmer, more considered, foundations capable of withstanding set backs and cultivating multi-generational virtues, wisdom, and accomplishments than these morons will ever appreciate. As for the kids themselves, institution building is not a flash mob and without institutions you guys will watch your transient achievements, not to mention your own lives, erode and blow away like dust.
These are Obamavilles, pure and simple. Irony is lost on the "Occupiers". The very financial situation they find themselves in, were predicted by those opposed to Obama. They got exactly what they voted FOR.
How lovely…anarchists for statism…”Barack-upiers” on a cheap ’60′s trip
i agree completely. But I think the correct Marx quote is "or your own eyes."
OWS message got lost in their method. But, at least they were smart enough to not start with Occupy Trump Tower. Plenty to dislike about the Donald, but some of us still appreciate how he finally got Central Park's Wolman Skating Rink finished, one of the best single examples of government failure in the era of over-regulation and technocratic incompetence. n nWhat would Mayor Bloomberg have done if cigarette smokers had pitched tents to protest his uber-nanny-city?
I find it odd that reasonable conservative like Mr. Wehner bother appearing on programs of that ilk. I seriously doubt Mr. Wehner could change even one listener's mind, or even to question their positions, no matter how brilliant his remarks might be. n Wasn't it a point of the ''Borat'' character to demonstrate that many people will do anything to command a microphone or camera for a few minutes. I hope Mr. Wehner rejects all future invitations to appear on left-wing radio and TV shows.