16 October, 2011 Now that we’ve occupied it what do we do with it?

          Yesterday, Johnson City Tennessee, population ca. 60,000, home of East Tennessee State University, joined in the sympathetic occupations centered on “Occupy Wall Street.”

          There are various estimates as to how many “occupiers” turned out to be seen.  The official estimates are 100 at the low end and 200 at the high end.   In the television news footage, I saw yesterday the 200 estimate seems about right. 

          The gamut of signs was broad, as is expected.  In a group with no central goal that can be defined by specific actions or outcomes, a broad range of interests is to be expected.

          The attendees displayed a wide range of ages from children of older demonstrators through senior citizens.   Since the economic crisis we face affects us all that is what I would hope to see.  Unlike the anti-war protests of the 1960-70s, the turnout seemed to encompass more than just students subject to military service and their families and friends.  There were also a number of local homeless and street people at the periphery according to one source.  This is appropriate; they are part of the problem and need to be included in the solutions that may eventually be found.

          The event was peaceful in nature, included a march from the ETSU campus to the city center – mostly closed for the weekend.  After the march, I’m uncertain what took place.  The local news organs did not provide that information and there were no televised interviews – quite probably not the worst way to leave it.  With no central goal and no operational plan other than “consensus,” and with the level of English language familiarity and competency that exists on many campuses today, it is often best to let the placards speak. 

          The event was successful in mobilizing at least 100 local people.  Johnson City is now peacefully occupied.  In doing so, has the group who turned out inherited the financial and social problems that are endemic to Johnson City?  If it follows them home, do they have to keep it? 

          The local paper’s editorial column this morning waved a caution flag about the demonstration.  The column stressed that only through the election of new congressmen and senators who are willing to work for financial and campaign reform will any changes be made.  I hope the demonstrators who showed up yesterday are registered to vote and make use of their franchise.  I am, Gloria is, and we do.