At first when the entire Occupy Wall Street movement started, I really did not understand it. I was really happy they were taking action, but in my mind they had no goals and offered no solutions and I wasn't sure what the point was. I now understand and love the lack of traditional structure and the way they are trying to keep from being co-opted by anyone.
They have my utmost respect and I wish I had the ability to be there in person.
For those of us who cannot be there, it seems like there are numerous ways in which we can support them. Most obvious seems to be to support them financially through the various methods to get money and supplies to them.
I think there are other ways that we can make an impact as this movement grows: 1.) Organize or attend a protest in your local area. 2.) Take your money out of the large corporate banks and deposit it in small community banks or credit unions. Even if you don't have much money, it all adds up if enough people do this. 3.) Protest the radio stations that carry right wing hate radio. They are depicting the protesters as a dangerous mob. Those radio stations need to be protested and the sponsors boycotted. Again, as this movement grows, more and more people will take part and make a significant difference, especially with small town radio stations. 4.) Embarrass elected officials who are taking money from the big special interests, banks, Wall Street, etc. Name names - both parties - get out the word how much they have taken and from who. We've tried to do this in the past but it never really caught on. Maybe now, with the movement gaining momentum, we can get this information out through letters to the editor and any other ways we can get the attention of the media. 5.) Shop at locally based stores and not at the big corporate box stores.
I'm sure there are many other ideas on things we can do in our every day life. When I talk to people in the course of a day, I try to relate this movement to them. The protesters are representing us. They represent the mom and dad who both have to work two or more jobs to send their kids to college. The family that has to decide what goes, food, prescriptions, etc. in order to pay the rent or health insurance bill. The young person who went to college, worked hard, got good grades and has no chance at a job. Those protesters represent virtually all of us and most everyone we know.
One final thought. This needs to stay non partisan. I have been a supporter of President Obama since 2007, and I continue to be. But if I had to choose between his success and that of Occupy Wall Street; I would have to choose Occupy Wall Street because this country must fundamentally change its' way of doing business and this movement, if it grows, can accomplish that.