Recent Changes

Occupy Wall Street – An Expanding Movement
Occupy Wall Street is a popular movement that seems to have a life of its own. It started in early summer 2011 and has continued to expand at light-speed rate. This is not surprising since its major vehicle of export is social media like Facebook. This movement has as its central theme the need for Wall Street to become more socially conscious and less centered on making money for the more financially secure, the so-called 1 %. According to an article by Joseph Stiglitz, Vanity Fair Magazine, “ the upper 1 percent of Americans are now taking in nearly a quarter of the nation’s income every year” . This fact continues to fuel the Occupy Wall Street movement as it expands to other cities within the United States.
Media coverage of this movement is mixed. Support for the Movement is primarily expressed by such liberal media as the Wall Street Journal, NPR and the New York Times. Other media such as NewsMax, WorldNet Daily and Fox News tend to be less supportive, and in some instances rather dismissive of the whole Occupy Wall Street effort (Media Bias.Wikipedia.com). This paper will explore the brief history of the Occupy Wall Street Movement, discuss previous demonstrations on Wall Street and conclude with a discussion of Occupy Wall Street’s similarities and differences to the Tea Party Movement.
The Occupy Wall Street Movement began with demonstrations organized by a non-US group, the Adbusters. This organization’s stated goal is to “…topple existing power structures and forge a major shift in the way w live in the 25th century” . The Occupy Wall Street Movement has gained strength and can best be described as a series of peaceful demonstrations whose purpose is to denounce corporate greed among other things. The Movement uses the non-violence principles of Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King. . It has expanded rapidly including nationally and internationally through masterful use of social media like Facebook. Demonstrations have occurred in such diverse places as Atlanta, Philadelphia and the small county town of Martinsville, VA.
Wall Street demonstrations are not unique to this Century. In fact, Wall Street came under assault during protests of the robber barons in the late 1800’s (Weidner. wst.com). According to Wikipedia.com, the term robber baron was “used to attack any businessman who used questionable practices to become wealthy. It combines the sense of criminal ("robber") and illegitimate aristocracy ("baron")” (Robber Baron.wikipedia.com). In today’s environment, Occupy Wall Street is protesting similar conditions as what existed in the 1890’s. The major difference is the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations have lasted longer and are more widespread. Therefore, one might conclude that the Occupy Wall Street protects are more effective that those of the distant past.
The media’s reaction to the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators has been mixed. For example, according to Jason Easley,, Fox News “moved from anger and attacks against Occupy Wall Street to the denial stage by claiming that the movement won’t amount to anything”. In fact, according Brian Stelter’s New York Times article, October 12, 2011, a study conducted by Pew’s Project for Excellence in Journalism showed “cable news and radio, which had initially ignored the protests almost entirely, started to give the protests significant coverage last week, often with a heavy dose or positive or negative opinion attached”.
Occupy Wall Street is not the only mass movement around. Another popular, more politically focused movement is known as the Tea Party Movement. While their stated objectives are significantly different, there are a few similarities. Both movements are grass roots in nature and both are fueled by the ideologies of its members. However, there also are some significant differences between the two. Occupy Wall Street is loosely organized. The Tea Party Movement is strongly organized although their leadership is sometimes hard to publicly identify. Wikipedia describes The Tea Party movement as having no central leadership but, rather “is composed of a loose affiliation of national and local groups that determine their own platforms and agendas” (The Tea Party. Wikipedia.com). Occupy Wall Street activists are usually college educated, young and currently feeling harmed in some way by Wall Street. There appears to be a more racially and ethnically diverse cross section of Occupy Wall Street participants. The Tea Party seems to be more rigid in their thought processes, older and less diverse. The Occupy Wall Street protesters see Wall Street and corporate greed as the enemy. The Tea Party members see government as the enemy . The Tea Party seems to be breed hatred and advocate violence as a means to an end. In fact, Jesse Washington, Huffington Post, reported on April 13, 2011, an incident in which 3 Black Congressmen, were referred by the dreadful “N” word while they walked outside the US capitol Building in Washington, DC
In conclusion, Occupy Wall Street is a growing and popular movement that has a social justice agenda. The Occupy Wall Street movement has varying degrees of appeal. It has earned both praise and ridicule, primarily depending on the value system and beliefs of the person making the judgment. Unlike, the Tea Party Movement which is focused on changes in the Government, the Occupy Wall Street Movement advocates for changes on Wall Street and in Wall Street’s financial dealings. The Occupy Wall Street Movement is still an expanding movement!

Letting Your Voice Be Heard
individuals that wholehold the same
People have realized, with history supplying the proof, that voicing your opinion can really make a difference. An individual voice is a powerful thing, but recently, groups have formed to propel movements to create a louder voice. Arguments, protests, and media are used as tools to make an impact on the matter at hand. Throughout history, determined citizens have become more comfortable and confident speaking their mind in hopes of positive change.
Frederick Douglass was a former slave that mustered up the courage to speak out against slavery. After working as a slave his whole life, traveling from plantation to plantation, he escaped from the vicious cycle of slavery in 1838. Once he was free he became an extremely active abolitionist. While contributing to the abolitionist movement, Douglass participated in lectures, helped with anti-slavery projects, and gave speeches to inspire slaves, and former slaves to fight for equality and demand change. He assures the peoples that change is tangible, and that struggling through the conflict is worth the reward of freedom. “I do not go back to America to sit still, remain quiet, and enjoy ease and comfort. . . . I glory in the conflict, that I may hereafter exult in the victory. I know that victory is certain. I go, turning my back upon the ease, comfort, and respectability which I might maintain even here. . . Still, I will go back, for the sake of my brethren. I go to suffer with them; to toil with them; to endure insult with them; to undergo outrage with them; to lift up my voice in their behalf; to speak and write in their vindication; and struggle in their ranks for the emancipation which shall yet be achieved.” (Frederick Douglass; “Farewell To The British People” speech). His Farewell To The British speech showed the people that one powerful voice, and speak for the masses, and that one substantial person can encourage many. Frederick Douglass recognized the issues in America, and shined light on those problems in order for those in power to see that changes needed to be made.“I make no pretension to patriotism. So long as my voice can be heard on this or the other side of the Atlantic, I will hold up America to the lightning scorn of moral indignation. In doing this, I shall feel myself discharging the duty of a true patriot; for he is a lover of his country who rebukes and does not excuse its sins. It is righteousness that exalteth a nation while sin is a reproach to any people.” (Frederick Douglass, “Love of God, Love of Man, Love of Country” speech.) During this speech, Douglass uses his influential words to draw attention to the fact that people can not continue to turn their heads away from obvious issues. To be an active citizen means to use your individual power to better America. "Through my many speeches about justice, and through my newspaper and other writings, I discovered that the power of the word is the best means to bring about permanent positive changes, both for myself and others." (Frederick Douglass).

Frederick Douglass proved how powerful words could be, when the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Movements with such drastic rewards such as the abolition movement, propelled many other movements. In 2009 a group was formed that shared a common opinion about changes that need to happen with the government’s role in America. Members suggest the that the government play a smaller role, and give the state and people more power. This group of people call themselves the Tea Party Patriots. "People have the right... Americans have the obligation to protest when they see something is wrong. We saw the Tea Party protesting here in Washington last year... sort of peacefully." (John Garamendi). "Talk about courage. One of the city's most liberal politicians took on labor over the bedrock issue of pensions, He's been unfairly vilified by much of the city's political establishment for daring to raise the pension problem that others preferred to ignore.” (San Francisco Chronicle). Fox news recognizes the courage it take for an individual to put themselves out on a limb, and suggest change for a controversial topic. The popular news station gives credit where it is rightfully deserved, which instigates viewers to do the same.
Fairly recently, a contrasting movement to the Tea Party has formed. The new movement, Occupy Wall Street emerged to somewhat counter act the Tea Party. Though their are some similarities seen between these two movements, they constantly but heads. Occupy wall street, like the Tea Party, suggests somewhat drastic changes in the Government. A wide variety of people, that share the same opinion are noticed because of the constant protest, boycotts, and media coverage. “In the wake of a continued corporate sycophancy from the country's hard right, it is encouraging to see an organized counter movement brave enough to address the problem of American inequality and pragmatic enough to include all those who suffer as a result.” (Clint Reilly). The Occupy Wall Street movement is a perfect example of how powerful a large group of people can be, and how each individuals voice is combined with one an others to create a powerful roar. This movement is only six weeks old. Those of you that are my age and older, if you remember the other movements -- when the civil rights movement was six weeks old it did not have 59 percent of the American people behind it." (Michael Moore). With time, movements have grown more powerful, and more people are inspired to contribute because of the successful past movements, and the tremendous rewards and outcomes.
an organization that was formed to secure
It has always been important for an individual to find their voice, and let that voice be heard. Frederick Douglass showed us the power of an individuals voice, and the influence that words possess. History has proven how a movement can positively affect a nation. The rewards have inspired citizens to continue to speak out, and voice their opinions. It is obvious, a silent voice, is a mind wasted, a whisper is easily forgotten, but a persuasive voice can improve a nation.

Frederick Douglass proved how powerful words could be, when the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Movements with such drastic rewards such as the abolition movement, propelled many other movements. In 2009 a group was formed that shared a common opinion about changes that need to happen with the government’s role in America. Members suggest the that the government play a smaller role, and give the state and people more power. This group of people call themselves the Tea Party Patriots. "People have the right... Americans have the obligation to protest when they see something is wrong. We saw the Tea Party protesting here in Washington last year... sort of peacefully." (John Garamendi). "Talk about courage. One of the city's most liberal politicians took on labor over the bedrock issue of pensions, He's been unfairly vilified by much of the city's political establishment for daring to raise the pension problem that others preferred to ignore.” (San Francisco Chronicle). Fox news recognizes the courage it take for an individual to put themselves out on a limb, and suggest change for a controversial topic. The popular news station gives credit where it is rightfully deserved, which instigates viewers to do the same.
Fairly recently, a contrasting movement to the Tea Party has formed. The new movement, Occupy Wall Street emerged to somewhat counter act the Tea Party. Though their are some similarities seen between these two movements, they constantly but heads. Occupy wall street, like the Tea Party, suggests somewhat drastic changes in the Government. A wide variety of people, that share the same opinion are noticed because of the constant protest, boycotts, and media coverage. “In the wake of a continued corporate sycophancy from the country's hard right, it is encouraging to see an organized counter movement brave enough to address the problem of American inequality and pragmatic enough to include all those who suffer as a result.” (Clint Reilly). The Occupy Wall Street movement is a perfect example of how powerful a large group of people can be, and how each individuals voice is combined with one an others to create a powerful roar. This movement is only six weeks old. Those of you that are my age and older, if you remember the other movements -- when the civil rights movement was six weeks old it did not have 59 percent of the American people behind it." (Michael Moore). With time, movements have grown more powerful, and more people are inspired to contribute because of the successful past movements, and the tremendous rewards and outcomes.
that their opinion really does matter, and that no matter what the matter be, the power of their voiceopinion, if voiced, can really make a
It has always been important for an individual to find their voice, and let that voice be heard. Frederick Douglass showed us the power of an individuals voice, and the influence that words possess. History has proven how a movement can positively affect a nation. The rewards have inspired citizens to continue to speak out, and voice their opinions. It is obvious, a silent voice, is a mind wasted, a whisper is easily forgotten, but a persuasive voice can improve a nation.

The Analysis of Occupy Wall Street and the bias towards and against it.
On September 17th, 2011, a few hundred protestors marched towards Wall Street, which is in the heart of New York City. These protestors rallied through the New York City, practicing tai chi, painting homemade signs, and discussing their demands. These protestors were part the beginning of what is now known as Occupy Wall Street. Occupy Wall Street is a movement which is working towards fighting the government’s injustice. Although the first major course of action took place on the 17th, there were preplanned events and actions that took course. The very first action that affected Occupy Wall Street was on June 9th, 2011, when a Canadian anti-consumerist magazine called “Adbusters”, registered the name occupywallstreet.org on the internet. The next action that took place was on July 13th, when Adbusters thought of the idea of occupying Wall Street in a peaceful, collected manner. On August 2nd, the “debt-ceiling deadline” soon approaching, two groups with the main motive gathered together in Lower Manhattan, and planned for the September 17th event.
1000 people can something be "an estimated of" ? attended the
The Media consists of many different sub-units. As there are different channels to the television, there are different types of media stations that report and document Occupy Wall Street. NPR, the National Public Radio, believes that Occupy Wall Street are a bunch of organized protestors that are fighting for the economic crime-like things that high corporate members have done. PBS, a highly regarded source points out many flaws of the movement. They believe that organizers do not have a true purpose, and they do not know what they want to change. CNN, another highly regarded source also states that the purpose of Occupy Wall Street is a little hazy, because the people are not willing to make a statement about what they want. They believe that the majority of Occupy Wall Street seem to have trouble with communicating with other organizers, as the younger generation that is predominately comfortable with technology is clashed with the older generation. ABC, another news network believes that Occupy Wall Street started off without a political affiliation, and that it was just a movement against the government in general. Of course, it is impossible to determine whether the media is completely true of what the purpose of Occupy Wall Street really is, because it is impossible to not have a bias towards a certain event or subject. Knowing this, it is important to know that we should formulate our own beliefs instead of basing our beliefs on others.
As a college student as a very large school that participates in actions close to these, I have witnessed a lot of people who feel personally affected by these Occupy Wall Street. Many of the college students around the area agree with what they believe Occupy Wall Street stands for, adding to the presumption that many college students support Occupy Wall Street. However, there are also many people who do not believe that Occupy Wall Street stands for injustice. Many college students side with other right wing people, who believe that people are just looking for a free ride out of hard work and labor. Many college students believe that hard work and labor will eventually pay off, and that Occupy Wall Street is filled with lazy, effortless people. Of course, this is just one side of the spectrum. Many students are also unaware of what Occupy Wall Street is, and it is up to the “informed” people to try and grab these students to help sway them into their personal beliefs, so they can choose the side the “informed” people are on. This helps add more and more people to participate in the movement, and as one side gets bigger, the other side becomes smaller, and eventually fades out. In a way, this is a sort of competition to see which side becomes so small that they become insignificant.

Letting Your Voice Be Heard
Throughout history, up into present day, people have been developing opinions and striving to let there voice be heard. Strong view points on civil rights, government reforms, and environmental issues demand citizens to stand up. History proves that voicing opinions and demanding change can make a differences. In the 1840’s- 1860’s Frederick Douglass spoke to masses on equality, specifically that all men, black and white are equal, but are declined human rights. Frederick Douglass had a extremely positive impact on history, by showing people the power of an individuals voice. With time, people realized that individuals that whole the same opinions, and join together and merge their voices into a more powerful roar. In 2009, the Tea Party was formed. The media helps the Tea Party become popular among the people, and makes the movement impossible to be ignored. Recently a contrasting movement, Occupy Wall Street, has formed. Now, people are using their voices for reasons other than benefitting themselves, such as the ASPCA, which is a movement to secure animal rights.

According to Jefferson, in order to protect these inalienable rights “Governments are instituted among Men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” And if the Government fails to do so, the people have the right to “alter or to abolish it and to institute a new Government.” This explains the actions taken by the colonists who believed it was their obligation to overthrow a government which became oppressive to them. This model would go on to inspire other activists in their own pursuit of equality.
Several decades after the Declaration of Independence was written, Frederick Douglas preached another interpretation of the document. As a former slave, he had a first-hand account of the life for most African-Americans living in the South. Frederick Douglas was able to educate himself and eventually become an abolitionist, educating the public of the evils of slavery and advocating a push for equality. In his famous “4th of July Speech” Frederick Douglas brings about his own interpretation of the Declaration of Independence and the ideas that all men are created equal, not just white landowners, as it was the norm at that time. Douglas goes on to criticize the American government and its hypocritical practices towards minorities especially African Americans. “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.” A very powerful sentence which explains the slave’s discontent with America and the reality that the Declaration was great on paper but failed to be implemented in practice. In this case, we see a push for equality in that all males are created equal regardless of race and origin.
men enjoy. Here(she just wrote women in alongside of the men.)Here we see put into effect.effect.good point

Occupy Wall Street is a much younger movement, only beginning in September 2011. According to a mission statement, Occupy Wall Street focus on “corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments.” (WordPress) The Occupy Wall Street movement also has strong lineage back to the Declaration of Independence, forming off of the beliefs that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. – That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” (Jefferson) The movement is based off the belief that the government is no longer run by the citizens of America, but by the large corporations that are only after monetary benefits. The middle leaning media claim the organizers are “protest[ing] greedy bankers, inept politicians, government austerity, the growing gap between rich and poor, and above all, the system that runs the global economy.” (NPR) With the government being run by large corporations, the safety and best interest of the citizens are not priorities. In fact, the liberal point of view claims that these corporations will go as far to harm their customers in order to create more profit for their personal interest. The conservative beliefs are not as understanding of Occupy Wall Street because of their opposing beliefs. Fox News has claimed that “behind the current Occupy Wall Street protests is a ‘red army’ of radicals seeking no less than to provoke a new, definitive economic crisis, with their goal being the full collapse of the U.S. financial system, with the ensuing chaos to be rebuilt into a utopian socialist vision.” (Fox News) The right wing media and viewpoint is that government should limit spending, while the organizers of Occupy Wall Street do not want to cut from social programs, but to redistribute to the wealth to every American, instead of the 1% their statistics have shown to have acquired the wealth. Occupy Wall Street is focused on equality for all Americans, claiming they are the 99% of citizens that are unfairly treated when it comes to wages, taxes, and debts. Occupy Wall Street has a focus for helping the depleting middle class, and lower class citizens.
The Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street have opposing views on how our nation’s government should be structured, and what the problem of our nation as it stands is. Although both movements have lineages back to Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, their interpretations of the same document changes with their personal viewpoints of our government. The variation of interpretations is astounding considering they are both founded from the same document. It is evident that the natural bias of political parties influenced how these interpretations were conceived. The conservative belief of fiscal spending is strong, and it is clear that when they read the Declaration of Independence they focused on their beliefs are connected it to certain aspects to verify their opinions. The liberal viewpoint is to help our nation through social welfare, and distribute the wealth among the people. Therefore, it is easy to see where they interpreted parts of the Declaration to form their beliefs. While both movements are trying to create a perfect government to fit their priorities, it is evident that both have legitimate arguments and valid reasoning behind their views.
Lists:
Working: Concept
Needs Improvement: Coherency of thoughts and ideas, a separate paragraph to specifically compare and contrast the movements, editing the paragraphs to being about what they stand for and different opinions, REMEMBER 75/80% Analysis, 25/20% Quotes

Dear America,
Democracy is a bitch.
But despite this,this matter, you seem
Deep, thought provoking questions here…but that aside America, paper can’t speak. Thomas Jefferson cannot rise from the grave and elucidate every piece of text that gives rights to the American people. But he did however; leave room for certain adjustments to be made; adjustments that could broaden or restrict the definition of any given word or phrase in the Declaration. “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." “The people” have the power to change government leaders, policy, regulations, and what have you, as it affects their “happiness”. “The people” define their unalienable rights and now too have the right to say when they are being cheated and can actually do something about it. But there are many groups of people. As stated above, there are people of different gender, race, and financial standing. And these people tend to have different interpretations of “happiness”, but they all have one thing in common; when their rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are at stake, they get their asses up and start altering and abolishing whatever policy seems to be infringing upon their so-stated rights.
Since in its original text, only “Men” were mentioned in the Declaration, it only truly protected the rights of the male species for a time, namely white, rich, aristocrats. Obviously, later on down the road, this didn’t sit well with the people who interpreted the term “All men” to include “All people”…you know the kind that maybe aren’t white or don’t have a penis. Specifically the “All people” who have the right to alter and abolish…uh oh, you better watch your backs rich white guys.
talk about douglas and how slavery infringed upon rights of black people and how he sees the term all men to include black men and how eventually it did. And yeah maybe including blacks made some people happy and others unhappy it did broaden the meaning of All men.
For women talk about cady Stanton and how she saw the term all men to include women as well and that women too have the right to be happy and shit
of person.
briefly discuss how the fight for inclusion continues today with tea party and ow.
(BACK TO ACTUAL WRITING)