WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: We Must CREATE Change

All words and photos by F LoBuono

It's hard to believe that's it's been just over 8 years since we experienced the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement. Incidentally, most people would be surprised to learn that it was actually initiated by the Canadian anti-consumerism, pro environmental group, Adbusters. whose goal was to protest wealth inequality, political corruption, and corporate influence on government. The first demonstration occurred on September, 17, 2011.

Although named Occupy Wall Street, the demonstrations were actually held in Zucotti Park, located a few blocks away from the actual Wall Street. I was at the park for most of the demonstrations, covering them as a cameraman for CBS News. While I was there, I worked with veteran reporter, Randall Pinkston. Randall was always one of my favorites because even though he was the total professional he never lost compassion for those he covered.

We spent many hours and days witnessing the events and interviewing many of the participants. One of the things that we couldn't help but notice was, over all, how unfocused their ultimate goals were. In fact, at times, it was difficult to even get a cogent interview on what they might be. We saw plenty of chanting and drum circles but often wondered to what end? The people there, mostly young folk, were certainly dedicated to changing the world around them. The problem was that they had NO REAL PLAN on just EXACTLY how to accomplish that. All the drumming and chanting in the world may be great for a Kumbaya moment but what is actually going to accomplish? And, in the final analysis, despite raising public awareness to these inequities, nothing was really achieved in terms of lasting change.

Today, we have another group of dedicated young people committed to staving off a potential environmental disaster. Norwegian teenager, Greta Thunberg, recently nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, has become the face of this burgeoning movement. Millions of young enthusiasts have heeded her call and hit the streets to let the powers that be know that they are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore.

However, having experienced the failure that Occupy Wall Street eventually became, I would like to challenge this new generation of activists to actually DO more - to create actual change. And, the best way to do this is to VOTE or, even, participate in the process as a candidate for CHANGE. The new generation of have the ability to alter the process by which we are rapidly heading for our own self-destruction. But, if they do not translate their passion into decisive action then it really becomes just an exercise in mental masturbation.

So, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, young people the challenge has been issued. If you want change, make it happen. Marching, drumming, and chanting ain't gonna' do it. VOTING will.