“Occupying” the Public Eye

“Occupying” the Public Eye

Ever feel dismay when you open your wallet, or cringe when the mortgage bill arrives? You’re not alone. According to the “Occupy” social movement, you are one of “the 99%,” who has lost control of your economic life through the avariciousness of large banks and impersonal, transnational corporations.

Seeking to end the greed, corruption and privileges of the “wealthiest 1%,” the leaderless Occupy protestors have gathered in cities throughout the world to rail against a political culture that they feel has contributed to a group of elected officials who do not represent the voices, needs and concerns of citizens at the local, state, national or international levels.

The protestors’ desire for their voices to be heard seems to have been fulfilled—after more than seven weeks, the movement still tops news headlines across the world.

Camping out en masse in parks and other public spaces from Wall Street and Berlin to Barcelona, protestors have encountered a mixed bag of acceptance and hostility from the public, local businesses and law enforcement.

At Occupy Wall Street, protestors chose to eschew required police liaisons or permits, claiming that those requirements were “repressive” and that no permission was necessary as the First Amendment granted them the right to assemble.

Protecting the rights of the Occupiers and the public, while vigilantly keeping the peace, is a precarious balance - but one that must be maintained to properly exercise the First Amendment.

Whether we agree with and support the Occupiers or not, their movement reminds of the incredible (and hard won) freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Not only does our First Amendment allow them to peaceably assemble in protest, but prohibits the making of any law which abridges their freedom of speech or prohibits their petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.

This freedom from repression was borne from our forefathers’ staunch commitment to democracy and openness; and conviction that free expression and educated criticism were critical to a functioning and successful democratic form of government.

The First Amendment has been tested time and time again throughout our country’s history, most notably during wartime, but it has withstood the test of time and continues to protect anyone who wishes to speak his or her mind or assemble in protest.

While the outcome of this movement remains to be seen, it is a shining example of democracy in action. It’s certain that America’s forefathers, who thoughtfully and carefully crafted our Bill of Rights, would monitor the unfolding story with great enthusiasm.