I have a friend in a northern US city who, on Facebook, liked the Occupy "City" page. I asked her what she liked about the occupy movement. Was she anti-Federal Reserve, anti-Capitalism, anti-War in Iraq or Afghanistan, anti-bailouts, etc. I asked because all of these positions are presented in this Occupy group.
She responded that she liked the fact Americans were getting off their butts and doing something. It doesn't matter that not everyone knows the issues, and you don't have to in order to complain that you don't like the current situation. She was just happy people have found their voice.
Her response pained me. You don't think it's important to know what you are protesting for or against? You don't think it's important to differentiate between anti-capitalism and, for example, pro-"clean earth"? Hmm....
I also want to know how these people are "doing" anything. Standing around outside doesn't change anything... I'd be amused to see how many of the protesters actually ever vote. It will be curious to see how many "I just despise bail-outs" Americans vote in 2012 for the presidential candidate who spearheaded said bail-outs. So much for that "voice."
Furthermore, I wonder if they can actually articulate their complaints. You don't actually have a "voice" if you don't know what you are talking about.
Last I checked I still have clean, hot water in which to bathe and more than two pairs of shoes. I also overeat more often than not, so I have trouble taking to the streets to complain "this isn't working for me." I think most Americans could use a good dose of time in a third-world country; it changes one's perspectives...
/end rant (for now)