The graph from the October 26 Issue of The Economist is a fairly dramatic indication that the ‘1%’ are doing pretty well. It is interesting to note that when the recessions of ’87, ’92, and 2002 hit, the folks on the top took a fairly huge dive. I’m reminded of Jesus’ words – Those who have will be given more. More on that in a minute…
First, an earlier issue of The Economist has this line – “People are right to be angry. But it is also right to be worried about where populism could take politics.” (Oct. 22, 2011 – “Rage against the machine…”)
What a dilemma! Where has “Capitalism” taken politics? The Economist reports there are protests “in over 900 cities in 80-plus countries over the past few days.” Burlington, Vermont is preparing itself (bracing itself?) for a three-day occupation of City Hall Park this weekend. The Police, Politicians and the Parks Department are planning a ‘holistic response‘. The concern for an unrestrained populism and the impact it can have – psychologically as well as politically and physically – is manifest in some of the ‘comments’ to the linked article. From gross generalizations to name-calling … it could be an interesting weekend.
Clergy are being encouraged by peers to become “Protest Chaplains“. The religious professionals who have showed up at OWS share Eleven Lessons they have learned – the first being: Show up! The next ten read like a script for meaningful worship – things like: Don’t underestimate the power of religious symbols; Sing, don’t Shout; Don’t get defensive; Be a resource; Don’t work alone… One of the most interesting “lessons” is this: Let happen what happens! It’s called ‘Faith’! It seems to me that at least some of what is happening at these “OWS” events looks a lot like what Jesus had in mind. Everyone – every sinner and saint – is welcome. From the perspective of the Protest Chaplains, OWS is a modern-day metaphor for what Jesus might have meant when he said: Follow me. “Follow me,” says Jesus, “and we’ll figure it out as we go along (oh ye of little faith)!”
It’s not only the Clergy who are starting to show up in droves … it’s the Children, too. The NY Times reports there is a library in Zuccotti Park, complete with a Children’s Section. There is an organization called “Parents for Occupy Wall Street” – a kind of “PTA” for the movement – and why not? There is a “99% School” on site, and numerous other schools are encouraging their students to head over to the park to see what’s going on. Students in The Calhoun School’s Journalism and Photography classes are required to visit OWS. “We see the city as a classroom, and we don’t shy away from introducing our children to things that are controversial,” said Steve Nelson, the head of the school. “We want them to learn to examine and think critically about what is going on around them in the world.”
One parent, Rivka Gewirtz Little, (one of the organizers of the 99 % School), has made sure her children are present for OWS. “I liken it to forcing them to go to church,” she said, “It’s important for them to learn your beliefs.” What’s this? Forcing little ones to attend OWS?
Thinking back to that graph for a moment and something else Jesus said … One day a woman (presumably uninvited) made her way to the table where Jesus was a guest. She bathed him, pouring over his head an expensive perfume. This made Jesus’ disciples angry. Why this waste? they asked. This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor. Jesus responded to them. She has done a beautiful thing … the poor you will always have with you. (Matthew 26:6-13.)
There is the “point of light” – extravagance isn’t the problem. PROXIMITY – or the lack of it – is the problem. Look again at the space between the top line – the “1%”, and everyone else. That distance represents not only cash on hand; it represents a complete breakdown in the relationship. The “1%” are like a rocket ship breaking free from the forces of gravity – forces that are everyone else’s reality. The “1%” have lived so long in a state of weightlessness that they have completely forgotten how much fuel was burned getting them up there. Are the poor with us? In our churches? On the marketplace? “With us” not only as present until forced to move on … but “with us” in relationships, in decision-making, in policy-setting?
“From a distance,” sings Bette Middler, there is harmony, peace, no disease, no hungry mouths to feed. That’s where the “1%” live. But most folks feel, at least to some extent, the gravitational forces that already do or threaten to deny them health care, job security, an affordable education.
The challenge for the “99%” is to transform an “occupation” from transient euphoria to sustainable action . It’s one thing to occupy a house, and quite another thing to own it. How long can the school, the library, the free food and clothes hold out before the hard decisions have to be made? I don’t think the “99%” are trying to avoid life’s tough choices ; I think they want the Clergy and the Kids to be part of the conversation. And the reason they are on Wall Street is because they truly want the “1%” to show up, too.
If I’ve learned anything as a white male it is this: Privilege is blinding. I have to constantly be shown by people (who hopefully love me) how to overcome the disability of privilege. Those who are literally and metaphorically ensconced in penthouse offices have so much to learn from folks on the street…if only they will come close.
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