Apparently, my brain has missed its date with alertness today, so you get hit with a few links instead – joy!

An open letter and warning from a former tea party movement adherent….
http://redd.it/kyjo2

STOP Co-Optation of the ‘Occupy’ Movement
https://www.facebook.com/pages/STOP-Co-Optation-of-the-Occupy-Movement/170967829654210?sk=info

OWS: The US vs International Media (xpost from /r/politics)
http://redd.it/l0sd0

The long and the short of it is that, while it might not be on all the front pages, the Occupy movement is making people uncomfortable. You can already see some people trying to make it partisan, and then attempt to turn off those in the middle by comparing it to the Tea Party (nicely done Bloomberg, you filthy beast). But that’s the thing – it isn’t a partisan movement. It is easy to understand if you’re not a US journalist (or vehemently right wing like the folks at Red State. It’s okay folks – you’re just as entitled to your opinions). Me, I hate party politics and subscribe to neither ‘side’ (though would happily vote for candidates of either if they weren’t insane, and have done just that in local elections). I merely do my best to see the potential for good this movement has. Oh sure, there are some pie-in-the-sky demands. Sure, there are some hippies and whack-jobs and a healthy sprinkling of veterans too (really, your active duty military folks have a noose about their necks; don’t expect them to sacrifice their family’s healthcare and jobs for you), but you’ll also get the well-dressed educated folk as well. Heck, some of the protests are suggesting a dress code so the ‘it’s just hippies stfu’ folks don’t have a leg to stand on; I’m incredibly charmed.

Whatever the case, the initial tremors shaking the current system’s foundation can be felt, and I hope that all those brave souls trying to stand up for themselves manage to continue the overall grace, love, and non-violence that colours this movement. It’s about to get really nasty from those who oppose the intent of all of this, so… stay strong. All my love with you, and hopefully some of my handicraft too – I’m crocheting up a few hats to keep heads warm in Liberty Plaza. *grins*