Now, I am aware that once someone shoves their head in the sand and doesn’t want to know about the world, they are less likely to ever want to come up for air – it’s that so-called ‘ignorance is bliss’ paradigm that is oh-so popular in the wake of years of being told to be scared. There are even studies that back this up (and I think this here is the actual study; I’ve not had a chance to read it yet). I only mention this as an aside to show that I do understand how hard it is to open one’s eyes and face up to the harsh truths of reality. This… not something I’ve had a problem with. When every day hits you with another anxiety attack, you sort of muck on, ha ha.

With that in mind, I offer some food for thought on what America has become, or is in the process of becoming. I don’t agree with every single little thing, but the viewpoints offered are definitely something that needs to be thought upon:

Americans Are Now Living In a Society That Rivals Orwell’s 1984
http://www.prisonplanet.com/americans-are-now-living-in-a-society-that-rivals-orwells-1984.html

99% v 1%: the data behind the Occupy movement – animation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/video/2011/nov/16/99-v-1-occupy-data-animation

Senators Demand the Military Lock Up American Citizens in a “Battlefield” They Define as Being Right Outside Your Window
http://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/senators-demand-military-lock-american-citizens-battlefield-they-define-being

What’s The Cause Of The Great Self-Sustaining Recession?
https://plus.google.com/117665613028757061169/posts/etW699xYJYU

The Top 0.1% Of The Nation Earn Half Of All Capital Gains
http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertlenzner/2011/11/20/the-top-0-1-of-the-nation-earn-half-of-all-capital-gains/

The world can be, and currently is, a scary place. It has gotten there because so many people are too afraid to see what’s been going on – the erosion of freedoms, the erosion of the American Dream, the rapid decline in quality of life for many. I’m not saying that in terms of Stuff™®; I think the world would be a lot happier without so much dreck being forced at us claiming it will bring us joy. I mean that in having time to spend with family, money to adequately feed and clothe oneself and their kin, to keep a roof over one’s head, to have quality healthcare – when our base needs are met, we are more able to actualize ourselves, which is a much better route to happiness.

Read the content of the links, or not. Obviously, I’m not forcing these on anyone. But to me, they provide some of the strong reasoning behind why one should stand up and support the Occupy movement wherever they might be. You don’t have to camp to show that you care. You don’t have to march to admit that you’ve been duped, and that you deserve a better life. There is no shame or dirty communism to wanting the same for your fellow Americans/Brits/Canadians/wherever you might be. Be brave, know thy enemy… and try to kill ’em with love and kindness.

Otherwise, have a good Friday, and if you’re wisely avoiding giving your money to mega-congloms, don’t forget to check out 99% Crafters, Etsy, and whatever local mom and pop outfits you can find. It’s not the price tag – it’s the thought that counts!