Coffee, newspaper, nightstick to the face. If only those who live blindly could see that this reality was not just yours this morning… This is theirs every day. America’s middle-class has been taking a beating for years, and while many of the less inclined lay in bed, smacking the snooze button with a distain they have yet to focus, you stood arm in arm and waited for the riot squad. For you, this morning was not met with the repeat adventure of a mundane egg and cheese crumbing up their lap on the morning commute. For you, this morning was met with nerves of steel and hair on end, as it was for thousands not in camps but who were awake, glued to the television and internet, watching your every move.
New York experienced a huge success, and a great sigh of relief washed over us all. However, other cities struggle to maintain their positions and ranks. Some cities are combating more aggressive police forces and some are dwindling under the pressure. It is imperative that we ban together to hold strong, not just in our own cities but in all the occupied cities.
Smaller occupancies get significantly less attention, both from the media and from the rest of the movement. Reaching out to these cities, offering support, contacting people and organizations in the area to generate support, and keeping closer communication with them can help build their ranks and their strength. Meanwhile, smaller occupancies should think about approaching populations that can be tapped for resources and numbers, sending scouts with flyers out to universities, unions, and various community organizations.
We understand that the Wall Street Financial District is the hub and symbol of that which we stand against, and that metaphorically we all stand behind those camped in Zucotti Park, but this is about all of us, and that means we need to be just as focused on Houston and other smaller occupancies as we are on Wall Street. These smaller camps need our shows of support even more than camps that have grown to hold hundreds of people. It is part of our duty and our message to rally support for every occupancy.
OWS, please, as the media attention increases, but sure to take every opportunity to mention the thousands who are standing behind you in cities around the country. Make sure your group is informed about the struggles these other camps are facing to ensure they get the word out about their presence and need for support. The media coverage is centered on you, downplaying the occupancies in other cities as nearly small shows of support that are broken up with a handful of arrests. You have the power to change that, to pull these other cities into your spotlight and give America a clearer picture of the depth of this movement. Bring them into the light; strengthen their resolve and our future.