OPINION: Occupy The Rose Parade?

Whether you agree with the Occupy movement or not, there is a time and place for your voice to be heard, and heard most effectively.

The message of the Occupy movement is clear; end the corporate stronghold on our nation both politically and fiscally. Those that are protesting want the individuals that are elected to represent all of the people to do just that, not just cater the very wealthy and corporate interests. However, with this being said, there is absolutely no need to Occupy a parade.



Apparently the Rose Parade was occupied because they have floats that are sponsored by corporations. What they fail to see is the fact that many of the floats are also sponsored by non-profit organizations, as well as public organizations and towns. Hundreds of hours are put into these floats, and the parade itself is filled with joy, tradition, togetherness, and beauty.



The Occupiers came after the parade was already finished carrying a giant replica of the Constitution of the United States. They were not greeted with open arms however, neither by onlookers nor by the police. They did have the foresight to cooperate with the Pasadena Police Department, and for the most part the protest was not dramatic, even though the police did come dressed in riot gear preparing for the worst on a beautiful, sunny day.



Walking among the Occupiers, and yes even drifting through the abundance of marijuana in the air (that the police apparently chose to ignore) I noticed something. I noticed that the Occupy movement that I once supported with open arms, even traveling to New York City in the beginning, was no longer a movement I felt comfortable with. I noticed a prevalence of anarchy mixed with people who genuinely want positive change. This anarchy is going to be a poison pill for this movement, and also explains the heavy police presence. Where there is anarchy, there is the yearning to overthrow, and with that comes a means that has the possibility of getting quite out of hand.



If we want change in this nation, change that will work for the people and not just big business we need to make sure that our voices are heard. This is not done by making people question your intent. This is not done by making others feel uncomfortable during and after a traditional parade. This is not done by yelling at those that are allowed to be as unethical as they want. How it is done is through demanding representation. Stand on the steps of Congress and have the message, “I’m not leaving until you represent me.” How it is done is by going to where corporate lobbyists are meeting with our representatives and make sure our voices are heard over theirs. How this is done is by going to the voting booths and electing officials that actually give a damn about the American people, and by people I mean actual people, not corporations.

Functional and ethical capitalism has every right to exist within our nation. However, it needs to be regulated to suit the best interests of the people. When this happens everyone wins… even the wealthy. When money is back into the hands of the middle and working class they can spend it, increasing demand, lowering prices, and increasing profit…. everyone wins. This to me seems like common sense, however when the greedy control our politics and policy and all the money is at the top, only the top seems to survive. If you have supply (supply-side, AKA Reaganomics) and no demand, because no one other than the very wealthy has any money, how is this a functional economy?

I digress, there is a time and a place for protest and that time is not where our military is marching, non-profits are displayed, charities are represented, and towns come together to enjoy tradition and beauty. Bring the protests to where it counts, where change can happen. The Occupy movement has the attention of the world, its next moves have to be very strategic, very deliberate, and very smart. I still support the movement, it is much-needed and long-awaited. However, for positive change to occur we need support, and that is not going to happen by turning people off to your intent by taking over a joyful occasion.