Something is Happening

“Something is happening in America” seems to be one of the oft-quoted but unofficial slogans for what is taking place in the form of protests, rallies, and demonstrations that have been taking place around our state and around the world. Cynics may call this typical political theater; another attempt to attract attention to one candidate or another as we slog our way through yet another agonizing series of campaigns.

“Something is happening in America” is the call that has been sounded by Republicans and Democrats alike, mostly as a repetitious call for donations to increasingly corrupt candidates. They call upon ordinary citizens (those who can least afford corruption, let alone give their cash and their vote for such a candidate) to help further “the cause” as articulated by party politics. In public, the politicians gleefully gather $5 bills from grandmothers, college students, and all those in between. In private, they hungrily devour millions upon millions of dollars in donations with a well polished (and trademarked) wink and smile in the full and complete understanding that their turn to scratch the proverbial back is just around the corner.

“Something is happening in America” has also been sounded with alarm and perfectly intoned concern by our corporate media and their pathetic excuses for journalism and investigation. With few exceptions, the major newsgathering organizations of our state; our country; and our world are wholly and willingly in dereliction of duty as journalists. An obligation to the facts and a loyalty only to its citizens have long been the pillars of a free press as well as that of a free and well-functioning society. The actions of the corporate press have placed these pillars under such profound, repeated, and hammering abuse that the hallowed architecture of democracy has developed alarming cracks and fissures that, if left unchecked, could soon topple the great ideas that have long supported us.

Yet, “something is happening in America” is also being heard beyond the halls of power and the corridors of corruption. It is being whispered excitedly and in hushed tones by people across the world. Some have said that the America people are finally waking up. While this may seem accurate on its face, the reality is, reassuringly, much more nuanced than such a slogan. People have known for years that “things are bad” and that, until recently, things are likely to get worse before they get better. In a time when the cost of living has steadily risen, the effective income for working Americans has remained heart-stoppingly stagnant. This is no mystery to the people.

We have long been aware of the thinning of our dreams. The American people have indeed been awake for some time. The great difference now is that we are refusing to continue lying down.

“Something is happening in America” because the people, inspired by events as close to home as City Hall and as far afield as Tunisia have once again that the vast majority cannot and will not continue to be oppressed by a ruling minority no matter how brutal; powerful; or oppressive. This “something” that is happening in America is neither new nor mysterious. This something, though encouraged by social media; telecommunications; and a savvy understanding of the mass media is not a product of these factors. This something that is happening is not merely a stunt or an unruly mob of smelly hippies. This something is not (no matter how much they try) the tool of, for, or against any particular political campaign.

This is something different. Those who occupy Wall St (and over a thousand other cities around the world) are now at last refusing to lie down any longer as monstrous institutions barrel over them. Many politicians are citing the recent recession as the reason for this movement. Yet, in talking to those who’ve been there as well as those who’ve participated in events closer to home, one is likely to find that those most affected, those most involved, and those who’ve been struggling the most will say “We feel like we’ve been in recession all our lives.”

In a time when teachers search vending machines for spare change; when students as well as parents are forced to eat Ramen noodles for dinner every night; when thousands upon thousands are forced from their homes in a single night with little chance of making successful return, the people have decided that everything must change and in so making that decision now have changed everything.

Something is indeed happening in America. It is happening in over a thousand cities and countless classrooms, living rooms, and kitchen tables around the world. Something is happening… and odds are good that its happening at a much deeper level than most will (or can) guess.