The Musings of Faith

thebrightcontinent:

These days, I hear chants echoing through the window of my apartment. “We-are-the-99-percent… and so are… We-are-the-99-percent … and so are … We…” Repeat as necessary.

I like Occupy Wall Street. After a summer spent with Al Jazeera and the low hum of unrest in the Middle East, I appreciate the rhythmic waves of objection pouring out from New York City’s own Zucotti Park. I feel the gripe of those who, in full lung, lament that “Banks got bailed out—we got sold out!” In addition to reminding me that protest is an American tradition (in recent years it’s been hard to imagine Americans convening en masse for anything other than a sporting event), the OWS moment has forced some necessary debate on income inequality, joblessness and the fractured bargain of America’s bad decade.

I’ve read some wonderful analyses of why it’s working, what the lefty movement has to do with the largely Republican Tea Party, and what to do now that it’s getting cold.

Here is another kink in the conversation. Most American protesters, however economically disadvantaged, are probably not as disadvantaged as, well, 99 percent of the global community. This provocation from the Motley Fool reminds us that the price of admission to the ranks of the global 1% is $34,000 in annual income.

The global distribution figures may seem incomprehensibly low, but consider a couple of statistics you’re likely familiar with: According to the U.N., “Nearly half the world’s population, 2.8 billion people, earn less than $2 a day.” According to the World Bank, 95% of those living in the developing world earn less than $10 a day.

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Exactly my sentiments. Well said.