I've seen more and more coverage on the Occupy Los Angeles protests and to be honest, I really didn't know what they were about. After reading some articles and watching some videos, I know a little more and I admire the courage of the people who want to be heard. They believe in something bigger than themselves, they can see glaring problems within existing institutions and hope for a better future. I don't pretend to know all of the issues with government and how it is influenced by corporations and how these corporations don't pay taxes but I can understand the outrage it can cause when it appears our government is not acting in the best interests of the majority of its people. While these issues do directly affect lives, sometimes it is difficult to see the process because the negative effects aren't always visible in our everyday lives. It is also difficult for some to pinpoint a specific solution to these ongoing issues. That leaves many people in the dark. Many people don't think about these things and don't care to say anything about it or don't think it applies to them. As much as I'd like to think I wouldn't fall into this category, I do.
So with that said, my question is, "Is there anything I can do to have a positive affect not only on my future, but more importantly, the future of generations to come?" I believe the answer is a resounding "yes" for everyone. The next question would be, "Where do I start?" We can all agree there is a lot wrong in not only our cities, our country but around the world. It would seem like too huge of a problem to solve something like global economy especially for a person who knows little to nothing about it like me. But I do think there is a step in the right direction and it all starts with me. I see a lot of the protests against "corporate greed" and while it sounds reprehensible, I have to be honest and say I don't know exactly what it means. I can tell you though that I want another kind of greed to go away and that is the greed in my own life. If I'm honest, I can tell you that 90-95% of my thoughts, actions and emotions are spent on myself. Same goes for my finances. If I take steps to lower that percentage, then I begin to help others around me and maybe even the world. Much like the greed that influences our government which makes policy, I have to rid myself of my own greed which influences my decision making which defines my life.
It may sound strange but I want to start a protest of myself. Occupy: Me goes into effect today. Would you join me in making a better tomorrow? Let's shed some light on those living in the darkness of uncertainty.
