I spent the last two days with Jerry Ashton in lower Manhattan at OWS. He's been spending a lot of time there, and has gotten to know a number of amazing protesters. He interviewed me a week before I headed to DC to discuss my work on OWS and its relationship to student loan debt. Check out that interview here.
Jerry was generous enough to treat me to two wonderful lunches in lower Manhattan, and also patiently waited for me this morning while I was interviewed by a TV station. Stay tuned for my next interview with Jerry as well as my TV interview with Cablevision of Long Island.
It has been a productive, busy, and emotionally moving trip to both D.C. and New York City. I was amazed by what I saw in lower Manhattan. I can't say I was surprised by what I saw, but I was definitely in awe of what these young people have already accomplished and what they plan to accomplish. They aren't just there. They are occupying across this entire nation and outside of the U.S., and that gives me so much hope. (They are showing the hypocrisy of our leaders, and that's what we need to see; it's a good dose of reality medicine that reveals just how ridiculous things have gotten here). I salute all of the protesters. As I told a young man today, named Jake, "you are great patriots. Keep up the good work. You all make me very proud." He smiled, thanked me for my work, and gave me a hug. A few minutes later, I was headed back to the West side to pick up my belongings at my friend's apartment and leave town. How's that for a lovely send off from lower Manhattan?
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I am writing this from a bus that is taking me back to D.C., and I already can't wait to get back to lower Manhattan. I have been invited to give a talk in February in NYC, and I will definitely be heading back down to Zuccotti Park then.
On a closing note, here's some hypocrisy for you (this is a MUST watch):
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A non-profit organization dedicated to the eradication of all student loan debt through activism, education, and legislation; because student loan debt is dangerous to the US economy and to the health and well-being of individual Americans and their families. CRYN JOHANNSEN, Founder & Executive Director
1 comment:
I don't know how much I agree with OWS, as I think a lot of people are there to whine (and others to party). However, at the same time, there are some huge problems in this country, and your blog does a good job of putting some of those to light.
I have not had a chance to visit OWS, because, sadly, I've been too absorbed in trying to become absorbed in my studies.
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