Austin Daze ( http://www.austindaze.com/ ) asked me to write a couple hundred words on Occupy Austin, so I wrote them here; take a look and feel free to help me edit this before I turn it in.
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After only two weeks, Occupy Austin has turned into Barton Springs. It’s all drum circles and hula hoops and beautiful, earnest young folk standing around doing not-much.
What did you expect? This is Austin.
People want a lot from the Occupy movement. First they wanted to not have to pay attention, and now they want a list of demands, as if Occupy were holding them hostage. And Occupy Austin, people really don’t know what they want. Are they even protesting?
Not exactly, no, we’re not. Not like they are other places. We’re in solidarity here, because…
It’s amazing what Occupy does to a guilty conscience. If the bankers and the cops know they’ve got it coming, then they go right out there in crack skulls. Here in Austin, things are honestly pretty nice. There’s inequality and oppression, but it ain’t exactly Chicago.
Out here we’re meeting to talk about this, to show support, to trade ideas, to change minds, to have fun waving signs. All signs welcome — I saw Lyndon LaRouche types one day, communists the next, Infowars the third.
We’re reclaiming our public spaces.
You always said you wanted us to turn off the TV and go outside. This is what it looks like.
