Friday morning my mother passed away. We lost an important member of our family and a friend of many. We kissed, hugged and told her good-bye as the warmth of her life slowly left her body. I could feel the heat filling my heart as the tears filled my eyes. Today with fire in my heart and tears in my eyes I will Occupy San Jose. The hospital had moved her out of the ICU earlier, as we had many friends and family sneaking in the back door causing a ruckus. After she passed we delayed signing the release allowing them to remove her body so friends and family had a chance to say good-bye, to which my brother said, "Occupy the hospital." I think they are glad we are gone, but they were nothing but nice to us. My mom was very excited a couple weeks ago as I told her of my recent activities and urged me to push myself to do more. I have joined a local group, the Dream Menders in planning a rally in support of the Contract for the American Dream. I have become more active on Daily Kos writing diaries and actually meeting other Kossaks. My little one and I have joined some of the Occupy San Jose protests (mom was very excited I've included my daughter). My little one and I have previously been to other protests and rallies. Last night I asked my little one if she wanted to come today and she replied, "YES!!" She then began to tell me of a conversation she had with her BFF about how Bank of the West and others were stealing money from their school. I do not recall at 7 talking about politics with my friends...kids these days. I began to tell her that when the banks and Wall Street needed money we gave it to them. She cut me off saying; "Now we need help and they won't help us...we should have thought about how they would treat us before we gave them the money." Now I'm off to Occupy the minds of the people, as my mom and family Occupies my heart. I will add a small report and some photos when I return, then hit publish.
Today my little one, wife and I met some Dream Menders members at the local library. We are a group of concerned citizens who are ready to work for a better world using Van Jones’ Rebuild the Dream as guidance. Many had not been to Occupy and were excited to join them downtown as we shared hellos, signs and flyers. Arriving downtown we were greeted by a small but energetic group of Occupiers on a beautiful San Jose day.
People assured me that they are still going strong and expect 300 people tomorrow.
Many are staying overnight despite 7 people receiving citations. Still no arrest or forced evictions.
It’s all about the people. I talked with many people who are just tired of the corporate control of our government. This guy had served in Iraq and Afghanistan and said he felt more proud to join the Occupiers than the duty he performed in Iraq or Afghanistan.
It’s always great to see family involvement.
If you’re going but you don’t have a sign…there’s always extras.
As usual, my little one, always on the front lines.
Overall, after talking with many people, spirits are high and they speak of being there for as long as it takes. “Make the world a better place” ~ little one.