Hi all! Julianna here from the Ironic News Report. I went to cover and support the #OccupyWallStreet protest in NYC last night with some of the Ironic News Report Team. We were able to witness Michael Moore's live feed to the Lawrence O'Donnell Show on MSNBC. Here are the video links to his interviews. (If you look closely over Mike's left shoulder, you will see my head :) )
IMO the interviews were great. But it was what happened after the cameras went off that was truly inspiring. (Video and write up below the fold)
Part 1:
Part 2:
Michael Moore was masterful at communicating the voice of the people to the nation from the Occupy Wall Street protest last night in NYC. Yet, it was his actions that spoke most powerfully.
After the taping, with the television cameras gone.....the protesters did a call and answer thanking Michael for bringing attention to the issues at hand (i.e. One man shouted "Thank you Michael" and the rest of the group echoed "Thank you, Michael" ..."For being here"... and so on). People in his immediate vicinity were trying to briefly chat with him or snap a photo. One man handed him a cardboard sign and said "Michael, I made this sign, and I want you to have it". He was an older black man. Michael stopped, turned, looked the man in the eye, thanked him, shook his hand and asked him his name. He asked where he was from. There was an incredible moment of stillness at that point as the two men interacted with each other. A real presence of one person to another. And the surrounding people also became still and present at that moment. It was powerful. And I was grateful to recognize it.
People have been disparaging the #OccupyWallStreet protests for not having a list of demands or specific goals. After witnessing that moment of presence and power, that incredible power of oneness and connection between human beings, I realize the goal of these protests, is for that power and understanding to break through, and inform ALL our policy in this country; be it energy, financial management, foreign relations, or whatever.
The video below shows the moment, but it doesn't necessarily capture it. I would urge you, if you can show up at one of the OccupyWallStreet events, to do so. And hopefully have your own moment.
Thanks Micheal.
Here's the video:
We'll be there again in the coming days. Follow @IronicNews on twitter for updates or follow this journal.
Julianna