One of the reasons many of us support the OWS movement is because so many of us are so vulnerable to those in charge and in control-Corporations, politicians, cost of living, lack of jobs, age, poor health and feel we are at the mercy of the many things we have no control over. Maybe it's also just life in general.
The following article shines a light IMHO on some explanation of why now the 99% are speaking out: I hope you are able to see the connection as I do.
The Power Of Vulnerability
Like it or not, vulnerability is coming, and we have to decide if we’re going to open up to it or push it away.
The only choice we really have is how we're going to respond to feeling vulnerable. And contrary to popular belief, our shields don't protect us. They simply keep us from being seen, heard, and known.
If there's anything I've learned over the past decade and experienced firsthand over the last year, it's this: Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose.
Even if letting ourselves be seen and opening ourselves up to judgment or disappointment feels terrifying, the alternatives are worse: Choosing to feel nothing -- numbing. Choosing to perfect, perform, and please our way out of vulnerability. Choosing rage, cruelty, or criticism. Choosing shame and blame. Like most of you reading this, I have some experience with all of these alternatives, and they all lead to same thing: disengagement and disconnection.
One of my favorite quotes is from theologian Howard Thurman. He writes, "Don’t ask what the world needs; ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive."
Vulnerability is not easy, but it’s the surest sign that we’ve come alive.
For too many people the lack of enough money is the obvious vulnerability in a consumer society.
For others its that sense that we've been shoved in the shadows due to poverty, bad health and age.
Many just give up, self-medicate really don't care or know or understand and remain unaware of what is happening in the world today.
The OWS and supporters, as vulnerable as we all are, know we still have a voice and are not so afraid of our vulnerability to speak up. We are not afraid to expose the liars and posers or the phony of many leaders.
Daily Kos has been my place of choice to use my voice since 2004. And like many diarists I face my vulnerability before every diary I post. I take a deep breath, write post and hope for the best. And regardless of results, number of rec's, tips, views or HR's I live to write again and feel better afterwards.
So I applaud all of us who put ourselves out there daily whether I agree, disagree, like or dislike because I know it isn't as easy as pie.
Daily Kos is a fairly safe place to be. It reminds me that I am still alive and of value. That's what I like the most about this place.
Some prefer the popularity aspect, I prefer the safe haven to speak up and out often aspect:)
Oh and of course, I come because of Politics!!