Wall Street is on Fire

On the Revolution of Ideas!

Several weeks have passed and the protest against Wall Street continues to draw attention. Although many have tried to discredit this genuine form of freedom of speech, it is clear that the protestors outside city halls around the nation and outside Wall Street will not surrender their right to express their discontent without a fight. Wall Street is on fire due to the current financial crisis and the unemployment rate. But the issue is not that many people don’t have a job, the real issue is that while the country is suffering, many of these Wall Street barons are making huge amounts of money without feeling any of the consequences of the financial crisis. It doesn’t make sense that while many Americans are without a job, many of these people are driving the nation into a hole from which no one will be able to rescue it. The issue is not that people can’t make money, or achieve wealth; the issue is that America can’t allow the gap between the poor and the rich to grow to a point in which there won’t be any difference between America and a third world country.

The protestors simply are fed up with the level of indifference from Wall Street, the rich, the US government and the political parties that rule the nation. To label the protestors as ridiculous, absurd or even crazy is really not an option. The marches around the world gave a clear message that these protestors are to be taken seriously. These manifestations are to be paid more attention by everyone and together come to a consensus on how we will emerge from these critical moments. Wall Street, the bankers, the rich and the leaders of the world can’t continue to ignore these problems simply by making promises that will never be met by anyone and that only make the problem get worse. Rome, London, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Toronto are some of the cities were the protests took place and although some got violent, most of them went on peacefully and people were able to express their discontent.

These marches must not stay in just a march, it must be the beginning of a worldwide movement that pushes for reforms that we all need to get the financial system moving and serving the people. The problem today is that the financial system only serves those with money and those who own the banks, but the public is not served.  In many cases the public is looked upon as just a number and that has to change. The public is what gives these institutions the money to survive. We all need each other and it’s time to have a clear mind about this. Leadership is needed and unfortunately there isn’t much of that right now. America does not have a President that shows leadership on many issues, and although he may have some good ideas, he comes up short on issues like immigration, jobs, free trade, and international relations. The lack of leadership around the world is evident, and this revolution that has started may be the answer to achieving the solutions we need to avoid a worldwide collapse. If the rich don’t want to give in and pitch in to solve this critical moment, then hard times will come and I don’t think the rich want a war of classes in which they will not come out as winners. This is very simple to figure out. It’s a matter of doing the math. I believe that we can all come to our senses and agree on solutions that benefit everybody.

Finally, I hope those in power and who have money are not thinking that the way to solve the economic crisis is by creating a third world war, for me that’s out of the question.  I do hope many in power realize that we can solve many issues if we just leave our egos aside and meet each other on a common ground. That’s my hope, and I’m sure the hope of those who marched against Wall Street and the banks. Wall Street is on fire and its necessary put out this fire before it gets out of control.

Cristhian Mancera Mejia

Director

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