Occupy protests are needed

The author of “How Occupy can be effective” on Nov. 20 includes “realizing that protesting is not a solution.” She obviously has not paid much attention in any of her history classes or she would realize that protesting becomes a proven solution when elected officials do not listen to the demands of the public. Taking to the streets has been proven to be an effective tool to get those elected officials to not only listen, but to take appropriate action to effect the changes demanded by citizens here in America and in countries around the world.

She also includes “understanding that they are not above the law and authority.” This is exactly one of the points the Occupy Wall Street movement is attempting to demonstrate — the fact that nobody is above the law and that the banks should have paid a penalty for their illegal investment strategies; rather than rewarded with free money supplied by the American taxpayers.

She also includes “staying on the job, not quitting to join the movement.” What she suggests here is very offensive. I not only work full time, but also am a veteran of the U.S. Army. I have a son serving in the Army stationed in Afghanistan. To imply that the members of the OWS movement are lazy rabble rousers just demonstrates the level some opponents will stoop to just to brush this movement off as nothing.

I encourage OWS protesters to continue until Congress wakes up to make some of the changes needed to protect the American working, taxpaying class. What’s wrong with asking for the newly declared “person” (as declared by the Supreme Court), the corporations, to pay what they owe for the freedoms and protections provided by the American government and sacrifices of our military men and women?

Mike Kelley

Gurnee