Interesting article by investor Jeff Green in the Wall Street Journal. He points out that many of the protesters are either unfocused or don't offer any solutions, but suggests those with the power and smarts to do so, should listen to the anxieties of "the 99%" and find solutions. :
Jeff Greene: We Should Listen to the 99% - WSJ.com
Jeff Greene: We Should Listen to the 99% - WSJ.com
As someone who was born into the 99% and joined the 1% later in life, I understand the anxieties of the protesters. The ones I met had tried to do the right things to prepare themselves for life. Raised in middle-class families with good values, they took on substantial debts to pay for collegeand now they can't find jobs, housing or health insurance. Indeed, 85% of recent college graduates live with their parents because they cannot afford life on their own.
While individual protesters may not have the data at their fingertips, many of us in the 1% do, and much of it supports their case. According to data compiled by the Milken Institute, Americans devote a huge portion of our household income to housing (32.7%) and transportation (18%), while we spend just 2% on education. These figures are reversed in much of Asia where families devote 15% of their income to education and spend just 10% on housing and 6% on transportation.
How did things get skewed this way?
.....In today's global economy, our future depends not on subdivisions and cheap gas but on education and training people for the skilled trades that still command good wages. For individuals and families, the "new normal" requires answering tough questions. Do you have children? Are you paying a big mortgage on a McMansion or saving for their education?
For our politicians the questions revolve around similar values. Do your policies reward and encourage investment in education for the long term or consumption in the moment? Are you more concerned about America's long-term competitiveness or your own re-election?
As they ask us to recognize their fears and resentments, the Occupy Wall Street protesters are giving us a chance to address our problems before they grow worse. We should be grateful for their tie-dyed, peaceful methods and their commitment to remaining in place until they receive a constructive response.