If you're enviably young, you don't know who Norman Lear is. Norman Lear is "an American television writer and producer who produced such 1970s sitcoms as All in the Family, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude. As a political activist, he founded the civil liberties advocacy organization People For the American Way in 1981 and has supported First Amendment rights and liberal causes."
And along those very "civil liberties" and "First Amendment" lines, he also wrote a good op-ed for the L.A. Times:
One of the most encouraging things to happen in 2011 was the birth of the Occupy Wall Street movement, which is giving the entire country the chance for a "born again American" moment. In calling attention to the country's widening chasm between rich and poor, the Occupiers have unleashed decades of pent-up patriotic outrage against the systematic violation of our nation's core principles by the "say good-bye to the middle class" alliance of the neocons, theocons and corporate America.
To those many millions of Americans whose guts tell them the Occupy movement is on to something but aren't the sort to camp out or protest in the street, I say find another way to let your voice be heard in the new year. Work with others who share your passion for equal opportunity and equal justice for all Americans, and find ways to channel outrage into productive action. I'm betting you'll find, as I have over my nearly four score plus 10, that you'll form some of the most rewarding relationships and have some of the most meaningful experiences of your life.
The Occupy Movement has been an inspiration to me personally, and clearly to millions around the world. Their influence has even been felt in D.C., the president has heard them, and they are giving many of us renewed hope.
Of course, not everyone can camp out, participate in mic checks, or march, but as Norman Lear suggested, there are other ways to contribute, or as he says, "channel outrage into productive action." After all, what good is outrage if you can't find a positive use for it? Be creative.
If nothing else, participate in one of my BLUNT videos and let your voice be heard. Make a difference in your own unique way. Occupy Something.
Totally Off Topic Side Bar Dopey Fun fact: Norman Lear's TV shows would most often carry a front credit, "Developed by Norman Lear," and way, way back in my other life as an actress, many very talented people in my improv comedy group appeared regularly on his shows. In that other life, I wanted in so badly that I expressed my frustration by hand-painting a tank top, "Underdeveloped by Norman Lear" ... for the two obvious reasons.
And yes, there is a happy ending: Although I remained underdeveloped by Lear (and otherwise), I did finally manage to make it on to one of his shows.
The post Occupy Wall Street: A "born again American" moment appeared first on The Political Carnival.
