[hooskins]

There is one thing I do disagree with when it comes to criticizing OWS. I think they are effective, in that we are talking about this and they are getting great media coverage. In terms of creating real and lasting change, that is yet to be seen but they clearly have an impact. That's why I think a lot of people think it's way too simplistic to just paint them as hippies who will never make any impact. (Just like it is too simplistic to paint the Tea Party as religious right wing nutjobs).

Like Lotus said, the movement reflects a general feeling of distrust and anger towards our government, which I think something members in the Right and Left share. OWS simply isn't going to go away based on police patrols and tear gas. As mentioned before, it would be interesting to see if they do start organizing a bit more in terms of concrete goals and measures.

I may just be repeating points in different ways, but I think it's wrong to say OWS is completely ineffective.