Why I Will Attend "Occupy Dallas"

Friends:

Tomorrow morning, I plan to join those gathering in downtown Dallas for the "Occupy Dallas" event.

This is a Dallas-version of the on-going protests in New York City. I recognize that these protests are not popular with everyone. I also realize that some believe protesting Wall Street is either counter-productive, or shows an ignorance to how financial systems work.

So, for my part, I thought I would briefly share why I am going.

The major part of my concern is that I believe Wall Street banks, from the top down, still do not seem to realize just how much the US taxpayers bailed them out a few years back. They seem to take NO responsibility for the problems that created the financial crisis in the first place. And, they seem to continue taking record bonuses and profits, at a time when average Americans are being laid off, and unemployment continues to rise.

The best documentation I have found, and what perhaps sums up my own frustrations most succintly, is the following "This American Life" piece from last year. It was part of an episode they called "Crybabies."

I encourage you all to listen to it, and to hear the disturbing lack of responsibility still being taken by Wall Street exes and traders. (The player below should start right at the beginning of "Act One," the part about Wall Street...)

So, I feel the need to make my voice known about this, and I'm deeply concerned that average Americans are still suffering far too much, at a time when Wall Street continues to hum along. I choose to stand with average Americans who are hurting, and I want to make my voice known.

Jesus often stood with the poor and the marginalized, and this is a way I can do that too.

If you want to connect in the morning, write me privately and perhaps we can connect-up down at Pike's Park.

I am sure I will share more about the protest after it's over.

And if the player below doesn't work click here.

(As always, if you like this post, then "like" this on Facebook by clicking the box below, so others can see too...)