By David Magallanes / Guest contributor
We read about them and see them on the daily news: the Occupiers of Wall Street, Chicago, San Francisco, and now even of Ventura. They are protesting the economic conditions that have befallen the “99%” in this country who suffer under the policies that are ripping the middle class asunder.
On the one hand, I certainly sympathize with the movement. We have watched in amazement, aghast as our jobs are shipped overseas or over the border to take full, unabashed advantage of cheap labor. Why give us work while the hungry of the world will take any of the crumbs they need so desperately — and with none of the benefits to which we had become accustomed — to survive? After all, investors like seeing a leaner and definitely meaner operation.
Also, whereas the older men and women of my baby boomer generation who are now retiring grew through our working years in relatively prosperous times, our children, not to mention our grandchildren, are going to face far more challenging prospects as they either go out and look for meaningful work or attempt to gain an education for jobs that hopefully survive these trying times.
Last Friday, I took my grandson to the Science Carnival in Camarillo. It was offered to the community, free of charge, by California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI). Dozens of university students were “demonstrating.” However, what they were demonstrating was science — to children, and teaching not only them, but also the children’s parents and grandparents who were accompanying them. One of the students was a former student of mine who had struggled with mathematics at the community college, but who is now a university math major who is genuinely excited about mathematics and who eventually wants to share with college or university students the subject that he loves. I was very proud of him because I remember how daunting some of the lower-level mathematics had been for him at the community college. But he hung in there. He dragged himself through the humiliation of “just not getting it” until he did get it, and then flourished in this field of study that is simply beyond the abilities of most people.
The other students seemed genuinely enthused by the prospect of presenting games, visual effects and serious explanations to the young crowd. The children appeared mesmerized and happy to witness the effects of the ineffable laws of the cosmos. The atmosphere was, in a word, joyful. I could see how the university students were preparing themselves for a world of work that needs their talents and enthusiasm.
My grandson was in no rush to leave. On the contrary, he kept me there until the event was folding up for the evening. I encouraged him to see himself up there one day as a university student giving to the community. Nothing would make me or his mother prouder.
Which brings us back now to the “occupiers.” Of course they have a point, as I’d outlined above. Yes, corporations are greedy and the banks did rip us off and in some respects continue to do so. It’s up to us to do our homework and patronize those financial institutions that know better than to abuse us. But I have to wonder … rather than “camp out” and complain, why don’t the occupiers get down to the difficult but serious work of studying or otherwise preparing themselves for the kind of work or business that will be in demand, that will pay well, that will challenge them until they must return to studying and preparing for the next challenge? And then the next? Might it be because it takes enormous effort, energy and sacrifice to prepare oneself for the demands of this new economy into which we are entering? Is it that they would prefer not to lay the groundwork for the new era dawning on us all? It’s far easier and “sexier” to camp out and complain about the loss of something that realistically will never return. The government, banks and corporations all have a certain responsibility in this, but then so do we as individuals.
The old economy is dead and is not going to resurrect. That era has ended. Many of those protesting have legitimate points, but likewise many others, I suspect, have not comprehended the finality of that golden age when benefits flowed freely and security was taken for granted. Or perhaps some of them pray for a more socialistic society that takes from those who labor and “redistributes” the wealth generated by the sweat of the workers’ brows to those who are less willing, shall we say, to likewise expend their energy. Why “break your back” when you can “slack” — and still be rewarded?
Let’s face it, the protesters could probably accomplish far more for themselves and for their families if they were to adjust their rudders and sail toward more promising waters. I am not saying that they must attend a college or university. I understand that few can handle the rigors of a university education, and many don’t even want to.
But we all have to adjust. Cars and roads still have to be built and maintained. Houses, buildings and bridges still have to be erected by those who are skilled. Music must be composed and the arts are always in demand. Children and adults must be taught. There are demands to be supplied by businesses. Cities, states and countries must be governed. The opportunities are indeed endless for those who are willing to adhere to the American work ethic, which, for better or for worse, characterizes our nation in contrast with others.
Let’s express our displeasure with government policies that seem to be cleaving our society into rich and poor. Let’s protest the greed and the laissez-faire practices that got us to this point. It’s not fair. Not that life is. But in the face of changing winds, and under a pounding rain, let us take shelter, take stock, and remap the direction of our economic lives.
In an article published October 24, 2011, in the Ventura County Star, columnist Terry Paulson echoes my thoughts: “Here’s my sign for the occupiers: ‘Clean up after yourselves. Invest your demonstration time into making something of yourself and helping others in your community to do the same. Trade occupying Wall Street for occupying a job or starting a business of your own. Someday, Wall Street might invest in you.’”
— David Magallanes is the creator of his own enterprise, Real World Projects, a speaking, writing and Internet marketing business dedicated to the advancement of the American Dream. An emerging branch of Real World Projects is Edifiquemos, a Spanish language enterprise dedicated to teaching the Spanish-speaking how to create a profitable international (U.S./Mexico) enterprise with low investment and high earning potential. David may be available for speaking opportunities. To contact him and for more information, you are invited to visit and explore his web sites at www.realworldprojects.info and at www.edifiquemos.com His e-mail is dmagallanes@RealWorldProjects.info