I am an American. But I was not born in America and I am not a U.S. citizen. While here at Dartmouth, I made mistakes and got in trouble with the law. So when I graduate and leave America, it is all too probable that I will never be let back in.
Like many of us, my time will be all too brief and, in all likelihood, forgotten. We are small and virtually insignificant creatures to Dartmouth, to the six billion humans presently on our earth, to the seemingly infinite universe. So, when you ask me why I occupy, I'm not always sure. I could be somewhere having a great time, or doing the work I need to do in order to graduate, or elsewhere, trying to make the small, solid changes I do know how to make. I could be figuring out what I am going to do next year. But, no I am here in the rain talking to strangers.
I do it because I see 5,000 of the brightest and best here at Dartmouth and you are busy worrying about the future. What classes to take? Which major to graduate with? What job to pursue? And I am worried for you, too. Many of us came here hoping that when we graduated we could achieve our dreams and never have to worry again. I am no longer worried about my American Dream my time is almost up. Before I go, I will not look back and wish I had spent more time in class or going out. My only regret will be that I did not do enough to foster change in our collective moral consciousness. The visions presented in the media and by our politicians are distracting, divisive and destructive. I believe that Americans face obstacles to the fruition of diverse political desires and only we the people can generate the change we seek.
I hear criticism every day we are misinformed, we are doing it wrong. We won't change a thing, we have no message. We are pointless and punch-less. But we are doing something something that, as it continues to grow, will not be so easily forgotten. We hope to change the landscape of political silence and suppression. We have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to shape our generation. This is not the time for cynicism and disdain; this is the time to participate in a democracy. Your voice is meant to be heard. Let us listen to you. Come outside for a few minutes and let us know what you think. The place where we stand is our forum for free speech.
I believe we all intuit the problems within America, but that we also do not understand them or know what to do about them. We the people no longer determine the course of politics. We have the right to vote, but not to control what it is we vote on. Democracy is more than votes, just as politics is more than policy. Democracy is about collectively deciding what to do. This means coming together to engage, argue, discuss and compel each other to reflect on our beliefs and deep-seated assumptions about the way the world works. Participatory democracy is what makes us free, but it cannot exist in the face of massive economic inequality, particularly in a political system governed by finances.
The occupation is my way of communicating, just as it is an exercise in democracy. I must set aside the criticisms of those who demand "the answer." I am not afraid to be called un-American and foolish for questioning and wanting to improve our government. We all find ourselves here and now, unable to work within a system that is fundamentally dysfunctional. I believe the tried and tested approach to American politics has failed. This is about voting against the choices we are given. This is about altering the American consciousness. This is about waking up.
Occupy is here indefinitely all day, all night. It is about time that we got together and discussed solutions for a better America. Join us every day at 5 p.m. for our General Assembly. This is why I occupy because as my American Dream ends, yours is just beginning. Your voice is here to be heard.
