This piece is wonderful. I've sent it to multiple organizations considering getting behind the movement so that they can be respectful of the democratic process through which Occupiers make decisions and voice opinions.

Agreed, Sarah; a fascinating inside peek.

The group should really be called Something to Occupy My Time Because I Have Nothing Better To Do. What a waste of media coverage. 10 of these people will give you 20 different answers as to what they are trying to achieve. Absolutely no message or cohesion among them, and they are achieving nothing aside from making themselves look like idiots. I'm sure Bank of America and the rest of Wall Street are shaking in their proverbial boots.

No permits for Tent City. Tent City is illegal. Mayor Mumbles is turning a blind eye, and wasting our tax dollars paying the cops on these "details" to keep watch. Tent City is ruining the fresh sod that was just planted, which will have to be replaced. Who's paying for all of this? Is this peaceful protest something we're able to afford? Unions spending money on busing in their members. Shouldn't they be conserving their funds? Talk about a waste of money. If these protesters spent this much effort getting a job, they would have one! I respect the right to protest, and appreciate the peaceful way they are doing so, but seriously, can't we spend our tax dollars on something a little bit more resourceful?

My office is a few blocks from Tent City. Walked through at lunch. Sign states, "We're not leaving until you give us jobs." Let me ask, "What makes you qualified for a job?" I'd have more respect for these people if they came dressed for an interview with a resume in hand. At least that shows they're actually interested in trying for a job instead of feeling entitled to one.

1 - MBTA supplying power/electricity to Tent City. MBTA can barely pay their own bills, now wasting money on this. But I guess this is an acceptable use of money? I guess wasting money like this is acceptable, but businesses trying to make a profit is unacceptable? Why don’t you have comments about the waste of money going on supporting Tent City?
2 - Sign was posted on a lamp post, not being held by an individual James. Have you walked through? Have you read the other signs there? Judging by the appearance of the majority, I would have to say they aren’t trying too hard. What confuses me Michelle is while they may not be getting the job they are looking for, there are jobs available. Work for living and stop expecting handouts (unemployment checks). I understand the job market is difficult, I have several friends that are either unemployed or are working in the industry/field that they aren’t trained for. Point is, they are working and don’t feel entitled.
3- Gen-X. Why does that matter? James LaFond, I’m going to say they can’t get a job in a field they want, therefore refuse to work in something less desirable. Protest all you want...but if they really wanted a job, why not protest looking like you actually want a job? And furthermore, how are they able to look for a job if they are camping in a tent? With the amount of attention they are receiving, they should have enough common sense to hand out resumes like fliers.

I guess history often repeats itself. Is this the second time, as farce? We did all this in the 60s (no leaders, let all voices be heard, etc.). I guess it sounds really good--no icky leaders to boss us around. It opens these groups up to manipulation and control by whomever is the most skilled at hiding their agenda while making things go their way. The absence of political analysis and understanding is another invitation for manipulation. It's embarrassing to see our past played out again in front of us. Maybe these people will grow up more quickly than we did.

Joseph -

I think you've missed the point this is a sit-in not a job fair!

I also think you have the idea all these people are white collar trades people looking for work (I'm sure some are) many aren't. Be thankful you have a job.

There was a time when one could find an occupation to carry them through life and retire. Today that is no longer the case! Many people have had to change their life directions more than once and as time moves forward I'm sure it will happen more often not less and little retirement possibilities. We live in a less stable world (job wise). Many occupations take years to learn which forces more elderly people to the side lines instead of being productive in our society. On the most part many of these people don't want a hand out that want a hand up with some level of job training and less corporate greed so the they can compete for the jobs that are available.

The other factor here is the tipping point of the disenfranchise if we don't address the needs of the common man/woman. If we don't deal with it fairly, it will force sweeping changes as did the Arab Spring did in northern Africa.

Do we need to suffer the riots and bloodshed that will be thrust upon us if we collectively hold a ridged line you appear to be championing or can we make the changes peacefully through the democratic process? I hope were smarter than that to let this fester without addressing the root causes of the discontent.

Has anyone thought that it is possible that some (if not all) protesters do have jobs, perhaps part-time jobs that they work when not in Dewey Square?

So many assumptions, so little time!

Here's what Suze Orman thinks of this group:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suze-orman/occupy-wall-street-approv_b_1005128.html

Finally...an article that addresses my biggest problem with these squatters.

http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_1012occupiers_dipping_into_hubs_pockets/

It's fine to disagree, but rather than referring to Patch site visitors as unseemly bridge-dwellers, can you point out which aspects of the Patch article you agree or disagree with, and why? Let's keep discussion going!

There is definitely some legitimacy to Joseph's view point James, whether or not you agree. The multi-pronged attack on the power structure as we know it may be noble in orgin, but it is a little misguided and hypocritical. Social media spreads the word on mobile devices brought to you ______.inc. I think personal accountability is the one sure fire way to make a better life for yourself in this country. Self-development, seek opportunities, etc. The whole "we are the %99" angle, I'd like to hear what the rest of the world thinks of that. The amount that people can obtain and consume here in the good ol' USA for doing nothing is another part of what is wrong with "the system."

Kasey,

Can you publish some polls of the people who are attending these protests? So people can put some perspective on who they are and why they feel oppressed.

From the reports I'm hearing (with no hard data to support it) of the people here in Boston the bias is more to the young still in collage or just graduated that can't find jobs to help defer the costs of going to school or to start paying back their loans.

The older folks present are largely unemployed or under-unemployed which are protesting on the Jobs front. They are the ones pointing out the decaying bridges and road infrastructure that need fixing (could create jobs now). The rest are protesting the bank and corporate greed area.

The rest of the groups outside of Boston appear to have more a bias toward the bank and corporate greed areas.

While many may argue on Frank Capra's politics.

The idyllic lens in his movie "It's A Wonderful Life" where the community helped out the beleaguered George Bailey bailout the savings and loan cooperative his feeble uncle put at risk. Shows how a community can get together for the greater good at the worse of times. Not just helping poor George, but themselves as well.

To think this can only happen in a movie is also very myopic! Did we forget the events over the years of strife where we came together to help each other, stranger helping stranger - One on One? 9/11 or Haiti and Japan (both still in great need) that far from our minds we have forgotten?

Today our view is often at a distance, as such we appear not to get involved as strongly as if we feel it first hand. Yes, people have taken advantage of the kindness shown stealing goods and money. Has that clouded the view point on helping the ones in desperate need?

I suspect corporate america has become myopic forgetting there place. Yes, they do need to think of their stock holders, but they also need to think of communities they serve.

Being the only survivor after a nuclear holocaust would not be very fun.

James – Are you able to contribute anything other than calling me a troll? I mean, come on bro, a troll? Until you’re capable of providing any thought or opinion on the topics being discussed, why don’t you do home and get your shine box. The Herald is one publication that I read/scan daily…followed by The Globe, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Drudge and a few others. I also watch CNBC, BloombergTV, CNN, FOXFinancial, BBC and some others. It’s my job to read and keep abreast of current events. I read to stay informed. To get a clear picture of all sides of an issue. Can you say the same? I don’t claim to have the right opinion, but at least I have an opinion. There have been plenty of articles covering the protests. My point, as it has been from the beginning, is that someone is finally bringing to light the financial impact Tent City is having. Now hurry up, my shoes need a good shinning.

Dan – I’m not clouding the issues, nor am I saying that other rallies are being covered by the private sector. I’m not saying this is a political party issue either. Tea Party, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Green, Rainbow, 50’s, 60’s 70’s, etc – I don’t care who they are. In this time of financial strain, I have a problem that the City of Boston is using our resources in the manner they are. We have protesters that took over Dewey Square, without the proper permits. They are illegally blocking traffic, bridges and causing havoc for us law abiding citizens. Mayor Mumbles has been patient and forgiving so far and I have no idea why?! Who’s to say these contributors to society (joke) can’t stay in their dorm rooms, or back at their houses and protest daily? Yeah, I get the squatting aspect has a more “in your face” sort of vibe, but isn’t a waste of taxpayer money one of the underlying issues at hand?

Dan (con't) -
Problem is, they’re not smart enough to realize what they’re even protesting or where to direct their anger. They should be protesting how the government is governing, and how business is conducted in DC, not how investment banks, banks, and Wall Street make profits. How about the bailout of the auto industry - How many times has that occurred? I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure the loans to save the ENTIRE banking system was repaid by all the banks, no? Can the auto industry say the same thing? I will concede that I don’t necessarily agree with how the US Government could bail out corporations and not work with homeowners to refinance their ridiculous loans. That seems to have done more damage than good, but that is for another discussion that I will gladly participate in while James is busy shining this troll’s shoes. Working hard to be successful is what this country is all about. Not handouts. Call me callus, or a troll, but I hate how people feel they are entitled to a good living, or have what others have worked hard to achieve, verses working hard for it. Life sucks, get over it.

Joseph -

I don't think of you as a troll, but you do have a inclination on focusing on the periphery of the subject. You seam to have a thing on what people wear or have, as such you try to classify them as being two faced.

What someone wears or presents outwardly does not imply they are being two faced. Having a smartphone maybe their only tool to post their resume online in their effort to get a job as they don't have a computer or access to one.

Just because you see an expensive pair of shoes within a picture does not mean the shoes belong on one of the protesters (i.e. Mary).

Many of us have succumbed to the image police or have become programed by the din of endless ads on radio, TV and the Internet on what one needs to own. A common issue for the young.

Some of us are not so easily swayed or have chosen to spend ones mad money on something to offset pain of dally life on something totally frivolous.

Others while living without the basics need some release as well. As an example the poor spend their hard earned money lottery tickets hopping for a way out. To the point of being an addiction.

I've been lucky, I've been around the world a few times and have seen first hand how many people live (luckily, on some else's dime). We have it much better here than many, but with that said, we have lost our way. Our personal values have shifted to the negative.

pt2:

Instead of kicking someone try to understand them. Just don't take the words of talking heads or the trimmed viewpoint they offer. Go out meet the people discuss with them what is troubling them. I bet you will be surprised they are not much different than you.

When I was in mainland China I had a chance to spend a lot of time with a bunch families. There view point was so misshapen on who I was as an American and I was as much of them being Chinese. Over the months I was there I explained what my world was like and they did likewise with me. At the end we learned we were more alike than different! I learned an important lesson which over and over has served me well. Don't always assume the worse of people. Sure, I've had my close calls as well, but only the hatred of oppression being present.

Sounds good Dan. I understand your point. I can’t say I agree with it 100%, but that’s ok too. Believe it or not, I'm not swayed by "first impressions says it all." I usually like to give a person, or even a place to eat, a few attempts before passing judgment. I guess my daily walks around Dewey Square paints a much different picture in my mind vs others.