I’m that “reporter”.
I’m a Republican, a conservative leaning libertarian. I oppose everything written on their placards. The point of the reporting wasn’t to debate their politics, but to report on what I saw. What I found was much evidence that didn’t fit the preconceived narratives. Whether you agree with them or not, they’ve changed the landscape. I tried to communicate what has changed, but not take sides.
With that said, I did criticize them a lot. For example, I pointed out they were intellectually vacuous. Somebody believing in the “science” of Global Warming can cite Al Gore’s propaganda, but not the actual science. (I don’t believe in Global Warming, but I’m an expert on the science, and am frustrated I can’t debate leftists scientifically because none of them know the science).
With that as a background, skeeter, I give you the same [citation needed] challenge. You disagree with me, such as claiming “these protests are staged political events”. I challenge you to cite evidence supporting your claims. Actually, I agree with you on some respects, I visited the OccupyAtlanta version and it was staged nonsense, but the question is whether the original OccupyWallStreet that I reported on is “staged”.
My evidence isn't forensic, it isn't admissible in court, its entirely circumstantial.
That said, I don't know how anyone could deny that they are completely political. ACORN and SEIU have already been identified as having been involved in organizing them. The big networks are promoting them daily. Lefwing politicians, including the president, are lauding the protestors. The agenda, as far as one can be determined, reeks of socialism.
Can I prove it? Of course not. But, to paraphrase Justice Stewart, I know political agitprop when I see it.
I've read a little bit of history of popular movements such as these, enough to understand that these people present a huge threat to my liberties, myway of life. I do not give a good g**damn about fairness. I'm not in the least interested in hearing what they have to say. I want to see them called out on who they are and what they want.