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But I can't help thinking that while this could very well lead to a resolution (however temporary and superficial) of the current state of affairs, the true depth and breadth of the crisis will go unaddressed.
First of all: since the powers that be (political, corporate, military, etc.) only respond to self-interest, unless there is an inherent threat to their strangle hold on power, all we are likely to get (at best) is some kind of soft-shoe by the Obamasheks, while appearing on the surface to be pleasing, but in reality will be lacking any real teeth (or legs). after the dust settles, and the crowds have gone home.
But, even assuming the most optimistic of projections, where the demonstrations gain momentum and become a national movement, making it impossible but to yield to the demands for "rights" and "justice" and "fairness", etc. we still have a serious problem: the 21st Century.
We are not in Selma anymore.
Our entire culture has evolved and changed to such an extent over the last 50 years, that to expect 60's strategies to transform the current Zeitgeist is retro at best.
Once again; even assuming the rosiest outcomes to all of this, the corporate elites have in fact succeeded (in addition to many other things) in creating essentially a consumer culture, revolving around puerile entertainment, information overload, and an empty infatuation with technological innovation.
These problems will not be solved by just getting a bigger piece of the pie; and to encourage the illusion that it is all about power and money, is to once again play into the hands of the folks who created this state of affairs to begin with. Because they will still have most of it, and know better how to use it.
Let there be no mistake: money is essential and the absence of it creates untold misery. But man still does not live by bread alone, and until our basic values as a nation (and world) do not undergo a revolution, any political gains will be superficial and short lived.
And those workers living without hope, which Mr. Hedges refers to so eloquently, will still be living without it.
