I would like to say that the reason the Occupy America movement is and will continue to be successful is that Americans want to come together so save our middle-class, but I don’t believe that. I believe that the real reason the movement resonates with people is that people hate banksters.
I also agree that one problem with Liberalism is a distaste for pursing these sorts of angles.
Philosophically, I agree it's distasteful and dangerous, in that it's easy to lose your grip on the leash once the beast is out of the cage (see: the modern Republican party). But if you want to play politics, play to win.
Two examples from California's ridiculous Proposition system spring to mind.
First, there was a push a few years back to tax Indian casinos. The tribes fought back with a savvy campaign that made much of the huge contributions made by Las Vegas casinos, decrying outsider influence in local politics.
They won.
Second, we have Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage bill. The No on 8 people eschewed picking on the weird out of state fundie cult (Mormons) that bankrolled the bill, busing in foot troops to knock on doors and canvas neighborhoods, instead opting for cozy images of loving gay families.
They lost.
Politics is like graphic arts- clear, bold and easily understood trumps nuance almost every time. The California tribes picked up the blunt instrument that was ready to hand and beat their enemies. The gay marriage advocates ignored their best weapon, went with a feel-good message of positivity and got crushed.
OWS has caught on because they're not afraid to play "the blame game", they're not afraid to demonize reprehensible characters who's been asking for it for decades. Here's hoping the lesson in branding they're delivering to the rest of the liberal movement isn't falling on deaf ears.
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