A contingent from “Occupy Wall Street” is now gearing up to “Occupy Providence”. Earlier this evening, WPRO’s Matt Allen interviewed Bob Plain. He is covering the Occupiers’ Rhode Island campaign, which is currently in the planning stage. (Hey, Bob, when you get a minute, can we hear more about the hand signals employed at their meetings?)
From the beginning, the Occupiers’ principles and goals have been passionate but somewhat diffuse, not to say vague. Even The Daily Show professed to being a little unclear on the point. But since then, the original “Occupy Wall Street” chapter has penned a Declaration. From it and from statements by Occupiers themselves, they seem pretty down on corporations and capitalism and business.
Well, go-o-o-o-lly, Occupiers, welcome to Rhode Island!!! Your principles were implemented here long ago. Accordingly, we now have the worst business climate in the country, with the corresponding economy, (non)employment rate and shriveled tax base to show for it. With the state having been corporately pre-trashed before your arrival, you should feel right at home!
By all means, stay and “occupy”. But you don’t need to go all out. Rest up for the next state. Patronize our coffee shops. Be sure to make your way over to Thayer Street at some point (you’ll love it).
In terms of the mission, your work here is done.