Throughout the world during the past year, people have protested nonviolently for greater democracy and economic and human rights. The demonstrations in North Africa and the Middle East and the Occupy movements in this country are obvious examples.

Democracy means that every person can speak up to support government policies that they believe are beneficial and speak just as loudly when they think those policies help only a select few and hurt most others. Civic responsibility means not just being able to speak but actually doing so.

U.S. political leaders have been quick to support the struggle for democracy in other countries, but they have been silent here when it comes to the Occupy actions.

Or have they? There seems to be a coordinated effort to shut down the occupations, maybe by some of the “1 percent” and the Department of Homeland Security.

Instead of congratulating and supporting those who are willing to sleep outside in cold weather and interrupt their lives to speak for the freedom and democracy for us all, cities such as Portland, Bangor and Augusta are trying to discourage or shut down this awakening, this uprising of expectations, this exercise of free speech that will benefit all 100 percent in our communities.

If we want the movement for greater democracy to continue to be nonviolent, we can tell city officials to embrace and help these occupations, not try to shut them down.

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We can ask police and “security” people to treat occupiers nonviolently and with respect, not as lawbreakers.

And we can offer our support for these occupations — giving food, holding a sign, joining with others to keep them going as a symbol of our desire for greater democracy.

Larry Dansinger

Monroe


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