On the success of what Occupy is actually DOING...

Sure, OccupyRochester is not changing the current dynamic structure of the nation, but we are making a difference once person at a time here locally through our Local Issues working group.

One of our displaced citizens who has been living under the radar here in Rochester has been in and out of our camp pretty regularly.

At first it was just for the food and warm drink, a pair of gloves, etc.

Then it became the conversation. He brought his friends.

This gentleman would engage us, and likewise, we would engage him in thoughtful, supportive conversation.

This wonderful man has been a severe alcoholic for nearly 33 long years.

6 days ago today, he quit drinking cold turkey.

Yesterday he had a severe seizure that paramedics and doctors believe is associated with severe kidney and liver disease brought on by years of substance abuse.

Instead of relapsing after his release from the hospital last night, he came back to our encampment and spent the night.

This morning I had a lengthy, supportive, encouraging conversation about how proud we were of him, and he began to tear up.

After 33 years, he hasn't felt this supported, clean and overall optimistic about turning his life around ever. He attributes that to Occupy.

Tomorrow we have an appointment with services to help him with his healthcare needs and is on a waiting list for temporary housing assistance.

Him and I are going to an AA meeting for the first time tonight in 18 years...

So while we are not solving the issues of financial transaction taxes on high-frequency trading, we ARE making a difference in the lives of Americans one day at a time...

Thanks for reading!

--across the country. Fantastic story. Thank you for being part of it. :hi:

Yet there continues to be this meme that we aren't doing anything.

I just wanted to float a story out there to the contrary this afternoon...

Occupy SF has health clinics twice a week, feeds several thousand a day (everyone is welcome to eat), offers classes, gives the homeless who gather work and purpose (I once got chewed out by a gal whose "job" it was to keep a walkway clear in case the police raided. :), and generally helps/feeds/clothes/educate anyone who asks.

But no, Occupy is not really "doing" anything. ;)

Much love from OccupyRochester, :hug:

listening community can do.

is knowing that you're not going through it alone. You feel like nobody else understands, and when you learn people do and are willing to help you through it, it is very healing. In my experience, anyway.

You're helping this man more than you can ever know. Tell him we're all supporting him. :grouphug:

:hug:

:cry:

Commit random acts of kindness and senseless beauty

:cry:
i hope he'll be able to stay well. seems to me his medical condition may have been brought on by the cold turkey withdrawal.

thank you for being there and recognizing the inherent worth of each of us.

not me.

To me, the OWS is a type of anti-Ayn Rand awakening. People, the 99%, do matter and by giving care and concern to others, our society has the opportunity to flourish.

Thanks so much for helping this man!

:hug: