Thank you, Occupy.
What I admire about the Occupy movement is how they have stayed relevant and newsworthy for months now. Not only has the movement shaped discussions on inequity and the gross abuses of the 1%, they have challenged us as a country to evaluate our basic liberties.
Aside from the wholly worthwhile exposure of wealth disparities and inequalities, we have had healthy (even if uncomfortable at times) conversations about the nature of our protected freedoms.
For example, the nature of freedom of assembly and what its limits are has been debated and challenged in courts.
They have asked what the nature of public versus private property is.
Now, we are revisiting the debate of what freedom of speech/expression means in regards to flag-burning. These are healthy debates to have as a country. Whether you agree or disagree with the tactics, and whether Occupy or a few rogue individuals are responsible, the conversation has a worth to us all.
A movement is only of value if it grows and challenges us. This isn't just tea party.