I find it ironic that many of the people ridiculing the Occupy movement do so in defense of an upwardly mobile society in America. That is to say,in defense of the ability to improve one’s situation the “old fashioned” way, by diligent effort. That possibility is precisely what is at stake in our current situation. Given changes in technology, cultural mood, and concentration of financial power, the distribution of the “American Pie” has skewed beyond the realm of reason, at least in a society that ostensibly values equality of opportunity and social responsibility (i.e. making sure my exercise of freedom doesn’t oppress others). According to a just
released CBO study, over the past 30 years the lowest income earners have seen their slice increase by 18%, middle income earners by 40%, and the highest level by 275%. The first two don’t fare very well when compared to cost of living increases over 30 years, while the highest level… well, you do the math.
The legitimate concern associated with the Occupy movement is not about entitlements, bail-outs, or other government hand-outs; rather, it is a concern about equitable distribution of legitimate earnings. As a Christian, I don’t care about the label “Occupy movement,” but I share a deep concern for equitable distribution.
