OWS is doing a good job of making people aware that there

[MineralMan]

are problems. They're forcing the media to discuss those problems. However, I'm concerned about one thing. From polls taken at Ocuppy sites, it appears that a sizable percentage of Occupiers did not vote in 2008 and are saying they don't plan to vote in 2012. If they do not, and if they encourage others to forego voting in 2012, they will disenfranchise themselves and potentially defeat their own purpose.

Elections aren't just about the Presidency. They are about all levels of legislation and governance. Skipping elections is not a strategy for success. It is voluntary disenfranchisement.

Occupiers need to vote. We all need to vote. In fact, we need to do more, by participating in the process by which candidates are chosen for the general election. That process is underway in some jurisdictions and will get underway soon in others. If we want good people in our government, we must work to get them there. Any other course is simply to allow what happens to happen. If we do not participate fully, we have only a tiny voice that will go unheard in the noise.

Please, everyone - do not disenfranchise yourselves. Rather, begin now to select candidates who will do what you want. It is the only way the changes we all need will take place.