Musings on #OWS by -EF

[Earth_First]

I've been extremely active in getting OccupyRochester off the ground over the past few days, and I've learned a few things that I feel are making me a better activist and a better Democrat in general.

First off, this sh*t is EXHAUSTING!

I know, you hear it from our opposition: "How hard can it be to sleep in a damn park!?"

I know that is a broad over generalization of what's actually occurring, but yes, it is difficult.

First and foremost, what I've learned is how the displaced citizen population struggles everyday with just basic.human.functions.

Try finding someplace at 3:50 a.m. to relieve yourself that does not end up in your likely arrest.

I have the absolute up most sympathies to wards the homeless population in simply providing for basic hygiene.

If you've ever involved yourself with a working group, you know exactly what this next one is about...

It's.Absolutely.Frustrating.Sometimes.

Trying to organize 6 people to work with a group of 6 others all of whom have varying schedules and report to the general assembly can be downright stressful sometimes. Most times in the end it works out, but some days working within the general consensus model is enough to make you want to scream! -I love it!

Lastly, what #OWS has taught me is how delicate the balance of activism and family life comes into play. I have to say that my wife is an absolute SAINT for putting up with me for the past four days. From bailing me out, to hand-delivering piping hot coffee, this woman is my rock, and for that I applaud her, however she is beginning to feel frustrated. So this one is a work-in-progress...

But most of all, specifically relating to how 'hard' Occupying really is, I feel that this make me a better Democrat because, holy hell! GOTV, Canvassing, Phone-banking, etc. ain't got NOTHING on #OWS, bring it on 2012!