I'm not even going to bother trying to set this one up as an official poll since since I wouldn't be able to embed it and collect votes here. But anyone reading this, please feel free to join the conversation.

What do you think of the Occupy movement currently underway in the United States?

-People before profit!

-Fully expect the movement to go global before this is over.

-Change is not always easy but it is inevitable and constant. I expect good things to happen because of these protests. I believe that the protestors are making a difference.

-Respect the protests but don't sincerely expect that any solutions or lasting changes to result from all this. The system can't be fixed or replaced that easily.

-Feel that the protestors need to simplify their demands and focus on just a few issues in order to accomplish anything.

-Why is this movement even newsworthy? The protests are basically all about money, aren't they? Class warfare. Rich verses poor. The haves vs. the have nots. Very old problems, then - right? Why do people expect changes now, all of the sudden? How do you elimate poverty without causing others to be impoverished?

-Don't understand the agenda of the protestors.

-Occupy movement? Never heard of it.

What is the Occupy movement?

Bull - The Occupy movement is, currently, several groups of people who are protesting the current economical situation. They are gathering in public places, on the steps of capital buildings and in front banks, especially the banks that were deemed 'too big to fail'. These citizens have a lot of issues to represent and have been shown to voice opinions on everything from immigration laws to healthcare benefits and beyond - but the need for jobs, the protection of the middle class and the ridiculousness of income inequality seem to be their core themes. Some of the protestors have resorted to violence to express themselves while others have had violence used against them.

While generally viewed as an American movement, the protest has already gone global. Protests have been recorded in sixteen other countries with more expected to join before the year is over.

There have been some valid issues with crowd control. Peaceful protestors have, unfortunately and unwittingly, provided a semi-safe haven for criminals and sex offenders. After committing an offense, these idiots flee to the protests and try to use being part of the crowd as a means to escape arrest. In part because of this, the perception of the group has been tainted and violence from authorities has esculated. More and more camps have been shut down forcefully.

RVD-san, about at least one public death resulting from this... You're prolly right but I hope that you're wrong. And do you think that a death will really inspire the majority to join the movement? Wouldn't it scare people away?

Anyway. The movement started in September. We are, as of now, in week 11. Currently it remains unclear what the long-term results of these protests will be. However you can read more about the movement and stay updated here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_movement