In one sense, it was an exercise by members of the 99% for generating solidarity, strength, and public recognition during fall of 2011. Particular areas of concern were (and still are) the failure of our electoral process (cf. Citizens United) and the destructive tendencies of extreme capitalism and our corporate banking system (cf. repeal of Glass-Steagall Act). Various demands concerning these and other topics of inequality were made by Occupy groups throughout the country.
But Occupy was always about much more than people simply “occupying” public space, calling for change and challenging government. Significantly, it was also a tool to develop and model the practice of participatory democracy. When such an approach became mature, Occupy would be prepared to move beyond simply calling upon established government for changes in the current system where the people are not truly heard. Instead, they could offer the people a proven model for radical change in how government functions, so that the people could be better heard and there would not be this continual need for reform within a heavily corrupted system.
Occupy continues as a set of loosely connected groups focused on particular topics related to concerns for inequality of opportunities and treatment among people. They also continue to focus on the need for fundamental change in our system of government that has generated such inequalities in the name of freedom and democracy.
With the coming of spring weather, I am back to wearing my Occupy peace vest, and people sometimes ask me about it.