Editor,
On Sunday, we stood 500 strong in solidarity with a global movement. The movement we speak of began as Occupy Wall Street, but it grew into a worldwide revolution.
We are the 99 percent! We work long hours for little pay, we are denied quality medical care, we are monopolized into spending ridiculous amounts of money for basic necessities, and we have to choose between paying rent or eating a nutritious meal. Meanwhile, the one percent continuously amasses an abundance of wealth.
We founded this democracy as a function of the basic principle that all people are socially, politically, and economically equal, yet rights and opportunities are not afforded equally to all people.
You may have noticed the peaceful encampment of a large group of people at Central and University; we are the 99 percent peacefully objecting to the system that is failing us. We are not working against the systems themselves, we are working against corrupt systems and we seek cooperative solutions as a community.
We will challenge any system that denies basic human needs such as food, water, housing, health care and education. Institutionalized corruption and corporate greed have hijacked our future.
Now is the time to hold these corrupt institutions and terrorist corporations accountable for their systematic oppression and consumption of our society and resources, respectively. We are here to inform and empower the people.
Our voices united will not go unheard.
We stand in solidarity with millions around the world to demand that our governments stop selling themselves to corporations and banksters and start listening to the people to whom they are accountable.
To that end, Albuquerque is now occupied. We are part of a global occupation and we will be heard.
UNM students, it is time to rise up. Take back your future and stand up for the future of generations to come. Occupy Albuquerque is currently at Central and University, near the Lobo statue.
Every single voice counts in this movement. You matter. Examine what you tolerate. Be heard.
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Your education itself does not and will not belong to you. Greedy corporations and corrupt systems will seek to keep you overworked, underpaid and very, very quiet. We are your voice and you are ours. Join us.
Brittany Arneson
UNM student
