So, where DO we go from here?

Bison Organic Chocolate Stout is the drink of the evening. Label description: "A richly textured and roasty stout with a boost of bitter and charismatic flavor from the addition of cocoa powder in the mash." Too dark to see through, as a stout should be. Poured with a good two fingers of a cream colored head. I find the smell to be a bit difficult to describe, given my lack of experience as a beer sommelier, other than to call it "roasty" and nutty. It has an even bitterness throughout the taste, slightly sharp at the front with the cocoa really coming out in the aftertaste. I had thought to lead with a more patriotic beer, like a Sam Adams Boston Lager, but had a few of these left over from the weekend and couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it. Sam is a regular in this household and I will have plenty of opportunity to talk about him.

Isn't the top 1% just the unavoidable end result of Capitalism? Don't get me wrong, I think Capitalism is the way to go, but isn't this where it eventually leads? The more money you have the easier it is to make more of it. I think a change in the tax structure is definitely over due, though I am not sure what the answer is. I think the wealthy should pay more, though I do not believe their contribution needs to necessarily be equal by percent to the middle class. I like the idea of a consumption tax, and there are ways to offset its burden on the poor. I am also a strong supporter of campaign finance reform, though I am less educated (see: not at all) on its finer points and how it can be changed. I also think politicians should be limited to a single term per position. That should allow greater access for more people to become involved in our government, and maybe disrupt the cycle of Old Washington.

The Occupy Wall Street movement is in its second month and doesn't appear to be going anywhere - and I mean that in more than one way. I support them, while not financially or personally, as I have not donated or attended, but spiritually. I get what they are saying. I just don't see it getting fixed through any means currently being employed. The peaceful protests and what it has inspired across the globe is phenomenal. But now what? Our politicians aren't going to regulate Wall Street because Wall Street is too big of a campaign contributor. Washington and Wall Street will just ignore the protests until they dissipate, which they will once winter really starts kicking in. Once winter ends we are full steam ahead into an election year with the only candidates having a chance being the ones with the big contributors and deep pockets. The Occupy movement is decentralized and politely refuses to have demands. They expect our politicians to notice them and begin the change, but as previously stated, our politicians are bought and paid for already. I don't know what it takes to make this happen, but maybe it is time for the Occupy movement to select speakers and leaders and become a real political party.


This is an important time in our American history. I encourage everyone, as I sit here in my chair and drink, to get involved. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to go Occupy. Just have an intelligent conversation about it. Talk with people that have differing views on the problems and solutions. Argue about it (non-violently). Discuss. Then when it comes time - vote.