To avoid a sting, Democrats need to heed OWS

I commend Robert Monks for recognizing that the Occupy Wall Street movement “profoundly threatens the legitimacy of the system on which corporate power is based” [“Occupy Wall St. protest: A harbinger of sting?,” Business, Oct. 16]. Rather than the tired assault on the aimlessness of America’s newest brand of populism, he emphasized a call to action — not among corporate CEOs but among the shareholders meant to hold them accountable.

Indeed, his theory can apply politically as well. OWS was born and has quickly grown, Monks wrote, out of “rage over unfairness in this country.” “Unfairness” is often the product of non-inclusion and perceived helplessness. Democratic candidates in 2012 won’t be “stung” if they work to understand OWS’s perspectives, recognize their likely champions and establish meaningful partnerships to make America better. This approach could hold political hopefuls accountable to their electorate, contain rage and stoke the fires of political motivation in their favor.

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So who are OWS’s likely champions? They certainly aren’t among the 352 bundlers who have raised $55.5 million for President Obama since April. Nor are they the myriad of corporate executives who hold positions in his administration. Everyday Americans on all sides of the debate are fired up. Maybe Democratic hopefuls could ask Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren for a hint or two.

Francesca Ernst, Arlington