What is presented below is a selection of the discussion which was held in the presence of Dr. Ahmad Hanif, who is a Canadian intellectual, and Dr. Ali Pour Muhammadi, who is a lecturer at the Howza and University of Qom. Dr. Muhammadi has a doctorate in Western philosophy from the University of Tehran and the University of Austria. Dr. Hanif, who was influenced by Imam Khomeini’s movement and as a result converted to Islam, has studied in Canadian universities.
If it’s possible, it would be very useful to first hear a short history of the Wall Street Occupation movement and then touch on other issues. Can you tell us when this movement started, and what stages it has passed up to now?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi: “The Wall Street Movement started with the invitation to protest by the Canadian Magazine, Adbusters. The first step this magazine took was to inform people that the banking system and the financial politics, which consists of a close relationship between politicians and those involved in finances, is in reality a relationship between the White House and Wall Street. The White House is a representative of politics and Wall Street is a representative of capitalism. It is this association which has caused many problems for people.”
What type of magazine is Adbusters and, considering its Canadian, what relation does it have to Wall Street?
Dr. Hanif: “This newspaper writes about topics to do with the environment, economics and corruptness. This is what it means to become global. This magazine sent an invitation to the Americans. This means that you can do whatever you want on the internet and affect different countries in regards to different issues.
Apart from protesting against the financial system, does the movement also oppose the lack of ethical character?
Dr. Hanif: “No, no such thing has been brought up. It is mostly to do with the objections against the financial system.”
What is their main motto?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi: “The most important slogan this movement has, which is now well-known, is ‘We are the 99 %’.”
Is there any truth in this slogan?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi: “This 99% to 1% slogan is actually true. Basically the total earnings of 1% of Americans is more than the total earning of 99% of them.”
Does this ratio also apply to other countries?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi: “This ratio can be applied more or less to other countries such as the European countries. However in Europe there is much greater middle class.”
Let’s talk about what the people think. Are the American people supporting this movement or not?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi:“On the 13th of October, the Times took a poll and found that 54% of Americans support this movement and 23% of Americans oppose it. The New York Quinnipiac survey found that 67% of Americans support this movement and 23% of Americans oppose it. In October the Technology magazine took a poll and found that 59% of Americans support and 31% of Americans oppose this movement. According to the statistics provided by this newspaper 87% of New Yorkers supported the Wall Street Movement even though they will be facing the most problems.”
What age groups are mostly supporting this movement? Are they mostly young or of a more mature age?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi:“This movement was first initiated by young men and women who played active roles on websites dealing with social issues. Then the Adbusters magazine emailed its members and invited them to join this movement. However after some time different age groups joined the movement, such that on the 31st of September, one third of the participants in this movement were middle aged. Thus this movement does not consist of only young men and women anymore.
What political tendencies do those supporting this movement have? Are they mostly Republicans, Democrats or Independent?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi:“Members from every political party are present. Liberalists, Independents, Democrats, Anarchists, and environmental and social activists can all be found participating in this movement. Different religious groups such as Jews and Muslims are also participating in this movement. Therefore this movement is not allocated to one special group or sect. At first it was though that this was a left wing movement because it protested against liberalism. However soon after, the Democrats and Liberalists, although fewer in number compared to other political parties, also joined. An important point is that most of those participating in and supporting this movement, backed Obama in the previous elections. 70% are independent, 27% are democrats and 2%-3% are republicans.
It seems that those who are involved in this movement, have financial problems or are out of work, is this true?
Dr. Pour Muhammadi: “No, actually this is not the case. One half of those who have taken part in this movement have jobs, so this is not a movement which is only for the jobless. 13% of the partakers have a salary of more than $75,000, which is above the average salary.
Have Americans, who have no political or financial affiliations, opposed this movement?
Dr. Ali Pour Muhammadi: “There are some Americans who strongly oppose this movement. They are of the view that they represent 53% of the population. They belong to the middle class and fear that their lives will change for the worse if this movement continues. If the current financial system changes it is not clear what will replace it. A question arises here and that is, why is it that after two months of protests, a democratic country such as America has not taken any steps yet. This is because everyone is complaining but no one has produced an alternative, in other words the capitalist system has no alternative. Nevertheless it seems that the movement is becoming global and this 53% are changing their views.
To be continued....