Occupy SD

I too attended Occupy San Diego this past week, and I was taken by surprise when I ran into a man that I know that suffers from schizophrenia. The gentlemen, is very stable and actively taking his medication. Accompanied by his niece, the gentleman and I had a brief conversation about why he was out at Occupy San Diego and he explained to me how stressed he was about his medication. He said that his government benefits had recently been cut and although he would still be able to pay for his medication he was worried about his current living situation. He said that he had been stable for a long time, and he wanted to stay that way, but not getting the medication at times seems easier than trying to make sure that he does take it.

            I took a lot out of the conversation I had with this particular gentlemen. In my eyes, what he was saying was that from time to time the government cuts his funding then he has to call them and write letters for an explanation. For a man suffering from a life long disability, I could see how this could be frustration. I asked him did he understand why he was out there and he replied, “some-what, my niece tells me that all these people out here need more help like me.”

            Much like most, I believe that Occupy San Diego represents a great cause. It shows the frustration and the need for change. Some people were out there expressing their concerns about education, others the lack of jobs, and some even argued about the current issues. There just didn’t seem to be much order. I believe in the cause, I believe in the message, but a movement without organization will not create change.