Dr. Word notes: The Word(s) on the Street

by David Safier

Dr. Word noted as he marched, these were not your fathers' or grandfathers' chants from the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War protests. He was pleased. The old chants were fine for their time, but they were tired. He imagines the young people on the marches felt like they were trapped in a time warp.

Here are a few of the chants, some recycled, some reasonably new, some created, or recreated, for the moment:

• Banks got bailed out. We got sold out.
• Hey millionaires, Pay your fair share.
• No! More! Corporate Welfare!
• Whose streets? Our streets! (Chanted when we crossed an intersection, long past the Walk light's duration, with organizers facing the cars, arms outstretched)
• All day, All week, Occupy K Street!
• Who's your friend? Who's your foe? The people or the CEO?
• Money for jobs and education, Not for banks and corporations! (A Dr. Word favorite)
• We are unstoppable. Another world is possible! (another favorite)
• Ain't no power like the power of the people, 'Cause the power of the people don't stop! (Yet another favorite. The only chant with hip-hop overtones.)
• Obama, escucha, Estamos en la Lucha! (OK, another favorite. This is one of a number of Spanish language chants, most translations of English chants, but this sounded unique. I was told it translates to "Obama, listen, We are in the fight!)