I wrote this back in 1996, while relaxing in my Hotel room after a day of work, as a Project Manager & Superintendent on a Project for The Imperial Valley Unified School District. I had just finished reading an article on an 11 year old gang member, Child, found executed & his body lying in a gutter in L.A  I wondered @ the time, how we got to this point as a society, & where we were headed.

      Innocence lost

Fortified by a forty-five

Mortified in darkness cried

Live like this did nothing wrong

Youthful dreams are long since gone

      alhs, 96

Well, 15 years later, the rights to The 99% seem to be in a similar position as the 11 year old child, reminding me of my poem. The poem in no way advocates the use of violence, the 45 is a metaphor used as artistic expression in regards to whatever your closed or open minds may interpret it as. Only through peaceful, nonviolent revolution will our efforts be a compelling message to our communities, our neighbors, our country & Our World.

"Long Live Occupy, Long Live The 99%"