Occupy Wall Street: An American Tradition since 1776

Beginning of article

The 'Occupy Wall Street' protesters aren't extremists on the fringe. They reflect the frustrations of large swaths of American society. By taking aim at corporate greed and corruption, they embody a venerable tradition of American populism with roots back to Jefferson.

Most of the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters in New York and their imitators around the country seem decidedly scruffy - which is just how you would look if you slept in a city park for several days. Some of them have even dressed up as "corporate zombies" in white face paint, chanting "I smell money!" So it may be tempting to think of them off-kilter extremists at the edge of society.

Think again. …