Dear Michael. 

Hurray for you.  I saw you last night on Hardball and am so proud of your efforts.  I only wish I could be there to do something.  I live north of Seattle, am a senior and cannot afford cross-country travel.  I hope to do my part in the Seattle OWS efforts.  I am proud to say our sons are social activists and very concerned about the state of our country as well.   

We all believe in Occupy Wall Street.  My concern is the same as Christ Matthews question… "how to define the purpose… how to state the purpose effectively for the greatest impact.  I feel as time passes this will be stated.   

However, in this process I want to share an idea I have had for a long time but have never known how to put it in place.  Perhaps OWS is the place to try.  I'm 65 yrs old, vibrant and effective on a small scale so I pass this idea on to any of you in hopes something BIG like this could happen.  I think it would be a great help and get some positive media attention. 

So many folks are hurting.  So many folks need help but don't know where to go to seek it.  It may be as simple as needing a ride to register to vote, or needing someone to help get a copy of their birth certificate so they can prove their identity so they are not disenfranchised in the 2012 election.  Maybe there is a man or woman out there that needs help drafting a resume, or someone who needs a cavity filled, a new pair of glasses… someone to lend them a hand until they get back on their feet. 

I thought of a slogan several years ago and thought how effective this could be if a national non-profit could be formed with a master plan to create a publication (sort of like Craig's List) where people could post their needs and others could post their skills and willingness to help.  When efforts are made to connect people much can be accomplished.  People can take it into their own hands to help each other.  Maybe someone can do laundry for another who does not own their own washer, maybe that person can trade for a skill they possess.  Why not call it: 

"Lend US A Hand"   

Could this idea be started on the streets where the OWS people gather?  A seed idea, perhaps a sign up tables to start the process.  Someone llike Tyler Combelic who spoke alongside you on Hardball could design a website since this is his skill. 

What would the news media say about this proactive process?  They would cover it for sure, especially if it was successful… people helping people as a way of showing concern for others while the OWS develops into a more powerful movement and purpose. 

The hurting people in this country aren't asking for a hand-out, they simply need someone to "lend" USA a hand".  It's a simple concept with power and healing at it's core.  

Respectfully,

Kathleen Eichert