The latest gimmick of the Occupy Movement is “Stop Black Friday.” Apparently, the plan is to “occupy” the stores of major retailers and disrupt the busiest shopping day of the year. The website for this “occupation” suggests signs that state, “We don’t hate capitalism…just crapitalism.”
Capitalism is the social system that recognizes and protect individual rights, including property rights. The right to property means the freedom to earn, use, keep, and dispose of material values as the rightful owner chooses.
To date, the Occupy Movement has shown no regard for property rights. Occupy Wall Street invaded a private park and refused to leave, despite the desires of the park’s owner. In other cities, occupiers have damaged property and invaded businesses. Now, they intend to “occupy” the stores of major retailers. This is not a respect for property rights; it is their negation. This is not support for capitalism; it is mob rule.
If the Occupy Movement doesn’t hate capitalism–and there is an abundance of evidence to the contrary–they have a chance to prove it. They can call off their invasion of private businesses and begin showing respect for private property.