As Americans we cherish and hold dear our rights to free speech and the ability we have to challenge and even criticize our government and other powerful institutions. Many have fought and lost their lives defending these rights that all of us now enjoy.

The “Occupy Wherever” protesters make some good points, as well as few questionable ones, as might be expected. Modern day economics is tremendously complex, and the real reasons for why things have gone as they have may ultimately be shown to be just as complicated in the long term.

The need for more jobs in our country, coupled with the perception of massive corporate greed, is driving many Americans to participate in these protests. The frustration is certainly understandable. It is important to remember, though, that neither Wall Street nor the banking industry will ever properly regulate themselves voluntarily. It is up to our elected leaders, executive, legislative, and judicial, to force the kinds of changes in their own policies towards these institutions that will eventually turn the tide towards better lives for all of us.

Banks were bailed out, but business lending is still as slow as ever. It is our government leadership that should be feeling the heat of our wrath and finding ways to unblock the stalled economy. The economic megaliths seem to stand by idly in mild amusement with these heartfelt demonstrations of our anger and dismay.

Protest and open questioning of policy will always play an important role in our society, but we caution our fellow citizens to think through the issues and channel their concerns and frustrations towards those who actually can effect changes and truly make a difference for us, the real 99 percent who make up the body of our nation.

Otherwise, all we get is good television and even more divisiveness between us. We can do better than this.