"I was around (and active) back in 1947 where a massive protest wound up producing some good songs, the Progressive Party and not much else. "

Dick, I was there also. I can't believe how wrong you are. The IPP set the stage for much of what happened in the Sixties including the Civil Rights Movement. It stressed that there was an alternative to the "Tweedle-dum, Tweedle-Dee Parties".
It supported unions that made inroads into safety codes, better wages and a prosperous Fifties. It exposed the racism of the South, the hangings and the crazies that started White Citizen Councils. It lay the groundwork for the inimitable Pete Seeger (he cut his career in the Henry Wallace Campaign) who has exerted tremendous influence on the folk music scene without whom there would be no Mudcat. It made many aware of the pitfalls of Capitalism although it was not covered in the mainstream press as it is not being covered now.

I am part of the 99% protest and instead of calling us protesters, I am taking my cue from Thom Hartmann and referring to us as Patriots. We are the change we want. Goals? There are so many and they are all interconnected. Two of them are
1. let the rich pay their fair share of taxes and 2. stop these wasteful and meaningless wars. I'm glad that simplistic labels can't be place on this movement.
Every one of us is a leader and a spokesperson for this movement and we are growing day by day. This movement is not only an extension of the Civil Rights Movement, it is uniquely revolutionary and an important part of American history.
There will always be those who cynically diss us and say "What's the use?" and my response is "Why do you think you are alive?"

There are all walks-of-life of us out there demanding justice because without that, there will be no peace. We are making a difference by showing America what a police state looks like here, how corporations and congressional leaders have become corrupted,how platitudes and sneering comments by nay-sayers mean nothing in the face of authentic social change. As to the charge of ignorance leveled against us, I say, you really ought to get out more. Come down to the Occupy Movement and talk to people. Many read, and many well educated, they respond and they are involved. Many of us have not made a lot of money in our lives but have found meaning that can't be bought by wealthy parasites.

As the old cliche goes, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way!"

We are the Patriots and the 99%'ers.