One news report from the Agence France Presse pointed out that "the Obamas appeared too absorbed with their guests to notice what was happening" even though the singer sang that song with different variations for about forty five minutes. Apparently Obama, like so many politicians, is at his best when pretending that he is not aware when something is going on. Perhaps reminiscent when G W Bush continued to sit in that Florida classroom on Sept. 11, 2001 even after being told that a second plane had hit the WTC.

We're just beginning.
Over time, more will join the movement.
It will be harder to ignore as time goes on.

Great song and great video. More amazingly, it captures all the major themes of OWS completely, and includes even Greenwald's theses on the collapse of equality before the law.

Take that Oilybomber!!

They tried to ignore it, but they heard it, they couldn't help it.

As the Imperials become more aware of the desperation of their cause, they might tack towards conciliations, or towards repressions.

Both must be prepared for.

But either way, this action is stellar. :)

The more that the illegitimate Powers are shown they are hated, the smoother their disgrace and fall shall be.

It might not seem so, since their fall will be disorderly and nasty no matter what.

But a study of history shows that it is true.

thanks for the post, abby.

I am old enough to remember the way "Blowing in the Wind" changed everything when Dylan burst upon the scene.

This is the anthem of the movement we have been waiting for. Everyone, please learn this one if you play. This anthem should be ringing out everywhere until things change and then ring on through history. It is really that great.

This is awesome. Congratulations Makana

If ever a video needed to "go viral" this is it!!! I can imagine this song joining other great protest songs ("Joe Hill", "Which Side Are You On", "Masters of War", etc) of the struggle. Before too long, this new anthem will be ringing around the world. Brought me to tears, it did. Thank you, Makana!!!

Nice Bob Dylan hat!
If you want an anthem, check out Billy Bragg's updated version of "The Union". Real movements need real music.

So cool! Post this around the world, People........."We are the many, you are the few." Love it.

Also check out the video of the actual event, listed under #Occupy Special Coverage on the main page.

As we are viewing this video and having our chat, Occupy movements all over the country are being forcibly suppressed. Tents are being torn down, people arrested, heavily armed police brutalizing anyone who shows any sign of resistance.

Come election time, this site will begin running all the usual apologists and liars who will portray Beloved Leader as our current least worst destroyer of liberties, promoter of Wall Street, and fomenter of wars. Remember, if you can, this time when election rah-rah rolls around. The people who produce this site are 100% predictable in rolling out the shills for business as usual...with, of course, the label of Democrat attached.

Remember what Obama actually did, what his role was during all of this. He is not innocent--if he were progressive, things would have gone in a much different direction.

He is worse than W.

A powerful anthem for the many not the few.

Good for Makana, and I'm happy he's not being waterboarded as I type this . . . he isn't, is he? . . .

Beautiful, Makana. My fist is raised!

Love it! Definitely Dylanesque from his early protest era! Love the boldness of Makana singing this song at a plush gathering of plunderers! Better than "Blowin' in the Wind" because it overcomes the hopelessness expressed by that song. Makana reminds me more of Phil Ochs in the willingness to risk the music career by singing out for what matters. May there be a resurgence of such singers so that this one does not seem to stand alone. In that spirit, here's a contribution to that cause:
Oh What A Day! Broadside Balladeer channel at YouTube:
http://youtube.com/vicsadot

Excellent song, thanks Makana, and CD for posting it. One question though, how is it he was allowed to sing this for 45 minutes? If he can do that at "the most secure place on the planet", imagine the possibilities.

Spot on! I practically cried when the saw the video this morning. The automatons at the tables ...

This was apparently written just recently - I await the creative powers of the younger generation with baited breath and a tremendous big smile. Elegant lyrics and a tender tune - eulogy for the lives and potential squandered by the system

Standing ovation for Makana!! The booker has undoubtedly caught hell. Maybe he/she was clueless and thought that Hawaiian talent would please Obummer, but I'm hoping that it was a brave and conscious move.

Like the theme song of the civil rights movement, WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY; WE ARE THE MANY YOU ARE THE FEW, could become the theme song for the OWS movement. Well done, Makana !

i love the inclusion of photo of Slick Willie surrounded by grinning greedheads. That is the photo op produced the day he signed the repeal of Glass-Steagall.

Reminiscent of Dylan's "The Times They are a Changin'" and Kansas' "Dust in the Wind", melodically. Crystal clear lyrics, sparse and right on the money. :-)