Leftist Rev. Jim Wallis Praises Occupiers as Inspirational ‘Citizen Economists’

It didn't take a rocket scientist to predict that liberal reverend extraordinaire Jim Wallis would gleefully jump on the Occupy Wall Street bandwagon. And now, the redistribution-of-wealth loving Christian leftist (how's that for a mouthful?) is issuing some advice -- and praise -- for the protesters.

Wallis, who has a history of championing far-left causes (he just accepted another $150,000 from George Soros' Open Society Foundation), has already indicated that some of the protesters' actions and stances show that "they stand with Jesus."

He went down to Wall Street last week and has essentially backed the movement publicly. In a new HuffPo piece entitled, "An Open Letter to the Occupiers from a Veteran Troublemaker," he offers up his advice to the young people who continue to reside in Zuccotti Park.

The first few paragraphs of his "open letter" are incredibly supportive of the movement, as he showers praise upon the Occupiers. Here are some highlights:

You have awakened the sleeping giant, too long dormant, but ever present, deep in the American democratic spirit.

You have given voice and space to the unspoken feelings of countless others about something that has gone terribly wrong in our society. [...]

While there are some among us who may misunderstand your motives and message, know that you are an inspiration to many more. [...]

In addition to the praise, Wallis offered some words of wisdom when it comes to addressing the movement's opponents. He encourages the protesters not to demonize those who stand against them. "Good people can get trapped in bad systems," he writes. Then, he reaffirms that the protesters are correct to hold both "systems and the individuals within them" accountable.

Oddly, he tells them they've become "citizen economists" and that they should continue looking at what a "just economy" would look like. Of course, Wallis' vision for a just economy is not a sentiment that would be embraced by Americans who have a more conservative -- even moderate -- worldview. He continues:

I know you believe that the leadership on Wall Street, and Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues have all failed you. Indeed, they have failed us all. But while you feel betrayed by both our business and political leaders, don't give up on leadership per se.

In the end, Wallis does encourage those railing against the current capitalistic system to remain non-violent and to channel their energy into creative action. Additionally, he explains that the Occupiers should "avoid Utopian dreaming about things that will never happen."

He concludes by hoping that God will instill peace for everyone involved.