Unlike the Tea Party, who see themselves as the customers of government, people in the Occupy Wall Street movement understand that we are the government. Stated most simply, we are trying to run a 21st-century society on a 13th-century economic operating system. It just doesn’t work.

The quote discusses a fundamental difference between two contemporary political movements: the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street. While members of the Tea Party view themselves as customers who are purchasing services from the government, those involved with Occupy Wall Street see themselves as being part of the government itself, actively participating in its operations rather than just consuming its benefits.

On a deeper level, Rushkoff argues that contemporary society is attempting to function using an outdated economic system, one that was more relevant centuries ago. This analogy suggests that modern societies are grappling with significant challenges due to a mismatch between their current needs and the antiquated frameworks within which they operate. The idea is that our economic systems are no longer equipped to address the complex issues of today, such as income inequality and technological disruption, leading to social unrest and dissatisfaction.

The quote was written by Douglas Rushkoff, an American author known for his work on media ecology, technology, and culture. His writings often explore how digital technologies and networks influence society and individual behavior, making him a thought leader in discussions about the evolution of economic systems and their impact on human life.