Remember remember...

...the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot

                                                   - Traditional English Nursery Rhyme

Though Blawgconomics did not suppose that the Guy Fawkes mask would ever attain more popularity in the United States than it did after the release of the movie 'V' for Vendetta, the rise of hacktivists Anonymous and the adoption of the symbol by some in the Occupy movement have proven us wrong. For anyone who is unfamiliar with why, exactly, the mask has become so popular, there is no more appropriate day than today for an explanation. From the website http://www.rhymes.org.uk/:

Words of "Remember Remember" refer to Guy Fawkes with origins in 17th century English history. On the 5th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament with several dozen barrels of gunpowder. Guy Fawkes was subsequently tried as a traitor with his co-conspirators for plotting against the government. He was tried by Judge Popham who came to London specifically for the trial from his country manor Littlecote House in Hungerford, Gloucestershire. Fawkes was sentenced to death and the form of the execution was one of the most horrendous ever practised (hung ,drawn and quartered) which reflected the serious nature of the crime of treason.

The 'V' stands for victory, right?

It is clear that the protestors have adopted the Fawkes persona as a means to represent their anti-government leanings; nothing subtle there. However it is unclear if they are at all aware of the outcome of Fawkes' actions. For one, he failed in his mission. For another, as a result of his failed actions he endured one of the most 'horrendous ever' executions. Somehow I find it difficult to believe a mic check of the 99% would lead to either outcome being approved if put to a vote...