Remember, Remember, the 5th of November

Today is Guy Fawkes Day.  And children all over the UK are taught poems demonizing Guy Fawkes' plot to blow up Parliament.

Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot ;
I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
'Twas his intent.
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below.
Poor old England to overthrow.
By God's providence he was catch'd,
With a dark lantern and burning match

But more recently, Guy Fawkes has been transformed (thanks in large part to the V for Vendetta comics/movie) to full-fledged hero status, particularly among those protesting authority, such as the Occupy movement.  The LA Times had a short story on the transformation that's worth a read.

So who are the people wearing the Guy Fawkes mask?  We probably all have our own opinions, but the most sensible answer comes from the movie:

Evey Hammond: Who are you?
V: Who? Who is but the form following the function of what, and what I am is a man in a mask.
Evey Hammond: Well I can see that.
V: Of course you can. I'm not questioning your powers of observation, I'm merely remarking upon the paradox of asking a masked man who he is.