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I only noticed a few mentions of Occupy Wall Street in the Scott Walker thread, but I thought it was worth discussing in it's own.
People seemed to be concerned with their lack of a message, but that's pretty far from the truth. There is one singular message, and that is if the protesters can be thrown in jail for exercising their constitutional rights, then the bankers and Wall St executives who destroyed 20% of this country's net worth almost overnight should be held responsible.
I see this movement as a call for fairness and justice. Students are told that they have to pay their debt, no matter what. We can't declare bankruptcy, even if it's been near impossible to find a job after graduation, but financial institutions get a bailout immediately. Middle class families are told to "carry the load," while politicians get a raise and CEOs get another bonus at the end of the year.
Corporate personhood needs to be amended. We need it so we can tax them, but unless politicians start wearing NASCAR suits that show who sponsors their campaigns, they should not be allowed to donate on the same level as an average American. Ok, the NASCAR suit is more of a joke, but you get the point.
This has become a business first, people second government in many facets. That is why the message seems so spread out. Democracy must be restored, and that only helps with the people.
They are sprouting up in other cities, and the OWS protest is gaining more support every day. It seems a new handful of unions join in every couple of hours.
I'll leave here with few references to the movement, and what they've been trying to say. It's annoying to see people quick to dismiss this as a "anti-Tea Party" movement and just another liberal stunt. Before you rush to accuse this as such, take a minute to talk to your city's protest, and see what you find. Paul Broun seems to have made that mistake already.
As you may be able to tell, I am a supporter of the movement. I've been making my way to the one in Philly since Thursday on and off, but I do have a job to maintain. My life is pretty decent, but I know our country, hell, our world can be a better place. If no one stands up for the people who can't, then what? Together we stand, divided we fall.
I suggest some of you look into the movement and consider joining next week.
"The day will come when our Republic will be an impossibility because wealth will be concentrated in the hands of a few. When that day comes, we must rely upon the wisdom of the best elements in the country to readjust the laws of the nation." - James Madison
Last thing, get out and vote people. Protests are great, but until we start hitting politicians where it hurts, very few will listen. My suggestion? Vote independent, both parties work for the same boss.
You are the 99%
EDIT: I just came across a good thread about how bad the economic situation has gotten in regards of the top 1% of Americans. I highly recommend reading this if you want to really understand the problem we are in.
The group in Worcester, Mass. formed this weekend. Had a little gathering today, and the first official general assembly is tomorrow.
I'm tempted to see the bigger ones in Boston and NYC itself - but I have a job four days of the week. Worcester is fairly close for when I don't feel like traveling an hour or three.
Go to this site for information about the movement and to find groups near you. Like your local groups on facebook to stay up to date with what is going on and to help spread the word.
I wasn't able to get out to the Indy or Louisville occupation today and I'm sure it won't happen tomorrow either. I'm making arrangements to be out somewhere on Wednesday, I just don't know where yet. It's going to depend more on how much gas money I have and whether or not my mom is willing to help my daughter with homework and getting her to bed, etc.
Get involved, even if it's just by spreading the word and showing support for the occupiers. Unless you're part of the 1% or a right-wing nutjob there is no reason you shouldn't.
On Facebook, I had posted a link for the meeting tomorrow. I got laughed at by some girl.
There's sadly a lot of people out there who just don't give a shit. And a bunch of others who see occupiers as pot smoking hippies with acoustic guitars and drum circles who refuse to get jobs.
Go to this site for information about the movement and to find groups near you. Like your local groups on facebook to stay up to date with what is going on and to help spread the word.
I wasn't able to get out to the Indy or Louisville occupation today and I'm sure it won't happen tomorrow either. I'm making arrangements to be out somewhere on Wednesday, I just don't know where yet. It's going to depend more on how much gas money I have and whether or not my mom is willing to help my daughter with homework and getting her to bed, etc.
Get involved, even if it's just by spreading the word and showing support for the occupiers. Unless you're part of the 1% or a right-wing nutjob there is no reason you shouldn't.
Yes! Thank you, I should have included that link. If you can't make it there to stay all day or camp out, stop by with some supplies. Food, blankets, socks, jackets, medical supplies, whatever, it all helps.
One bit of advice though, we're not here to bash rights or lefts. Both the Democrats and Republicans got us in this mess, and fighting over which side of political spectrum we're on does nothing. Liberal or conservative, we are all part of the 99%!
The group in Worcester, Mass. formed this weekend. Had a little gathering today, and the first official general assembly is tomorrow.
I'm tempted to see the bigger ones in Boston and NYC itself - but I have a job four days of the week. Worcester is fairly close for when I don't feel like traveling an hour or three.
Being anywhere to support helps, like I said earlier, maybe you could donate to the larger cities and attend the smaller one.
On Facebook, I had posted a link for the meeting tomorrow. I got laughed at by some girl.
There's sadly a lot of people out there who just don't give a poop. And a bunch of others who see occupiers as pot smoking hippies with acoustic guitars and drum circles who refuse to get jobs.
I've been getting that attitude for a while now. I decided to arm myself with a lot of the info I presented here in this post. Spread some of this info, and if you wake up one person, then you helped. Everyone is part of this movement, whether they know it or not.
I probably shouldn't have used the term "right-wing nutjobs" but that's just what I call those who lean to the far right these days. I live in a rural area and am surrounded by people who think too much like Michelle Bachmann. To say I'm exasperated by it all is an understatement.
Every bit of criticism I've personally heard about OWS has been from someone who leans to the far right. It seems they are veiwing it as a dirty hippie movement. I would love for them to join in but I don't know if they can turn off the political rheotric and open their eyes long enough to see what's really going on. And I do agree that it was both parties who got us in this mess, no one is blameless there. Unfortunatley our politicians on both sides of the isle have been purchased.
On Facebook, I had posted a link for the meeting tomorrow. I got laughed at by some girl.
There's sadly a lot of people out there who just don't give a poop. And a bunch of others who see occupiers as pot smoking hippies with acoustic guitars and drum circles who refuse to get jobs.
LD, I agree that there are a lot of people who just don't give a shit. As long as they're not directly affected in a significant way it doesn't matter to them. I think its sad that people can be that way.
Not too bad of a turnout today. Looking forward to what happens from here in our little part of the world. Obviously we're focused a lot on nearby Boston, how long the occupation (with camping) can last there.
Someone on our Facebook group mentioned "Downtown Worcester is already occupied by people who don't want to work for their money". Don't really like to see that. Many of us have jobs, and I'm pretty sure everyone that doesn't wants to do something with their lives besides collect handouts and beg for coins. I work 40, 45, 50 hours a week - and am happy to have a job. I work hard, and take pride in doing a good job. Don't like to be considered a bum looking for a handout, I just want to make my country better - let the voices of all people be heard rather than just a rich and powerful minority.
LD, the world is full of douchebags who have it all already figured out. Don't be discouraged by morons. Hopefully, most people will eventually figure out that they are hating on their friends and neighbors because they think that bad economic situations only happen to "other" people. I'm fortunate that I won't be leaving my familiy in debt but I have no hope of any type of retirement and I made a very good living all my life. Well at least after 30 when I supposedly grew up.
Post by ClarkGriswold on Oct 9, 2011 23:49:21 GMT -5
The protests are spreading! You don't have to travel to New York to make your voice heard; an effort is underway to make this a nationwide movement. Even in Alabama....
October 2nd, 2011 • Mission Statement, Occupy Birmingham We stand to support human need, instead of corporate greed. We are partnered with no political party. We will not fit in political boxes. We will not be silent. We are the 99% of America whose future has been gambled away for the sake of corporate greed. Join us.
The establishment has no idea how to deal with all this.
Early into Occupy Wall Street, the NYPD reportedly asked to speak to its leader and were confused when the answer was that there is no leader. A bankster was surprised that a protester said they wouldn't take him up on a hypothetical job offer at his Wall Street firm. Presidential candidate Herman Cain says "If you don't have a job and you're not rich, blame yourself" as if our lives are completely unaffected by the actions of others. The media seems puzzled and frustrated that there is no single simple soundbite answer.
Their 20th Century ways and beliefs which led us into this mess just aren't prepared to deal with this. It shows that we have a vacuum of leadership in this country, and we the people are stepping up because someone has to do it.
Even the president has been forced to address it:
Occupy D.C. saw pepper spray deployed against demonstrators who wished to protest a military drone exhibit at the National Air And Space Museum. I'm not sure on the official story, but the protesters seem to believe the incident was sparked by a right-wing blogger agent provocateur. I haven't seen video of the actual spraying, but I see at least two people from Madison in its aftermath in this video.
Speaking of Madison, two photos from Occupy Madison which I love:
Homeless man giving a fist in solidarity as some of The 99% march to the capitol.
This picture came from Occupy Chicago:
It is posted on the 8th floor of the Chicago Board of Trade.
This is an aerial shot of Occupy Wall Street this weekend.
This is one of my friend's pictures from Occupy Wall Street last week:
When you have a Nobel-winning economist addressing the OWS crowd, you know these protests are onto something.
Amplification is not allowed at Zucotti Park, OWS' base of operations. I hear the most curious thing has happened in its absence. I know I talked about The People's Mic back in the Madison protests, but that was nothing. That was a legitimate portable PA system with a microphone into which people could speak. There is a People's Mic at Occupy Wall Street as well. It is more people than actual microphone. When a crowd is addressed, be it by a protester or prominent guest speaker alike, the message makes its way through the crowd by way of people themselves. The speaker says a small portion of their speech, which is repeated near the front of the crowd, traveling backwards, akin to doing the wave at a sporting event. One voice is amplified by the many. So it goes...
kdogg if you decide to head to NY get a Pay-Pal account if you don't have one, I might not be able to send a lot but I am sure I will be able to send something.
kdogg if you decide to head to NY get a Pay-Pal account if you don't have one, I might not be able to send a lot but I am sure I will be able to send something.
I'm a broke ass bitch right now but I could throw in a few dollars.
During the meeting this evening, some of our members were getting texts and seeing emails from friends and fellow campers at Occupy Boston. At least 10k people shown up for protests there today, many of which were college students. The tent city doubled in size, and now spread from the current location. In addition, some tried to hang a banner on a bridge between the North End and Charlestown, creating another standoff with Boston Police.
The current Boston occupation (tent city) is in an area called Dewey Square, on the southern end of the "Greenway" - land reclaimed when Interstate 93 was buried underground. It is near a major train station and the Boston Federal Reserve bank. The tent city there was overcrowded, and with this huge surge of people today - it spread northward. The second tent city sprung up at the north end of the Greenway (close to a mile away), and Boston police quickly tried to break it up and keep people back at Dewey Square.
Meanwhile back in Worcester, we're freaking out hearing that 80 swat team members were approaching the camp and trying to bust the whole thing up. Some had proposed Worcester be the occupation site for all New England, in case worse come to worse in Boston. (Worcester is 40 miles west of Boston, centrally located in Mass. and all New England.)
Looking at Occupy Boston's page, they are asking for help. Wanting people down to Dewey Square as soon as possible, as well as trying to retain this new North camp.
EDIT 2: The city is giving the north camp until Midnight to vacate, or else people will start getting arrested. People there are preparing themselves accordingly.
I'm seeing more e-mails and messages from people who left Worcester to go to Boston, hearing calls for help up there.
Last Edit: Oct 10, 2011 21:56:25 GMT -5 by LD - Back to Top
That is the plan in Madison as well. Occupy Madison is currently in a small downtown park about eight blocks from the capitol. This announcement was immediately questioned by many, but when the explanation came that it was a staging area for additional occupations, the response was generally "Ohhh...." followed by approval.
NSFW
I posted a picture of this man on the right in the Walker thread, and I saw this video pop up in my Facebook feed today.
If you haven't already heard, Boston's new camp was broken up last night a little after 1 am. 129 people were arrested, and some people received the police brutality treatment - including a Vietnam War veteran working with Veterans For Peace.
On the local news here, not too much word about said brutality. Our people were accusing it, but obviously the local channels aren't showing it.
Birmingham may have the front line on protest in Alabama....but it's most of North Alabama that is feeling the pressure. Over the last 6 years I have seen the populuation of my home town increase by 40%. Due almost solely to the influx of an entire town that relocated from Mexico to work the jobs that no one left in town was willing to work for the wages. They managed to get jobs, relocate their families and even start their own businesses (Tiendas, Taquarias etc). Because of the new "stronger" anti-immigration laws in Alabama, my home town will lose probably up to 50% not just of it's population...but of it's commerce, growth and tax base. And HOW is this good?? Because some dude who was born there has 6 duis and needs a job for oh....5 weeks til he figures out how hard the work is and quits?? Yeah....I am reminded why I don't do Politics!
Rachel Maddow was just talking about Occupy Boston.
Apparently last night protesters wanted to occupy an older bridge in need of repair to hang banners reading "Fix this bridge! Create jobs now!" Police turned them away from going onto the bridge, citing safety concerns... because that bridge could not hold them all at once.
During the occupation of the Wisconsin capitol, a friend of mine made an excellent observation. He said that because our protests were peaceful and made things easy on the police, they were free to process the messages on all the posters throughout the building. Call them teachable moments.
I hope what happened at that bridge becomes a teachable moment. I hope the multiple Occupy events bring more of these teachable moments.
The bridge in question is in such lousy condition, and has been for years. I don't even like *walking* over it. It's primarily steel grates for the most part, openly look down over the Charles River.
I keep referencing the Madison protests in the winter, saying I hope we get tens of thousands in cities nationwide. If Madison gets 100k to come out in February - with the cold and snow, why can't we?
First let me say, I have no problems with ideas behind the protests, I just find the ideas to be very farfetched dreams.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see some economic equality... I would love to see jobs so abundant in America that we have to use crop dusters to distribute work visas in Mexico just to fill the need for workers... I would love to see a (completely private) more affordable healthcare system... I would love to see the housing market rebound...
The protesters want to hold the investors and power brokers on Wall Street responsible for the economic downturn, but what about the federal government? Do you not find them equally, if not more responsible for the downturn? For more than 40 years, the government has been allowed to debase the currency at will, and been free of the burden of financial accountability.
This is not a problem that started 3 years ago. This is a problem that has been around for a long time that nobody ever bothered to fix, and that only Clinton really ever figured out a way to work with. The problem will not be solved with 100 indictments, or 1,000, or 10,000 for that matter. The problem will only be fixed by the federal government being forced to balance it’s budget, and being forced to show some accountability when it comes to the creation of currency.
The investors and brokers on Wall Street are certainly, in part, responsible for the recession we have experienced, but they only took advantage of a broken system. Wall Street has been greedy, and taking advantage of people for a long time. The massive outcry only started when the wheels fell off.