Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.
Mike Krieger: "Rebellion Has Arrived In America"
wondering
Veteran
0
Comments
The U.S. is well-trained in helplessness. For the moment, its posturings lack bite. It will be interesting to see if the country can clear that hurdle.
NYC White Shirt Police Commanders Entrap Occupy Wall Street; Arrest 500, or is it 700; JOIN OCCUPY WALL STREET
at...http://october2011.org/blogs/kevin-zeese/nyc-white-shirt-police-commanders-entrap-occupy-wall-street-arrest-500-join-occupy
also beginning in 5 days 1000's more protestors are headed to Wall street.
here is the organizing web site....
http://october2011.org/
this is just the beginning. Just think of next summer. Pre-election dynamics, and the likelihood the the economy and ecology will be collapsing all around us.
Stay alert, and help with changing America from an empire to a compassionate country.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2011/oct/02/occupy-wall-street-brooklyn-bridge
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Free_speech_zone
God, another doublespeak term: "First Amendment Zone" (funny, I thought the entire US was a "First Amendment Zone" LOL)
My favorite is the fact that a woman can walk around without anything covering her top half, but only if it is in protest of not being able to be in public without anything covering her top half. :crazy:
On the one hand, I'm sympathetic to the idea of Occupy Wall Street and what people are trying to do. I see it as a grassroots push back against the people and institutions that not only helped cause the latest economic collapse, but collectively represents the very embodiment of the expropriator class that expropriates massive amounts of wealth from working-class people in the form of uncompensated labour.
Basically, the money that Wall Street is playing around with is all the money expropriated by capital from the working-class in the form of surplus value (i.e., unpaid labour), which is the primary source of what we call profit in the capitalist system of production. The stock market essentially takes all this wealth and tries to increase it for its holders via gambling, investing and shuffling it around, while at the same time acting as a freeway for the distribution of capital between other capitalists throughout the system.
Many people seem to think that 'markets,' including the stock market, can do no wrong, even when the markets themselves are full of people and large financial institutions moving things around in an effort to profit off of the ups and downs, which, in turn, creates even more ups and downs. Unfortunately, when markets crash, as they inevitably do, it's ultimately the working-class who suffers the most — enduring everything from extended periods of high-unemployment to higher costs of living to depleted 401Ks and IRAs, etc. — while for Wall Street, it's business as usual.
One of the lessons I've taken away from Occupy Wall Street, however, (and perfectly illustrated by this article) is that the left seriously needs to relearn how to organize, as well as how to get its message out more effectively since the media often seems to downplay (read, 'completely ignore') these kinds of events (which, consequently, brings up the question of the place and use of digital/social media by activists and some of the problems they're facing).
This isn't a criticism of Occupy Wall Street as much as leftist activism in general, which, on the whole, seems to have become increasingly less focused and militant over the years. While left-wing social and political movements tend to have no problems springing up over various issues and events, they seem to dissipate almost as fast, particularly more radical movements, once initial momentum is lost. Movements can't sustain themselves without long-term commitments on the part of activists; and the left needs to find more creative ways to spread its message, as well as to keep people actively engaged in struggles. Occupy Wall Street seems to be off to a good start, though.
And while I think that the recent influx of union support for Occupy Wall Street is definitely a good thing, what we really need are more radical unions (like the IWW, for example) that are willing to be instruments of revolutionary change rather than just mediators between capital and labour. Historically speaking, unions have tended to deradicalize working-class movements they're a part of due to their dependence on, and basic deference towards, the employing-class and capital.
Moreover, as heartened as I am by this upsurge in left-wing/working-class activism, I'm still afraid that it's a case of too little, too late. The right has been far more organized in recent decades; and the rise of right-wing lead, middle-class populism has little in the way of organized opposition besides a few scattered groups and a shrinking number of severely weakened unions. And if history is any indication, middle-class populism left unchecked can eventually morph into fascism.
Of course, I could be wrong about the potential direction that all of this populist anger might take in the future (assuming it doesn't just fizzle out into political apathy); but I still feel strongly about the need for the left to get better organized, and that depends on working people getting more active whenever and wherever they can. In end, I completely agree with the article, "A spotlight on Wall Street greed," that: That said, I did read two excellent analyses today addressing some of the predominately leftist criticisms of Occupy Wall Street (including my own), particularly the charge that the movement itself is unfocused and lacks any real direction: "The Nuts and Bolts of #OccupyWallStreet" and "First we take Manhattan." As one person I know summed it up, "I would argue that the protests are successful precisely insofar as they provoke criticism/dialog about effective methods."
I don't usually notice the ads but I went back now to have a look.
Clearly, ads must be 'customised' because I have ads advertising for the local shops here, one about the Superdome in Orleans and another offering the International Herald Tribune for 4 weeks.
The internet is unfortunately rather savvy. Facebook can track some people even if they are not logged on, with the right connections. (http://www.news.com.au/technology/watch-out-porn-sites-targetting-your-facebook-timeline/story-e6frfro0-1226153882659)
Anyway, I think ads just follow their own particular 'programming logic', they don't know or care what the story is about at large. They just want coverage and a chance to 'succeed'.
I presume, but do not know, that the logic of the ads is - well people who are interested in capitalism click on this so here's a formula that they MAY be interested in. Example, if the story is about capitalism, pop up investment ads! And/or if we know through our logic that this person is interested in swimming we will throw in swimming costume ads! i.e. cheap association logic
And overall from a 'finance/investment/savings' perspective we are all, mostly I think, still following our old school ethoses - follow the money, invest to get rich, invest wisely for a safe retirement etc. This market is still alive, therefore, ultimately.
When I was in California a few months ago, I picked up a local real estate guide and it was bubbling with BUY NOW, PROPERTY IS A GREAT AND SURE INVESTMENT articles written by yours truly real estate agent bloggers.
I don't know if sense has much to do with it, I think these people are just following what they do best, trying to make lots of money. The internet, as a technology savvy and money making instrument, 'pops up' ads according to its various logic and cookies.
Just another view.
_/\_
from "democracy now"
http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/9/29/cornel_west_on_occupy_wall_street_its_the_makings_of_a_us_autumn_responding_to_the_arab_spring
"It’s impossible to translate the issue of the greed of Wall Street into one demand, or two demands. We’re talking about a democratic awakening," said Dr. Cornel West when he spoke with Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman during a visit Tuesday night to the Occupy Wall Street encampment. Some critics have expressed frustration at the protest’s lack of a clear and unified message. But the Princeton University professor emphasized that "you’re talking about raising political consciousness so it spills over all parts of the country, so people can begin to see what’s going on through a set of different lens, and then you begin to highlight what the more detailed demands would be. Because in the end we’re really talking about what Martin King would call a revolution: A transfer of power from oligarchs to everyday people of all colors. And that is a step by step process." Dr. West also called on President Obama to apologize for calling on members of the Congressional Black Caucus to “stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying” when unemployment among African Americans has reached record highs and two of five Black children live in poverty. This video features Amy Goodman’s interview with Dr. West, along with his address to Occupy Wall Street protesters.
there is more to the article, but i thought it important to understand that though there are not clearly defined "goals" of the protests ( almost all large cities are staging an "Occupy ____" ( fill in the blank with S.F. L.A. K.C. St. Louis, etc...)) it is a large grassroots uprising, and it is just beginning.
Yelling is not enough, of course. But it's a start.
I think Americans used to be at least somewhat proud of their government. But I now see so much anger at a "do-nothing important" Congress, with both sides being relatively willing to take us to the brink of financial calamity, that I no longer can find a single person who believes in our current government.
How much would it take to push a few Americans to the point where there are riots or political attacks on government officials? Many are too young to remember the race riots of the 1960s, but I remember them, and it only takes a real spark to set a degree of lawless rebellion off.
I worry for my country and for its people. And, I'm ashamed of our Congress.
My understanding (from a forgotten reading) is that the government already has plans in place in case any such uprising occurs now.
And perhaps a propos, I read a pretty good hip-pocket aphorism elsewhere this morning: "Justice does not mean JUST US." This may not put anyone on the road to knowing what justice is or might be, but at least it introduces a little humility.
The citizens of America are too fat on their fast food diets, too entrenched in their massive debt, too brainwashed with the idea of 'freedom' that actually imprisons them in monopolistic capitalism, too overwhelmed by the 'choices' between 1,000 brands all owned by the same corporation.
Capitalism will break down eventually -- all systems do -- but I think things must get much worse in the US before its citizens are awoken from their trance. Humans can tolerate such bad conditions it's incredible, look at what people suffered in Africa and the Arab world for decades before the current uprising, and remember that many still suffer without uprising yet.
The good news is that true freedom is available to all who have discovered the dharma.
Namaste
You might be right, and this organized protest will fade away into nothingness. But for the time being it is gathering a lot of momentum and support from many other organizations. Read this article and follow closely the next couple weeks. My feeling is that America has been changed permanently by this protest, and the next Presidential election will have to address the issues that this protest has so vividly brought to the forefront of the political dialouge.
Occupy Wall Street: Is the second American Revolution now underway?
at.....http://www.intrepidreport.com/archives/3482
What began over two weeks ago as a relatively small protest against capitalist greed has grown into a dynamic uprising that could well become our Egyptian equivalent.
The Occupy Wall Street movement has issued the right message at exactly the appropriate time, having the potential to positively resonate with the beleaguered U.S. populace like nothing we’ve seen since left-wing organizing successes during the Great Depression.
“We are the 99 percent. We are getting kicked out of our homes. We are forced to choose between groceries and rent. We are denied quality medical care. We are suffering from environmental pollution. We are working long hours for little pay and no rights, if we’re working at all. We are getting nothing while the other 1 percent is getting everything. We are the 99 percent. “
That’s a starkly correct assessment of present reality, and it stands in radicalizing contrast to the massively immoral Republican/Tea Party belief that wealthy “job creators” should be spared hiked taxes and stronger regulation, while everyone else ought to painfully sacrifice to fix our nation’s economic mess.
Wasn’t it the unbridled greed and reckless speculation of the conservative-coddled corporate/financial elite that caused that mess to begin with?
Also, jobs created in recent years by the supposed saviors of our economy have largely been overseas, resulting in lost employment here, plus remaining jobs that pay less than a living wage and provide scant benefits.
Real job growth is spurred by strong consumer demand, which occurs only if the masses have enough money and confidence to buy goods and services at an expanding rate.
Union-scale labor is key to achieving such levels of prosperity and purchasing power. Conservatives, however, have always been staunchly anti-union.
Meanwhile, Forbes magazine data reveals that the total 2011 budget deficit for all 50 states is just one-tenth the combined net worth of the richest 400 Americans.
Why can’t they muster the proper patriotism to help save our country, now experiencing a devastating poverty rate?
Maybe it’s because they’re not job creators at all, but selfishly motivated downsizers, outsourcers, and foreclosers, with treasonous loyalty only to ever-increasing private profit, not public welfare or the American people’s common good.
Organized labor has now thrown its considerable weight behind the Occupy Wall Street effort, with AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka stating, “I think it’s a tactic and a valid tactic to call attention to a problem. Wall Street is out of control . . . I think being in the streets and calling attention to issues is sometimes the only recourse you have because, God only knows, you can go to the Hill, and you can talk to a lot of people and see nothing ever happen.”
New York City’s powerful Transport Workers Union (Local 100) has formally endorsed the action, and other labor bodies are expected to do the same in the days ahead.
Significantly, the “occupy” idea is spreading everywhere, with solidarity protests arising in communities from coast to coast.
Here in Wisconsin—the state that pivotally generated a populist fightback against rampant reaction this past spring—rallies/occupations are already slated for Appleton, Madison, and Milwaukee.
A prairie fire of protest is sweeping the land because the capitalist system—experiencing deep, global crisis—plainly no longer works.
It’s so beset by limiting contradictions that it can’t simultaneously meet the profit desires of a moneyed elite and the crying human requirements of society’s wage-earning majority.
Harsh austerity is all that typical folks can look forward to, ultimately making them virtual, super-exploited Third World peons within our nation’s own borders.
Many have argued 'survival of the fittest', capitalism, the markets will decide, blah blah blah. But spiritually speaking, all of those things seem very ego-based and lacking in compassion. I am not so certain what would be better, but can't help but think that there is something inherently wrong with our current state of being, as far as nations go.
Kwan Kev
And this is the worry. That the total dissatisfaction factor with Congress (in particular) is making people so angry, even when those people can't quite put their finger on why.
Are things really that bad there anyway?
http://occupywallst.org/article/occupywallstreet-union-march-foley-square-wall-str/#comments
Jesus Christ was a man who traveled through the land A hard-working man and brave He said to the rich, "Give your money to the poor," But they laid Jesus Christ in His grave
Jesus was a man, a carpenter by hand His followers true and brave One dirty little coward called Judas Iscariot Has laid Jesus Christ in His Grave
He went to the preacher, He went to the sheriff He told them all the same "Sell all of your jewelry and give it to the poor," And they laid Jesus Christ in His grave.
When Jesus come to town, all the working folks around Believed what he did say But the bankers and the preachers, they nailed Him on the cross, And they laid Jesus Christ in his grave.
And the people held their breath when they heard about his death Everybody wondered why It was the big landlord and the soldiers that they hired To nail Jesus Christ in the sky
This song was written in New York City Of rich man, preacher, and slave If Jesus was to preach what He preached in Galilee, They would lay poor Jesus in His grave.
Bravo!
I do not think anyone is wishing for rebellion. Many 1000's of people are standing up against behavior of the ultra wealthy (that is not compassionate) and the loss of a working middle class in America. Unemployment is getting as high as it was in the great depression. Children and families are going hungry because they have no jobs. The jobs that they do have pay minimum wage and they can not make enough to pay their rent and feed their families. No, people are not wishing for rebellion, they have had enough of the suffering induced by a ruling class and are standing up for their rights to be human beings and be treated fairly. In the following weeks i think we will see the beginnings of a new form of democracy. The return of "CHOICE" for the 99% of us.