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We are the 99 percent

Occupy Changed the Conversation: Now We Change the World!

Posted 12 years ago on Aug. 21, 2012, 3:55 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
Tags: nyc, s17

One year ago last September we began an occupation that pinpointed the Villain in the broad nightmare that has become of the American Dream: Wall Street.

To commemorate and build upon our collective call that ‘enough is enough’, join us this September 15 -17 in a mass mobilization of the 99%.

Register for #S17 to plug into actions across the country and stay posted about transportation and housing for the Wall Street convergence.

We will continue to put our bodies on the line to expose how the 1% are controlling our fates; how we are drowning in loans, student debt, fraudulent mortgages. That our democracy itself is being sold to the highest bidder, while our environment is turned into just another toxic asset.

It is an uphill battle, but the very essence of Occupy exhibits how you are not a loan. Or alone. And that together, we are unstoppable.

Find out how you can pitch in on an existing project or register an action you already have in the works now.

They can steal your job, your home, your freedom, your vote. They can’t steal our ability to dream together.

Refuse to live in fear, believe another world is possible. Register and join us for #S17.

– from the ‘Your Inbox: Occupied’ team

96 Comments

96 Comments


Read the Rules
[-] 7 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

!st - Money out of politics. Support Move to Amend.

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 12 years ago

@dmin/mods&'OWS' : "Enough is Enough !!" :

"Together, We Are Unstoppable" !! Thnx for all y'all do & your 'Spirit' :

~}~ommmmm~{~

pax, amor et lux ...

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

no no thank you!

[-] 0 points by shadz66 (19985) 12 years ago

Fair "Enough !" I was only catching a tow & riding your bow wave ;-)

I geddit ! You're still under the spell of Alison Krauss !! No Problemo !!!

pax ...

[Deleted]

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Thanks I will sign if I haven't.

What is the possibility we could send the OWS CU petition to every candidate for office? Just to get them on the record! It will show clearly who is with us?

You support this idea? Any ideas on how to get it done?

[-] 2 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

I AM working on it:
http://corporationsarenotpeople.webuda.com
We are starting with NY CD 11 state island
others are on record - more info will be posted

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

You rock!

[-] 3 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

I think this is a really important effort, I hope we all support this amendment, it is the best I have read myself.

[-] 4 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

What is the possibility we could send the OWS CU petition to every candidate for office? Just to get them on the record! It will show clearly who is with us?

You support this idea? Any ideas on how to get it done?

[-] 4 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

emailing every news outlet with the amendment and asking them to get people on the record, I think I would contact the working group to see how they feel about what they have if they are OK with people sending it around, myself I would send it as a citizen not as OWS as I don't even think there is a process for that....

[-] 3 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

ONE KEY POINT-
our working group, after hundreds on man hours of study and debate have come to a specific conclusion:
No amendment out there ( and our web page includes them all & an analysis of them ) will pass this congress - because the House has been slimed by the Rs


our only priority for the next 80 days is to elect pro-amendment house & senate candidates such as Elizabeth Warren in MA & Mike Murphy in NY CD 13

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Maybe just maybe getting repubs on the record as being against getting money out of politics can sway a particular race. There areweak repubs. Some more so because of their ryan budget/medicare vote, some because of their Akin-Ryan personhood vote. I think the dems have a list of vulnerable repubs and there should be more now, So we can send the petition to those 1st.

Too much?.

[-] 2 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

they will write their own that's true, but writing the news outlet and asking them to ask the question, might help, I don't know how much the bosses dictate coverage and most of the "news readers" are clueless.

[-] 1 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

This is a great idea we never considered, I will bring it to our working groups

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

I think we might be able to get into the conversation, as people do seem to care about all this money going into all these ads, when people are sickest of the crap is the best time to get the newsreaders to bring it up.

[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

ding ding ding ding ding

Nailed it.

Whether supporting very progressive Ds who will stand firm (there are many left) or supporting independents and Greens (better in my opinion, or get Ds to run I), these working groups are the ticket, I want in.

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

I think sending it as a citizen is better. I think the act of putting out the petition (by OWS), means they want it circulated, sent out, and signed by all citizens, Candidates are citizens.

Permission? We don't need no stinking permission!

[-] 2 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

that true

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Might be better to create our own petition (could be identicle) so that we could see/check which candidate has signed.

You think it is worth the effort?

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago
[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

I didn't either. But I think it is Better to do it outside of OWS so we can see who signs.

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[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

Fantastic idea.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 12 years ago

thanks, I saw a guy who left the Ds because Obama said something nice about OWS, I say good riddance. I want all the 1%ers out there easy to spot all we got to do is point them out....

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[-] 1 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

YES!!!
and the OWS version at
http://corporationsarenotpeople.webuda.com

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

I have to remember to include this link when the issue comes up.

[-] 2 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

A few of our 60+ videos on the site

COMMON CAUSE 1 min
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eqgruxzvuQ

JUSTICE JOHN PAUL STEVENS 1 min
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiRY9zVleak

J21 OCCUPY THE CORPORATIONS 1 min
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTiSuu_w9Jk&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLC712F9768D178B9E

CITIZENS UNITED 9 min
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5kHACjrdEY

US SUPREME KOCH 1 min
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nqv1JH5kbI

ROBERT REICH CORPORATIONS ARE NOT PEOPLE 2 min
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg3-yrZnxe0

Full CU & CP documentation & 60+ videos
http://corporationsarenotpeople.webuda.com

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Very good. I will peruse. Looks like I have seen some already. Great that they are collected and available for education.

[-] 3 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 12 years ago

Focus...

1) - Get Money out of politics.

2) - A People's Veto.

3) - A Social Reserve Bank.

4) - Direct Democracy.

5) - Independence from any Party affiliation.

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

converse, protest, Agitate for progressive solutions

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

U cn chg the world in you!

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Sign up.! Stand up! Speak up! Don't give up!

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Sign up! Converse! Act!

[-] 3 points by 143Maria (5) 12 years ago

Our founding father, the pioneers that built and sacrificed for America, the natives to this land and so on had a different dream for America, a. Dream where all men are created equal a dream where the pursuit of happiness doesn't have to cost you and arm a leg or your life. I joined the army because even though I was a single mother, as an immigrant and a minority there was no other place for me. I couldn't get a job, I couldn't even begin to dream of a life outside the ghettos to which we are succumb to as minorities. now I am no longer in the army now I am still a minority now I still can't find a job my unemployment has ran out I'm on the verge of being evicted and I am not the only one my sister sits on her table without a lump of food left for her children her unemployment has ran out also, she worked 18 years for a doctor and was laid off with no severance pay no warning. My mother who owns her business is now going bankrupt she is also on the verge of losing everything she has fought for. Entire families are being wiped out! tell me someone please tell me is this democracy? Not everyone believed we would win against the king of England and his red coats but we said give m liberty or give me death. I say that today I stand by it. Occupy ! Let's do his let's give our children something to live for let's lead the way to freedom. If this nation can't offer that than who will? Every other country is just about the same let's lead our world to freedom I am standing by waiting for the call. Email me @ mariagdnm@yahoo.com I don't have money but I have a whole lot of life and bravery! P.s I am typing from a very small tablet so please excuse all of my punctuation and grammatical errors.

[-] 1 points by Manna (85) 12 years ago

143maria, you are in my prayer. I myself is a victim here in India; I am slightly better off than you. I have lost three business houses. Lost the ability to walk. Lost all money. Reasons--tension, maltreatment, human greed.

You will be surprised to learn that I have some formal qualifications but my real engineering qualities bloomed from two USA monthly magazines that showed how the then-USA had DIY hobby rooms that created mini-engineers who quickly became true engineers. Few modern USA people know that Thomas Jefferson was not only a president but he had multiple scientific traits of extraordinary qualities.

So, in turn I become surprised how USA technocrats have become man-eaters. I pray that your sufferings are mended at least. Please keep trying and send my welfare wish to your mother and sister. I do not know them but they are also in my prayer.

I hate nothing in my life but I hate to see human suffering. Both Veda and Bible forecasted such greed and end result as:

  1. Veda = Kali yuga (dark ages, intelligence recession)
  2. Bible = earth drowning under water (liquidated life)

But both speaks of human upraise worldwide that seems to be mass revolution everywhere.

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Register now!

[-] -2 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

I registered and will be voting Obama! For change! Help the needy by voting for the democrat party!

[-] 4 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

And then we must protest, pressure, and agitate all pols to pass the laws that will improve the lives of the 99%.

[-] -1 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

??? What ???

That makes no sense at all. Why would I vote for Obama's platform, then protest against it. I vote for what I believe in buddy. That's democracy. I believe in Obama. If you don't believe in Obama's platform, then you should vote for a platform you believe in. Voting for someone is telling them you agree with them, you can't go out and protest against something you just voted for. That makes no sense. What kind of messed up view of democracy to you have?

[-] 4 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

We must protest in support of the change we want. If Pres Obama is with us, great, then our protests will help him convince the right wing wackos to come around. If Obama is not with us then we will convince him to move more boldly.

Protest is required! We cannot expect 1 politician/1 party do everything for us. We can''t be lazy. We have to work for this great country.

Are you against protest?

[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

Well there is still time before the election... so you can go out and say "we WANT to vote for Obama, but he needs to do this..." Or you can say "I like all THESE things about Obama, but I might not vote for him because ...."

I think there is a LOT of power for OWS to push agendas if they just make it vocal which are the most important, which will be the deal breakers!

Or, just vote Green because they have all the REAL CHANGE.

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Green Party can't win. Our system doesn't allow for 3rd party access. We must agitate for reforms to allow 3rd party a real chance of winning

[-] 2 points by TrevorMnemonic (5827) 12 years ago

Yes it does. People are just easily swooned and tricked by propaganda funded by billions of dollars of corporate and banker cash. There are huge amounts of evidence to support this fact.

  1. the 2 people with the most contributions almost always make the top 2 and then one of them wins.

  2. people base who they vote for on what they see on tv instead of looking into voting records. this also leaves anyone not covered by tv to be an unknown candidate to the public.

  3. people vote for something they don't like just because they don't like something else even more.

Green party can win as soon as people start voting for it. Anyone can win as soon as a majority of people start voting for them instead of going in with a failed mentality and accepting the corrupt 2 party system as the lesser of two evils...

Contribution based politics need to end. People need to stop believing in the propaganda they see on tv. Until this happens it's just going to be shit creek or shit creek 2.0

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

I think 3rd party can and will win when :

  • We remove all contributions from political campaigns (support move to amend) Implement public funding of campaigns,

  • Many other election reforms incl: No commercials! shortened campaign with weekly debates with all parties, open primaries w/ runoffs, repeal the electoral college, increase the House membership by 1000 seats, mandatory voting for all, it's what the 1% fear most.

Then 3rd party WILL have a chance! Now I choose the better party (not lesser of 2 evils bumper sticker silliness) because I know that with a strong progressive movement the better party pressuring that better party we have the best chance of achieving these goals. I also know we must minimize the members of the evil party to achieve these goals as well.

[-] 0 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

So ONLY work with the Ds, tell them that they have our undying support, but that we make some demands too. Why cave to the demands if they know that they have our support just by being 'less evil' than the other guys. And how hard is it to be less evil than the Rs these days anyway .... I'm convinced they put Paul Ryan out there just to move the center line further to the right, and force compromises even further to the right of center.

How will you back up your agitation for reform without even threatening to take your vote elsewhere (sorry my question mark key is broken)

[-] 2 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

for the missing ?
num lock on & use numeric pad
try holding down the Alt key and then press 6 and 3

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

OWS must be the difference. Whoever we vote for (even 3rd party) must be accompanied with a growing active progressive movement that is pressuring all pols to #1 pass electoral reform that removes corp ownership of politicians, and lays ground work for 3rd party access, and the creation of a new system. #2 implement progressive policies that will improve the lives of the 99%. I see Dems as our best hope to get progressive policies implemented. They can be dragged back to the left with the steps I mentioned above. I don't see them as less evil, but as better than republicans.

[-] -3 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

You make no sense at all. Are you an in between-er? You don't seem to have any convictions at all. If you protest, then be against what you protest. If you vote, then believe in what you vote for. That's how democracy works. It's not just about choice, it's also about knowing what you want to choose. You seem to be confused as to whether you like the democrats or not.

Am I against protesting? No, I've protested many times. However, I don't protest against the people I voted for UNLESS they do not do what their platform stated. When I vote for a candidate or a party it's because I believe in their platform. Period.

I believe in the democrat's platform, so I will not be protesting unless they do not stay on target.

Are you a teenager still looking for what he wants? Saying "I love you mom", and then going against her word? Either you vote for Obama, or you protest against him. I'll respect whatever you choose to do. But, I have no respect for those who are so confused that they protest against those they legitimize with a vote.

My gut feeling is you're a republican here to bash Obama.

[-] 4 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

"You make no sense at all." "You don't seem to have any convictions at all." "You seem to be confused as to whether you like the democrats or not." " I have no respect for those who are so confused "

Please refrain from these personal attacks. How about if I do what I please even if you don't agree.? I intend to vote for the best candidate (never republicans) and continue protesting/pressuring all pols to create the change that will benefit the 99%.

If you think I am republican that is your mistake. It does not matter to me what you think. You are an old adversary, trying a silly, transparent tactic.

[-] -2 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

You can do what you please. But, know that democracy does not like games. The more people are honest about what they truly want, the more democracy can shine through. Vote for someone, then protest against him? That's just infusing the system with confusion.

I vote for Obama because I believe in him. I'm sad to see that you reject Obama's platform.

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

You don't speak for me O!

Elect progressive. Vote out anti OWS republicans!

Solidarity!

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[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

My question is simple: do you really believe the Ds and Obama did not stray off their campaign promises and platform ? The man was awarded the nobel prize of peace for his platform and promises, they were so progressive... and do you believe he hasn't broken any promises in that regard? If you are going to vote D, at least hold them to the things they promise, and not the waffley answers they give as to how they tried to be peaceful, yet the military budget continued to increase in size every year, and how they didn't want war, but they'll authorize drone strikes all week long, and they were definitely against domestic spying and quantanamo bay and wars on whistleblowers...

[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

"I believe in the democrat's platform, so I will not be protesting unless they do not stay on target."

Do you really think they haven't gone off target, even a little...

Expanded military spending, war on whistleblowers, assassinations and drone strikes, ndaa, laws against protesting and civil dissent, bank bailouts and oil pipelines and many failed environmental regulations....

Up to you if you don't think they've "gone off their target" but it's an easy argument to say that they have.

[-] 3 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

I dont agree with all of Obama's actions, but the question is not
"who do you support in all things?"
OR
"are you a dittohead?"
OR
"voting for which candidate will make you feel best?"

the question is
"voting for which electable candidate will serve America best?"

[-] -2 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

That depends on your ideal America. I think Obama will do a fine job for the lower class. Some OWS protesters believe third parties like the Green Party will do a better job. The important this is to vote for you who trust, and who you believe in. And, of course, there's always those who don't vote because they don't like the system. Those we call the anarchists, the ones destroying OWS. That's fine. Let them live in their dream world. I know Obama will do more then all the anarchists combined ever could.

[-] 2 points by bensdad (8977) 11 years ago

please also see the OWS version of Move To Amend

┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬┼╬

Citizens United & Corporate Personhood Amendment

http://corporationsarenotpeople.webuda.com

For a complete analysis of the amendment issue,
and the text of all amendments,
and our comparison of all of the amendments,
and the Citizens United case transcript,
and the Citizens United decision,
and the Buckley decision,
and analysis of corporate personhood,
and analysis of Article III,
and the ABC News poll on CU / CP,
and the PFAW poll on CU / CP,
and 60+ videos on CU / CP from Chomsky, Hedges, Witchcraft, Reich, Warren, Lessig,
Hartmann, Maher, Sanders, Hightower, etc.

and our voting bloc petition & plan.

http://corporationsarenotpeople.webuda.com
no password or signup
JOIN US>
OWS Working Group: http://nycga.net/groups/restore-democracy

YAHOO:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCRDWG

REGULAR MEETINGS:
Wednesdays 5:30-7:30PM @ 60 Wall St – The Atrium

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Vote out anti OWS politicians, And Protest, pressure, & agitate for progressive change.

[-] 2 points by WSmith (2698) from Cornelius, OR 12 years ago

"They can steal your job, your home, your freedom, your vote. They can’t steal our ability to dream together.

"Refuse to live in fear, believe another world is possible. Register and join us for #S17.

– from the ‘Your Inbox: Occupied’ team"

Register and Vote!!

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

vote out anti OWS pols

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Freedom of speech! Use it or lose it!

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

"ev'ry bodies talkin at me"

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

"You talkin to me"?

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

"Can we talk?"

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Converse, Converge, & Agitate!

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

"You talkin' to me?"

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Find someone who disagrees and converse!

[-] 2 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Converse, converge, Constantly

[-] 2 points by Darac (2) 12 years ago

Thank you for Your struggle, it is time to stop corporations, I salute You all, greetings from Croatia, never give up the struggle!

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

And thank you for your support. We can't do it alone.

[-] 2 points by Manna (85) 12 years ago

"The world we have created is a product of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking." -- Albert Einstein

[-] 1 points by Proteus (141) from Quebec, QC 12 years ago

Hey, it's me that said that! years ago, well, something like it...

I'm out of the subject, but I haven't found someone yet who really understand what have to change to change our thinking, but I'll bring a remedy to that. Think I'm pretentious? yes, I have a little of all defects as well as all qualities, and a little of all is a big weight...

Tomorrow night, Friday, I will post something special, we'll see if some people are ready to really change their thinking to change the world, literally.

[-] 1 points by Manna (85) 12 years ago

Oh brother, your words literally made me sit up with a bit of electric jolt. Apart from wise people's (sadly they do not exist on this planet anymore) voice, this is the first time I heard someone with a voice of electricity. It seems that we are in sync. It is difficult to discuss things via the forum. So, I am sending you a personal note.

I am enthusiastic about the OWS movement. Some one dubbed it as New World (in coming). I liked the idea--it is same as Einstein, you, me and the guy under reference. This world is worn out--it is an old shirt and shoe. Let us buy new shirts and shoes...the inner electricity that keeps our heads high!

Forget your blemishes, I am not a pure man either and nobody is. Why do not see the higher side of you--the electric side? The biological side is the animal and the electrical side is divine. The OWS movement is not made of the biological side (animal, Worn Out) but the electrical side (divine, New World).

That reminds me of the Exodus in Bible, which is the theme of Freedom!!! Life is BORN FREE!!! I capitalized the name, as it IS God-given capital in every man and woman as the divine electricity. It is also my permanent memory of Joy Adamson's work. Let us capitalize the divine asset to balance the liability side.

[-] 1 points by inclusionman (7064) 11 years ago

Remember, & repeat.

[-] 1 points by bobjr508atyahoocom (22) from Nantucket, MA 12 years ago

We should all study for the series 7 stockbroker exam. Learn how it all works.... then start our own corporation on the NASDAQ exchange.

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Vote out anti OWS politicians, And Protest, pressure, & agitate for progressive change.

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[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

"talkin' 'bout, love!"

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[-] 1 points by annienomad22 (1) from Los Angeles, CA 12 years ago

I find it odd in the extreme that in a time of climate change, unprecedented Wall Street fraud and being left unrepresented by two dysfunctional parties - people aren't looking for an alternative. There are more than two choices.

"We the People... Time to Flash Mob Democracy!" An Alternative 2012 Campaign Ad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJzUGbafTms

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

You will love this it is an awesome chastisement.

Provided by upworthy:

Let Me See It!

[-] 1 points by sufinaga (513) 12 years ago

rumours of war! israel to attack iran! engineered collapse of dollar. immediate declaration of martial law! HAARP directed hurricane to hit republican convention to bring in green policies! what i want is an end to the prohibition of marijuana and a living allowance for all. the people need free healthcare and education. the election is all smoke and mirrors!? what is the real future they have planned?

[-] 1 points by Revolutionary (311) 12 years ago

Occupy Movement shall change the world into a heaven.Those who are against it want to turn the world into the hell.Now what do you want?

[-] 1 points by Proteus (141) from Quebec, QC 12 years ago

That's beautiful, but do you really know what you're talking about? Maybe, maybe you even have divinatory powers by saying OWS will change this world into a heaven, I invite you here tomorrow (Friday) night, I'll post something that is right about heaven and hell, I hope you'll find it interesting...

[-] 1 points by Revolutionary (311) 11 years ago

Thank you for the comment.The words heaven and hell can also be used to mean good/best condition and bad/worst condition respectively but not necessarily mean as these words were originally meant to denote.Further let me inform your good self that I live in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir therefore cannot join you there in USA.

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[-] 0 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

Should everyone just support Obama as the "lesser of two evils" - really?

NDAA, drone strikes, war on whistle blowers like bradley manning and julian assange, continued bush policies of war, torture, bank bailouts, secret indefinite detention and domestic spying.... Romney hasn't really said how he'd be different except on taxes. So...

You could vote for Green party, for real change, and OWS could send a very clear message to Obama: get with the program (the real program) or we will vote Green, even if ti is not "strategic voting" and might even give Romney the win (unlikely I think)

At the very least demand that Green and Libertarian and Constitution candidates get in the debates! IF OWS wants to change the debate, change the information, they need to get the presidential race away from the dichotomous two party duopoly!

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[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

I understand the urge to vote strategically. I have done it! It SEEMS like a smart idea, because throwing your vote away is not a good idea. But how will we ever move beyond this system if we don't attack it head on?

[-] 1 points by bensdad (8977) 12 years ago

please read my post above and visit our OWS WG site to see what we are DOING to attack head-on

[-] -1 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

The democrats will become more progressive if we give them a chance. Vote Obama and see the difference it will make! You need to be patient. Obama is a good man, he cares about the needy and the poor. He just hasn't had enough time yet. He needs another mandate to bring it all together, to bring it home!

[-] 2 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

The Democrats had a GREAT chance to be more progressive.. 2009-10 when they had the house and the senate and presidency!!

[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

You are acting naive, and not speaking eloquently. The green party is the party of the poor and needy. The dems are the lesser of two evils (how much less evil is debatable, and certainly not all dems fall into this category, but the party as a whole does).

The party of the poor and needy bailed out the banks and let them write the rules? Passed a healthcare plan that incorporates insurance companies into the plan? Continues wars abroad and the wars on drugs, whistleblowers, the wars on free speech and dissent?

How am I the corporatist for disliking Obama's corporate bailouts?

Take this survey to see if Obama is truly your preferred candidate: www.votesmart.org/voteeasy/

[-] -1 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

You want people to throw away their vote so that Romney wins. You're a troll, a corpoRATist Republicon! You should get off this site, you're not welcome here! Go around and talk to the people in charge, those with high scores and you'll see they agree with me, and not you! Now scram Romney boy.

DKAToday, if you're out there, ban this guy for me will ya!

[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

So naive, you are just locked into a single left-right paradigm, I could easily accuse you of the very same you accuse me of. Many are becoming very disheartened by the lack of substantial difference between the Ds and Rs at the top (of course there are some very wonderful Ds that never seem to get their way)

I want everyone to live in a country where they can vote their conviction without having to worry about "throwing their vote away"

The problem is that we are locked in a cycle. If we don't break the cycle, it'll never change. Are you familiar with duverger's law (not sure about the spelling) It basically states (and is the only LAW in political science) that our system (first past the post pluralistic majority) will only ever have two major parties

So in a sense, yes, it's throwing your vote away.

In another sense, third parties have won, and removed one of the sitting parties at the time. Not to mention all the other benefits I outline: changing the debate, forcing the major parties to compromise on platforms, etc.

To ask to have me banned for not jumping on your bandwagon, to accuse me of being a plant, these are just pathetic. Learn to think outside the box.

The question should not be whether we want electoral reform or not (everyone should support it, liberal or conservative, single issue voter, big gov, small gov) but HOW we can get electoral reform. The debate of in party (tea party method, get new guys in office that you can get the ear of) vs out of party (vote third party or independent) is a valid argument, and many people are doing an analysis of which is a better idea.

You, sir, are offering nothing to this discourse.

I also think that real conservatives should probably vote for Gary Johnson, and I tell them every time I see them. He's a bit too libertarian for me (privatized prisons) but Obama is also too right leaning for me (drone strikes, ndaa, domestic spying, quantanamo bay etc)

What I want is OWS to do something that has an effect.

Now be constructive in your comments or shut up.

[+] -4 points by pacodelariviera (-34) 12 years ago

Predictably, like a snake choking on its own venom, you squiggle, wiggle and squirm when I call you out. Weasels like you should be banned not only from this site, but from the Internet has a whole. You endanger the young OWS crowd which is still malleable by your fancies and lies. I, on the other hand, cannot so easily be tricked by CONservatives such as yourself. I have experience. I have seen the world. I have tasted its fruits. You won't get me varmint.

I'm giving you a stinkle and I hope the mods will oust you asap.

It's Obama or Romney. OWS = dems. Vote Obama. Period. Anything else is an evil trick to try and help Romney win.

[-] 1 points by Cocreator (306) 12 years ago

Peoples Party Unite! We have outgrown bureacracy, and crony capitaiism.. We need a new Party.. Peoples Party..We are all Elected, Empower Us.. Decide to be the change.. Peoples Audit Committee, Peoples Arrest Committee, Peoples Court.. We do not have representation in current forms of government and judicial systems..

[-] 1 points by ElectoralReform (73) 12 years ago

A new party is a good option, but there are plenty of new parties that have tried...

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[-] 1 points by frogmanofborneo (602) from New York, NY 12 years ago

This could be the rebirth of the fight. I surely hope so and in spite of my medical situation I will move heaven and earth to be there.

[-] 0 points by MrSelfResponsibility (0) from Los Angeles, CA 12 years ago

Your true enemy is you. Being a victim and blaming others are your enemies. You created your world--blaming others won't help you. Plan, Act, Take Responsibility for Your Life, Delay Gratification, Choose Your Emotions--these are the real tools of growth and enlightenment. Playing the blame game has one big loser--YOU! This "occupy" movement is incredibly childish, immature, silly, and ultimately self-destructive. Wake up to your true power!

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[-] -1 points by Fred (-1) 12 years ago

An open letter to OWS and SEIU and others of your ilk:

You are welcome to peacefully protest as is your right under the first amendment. You do not have the right to destroy my property. Should you feel you have that right and proceed to act upon it, I shall use my rights under the second amendment to protect my property from hooligans and anarchists of any stripe. I know who you are, you do not know who I am, but as a Tampa business man I assure you, your life is not worth the small satisfaction you may receive from breaking my windows or defacing my property. You have been put on notice that I will not hesitate for one second to end your miserable life should you attack me or mine. Govern yourselves accordingly. In short, don't start nothing, there will be nothing.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Trying to start a fight? Take it somewhere else - and understand that you would be going to prison for shooting anyone for vandalism. Shit Head.

[-] 1 points by April (3196) 12 years ago

Wouldn't it be better to just call the police if your property is being threatened? Rather than kill somebody over it? You sound like a very sick human. I don't think you should be allowed to own a weapon with bullets. Crazy people with guns are very dangerous. Didn't they do a background check on you? I'm very surprised you passed. Not a very good background check for sure. I think you should get some help.