Welcome login | signup
Language en es fr
We are the 99 percent

Occupy With International Women's Day

Posted 12 years ago on March 8, 2012, 10:21 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

Last Saturday, a group of protesters including veterans of Occupy Richmond gathered peacefully on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol to protest the state's latest assault on women's rights. They were surrounded by riot police and dragged away under the guns of a SWAT team armed with automatic weapons - a startling reminder that the "War on Women" is not simply empty rhetoric.

Across the United States, women's rights are under attack. In a desperate ploy to distract public attention from the growing divide between rich and poor, agents of the 1% in government and media are crusading with fresh fervor against abortion, birth control, and gay marriage. By launching a renewed culture war on women, LGBT people, and other vulnerable communities, they hope to divide the 99%.

We will not be divided. Occupy Wall Street stands in solidarity with women and all oppressed people targeted by government control and economic violence.

Today, March 8th, is International Women's Day. International Women’s Day has been rooted in the struggle for economic justice, growing out of local demonstrations by women workers demanding shorter hours, better pay, voting rights, and an end to discrimination. Thousands of events will be taking place across the globe. Occupations in cities and towns across the world are marking the event with a variety of events, from discussions on women, capitalism, and the state to marches for reproductive justice and against cuts to public school and transportation funding.

In the United States and across the globe, women, transgender people, and gender non-conforming people still face a host of barriers that make survival in this economy even more difficult. Women make up 51 percent of the world’s population but 70 percent of the world’s poor. They perform 66 percent of the world’s work, produce 50 percent of the food, but earn 10 percent of the income and own less than 1 percent of the world’s property. Women and trans people suffer disproportionately under a system of economic inequality, and are also at the front lines of social justice struggles.

Women Occupy has called on the Occupy movement to rise up and occupy Bank of America in support of women-led campaigns to stop its ecological and economic violence. The policies and actions of BoA, such as racist predatory lending, investment in environmentally destructive practices like mountaintop removal, and the foreclosure crisis all disproportionately impact women and trans people. It's time to fight back against Bank of America and the patriarchal economic system it represents! For more information on why women and allies are targeting Bank of America, or to get involved, see Women Occupy's Resources for International Women's Day:

This International Women’s Day, Women Occupy calls on women across the globe to rise up against the big banks that have caused the current economic crisis. Women Occupy is a coalition of activists who are joining forces to coordinate powerful actions across the Occupy movement, starting with International Women’s Day. In the United States we are supporting collective efforts initiated by Occupy activists, particularly the women-led campaigns of Public Citizen and Rainforest Action Network, to hold Bank of America – the biggest of the big banks – accountable for the predatory economic policies that are destroying our families and communities.

In New York, the International Women's Day march will begin at Liberty Square at 1pm this Saturday (March 10th)! via CodePink:

This is in observation of International Women’s Day Celebration. We will be marching up Broadway to Union Square. We are doing it on Saturday so all hard working women, stay at home moms and unemployed and all self identified women can join us. This is a celebration of women globally and for what women have fought for. Bring your voices, your signs, your music whatever makes you happy. We are a powerful force. We can change the world. Women have the power to stop war, end corruption in our governments and economic systems. We will continue to fight for equal rights and our right to our bodies. History has proven that women get it done so lets all unite and celebrate what we have fought for and cherish. Let us unite and have our voices heard! This celebration includes all self identified women!

pussy riot
Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot leading mass protests against Vladimir Putin and election fraud. Band members have been arrested during protests related to International Women's Day and are currently being held by the Russian regime, where two are on hunger strike.

119 Comments

119 Comments


Read the Rules
[-] 12 points by JoeTheFarmer (2654) 12 years ago

What was the reason given for dragging these people away?

They were not camping, they appear to be walking with signs. You need a permit for a parade in the streets but you do not need a permit to walk down the sidewalk with signs.

The right to protest is a fundamental right and the location could not be more appropriate for a protest. They are on the steps and are not blocking access to the building. And then the troops with guns to arrest what to me looked like senior citizens, moms and dads, and college kids. WTF is going on here?

Does anyone know what the charges were on those who were arrested? Do these folks have lawyers?

[-] 11 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

This is so upsetting to me. I live not far from the capital and not a damn mention of this protest on the news. It's so obvious that America is not anything like I was taught. The only democracy that exists is in the heart and minds of the people- especially the protestors- certainly not our government.. Thanks to the OWsers and other protesters, I believe it's becoming clearer that we've all been hoodwinked into believing a lie. I hate writing this and I hate feeling this way about my own country. I watch the police officers, a few of them African-American and I can't help but wonder if it ever occurs them that their ancestors marched for their freedom and had to face the very forces that they have become. How dare they slap their brave ancestors in the face like that. How can they sleep at night? I also hate seeing beautiful dogs being used to attack good people. What in God's name has happened to us at the human level? I don't care if you're a soldier, a cop, a Zen warrior, doctor or nurse, car salesman or donut shop owner, the bottom line is that we are human at the core and should be doing what is right in the eyes of our maker, not a corrupt government. We are being severely oppressed by corrupted despots and it's only going to get worse.

[-] 8 points by JoeTheFarmer (2654) 12 years ago

->First< Amendment to US Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; ----->>> or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. <<<-----

[-] 4 points by JoeTheFarmer (2654) 12 years ago

I looked up the State of Virginia Constitution and it mirrors the US Constitution:

From the Virginia Constitution:

Section 12. Freedom of speech and of the press; right peaceably to assemble, and to petition.

That the freedoms of speech and of the press are among the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained except by despotic governments; that any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; that the General Assembly shall not pass any law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, nor the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.

http://legis.state.va.us/laws/search/constitution.htm

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

Gee, what a ( parched) concept and might be more appropriately displayed above our cracked Liberty Bell.

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

The courts have allowed for regulation on assemblies, it looks like that's what happened here, the police called it an illegal assembly then moved in.

[-] 1 points by JoeTheFarmer (2654) 12 years ago

That is the problem with case law vs constitutional law. The courts should not have allowed for regulation on assembly the assemble does not violate the rights of others or local laws like no camping.

In this cast the folks were on the sidewalk and on public steps. There was no reason for troops with machine guns to stream to arrest grandpa.

[-] 2 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

I agree, but that regulation has been done and is a standard tool for government now. I don't know if legal challenges could alter that.

The only good thing about most of the protestors abandoning that small group on the steps was it made the presence of those machine guns look ridiculous.

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

It did make the authorities look really bad.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

I agree

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

Yes it could have but I think part of that was the small number of protestors that stayed committed to facing arrest. Sort of a toss up in my mind as to who looked worse, that small group sitting on the steps made the guns look like overkill, but it also made the protest seem half hearted, so few were committed enough to stay and face arrest.

[-] 1 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

That's exactly the problem- Many authorities and leaders change the definition of our constitutional rights to suit their immediate agenda. Isn't there some way to file charges against those who ignore citizen's rights? Sue the government? There has still been no mention of this protest on the news. However, Mrs. McDonnell has an advertisement for supporting VA vineyards. I guess the ole adage, " A friend of mine is a friend with wine" applies to the McDonnells.

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

When a group believes their rights have been violated there are legal ways to challenge the decisions of local authorities. Those challenges work their way through the courts well after the fact. The courts have restricted assembly and local authorities have designed their rules regarding permits based on the court decisions.

Groups can violate those rules and use the same methods of peaceful civil disobedience Gandhi used, but it doesn't look very effective when the police act so casual and don't over react.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

if there are arrest

there should be more protest

and more arrests

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

You need people willing to be arrested for their convictions.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

true

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 12 years ago

We need to get people in office that will change these laws, and make WAY less of these assemblies illegal.

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

I couldn't agree more. I had hoped from the beginning every occupy group would recruit people to run in primaries for congress. I know there is a strong feeling for a direct democracy, but a good intermediate step seems to be getting a political voice in Congress now.

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 12 years ago

There is someone from I believe New Mexico that is running for Congress, and a few others. I know myself and plenty of other people are putting their hats into the 99% Declaration and/or Americans Elect. IDK if any of these things will be fruitful, but at least people are standing up and trying to get something done outside of this Red vs. Blue polarized political climate.

[-] 1 points by JPB950 (2254) 12 years ago

It doesn't seem like enough people feel strongly about things. Look at the size of the original protest group and then at how many challenged the order to leave. Only a minority show up for a protest then only a small part of that group has the courage of their convictions to face arrest.

[-] 2 points by Gillian (1842) 12 years ago

I know. It's frustrating. But, we must have compassion for those who left and at least be thankful that they showed up at all. Think of all the other people in Richmond who didn't bother. We've been so deeply trained to live with fear of authority- especially after 9-11. When GWB began having history teachers arrested for displaying anti-war bumper stickers, arresting a congressman's wife for wearing a tshirt with a peace sign on it and arresting many others around the country for showing ANY level of protest or opposition to HIS God-inspired ideologies, America became complacent and full of apathy as a result of fear. The other fear is of the unknown. It's pretty obvious that we can't even rely on the jurisprudence or the written laws of this land to be observed and obeyed by our leadership which leaves us completely at the mercy of the authorities in any given moment. This behavior reminds me of how the Jim Crow laws of the south after slavery ended, gave authorities " permission' to arrest blacks for just about anything and then imprison and enslave them once again to chain gangs. What I believe is going to happen is that those activists who left will go home somewhat stronger and less fearless now and they will return again at some other gathering with less uncertainty and fear. As more and more of these peaceful activists are bullied, the more people will get angry and come out in support. Perhaps a very large revolution will occur. We must also realize too that many of those women had children who depended on them and it's a difficult choice that all activist parents must face when they could very well lose their kids if they should get arrested.

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

Conviction is growing - determination will grow. It is probably the 1st time for many to try to stand up for what is right.

We move forward - Together.

[-] 1 points by JPB950 (2254) 12 years ago

It may happen or it may not. These demonstrations do not seem to be gaining any solid support among the population in general. Maybe it's because the subject of protest changes. I watched that video, when the two policemen stopped part of the marchers, the marchers just sort of milled around without knowing what to do. They had a "lost sheep look" to me.

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

They are new and likely scared. Ever see a Deer caught in a headlight? They will think about this now or they should and will be better prepared the next time. We learn we grow, we support. We fight corruption plain and simple all corruption this is why the movement is fluid it is why it will remain fluid.

We move forward "Together" for all good purposes. Fluidity has flow - flow moves around obstructions or over.

We FLOW We Go Forward - Together.

[-] 1 points by JPB950 (2254) 12 years ago

This demonstration didn't seem to have much to do with corruption, it seemed more centered on the current abortion/birth control debate. I'm sure a link can be forced, but this looked like a separate issue, not a protest against corruption.

To employ your metaphor, things that flow can also seep into the ground and be lost or evaporate when the heat is turned up.

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

So the corrupt pray.

We aint goin away.

[-] 0 points by JPB950 (2254) 12 years ago

You don't need to go away, as far as those in power are concerned. The methods you're employing are not capturing the attention of the media and these do-it-yourself videos paint a picture of an ineffective and indecisive group up against a calm organized police force. If looks like it could go either way, more visibility and support in the spring, or general indifference spreading from ineffective protests.

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

You wish. The haters and the supporters of the corrupt would not bother with their attacks if The Movements against corruption were making no progress. Instead they are here and stirred-up like a disturbed hornets nest.

Peace and health and prosperity for all. Who new it could be such a target for hate.

[Removed]

[-] 6 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

the protesters were on public grounds

they were not impeding anyone

these arrest are a clear violation of the right to assemble

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

The authorities have developed a very effective tactic. Deny the right to assemble and then keep the police from overreacting. By the time any legal challenge is heard it's to late. It's starting to look like the basic police plan is to get the protestors to be the ones to slip into violence now.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

violence isn't necessary

visibility is

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

Just being seen isn't enough. There were hundreds more present that chose to walk away, leaving a small group to be arrested. When your visibility shows that a majority don't have a strong conviction you're better off not being seen.

I don't mean to offer violence as an action at all. Quite the opposite. I meant that the winner in a confrontation is the one that has violence used against them. I think the police have learned that lesson and are showing more restraint.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

no

those not willing to be arrested should also show

[-] 1 points by ChemLady (576) 12 years ago

I certainly would like to see big numbers show up. Maybe develop a new tactic then, no one get arrested, everyone march, when the police make a move to end an assembly file some legal action. Several hundred showing up then leaving fifty behind makes it look like the larger mass of people doesn't have any commitment.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

they showed up in the first place

so the testify their concerns

[-] 1 points by JPB950 (2254) 12 years ago

Judging from the original size of the crowd and the small number on the steps near the end, I'd say the police ordered them all to go and those arrested disregarded the police order. Like all these charges there probably won't be any serious effort at prosecution.

[-] 1 points by antiglobb (47) 12 years ago

There are no charges. The whole Europe and the United States are democracies no more. They have realized that the mondial insurrection is exploding and disperately look for coming back from a situation where they have lost the control of the social protest. This is a good sign for us. "The Emperor is naked". Have a look at my blog, which deals about that.

spectre2012.wordpress.com

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago
[-] 1 points by antiglobb (47) 12 years ago

Thank you, Matt.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

http:// id require of this board to recognize links

words can be linked by placing them in brackets

[ words ] followed by the address in ( http:// address )

[-] 1 points by antiglobb (47) 12 years ago

I beg your pardon, Matt. It wasn't clear to me the meaning of your very syntetic comment. (http://spectre2012.wordpress.com) Follow my blog. We are fighting the same battle all over the world. In this moment there is a fight in Slovacchia between citizens and police, because the first don't want to vote tomorrow. The italian government has menaced the "NO TAV" ralliers to send to "Val di Susa" thousand of soldiers with modern arms and the order to shot them, if they go on to protest. They aren't so sure anymore to win.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

people need to vote with their name if they don't trust thew system

all comments I produce and produced by a human

[-] 1 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

In parts of the video I heard some of the police tell demonstrators something about not having a permit. Sounds like they declared it an unlawful assembly. Big problem for the demonstrators, the police aren't overreacting, they show up look calm and just arrest people.

[-] 1 points by JoeTheFarmer (2654) 12 years ago

You should not need a permit to walk down the sidewalk with signs or sit on the courthouse steps with signs.

You need a permit to have a parade in the streets.

[-] 1 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

I agree, but until you manage to get a case in front of a sympathetic court it looks like people will be facing arrest. Worse though for Occupy is that the police seem to be showing more restraint. The public in general doesn't pay a lot of attention and there is nothing seen happening that could win their sympathy.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

cops help by directing traffic

[-] 1 points by Underdog (2971) from Clermont, FL 12 years ago

Alright. Let Occupy just try to get permits for their protests. I would be really interested to see how many permits are issued. If they do get any, so much the better. Then the cops can't legally drag people away, and if they do, then they will have violated the law themselves. Cops upholding the law by violating the law. That would be fantastic!!!

How does one go about getting permits for peaceable protests anyway?

[-] 1 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

Most places a call to city hall can clear that up. Most of the groups that protest have lawyers that volunteer their time that can help too.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

they should not need a permit

[-] 2 points by Underdog (2971) from Clermont, FL 12 years ago

I agree. But if they do get one, and the cops drag them away anyway for no law violations whatsoever, then they (cops) are open to prosecution. Furthermore, it would be exposed as to under whose authority the order was given to drag people away. Then you might be able to see the "ties that bind" the cops to the power-elite. And then you would have the indisputable proof as to who is pulling the strings of the puppets.

I actually hope it plays out that way. As it is now, you don't really know who is trying to break up these protests. They need to be exposed for the freedom-destroyers that they are.

[-] 1 points by PopsMauler (182) from Chicago, IL 12 years ago

Agreed, really good post.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

a paper trail is useful

[-] 1 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

I agree, but that's something that the courts have already ruled on. Civil disobedience can be a great means of protest, but when the police all look all calm its difficult to get any sympathy and new support.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

the first function of a protest is visibility

[-] 1 points by JenLynn (692) 12 years ago

A lot of things have to go right to make a protest work, this one was missing a lot. The video made this one look disorganized and half hearted. That group stopped by two officers early in the video milled around and looked lost and confused.

It looked like there was a good turnout initially but that a lot of the protestors backed down leaving just a handful on the steps. If you're going to try to use civil disobedience you need more then a small part of the group willing to actually disobey authority.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

they were not doing anything illegal

so the officers stopping them is confusing

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

Thanks Joe!

[Removed]

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

A very creative slap at a fluff tabloid media report.

An Awful Tabloid Decided To Review Her Lady Parts Instead Of Her Music. So She Responded Awesomely.

Vid quality not great - But I think the point gets made.

[-] 2 points by nicky2 (46) 12 years ago

Women's rights, up to and including the right to vote, are most definitely on the line. In all fundamentalist countries I know of, women are disempowered. The pigs and parasites want that - women are paid less - another excuse for low wages (going on now in some places); they've already attacked domestic abuse laws in certain states. And the P & Ps cannot have enough power. Though drunk with power now, they want more. (Incidentally many - not all - rich women don't care about women's rights - they have money and hold themselves above the law which of course means they have no morals either.

[-] 2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

women and allies are targeting Bank of America, or to get involved, see Women Occupy's Resources for International Women's Day:

unemployment money is passed out through BofA Cards

when Banks handle money, they make interest

BofA is a private comapny

[-] 2 points by Marlow (1141) 12 years ago

.."Occupy Wall Street stands in solidarity with women and all oppressed people targeted by government control and economic violence..." #ows....

.. Just thought it was Worth Repeating!

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

we should control the government

[-] 2 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

Clearly the government is out of touch with the people it represents.A totalitarian state attitude is being engineered to stop the protestation of the human rights issues that they,The State are violating.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

hope someone files charges for the arrest

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

[-] 3 points by GirlFriday (3529) 50 minutes ago

It's getting scary.

I think there are something like over 300 women incarcerated in the US after having a miscarriage-South Carolina. That has to stop. It is the most insane thing that I have ever seen.

This is HR 358 which is number five and is called the Protect Life Act. It's the latest version.

Here is number 2. http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20112012/108144.pdf

I agree in part with his rational.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago
[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

Maryland, 1674:

required a private interview between a judge and a married woman to confirm her approval of any trade or sale by her husband of her property. (1782: Flannagan's Lessee v. Young used this change to invalidate a property transfer)

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/marriedwomensproperty/a/property_rights.htm

[-] 1 points by JohnQProtester (17) 12 years ago

I must apologize. I look at all these comments and I think they miss the big lesson that can be gleamed from this video.

Dramatic stand offs like the one are great for getting the viewer outraged but as a tactic they are horribly ineffective. I speak for no one but myself but I am sick of watching protesters driven by high emotions and group thought falling into the same predictable, uncreative, and ineffective methods that are easily countered by the police. The police know what the protesters are going to do every time, so they just break out a standard playbook and everything goes according to plan.

Protests and protesters need to stopped being fueled by emotions and need to start using strategy.

Right or wrong the police will always win a direct confrontation because they have the use of force at their disposal. They are better trained, better organized and better equipped to deal with any head on confrontation and so they will always win. Unless you simply manage to overwhelm them, which Occupy has only done sporadically for limited periods of time, you will never win.

Please understand I have no special contempt for police officers. Their job is entirely necessary and the maintenance of public order does at times require forceful compliance. It is the excessive use of force that sickens me. I'm not simply talking about the beat cop who snaps in the heat of the moment, or is just a plain lunatic, and breaks out pepper spray or starts swinging a club when there's no need for it. I'm talking about how the excessive use of force has become government doctrine. I'm not going to argue about whether or not they had cause to arrest the individuals but there was absolutely no acceptable reason a SWAT force should have been deployed. NONE.

Please dispel all your preconceptions. We are at war with the growing police state in our country and our nation's psychological dependency on the use of force is its central weakness. War is expensive. It costs money to train, equip, deploy and maintain a roster of police officers or other law enforcement personnel for that matter. A lot of money, especially when they like breaking out high tech toys as we're often fond of doing in American culture.

Protesters on the other hand are incredibly cheap. With a little training, a little organization, a little equipment and just a few hours of commitment from a few thousand individuals every week. Through non-violent means you could financially decimate a police department, physically and psychologically break its officers by forcing them to be over deployed. If done well people might start really paying attention to the fact that hounding protesters is a waste of resources because officers are neglecting their real duties.

Let's stop being so in love with the notion of protesting, chanting, screaming at cops and getting arrested. Realize that protesting is nothing other then one of many mundane tools towards something greater and not an end in itself.

[-] 1 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

I was one of the 70 million or so that saw Kony,and I must say that the way that this was gone about,production,presentation and lobbying is something that the OWS movement can learn from.The greater majority that have seen this want to make him famous indeed so as to shut him down permanently.Why not make the GFC Kleptocrats just as famous?.Why not make the Corporate Politicians just as famous?.We have been shown the way,lets not ignore it.The doco"Inside Job"did not quite achieve it.

[-] 1 points by Marat (2) 12 years ago

Зачем так перевирать? Pussy Riot осквернили своими действиями церковь и наказаны справедливо, а то что они пели против Путина, то это уже вторично.

[-] 1 points by bettydonnelly (115) 12 years ago

We should be glad they were not pepper sprayed and punched in the face like NYPD did to some young women in NY. We are more subtle in VA the local Taliban wants to probe your vagina before an abortion. Read McDonnell's bio on Wikipedia he is a right wing ideologue that is pushing a person-hood law.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

I am not happy that the police illegally stopped a protests

I am happy that hey behave well

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

Fugged up how everyone is sucked into the kony 2012 vacuum, somehow now they are convinced thats how we change things is by sharing videos. Even as yoy stand up against tyranny and corruption in our own backyard, even being beaten by police in some cases, nobody has shit to say, or chose to demonize instead. keep doing what your doing but I must now quit caring and worry about myself for when SHTF, "greed is the downfall of man"

[-] 1 points by Underdog (2971) from Clermont, FL 12 years ago

Fantastic video!!! What law did these people violate? Yet they were taken away only for exercising their 1st Amendment rights.

What mainstream media covered this? Not much I'll bet. I have seen nothing about this in the national news (I admit I could have missed it).

Be prepared for lots more of this. And be on the lookout for the passage of more laws designed to curtail the Bill of Rights like the Patriot Act and HR 347.

Stop them! Stop them! For freedom's sake STOP THEM!!!!

Help to make this video go viral.

[-] 1 points by BearDickinson (125) from Ewing, VA 12 years ago

Yesterday, we had a great group of people out for an International Woman's Day rally here in Staunton, Va. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2654916066708.96165.1670025454&type=1&l=5e5c102616

[-] 1 points by Bighead1883 (285) 12 years ago

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3879618.html Australia`s Kellie Tranter,worth reading.Our best activist working toward a better world.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

Japan pauses to mark tsunami anniversary

check the link

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 12 years ago

In the light of recent events I think that any woman who votes Republican in the next election is absolutely out of their mind.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

it's not nice to fool mother nature

[-] 1 points by OCCUPYYOURFORECLOSUREdotCOM (2) 12 years ago

Well, we are far from freedom. I so admire each one of there protesters, we need to Occupy every spot that is wrong in our life today as there are many of those. the police in every state of the union always support dissolving those demonstrations. we need to keep on. I am dealing with foreclosure. I help owners to fight the banks. every day I wake up to a few new foreclosure sales that I need to stop and fight so that those owners could stay living there and not loose their home. me an my team fight aggressively. I lost mercy to those bank reps and attorneys, sometimes I leave them with tears after a phone call with me in regards to foreclosure. I wish to help more owners because I feel great after every battle like that. we are all wines. we have to fight hard, that's all.

[-] 1 points by PatrickOxOethafulm (35) 12 years ago

I'm sure a lot of occupiers like me are pro-life. I'm disappointed because abortion has caused so much pain and now this movement is pro-choice

[-] 2 points by JDub (218) 12 years ago

Pro choice is the only tenable option in a free society, anything else would be forcing your beliefs on another. No one is making you get an abortion, but you should not make the choice for another person either. Much of the obfuscation going on around religious freedom is really just about the freedom of the rich to do as they please to the poor. This is not a new idea, nor should it be so hard for people to realize the real agenda.

Religious freedom- Means you have the freedom to believe what you want, and practice those beliefs within the law. Human sacrifice can be a religious belief, but that does not make you exempt to the law about murder, or manslaughter

It does not mean you have the right to force your beliefs on others. The problem in America today is that many of The AFP (also known as the GOP, American Faith Party) believe that their beliefs should be the basis for law, which is a basic violation of the separation of Church and State, in so much that it establishes law based on the guidance of the Teaching of a specific faith. This is no more right than requiring all women under that age of 18 to get abortions, as that would violate their freedom. But to make it a severe hardship to simply exercise your freedom, through the closing of Planned Parenthood, etc, that is not religious freedom, that is persicution, and the reason that this country was founded with religious freedom. So that a group in power could not force others to follow their beliefs.

Remember, In god we trust was added to our currency in the 1950's, not the founding of our country. The same with, under one god,in the national pledge of allegiance.these were added by what is now our GOP, or as i refer to it the AFP.

[Removed]

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

Woman is always the group targeted by the powers that be because women like to bond together unlike men who prefer to be on their own. When women unite together, they can challenge the powers that be. Therefore, women have been oppressed, demonized by the powers that be all through the ages.

[-] 2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

I figure men bond more often

(such as the good old boys)

perhaps to drive the hunt

[-] 1 points by JDub (218) 12 years ago

This is simply erroneous conjecture. The fact is, Men and women are much more alike that anyone would like to admit.

[-] 1 points by ShubeLMorgan2 (1088) from New York, NY 12 years ago

Yo, Putin won the election. Let's concentrate on forcing free and fair elections here in the USA before we go running along with the bourgies in Russia helping the State Department destabilize that oil and resource rich country that is recovering from years of oligarchic theft under State Department favorites Gorbachev and Yeltsin.

[-] 3 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

women empowerment is a world issue

[-] 1 points by ShubeLMorgan2 (1088) from New York, NY 12 years ago

Yes, women's empowerment is a global issue. Seems, though that Putin won the election. Seems that the he did succeed in reversing some of the worse results of Gorbachev/Yeltsin's sale of Russia to the oligarchs and the West. Seems that some of the group Pussy Riot went inside a cathedral in Moscow and raised some unholy hell, which offends many people and happens not to be a lawful thing to do. so they got arrested and are going to stand trial. I wish some people here would care as much about Occupy Oakland Black activists facing heavy charges and in jail as they care about people who are wittingly or not doing Hilary Clinton's bidding in Russia.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

how?

[-] 1 points by ShubeLMorgan2 (1088) from New York, NY 12 years ago

By demonizing the legitimate government of Russia, the one that has stopped the US from having its way in the UN, the one that stays the hand of USrael against Iran, the one that is chock full of resources that are not controlled by the US, the one that locked up the richest man in the country and whose fate is howled about by his 0.001% class brothers everywhere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Khodorkovsky

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot leading mass protests against Vladimir Putin and election fraud. Band members have been arrested during protests related to International Women's Day and are currently being held by the Russian regime, where two are on hunger strike.

women starving in Russia

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

Those Pussy Riot girls have been arrested during their 'performance' in Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. In their 'prayer' among other things they swore at the Holy Patriarch of Moscow and all the Russia. The visitors and other religious people were really shocked by this 'performance'. You may call this 'protest' but for me it's just shocking anti-social behaviour and I think they got what they deserve. And I'm not a fan of the regime. Here's one of the pictures of their 'performance': https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TzX-T3B8tmk/T0OMPUzw28I/AAAAAAAAAUE/MXLUIrAbvag/s512/4_MIT_0627.jpg

[-] 3 points by JoeTheFarmer (2654) 12 years ago

I see nothing wrong with that picture. Sure they look "different" but that is no reason to arrest them.

If they were inside the building asked by the owner of the building to leave and they refused that is a different story because they are trespassing on private property.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

if a women complains about sexual harassment at work,

she could be fired


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

Support rights.

Support Life.

This is all part of the war on the greedy corrupt.

We move forward - Together.

Addressing issues to promote a better healthier "LIFE FOR ALL".

The corrupt are beginning to tear their hair out.

Do you think we are on the right track?

[-] 2 points by PopsMauler (182) from Chicago, IL 12 years ago

It's definitely getting to them! I think we are on the right track. The cracks are appearing in the system, especially with bills like HR 347. The 1% is desperate to hold onto power.

A big problem is getting more people off their butts or at least otherwise involved.

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

So we continue as we are. Spread the word. Bring issues out into the light of day share petitions. Reach out to those around us that have not yet seen the truth. Educate and motivate. The People are beginning to see.

We move forward together as awareness grows.

Unite in common cause the defense of our world the defense of life.

We work for a healthy and prosperous world for all.

Reaching out works. I have an international following on my twitter account. All I have been doing is placing good stuff I come across from here and from other sites onto the board for others to consider. Articles and petitions. The key is in communication.

[-] 0 points by DaveofKan (1) 12 years ago

I like the idea of a Pussy Riot, are they going to perform here in the US?

[-] 0 points by fghrtsdf (2) 12 years ago

n2012 comes, in order to thank everyone, characteristic, novel style, varieties, low price and good quality, and the low sale price. Thank everyone

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

$33 True Religion jeans, Ed Hardy jeans,LV,Coogi jeans,Affliction jeans

$30 Air Jordan shoes,Shox shoes,Gucci,LV shoes

50%Discount winter fashion :Sandle,t-shirt,caps,jerseys,handbag and brand watches!!!

$15 Ed Hardy ,LV ,Gucci Bikini

$15 Polo, Ed Hardy, Gucci, LV, Lacoste T-shirts

$25 Coach,Gucci,LV,Prada,Juicy,Chanel handbag,

$10 Gucci,Ed Hardy sunglasses

$9 New Era caps.

give you the unexpected harvest

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

[Removed]

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by FHampton (309) 12 years ago

Let's be clear that this is a bi-partisan war on women. Just in December Obama took the unprecedented step of overturning the FDA's ruling on Plan B, making that medication unavailable to people under 18. The FDA had ruled that the drug was safe for use by people of that age.

Here's some evidence of Obama's mentality when it comes to women's rights and liberation:

"'As I was looking at some of the really industrial-size locks, I was thinking about the fact that I am the father of two girls who are soon to be in high school and it might come in handy to have these super-locks,' Obama joked during a speech at the Master Lock plant in Milwaukee, Wis."

http://thehill.com/video/administration/210951-obama-jokes-industrial-locks-may-come-in-handy-for-daughters-in-high-school

[-] 1 points by epa1nter (4650) from Rutherford, NJ 12 years ago

Sorry, but that's a real distortion. There is no bi-partisan drive to overturn Roe v Wade. There is no bi-partisan push to exempt Catholic hospitals and universities from offering the full range of women's reproductive services from their insurance plans. There is no bi-partisan push for abstinence only sex education in the public schools. There is no bi-partisan demand to shut down Planned Parenthood.

ONE pill, a single one, was disallowed. On the other hand, hormone replacement was made mandatory as part of the health care bill. That's a bi-partisan war? Looks absolutely one-sided to me, and virtually everyone else.

Obama's joke about his soon to be teenage daughters in no assault on women. It is a statement every father has ever made. Is it an assault to want your 14 or 15 or 16 year-old to abstain from sex? What father looks forward to meeting his daughter's first boyfriend? At most, they hold their breath and hope the guy isn't a biker or burnout. Really, give me a break.

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

darn .... what about a "burned out biker" ?

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago
[-] 0 points by FHampton (309) 12 years ago

I reject your claim that "every father" has joked in front of sycophantic journalists about equipping his daughters with chastity belts. When a sitting president does so, only two months after denying Plan B to the most vulnerable population of women--women under 18 needing emergency contraception--it should not be taken lightly.

You can highlight the differences--which are real--between Obama and the Republicans. But that doesn't mean Obama should be immune from criticism when he attacks women's health and independence, as he did with his unprecedented overturning of the FDA's ruling on the morning-after pill.

[-] 1 points by epa1nter (4650) from Rutherford, NJ 12 years ago

Sorry, but fathers who joke about chastity belts for their soon to be teenage daughters are not attacking women's rights. I know of NO father who doesn't share that sentiment. Worrying about your kids is not an assault. Wanting them to remain innocent for as long as possible is not an assault. It is called being a parent.

There are more than one morning after pills. It is ONE pill of many. That is not to say Obama was perfectly right is disallowing it. Nor does it imply he should be immune to criticism. But when you make a blanket statement about the assault on women being bipartisan, implying that both sides are anywhere CLOSE to equal on this issue you are engaging in a deliberate distortion. And you also ignore that one side, and one side only has worked hard to make sure there are MORE rights for women's reproductive services available. Bipartisan assault? Sure, and I've got a bridge to sell you.

Hyperbole does not help your case.

[-] 1 points by FHampton (309) 12 years ago

Obama's rhetoric was the definition of patriarchal. Find another example of a sitting president making such a joke time and again as Obama has done. The jokes evince a particular psychology and culture that you seem to accept as harmless; but it's not something that "every father" shares. Furthermore, thinking something privately and returning to it time and again as source for one's public pronouncements--those are two different things. It was of course the latter that I was criticizing.

Regarding the differences between the parties: Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are pretty close on this issue. Romney, as Governor of Massachusetts, instituted a healthcare plan that covered contraception. Do you really think Santorum has a chance of winning the Presidency, if he happens to be nominated by the Republicans? He doesn't. Compare Romney and Obama--they're much more similar. Don't take my word for it, look at the Democrats' own website:

http://www.democrats.org/news/gop-extreme/romney_maintained_contraception_rule_similar_to_federal_rule

[-] 0 points by epa1nter (4650) from Rutherford, NJ 12 years ago

A statement that is patriarchal about teenage sex, private or not, os no assault. Patriarch, after all, means father.

As to comparing Obama, or more accurately, the Democratic party, with anything on the Republican side is bizarre. ONe side supports Roe, Wade, the other is actively trying to overturn it. That alone should tell you everything. The recent manufactured flap about contraception at Catholic owned hospitals and universities was a controversy generated by whom? It was making political hey at the cost of whom? Was id a bipartisan assault? Who forbade all women to testify before Congress? Which party invited her, regardless? Who is trying to defund Planned Parenthood? Is it a bipartisan push?

Give me a break. Only one side has consistently supported women's rights, including the right to equal pay for equal work. Who pushed for and signed signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act? The other has been opposed to EVERYTHING that helps women. One single pill compared to the totality makes you call it a bipartisan attack? Even if true - and of course it isn't - you are comparing the weight of a butterfly with that of a cannonball. Get some perspective.

[-] 1 points by FHampton (309) 12 years ago

There are differences. But the Republicans are running a primary campaign and they are appealing to a very small but potent sector of their particular electorate. A more accurate reading of Romney's views (he is, after all, the likely nominee) would be to look at his actual record. We need to distinguish between the rhetoric and what the policies are.

As for Obama's disgusting joke: I'm not making the argument that the statement itself is an "assault"--I said it evinces a patriarchal psychology, one that Obama is not aware of as objectionable because he verbalizes it over and over again in public.

What do you mean by "even if true"? Obama overruled the FDA on Plan B, making it unavailable to people under 18. Think about the circumstances that give rise to a girl of 18 or younger needing to get Plan B--these are the most desperate people, the most vulnerable. That's who Obama felt it was politically safe to sacrifice as he courted so-called "centrist" voters. His rationale? He was thinking of his daughters, of course:

“I will say this, as the father of two daughters: I think it is important for us to make sure that we apply some common sense to various rules when it comes to over-the-counter medicine,” Mr. Obama said.

“And as I understand it, the reason Kathleen [Sebelius] made this decision was she could not be confident that a 10-year-old or an 11-year-old going into a drugstore should be able — alongside bubble gum or batteries — be able to buy a medication that potentially, if not used properly, could end up having an adverse effect. And I think most parents would probably feel the same way.”

Except that the FDA--no radical feminist organization of course--found otherwise. The drug was safe. Obama made this a political issue, and it is young women and girls who now have to pay the cost.

[-] 1 points by epa1nter (4650) from Rutherford, NJ 12 years ago

Obama overruled ONE drug. There are others available. I agree that he did so for the purpose of political pandering. But it does not rise to the level of assault.

It is your rhetoric I find objectionable. By creating a false equivalence between the parties, you obfuscate the fact that one side has been assaulting women's rights full-on for decades. That has dangerous consequences for the very women you claim to speak on behalf of. The two parties are not only not the same regarding this issue, but are polar opposites. And only one has consistently and shamelessly waged a war against women for year after year, election cycle or not.

[-] 1 points by FHampton (309) 12 years ago

First of all--the "one drug" is actually a class of drug: the morning-after pill. People under 18 cannot get that particular treatment now because of Obama's unprecedented step. It's not like there is simply another drug that has the same function. No. The entire option of Plan B is now restricted.

I'm not trying to make the argument that the two parties are equivalent. My original comment was to draw attention to the danger of hitching the politics of women's liberation and feminism to any one party. Supporting Democrats no matter what, and minimizing their policies that hurt women because "at least they're not Republicans" is also dangerous.

If you want to go back a bit further, think of Bill Clinton's dismantling of welfare. That was terrible for women, who disproportionately depended on welfare for survival.

[-] 1 points by epa1nter (4650) from Rutherford, NJ 12 years ago

As far as I know, I might be wrong, its has happened before - they can still get it with a prescription. They can't get it over the counter. And yes, that makes it more difficult to or a young teenager, and it is a shame.

But I very much disagree with your position as you just expressed it. The argument I have made clearly demonstrates that one party has consistently favored women's rights, and one has consistently opposed them, despite a few exceptions. What's more, the broader issues of women's liberation and feminism cannot be addressed by either party because it is a social, more than merely political issue. But in terms of specific legislation that protects women's legal rights, ignoring the differences in the parties will help to evaporate those rights faster than the withholding any one pill, or even class of them, could ever do.

[-] 1 points by FHampton (309) 12 years ago

I'm not asking anyone to ignore the differences between the parties. And I agree with you completely that the parties as they stand are inadequately feminist, both of them. That was my original point.

Just consider that when Bill Clinton cut welfare, when Obama restricted Plan B (prohibiting its over-the-counter sale to people under 18), that hurt women. Furthermore, those decisions hurt the youngest and poorest women.

[-] 1 points by epa1nter (4650) from Rutherford, NJ 12 years ago

"as they stand are inadequately feminist, both of them. That was my original point."

Now THAT'S something I can agree with. I also completely agree with your assessment of Clinton on welfare, (although it effected men as well, and is an issue of institutional racism to boot).

If you has said it that way initially, I would not have bee so quick to jump.

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by HarryPairatestes2 (380) from Barrow, AK 12 years ago

Funny, I did not see one minority among the protesters. However, I did see minority officers.

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by Carlitini99 (-167) 12 years ago

what does Lettuce Bacon Tomato have to do with anything?

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

NOW (National Organization of Woman)

[-] 0 points by jaktober (286) from Sonoma, CA 12 years ago

I also put together a Money Bloom for the Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts today:

http://freeindependentsun.com/republic/massachusetts-green-rainbow-party-international-working-womens-day-money-bloom-march-8-2012/

[-] -1 points by sgtykty (0) 12 years ago

n2012 comes, in order to thank everyone, characteristic, novel style, varieties, low price and good quality, and the low sale price. Thank everyone

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

$33 True Religion jeans, Ed Hardy jeans,LV,Coogi jeans,Affliction jeans

$30 Air Jordan shoes,Shox shoes,Gucci,LV shoes

50%Discount winter fashion :Sandle,t-shirt,caps,jerseys,handbag and brand watches!!!

$15 Ed Hardy ,LV ,Gucci Bikini

$15 Polo, Ed Hardy, Gucci, LV, Lacoste T-shirts

$25 Coach,Gucci,LV,Prada,Juicy,Chanel handbag,

$10 Gucci,Ed Hardy sunglasses

$9 New Era caps.

give you the unexpected harvest

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

==== ( http://www.fullmalls.com ) =====

[-] -1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 12 years ago

In the fight for suffrage (the woman's right to vote),

the national movement targeted the ruling party (Wilson democrat)

because they were not allowing passage for women voters.

.

The woman's activist worker on getting women votes state by state

denounced the the national suffrage party

because they felt the democrats would keep the US out of world war 1.

.

Once the democrats committed to the war,

the national suffrage party force the issue of women's right to vote

by hunger strike and getting arrested.

.

To make the issue of suffrage was in line with the war effort,

the US claimed to be more democratic than the Kaiser

by giving woman the right to vote.

.

While social issues are often entangled with war,

war is not responsible for their inception.