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We are the 99 percent

Occupy UC Davis Calls Nov. 28 General Strike to Shut Down CA Campuses, Block Regents' Austerity Vote

Posted 12 years ago on Nov. 22, 2011, 4:03 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

aerial view of UC Davis GA

The following proposal was passed by a massive general assembly today at UC Davis:

The UC Board of Regents, who not only represent but actually are this state’s richest one percent, has repeatedly shown itself to be utterly unfit to manage and represent the interests of the students, faculty, and workers who constitute the University of California.

Following two successive years of sharp tuition increases, accompanied by millions in department and resource cuts, layoffs, and furloughs, the board had the audacity to propose a new 81% fee increase and drastic budget reductions.

Undergraduate student fees have tripled over the past ten years, as we have seen an unprecedented explosion of student debt; and departmental budgets have shrunk, as academic and non-academic workers experience diminishing benefits, swelling workloads, and non-existent job security.

In the midst of the economic crisis, the Regents have intensified their pursuit of the project of privatization and de-funding that diminish the quality of education and quality of life for those across the UC, while consigning students’ futures to greater and greater sums of debt.

The Regents’ theft of an ostensibly public resource to fund “capital projects” such as construction projects and private research initiatives, demonstrate a clear conflict of interests that benefits a narrow administrative elite—both the Regents and their local appointees (chancellors and vice chancellors)—at the expense of the greater faculty, staff, and student body.

The familiar rhetoric of austerity demands our resigned compliance, as our learning and working conditions progressively deteriorate. We have seen recently and in years past that political dissent is met with increasingly violent displays of force and repression by University police.

The continued destruction of higher education in California, and the repressive forms of police violence that sustain it, cannot be viewed apart from larger economic and political systems that concentrate wealth and political power in the hands of the few.

Since the university has long served as one of the few means of social mobility and for the proliferation of knowledge critical to and outside of existing structures of power, the vital role it plays as one of the few truly public resources is beyond question.

The necessity of reclaiming the UC has never demanded such urgency, as it continues to shift towards the corporate model, pursues dubious fiscal partnerships (such as those with the defense department and international agribusiness), and engages in disturbing collusion with financial institutions like US Bank (which is one of the largest profiteers from student loans).

As such, I propose that in light of the upcoming Regents’ vote on Monday the 28th, (which will be occurring on four campuses simultaneously, one of which being UC Davis), that we call for a general strike this same day, with the aim of shutting down campuses across the state and preventing the Regents from holding their vote.

In response to the intolerable effects privatization and austerity and the horrific repression of student dissent that has occurred throughout the last month, the GA, as a governing body of all concerned UC Davis students, will prevent the Board of Regents from continuing its unbridled assault upon higher education in the state of California.

This will entail total campus participation in shutting down the operations of the university on the 28th, including teaching, working, learning, and transportation, as we will collectively divert our efforts to blocking their vote[s]. In doing so students, faculty and workers assert the power—and the will—to effectively represent and manage ourselves.

219 Comments

219 Comments


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[-] 40 points by KeenAwareness (66) 12 years ago

Occupy is not necessarily about Socialist, communist, and Marxists ideologies. It is not something that can be defined by a word or a theory. It is a movement, something that is taking place in each successive day. It is a group experience, of which is new and evolving. What it stands up against is not America nor capitalism, but rather it stands up against the aspect of human consciousness that perpetuates inequality, war, brutality, duality, and all other human actions that destroy not only human dignity, but the earth as well. The 0.00001% that controls the ebb and flow of the economy also control the education system and this student rising is exactly what needs to happen so that those in rule know who is really in control. I support this tactic and I really give a lot of love to those students at UC Davis who "took it for the team" while they were sprayed. That was a pivotal moment in this movement!

The system we live under now is cancerous to the Earth and is only kept in place big big corporations and the lobbyist they hire in Washington. Yes, we have things "better" here in this country, no doubt. Yet, a major reason, if not the biggest reason why other countries are not as prosperous as we are is because the "power nations" of this world [the US, England, etc.] have employed tactics of economic imperialism throughout this world. One example of this is that "3rd World" countries cannot pay off the loans big elitist owned banks lent them and thus cannot develop the way we did in America. These trans-national banking arrangements, where countries like America loaned money to other developing countries in attempts to boast their infrastructure was analogous to the sub-prime loans that banks gave to home owners whom they knew could never pay them off, thus crashing there markets. This is not a country that is doing fowl things, or banks rather, but it is a sense of human consciousness that perpetuates greed and control. It is all about control. The problem is that the system is rigged. You cannot vote for anyone to make change becuase those whom we vote for are backed by big corporate interest [i.e big oil, among others]. Like Albert Einstein said, you cannot find a solution to a problem with the same thinking that created the problem. There is no option left but to defy the current system, for the current system has safeguarded itself form any real fundamental change. For instance, so called "free" energy, a source of energy that cannot be monitored is suppressed every time a developer comes close to making great strides. Think of people like Tesla and Wilhelm Reich, among others. Free energy undermines big industry and thus is destroyed before it can even reach public knowledge. You really do not think the giant stones that make up the pyramids in Egypt where lifted solely by human hands and apparatus do you? Think outside the box. The occupy movement is about breaking the bounds of the "box thinking" to which the media conditions us to believe. The occupy movement stands up in the same way that the revolutionaries stood up for their own freedom when the colonist did away with British rule. The occupy movement is the most "American" thing to happen to America since the founding of this great country. Furthermore, and my last point...why do we need to be governed, cannot we not simply cooperate? Only when we get past the point of submitting our autonomy to a elitist controlled government can we really reclaim our dignity and say that we are free Americans again. And these students, as well as all those participating in the movement are doing just that! Keep the love and compassion in your hearts flowing and let's move on into the new dawn!

Read more at KeenAwareness.Blogspot.com

In Solidarity!

[-] 11 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

To me it seems like there´s a lot of libertarian left/libertarian socialist tendencies among the Occupy Movement. Being an Anarcho-Syndicalist I find that very pleasing. Libertarian left / anarcho-syndicalist ideas of building democracy from the bottom up thru democratic workplaces, democratic communities and so on, on a principle of an egalitarian and non-hierarchical structure is the way we need to build a sustainable society, and I see a lot of the same values among many occupiers. I love this movement :)

struggleforfreedom

[-] 7 points by KeenAwareness (66) 12 years ago

I agree with what you state. The change we need to see cannot come from the ideals of one group, but rather it has to come out of a place of compassion too which we can all unify around. A non-hierarchical structure, as you say, is the way in which we build a sustainable society for it incorporates human values first and foremost as opposed to corporate values, too which structure social progression around the profit principle, which inherently takes compassion out of the equation. I love this movement too! Keep up the good work!

[-] 2 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

Watch this debate between Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault. Chomsky really nails it advocating the egalitarian non-hierarchical society

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WveI_vgmPz8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0SaqrxgJvw&feature=related

struggleforfreedom

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

none hierarchical means excluding those agents of external male only hierarchies ie christians and freemasons who owe allegiance to their own cults are are war mongers of the fascist elite. we must stop this christian muslim religious war BS!!!

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

I wonder of Chomsky ever read "Lord of the Flies"?

[-] 1 points by WorldCitizen99 (20) 12 years ago

William Golding was a middle class kid who went to school at an exclusive English boarding school -thus his cynicism about the human race. Check out our closest relatives: Besides the high-profile Neandertal project, Pääbo’s group is also sequencing the genome of the bonobo, the lesser-known cousin of the chimpanzee and, along with the chimp, the closest living human relative.

In a separate talk at last week’s CSHL conference, Susan Ptak, a researcher in Pääbo’s group, presented initial results from that project.

The bonobo, Pan Paniscus, split from the human lineage approximately 6.5 million years ago, and from the chimp, Pan troglodytes, around 1.5 million years ago.

Only a small number of individuals – an estimated 5,000 to 100,000 – remain in the wild, south of the Congo River in Africa. Though they are closely related and similar in appearance to the common chimp, their social behavior differs markedly from their cousin: females dominate in the bonobo community, and they resolve conflicts with sex. Among chimps, on the other hand, males dominate, and they resolve conflicts with aggression and often violence.

[-] 1 points by WorldCitizen99 (20) 12 years ago

Have you ever read Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

[-] 1 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

jeez. First of all LotF is fantasy, it didnt happen in real life. So in other words, if some kids stranded on an island in real life, it´s not certain that things would turn out like that. second, Adults run things in our society. Children are not fully intellectually developed like (most) adults. Third, we´re talking about AS in a highly developed tecnological society, not in some preindustrial stoneage society.

[-] -2 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

All of these people have this utopian dream of how society will run, but never acknowledge the reality of such implementation. Consider their desire to have worker run companies. Ok. Where does the capital come from? What happens when one worker has a family crisis and needs extra money? do they get that from the company? Are they on their own? I have seen siblings fight over jewelry in a probate action numerous times, and these people think that unrelated people will willingly be in business together. Its insanity.

[-] 2 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

its insanity to blindly conform to the existing system, baa!

the patriots in the revolutionary war were considered anarchists by the british and their chances of success were also thought to be nil and they also thought they were insane to challenge the crown.

you are anti-american and an impediment to the progress of the american people.

[-] 3 points by murderkingz (56) 12 years ago

Here Here!

[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

Im anti American because i believe in the Republic that our country is founded upon? That is an insane statement. I do not support this Oligarchy that has taken over our republic. Ending corruption is the goal. Not destroying the fabric of society.

[-] 2 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

we can hardly expect 'the fabric of society to be destroyed' by this movement. you're negativity, and latent support of the system is obvious.

[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

If OWS gets what they want, the government will be destroyed, capitalism will be illegal, and yes that will destroy the fabric of society, as trade comes to a screeching halt. Do you not realize that if there is significant public unrest that trucks with food and other goods will not run into those areas? Hello? there is food on those trucks. You are another example of someone who has no experienced developing a plan, troubleshooting future obstacles, and implementing the plan. None. And that is the OWS main problem. Too many followers and no leaders. Leaders have experience making plans, dealing with problems, and working through them. The very fact that you nay say the problems i bring up, show that you are not capable of participating in the real discussion. Its best for you to get back in line with the rest of the sheep. Go make a ridiculous sign or something and go stand out on the road. I am sure that will get you somewhere.

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

I agree with everything I have seen you write. Except where you say above - that there are no leaders. I think there is a leader/leaders. The leader is David Graeber and those that follow his ideas and beliefs. I think they have experience, they are learning from other revolutionary experiences, and they are making plans. That is why this situation is so frightening.

Lasn is quoted in this article that he wants a soft regime change.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/occupy-wall-street-welcome-to-the-occupation-20111110

I'm not sure what that means. Can you help me understand.

[-] 3 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

April, they're interested in changing how american domestic and foreign policy is now dictated by a very small percentage of very rich people. politicians have been bought and laws have been changed in the last 30 years to benefit the uppermost strata of our society at the expense of the great majority of americans. ows is committed to changing this by highlighting the abuses through protests then eventually, as awareness grows, through the political process. that would be lasn's soft regime change, no armed insurrection toppling our government. where did you hear about lasn?

[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

First i agree there are leaders i keep saying that over and over. They just don't want to be publicly identified as such. A soft regime change is a way of dampening their radical message the same way as pitching this as a non-violent movement. They don't want either. They know that nobody buys into their marxist/anarchist viewpoint as they have been a very small minority for decades. So using strategies developed in other countries for revolution, they take the soft approach and depend on the nature of mankind to further their goals. People are basically sheep. Most people seek leadership even if they say they don't want any. I am willing to bet that there are plenty of these protesters who claim they want no leadership, but daily go to some of these people, and ask them 'what do we do next'? Only certain types of people are forward thinkers and planners. They are in the minority. Like our current government, these people DEPEND on the fact that people are ignorant and will follow along any idea that can be made to sound palatable. So they fix their message to sound so peaceful and warm and fuzzy. You can see evidence of this on these very boards when these die hard supporters are so rabid that they will attack people like me, who point out the potential pitfalls of this plan succeeding. They are aghast that such a thing was possible, and only Utopia will result from this wonderful movement. Its insanity, and people like Graeber and Lasn count on that insanity to spread the movement. They hope that they can continue to catch the police on video harming protesters because it foments passionate responses, thus increasing the number of people in their movement. These people are smart, and most of the followers are ignorant and that is what is so sad. I try to educate everyone to the truth and to make good decisions but people like Rayl here don't even understand because they aren't capable.

[-] 1 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

your ridicule cuts the bone! i am mortally wounded! but then again maybe not. capitalism will not 'be destroyed', changed hopefully, but not destroyed. your claim that this is what ows wants is not backed by any official statements by ows is it? are the majority of ows supporters calling for the abolition of capitalism? NO!

get real and quit your fear-mongering! you sound like your straight out of the conservative media, for god's sake! (or maybe you are!)

[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

read the signs. listen to the videos. A lot of them want to end capitalism. I don't watch the news, i read it from all over the world everyday.

[-] 2 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

some of them want that but not anywhere near a majority, a small percentage at best.

fear-mongering is not very constructive.

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[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

Actually i never surf there i was looking for the video of the serbian revolutionary talking about all the consulting they have been doing to OWS, and since i couldn't find it, i found that one. I wouldn't know what VNNforum was at all until you said something. It doesn't make the facts less true. Your brainwashed anyways so what is the point with you anyways? you are a lost cause. just a sheep. if it doesn't sparkle in your mind it must be racist right wing crap. I don't subscribe to the right wing nutsos anymore than you leftists nutsos.

[-] 1 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

i must repeat that speaking at a ga hardly counts as leading the ows. if you were looking for that video you would have found it on youtube first, duh! racist troll la lol la lol!!!!!

[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

No proof huh? Check post #5 http://vnnforum.com/showthread.php?p=1333630

I have no faith in our current leadership at all, but i am not willing to exchange it for some nutball marxist idea either. I will work to change it through our courts and electoral process.

[-] 1 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

my god, that's a right wing racist group and you're using them as a source for unbiased news???? jimbo you're out on a limb, boy!

vanguard news network is a radical white supremacist wwebsite! how often do you surf there, boy???

btw speaking at the ga hardly accounts as leading the movement

[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

But thats the point. The leaders of OWS and their advisers from Egypt and Serbia DO WANT THAT. That is part of the plan, and they don't care if the victims are mindless followers as long as people like you get all upset and jump up and down. That is the whole point. You are being conned.

[-] 3 points by rayl (1007) 12 years ago

please, jimbo, don't get hysterical and make claims about insidious plots that you can't prove and about the behavior of other people. i've been waiting for this since the mid 70's. i have been continually astounded and i mean astounded by the gullibility of the american people and their blind faith in our corrupt leadership. that you have the gall to clandestinely support the status quo is simply beyond comprehension.

[-] 2 points by Turtle (268) 12 years ago

There are already employee-owned and operated businesses -IN- the US. Some have been here for a long time now.

I'd assert that there's less ideation or effort around the issues of cheating the company, less frivalous use of sick leave, and other residual benefits to the company when the employees are keenly aware that their 'cheating' comes straight out of their own 'pockets.

[-] 2 points by Misenka141957 (61) 12 years ago

The capital comes from selling the goods and services. Actually it is very simple, do not twist it around. Many organizations in Israel and Brasil are employee/owner businesses and doing superbly.

[-] 2 points by JosephCouture (45) 12 years ago

Morpheus says to Neo, “All I’m offering is the truth, nothing more.” Are you ready for the truth? Will you accept the pill? If you think so, read:

“Awakening to the Nightmare” at www.josephcouture.com I’m waiting for you.

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[-] 1 points by WorldCitizen99 (20) 12 years ago

This i9s how you do it. Check out: The MONDRAGON Corporation is a corporation and federation of worker cooperatives based in the Basque region of Spain

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

hey man this is a revolution world revolution if you are lookin for alternatives to this system this is one of them,,, chec the venus project web a resource economics http://www.thevenusproject.com/

[-] 1 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

"Ok. Where does the capital come from?"

Value created comes from work. That goes for any type of organization of society.

"What happens when one worker has a family crisis and needs extra money?"

Or from the community, which is also democratically run

"I have seen siblings fight over jewelry in a probate action numerous times"

And I ve seen grown ups handle things in a civilized, compromising, peaceful matter Theres also something called democracy which could be of good help in deciding things in society.

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

capital comes from property rights if you are a royal or freemason land thief coloniser!

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[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

You don't get initial start up capital from employees. Things like buildings, equipment, and start up capital do not come from employee owned businesses. Not on any large scale. Ive been in business all my life, I know lots and lots of business owners, and know what employees are like. The employee owned businesses are a very small percentage, and none of them were responsible to come up with the money to start up the project.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

"You don't get initial start up capital from employees. Things like buildings, equipment, and start up capital do not come from employee owned businesses."

Why can't it come from the employees who own the business? This isn't something that's impossible. Maybe a company can't start out large in this way (depending on the amount each employee is able to contribute to the company's capital), but it is very possible for small businesses like this.

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[-] 1 points by RobertUeberfeldt (44) from Kaikohe, Northland 12 years ago

Here is an example of how things could be better run. http://www.mcc.es/ENG.aspx

[-] 0 points by zorbaka2 (61) 12 years ago

I totally agree. some reality checking of ideas seem to be badly needed for some. They believe they would be entirely unselfish if they had all the power. our inherent human nature is some part of the problems they have brought into the public awareness.

[-] 0 points by Jimboiam (812) 12 years ago

exactly. The problem with most people is they have no experience. They read some book by some person who thinks he is a genius, i.e. Marx and think, 'hey this is great, it sounds so perfect'. But what they fail to understand is that when it is really implemented, human frailty makes it a crushing failure and it is worse than what they had. They seem to ignore the principle that the 'grass is not always greener on the other side'.

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[-] 2 points by wizbe (4) 12 years ago

DENNIS: I told you. We're an anarcho-syndicalist commune. We take it in turns to act as a sort of executive officer for the week. ARTHUR: Yes. DENNIS: But all the decision of that officer have to be ratified at a special bi-weekly meeting-- ARTHUR: Yes, I see. DENNIS: By a simple majority in the case of purely internal affairs,-- ARTHUR: Be quiet! DENNIS: But by a two-thirds majority in the case of more major-- ARTHUR: Be quiet! I order you to be quiet! WOMAN: Order, eh? Who does he think he is? Heh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAaWvVFERVA

[-] 2 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

hehe. Yeah, I´ve seen that one. Wise peasant :)

[-] 1 points by icfmike (173) 12 years ago

better without the labels.

[-] 1 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

It´s how the society´s organized that´s important, not what that type of organization´s called, I agree. We have, however, a name for this type of society based on "democracy all the way thru"( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDHBvQRyOr0 ) to quote Chomsky. We have a name for the type of society where we organize society thru cooperating and federated communities and workplaces democratically run from the bottom up: It´s called libertarian socialism or libertarian left.

http://struggleforfreedom.blogg.no/1320873951_the_society_we_should.html

http://struggleforfreedom.blogg.no/1317735903_chomsky_explains_libe.html

[-] -1 points by RobertUeberfeldt (44) from Kaikohe, Northland 12 years ago

@struggleforfreedom80. It's only natural.

[-] -1 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

Agreed. Anarcho-Syndicalism/ Libertarian Socialism is the type of social organisation that is best suited human nature, as Chomsky explains here f.ex.

I´ve collected lots of videos of Chomsky explaining Anarcho-Syndicalism in my post "Chomsky explains Libertarian Socialism" good stuff

[-] 1 points by RobertUeberfeldt (44) from Kaikohe, Northland 12 years ago

I read a few books on Mondragon and saw from that how anarcho-syndicalism works as a highly efficient, stable way of doing business and running a modern society. "a caring form of capitalism".

[-] 1 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

AS is not capitalism in any shape or form, though. There´s no private ownership on the means of production, and there´s no exploitation - individuals taking the surplus/capital created by others for investing. I guess what youre talking about is workers owned/run workplaces in a capitalist economy. Yes, there are many examples of highly efficient co-ops everywhere, incudibg in the US. M. Moore also takes a look at this in "Capitalism A Love story"

[-] 2 points by RobertUeberfeldt (44) from Kaikohe, Northland 12 years ago

"a caring form of capitalism". Sorry I'm not that up with the terminology, I see AS as making money so someone could be gaining capital? Which in itself is is not a definition of capitalism either I guess. Good to hear anyone promoting AS anyway. I'm no academic but it irks me when anarchy is equated with chaos and then violence. Nice to know there are people out there that understand that it is a system.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

Socialism gets the same kind of flack as being evil, unfortunately.

[-] 1 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

Hi again. Capitalism means that the means of production are privatly owned by individuals who make a profit from other people´s work (cf exploitation /profit) In other words, the value of the worker´s pay is less than the value that was added thru his/her work in the payed hours. That creates a profit for the owner of the means of production who did not create the value, but still gets payed in the form of profit. This profit is hence the capital (therefore the word capitalism)for future investments and more profits. So, the capitalist is making money simply by just owning, not adding or creating value. These are the core elements of capitalism. This has nothing to do with a society built on Anarcho-Syndicalist principle: http://struggleforfreedom.blogg.no/1320873951_the_society_we_should.html. I hope this cleared things up. yours struggleforfreedom

[-] 0 points by kestrel (274) 12 years ago

so Chomsky spends 5 minutes to say what... "capitalism is the best solution"? some one needs to get out in the real world.

[-] 1 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

huh?

[-] -1 points by Jimmy44 (-57) from New York, NY 12 years ago

I just threw up in my mouth.

[-] 3 points by Turtle (268) 12 years ago

C'mon Jimmy. You're better than that. ;^>)

As I mentioned above, there are already some employee-owned businesses in this country that've observed some beneficial results; stealing from one's self is rarely advisable or productive, unless there's an insurance scam afoot..

Now rinse that mouth, and wash that bile down with a slightly-chilled Guinness, or another decent brew... That's my recommendation. Unless alcohol's out of the question. In which case, some lemon-water would be my next recommendation..

The ling cod in tempura beer-batter was great, btw. More oily than the halibut, but that's the nature of the fish in question. Voracious meat-eaters, they are.. Makes 'em oilier, in my opinion. Distantly similar to the (darker) meat of a wolf-eel. An ugly critter if ever there was one!!

Take care, Jimmy.

[-] 1 points by Jimmy44 (-57) from New York, NY 12 years ago

Oh Hi Turtle :) There's plenty of benefit stealing from yourself besides insurance. There's also tax implications as you can deduct the loss from gross receipts, and you can then sell the pilfered items under the table. It's probably more beneficial than not. Unfortunately I have these pesky moral and ethical standards that stop me from doing anything like that.

I donated about $6,000 in items to Salvation Army yesterday. I'm not a bad guy. I just believe that the best defense is a good offense.

Glad to hear the cod worked out.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

That's not stealing from oneself.

[-] 2 points by SeaChange (134) 12 years ago

I don't mean to encourage you... But that was kind of funny.

[-] 1 points by Jimmy44 (-57) from New York, NY 12 years ago

:) hehe

[-] 4 points by Ravila88x (14) 12 years ago

I would say its more of a Renassiance. The Great American Renassiance of the 21st Century.

[-] 4 points by PartyX (202) 12 years ago

never thought of it is as Renaissance. good point!

[-] 3 points by ustaknow (14) 12 years ago

Commonsense in Higher Education. JD

Is this man truly a genius?

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.... (substituting grades for dollars - something closer to home and more readily understood by all).

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that.

These are possibly the 5 best sentences you'll ever read and all applicable to this experiment:

  1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

  2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

  3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

  4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!

  5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

[-] 2 points by efschumacher (74) from Gaithersburg, MD 12 years ago

1) When a banker lends somebody else's money at 5% interest he takes home $1m out of the deal - for very little actual work done. When he lends the same money at 10% he takes home $2m for absolutely zero extra 'work'. The borrower has to work hard to repay at 5% and has to work longer and harder to repay at 10%. The borrower is also the bearer of most of the risk in that transaction. In your 2nd point above, who is playing the role of which party?

2) When I am studying a subject, say, computer programming, I do it out of interest and for the knowledge and skill that it gives me. The conveyance of some letter of the alphabet as a mark of approbation from a third party is wholly irrelevant to the actual education received. The only constituency that demands the grade is the body of employers. In choosing the 'A's and rejecting the 'F's they get the benefit of an at best partial filtering system, and get to externalize their responsibility for properly evaluating their future employees.

So get rid of grades, let students study whatever is their passion, and don't require the student, through hiked-up fees, to subsidize the employer's filtering mechanism.

Clearly in the example above the professor was teaching something irrelevant, or in a totally demotivating way. He needs replacing by someone more inspirational.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

I totally agree.

[-] 1 points by efschumacher (74) from Gaithersburg, MD 12 years ago

I will admit there is a difference between my example of computer programming and ustaknow's example of economics. In computer programming, there is an absolutely objective standard of evaluation that is as clear to the student as to the teacher. The program has to work, and it is obvious when it doesn't. The case of economics is different: examples in the real world are absolutely verboten, so the student must somehow convince the teacher that he can parrot the received religion, and avoid trying to relate it to any real examples. When economics begins to study problems in the world, and is able to make consistent predictions about them, it can start earning respect from real scientists.

[-] 1 points by LoveAll22 (26) 12 years ago

There is a limiting thought within this experiment, and that thought is that we all want,or are striving for the same thing. (In this example, the goal was good grades). However, if we let go of that limitation and let our love for each other flourish in the minds of each individual, then I believe the "results" of this experiment would be much different. For example, in our search for education for all, there are many ways that can be accomplished. And if we are all encouraged to particpate in that, then the ideas that will come forth will be astounding and endless. And then we acheive our goal, to educate all. If we limit ourselves to creating an education system that follows one idea, then we could fail But if we allow the creative energy of us all to take off in whatever ways Love and Life bring together, then we will succeed.

[-] 0 points by WorldCitizen99 (20) 12 years ago

George W. Bush is an excellent example of higher education. Need we say more? He grew up in the wealthiest suburbs in Connecticut, went to the best private schools, got into Princeton because of his family, Joined the Air Force during Vietnam war and didn't even show up half the time. He failed in every business he ever ran. He is actually the only president during my lifetime who didn't have to work hard to get a college education.

[-] 0 points by mserfas (652) from Ashland, PA 12 years ago

There are some notable exceptions to this never-attempted experiment, such as:

  • In real classes, some students study hard and try to learn as much as possible - the grade is not the only motivation.

  • Obama is not a Bolshevik - there is a difference between "grading on a curve" and giving everyone the exact same grade.

  • In a truly "capitalist" class, as it is coming to be represented in America today, students would enter on the first day with most of the value of their final grade already determined - some with A's, some with F's. Their midterms and finals would usually change those only a little.

[-] 1 points by WorldCitizen99 (20) 12 years ago

There have been educational experiments where they told the teacher of poorly performing students that these kids were A students. They ended up getting A's.

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[-] 1 points by mserfas (652) from Ashland, PA 12 years ago

The analogies here are getting a bit hard to understand: what I'm saying is that some kids are born, not just with wealth, but with superior education and connections. (for example, by the replacement of segregated schools with schools of vastly differing quality in poor and wealthy communities, with strictly enforced ordinances designed to ban the poor from being able to settle in wealthy communities even if they were willing to live ten to a room) Blaming the poor for failing to "compete" with that is rather unreasonable - yes, the occasional person of undistinguished background still manages to make it, but more and more luck is required for this to happen.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

Agreed. It's really hard to focus on studying and getting good grades when you're starving and don't have anything to eat and/or are living in fear of being shot every time you walk outside.

[-] 0 points by pinker (586) 12 years ago

But the kids who entered with Fs would have the freedom to change their grade if they wanted to. Some would settle for a D, some would be quite content with a C, others would work hard for that B or A. So if the grade is capital, anything is possible.

[-] 0 points by ucb4u (0) 12 years ago

You have done what has been the "trick" used by the powerful in our society. The "story" is using the comparison to the Top 0.05% (not 1%) and comparing it to a simple averaging formula. There is no way that the numbers have any relative reality. You can make numbers say anything that you want them to say. Some of us can see through your BS.

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[-] 3 points by jph (2652) 12 years ago

Well said, until the free energy fantasy. The reason we do not see ANY systems that generate free energy, or fuse it from atoms, is that none exist. Not in any workable form. Sure many have made claims however no one has ever documented and verified any of them. This is a silly fantasy, often emanating from the right wing,. i.e. the we will accept no imposition on our "way of life" crowd. There is no techno fix, we will need to change the way we live on this planet if we are to survive the next few decades. Period. Conspicuous consumption, and high-tech war making will need to end or the collapse will only come quicker and with more tragic loses sooner.

Permaculture, Degrowth, Relocalize, SlowMoney,. etc.

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[-] 3 points by Arwen (15) from Cortland, NY 12 years ago

Tesla wanted for people to have free electricity but J.P. Morgan resisted. Tesla would have invented so much more but the 1% of his time stopped him. Tesla lived at a time with no restraint on the big robber baron capitalists. His is an interesting story, and I think many here would enjoy the biography PRODIGAL GENIUS by O'Neill and TESLA: MAN OUT OF TIME by Margaret Cheney. (Tesla lived in New York City by the way.) As to the OWS, it is the best thing to happen that I have seen in years. Keep it up!

[-] 1 points by Pertello (80) 12 years ago

Yes! I love Tesla! I went to see what remains of Wardenclyffe recently. Some of his inventions are still years in the future. The FBI siezed all his papers when he died. He thought up the "Star Wars" missile defense system, and his notes were used by the US Govt. To create it.

[-] 1 points by Arwen (15) from Cortland, NY 12 years ago

I read about that too. There are some people who want to turn the Wardenclyffe site into a museum for Tesla's work. I hope they can do it.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

" The FBI siezed all his papers when he died. He thought up the "Star Wars" missile defense system, and his notes were used by the US Govt. To create it."

This doesn't surprise me one bit.

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[-] 3 points by suzannel (2) 12 years ago

Great comment! Thank you KeenAwareness!

My site speaking out against advanced electronic torture technologies, chemicals and gassings is here: http://www.cfasw.net We need to expose these atrocities - the public is not knowledgeable about how technologies can be used to suppress people physically and mentally and actually enslave them electronically so that they are incapacitated. We cannot participate this way and need congress to investigate and get media attention on this. The public needs to be forewarned, we need this stopped. Not another life to be destroyed like this, not another minute. Our suffering dovetails with what the Occupy movement is about, and takes it further, bringing out more. Capitalism and the research going unchecked can capture and control the human population and subjugate it to electronic torture via shocks, burning, and other atrocities. This needs to be exposed! Shame on the U.S.!

[-] 2 points by MarkArby (8) 12 years ago

Great blog Keen! Speaking of free energy, what ever happened to Bloom Boxes? That looked like a promising technology. It was on 60 minutes a year and a half ago and then... nothing? You think maybe he got bought out by big oil? BTW, I don't think we'll ever have truly free energy, unless you mean produced by "free" people.

[-] 2 points by TheBossRev (6) from Huntsville, AL 12 years ago

A decision will be made in the next few years. Mankind will either be the tool of the super rich's machines to be declared obsolete and discarded without land, property, food, clothing, housing etc..., and discarded like a wadded up scrap of paper, or... Mankind will make the super rich's machines serve the good of mankind in which we will all enjoy prosperity and freedom like no man has ever enjoyed before. The choice is between hell and heaven. The first option holds nothing but destruction and misery even terror for the super rich and the second option will leave us all happy and richer than they imagine they will ever become. The choice is very stark. I am no socialist nor am I a radical. I just know that things are going very wrong.

The issue is survival!

We must end the slavery and ideas of it that are infesting mankind and destroying its very hope of survival. Read Thomas Payne "Common Sense" to further understand this. We have been here before. Jefferson said, "Nothing is more certain that this people must be free." It is as true today as ever, it is just that all people must be free and the arguments that excuse mistreatment of others must go away.

Nothing is more certain than we are but cells in the body of mankind. Any cell which presumes to take for itself all of the resources of the body is well defined as a cancer and must be removed from the body.

[-] 2 points by ithink (761) from York, PA 12 years ago

on your last point ...why do we need to be governed, cannot we not simply cooperate? I have heard this idea, again and again here. I am not certain that I fully understand it. As far as I can tell, a free thinking person today in the US who is able to self- govern, would have no need for government. So, whether government exists or does not exist, should not matter. A government body is there to govern the people and entities that cannot self-govern.

I fully support the occupy movement because I think it inspires people (it certainly has inspired me) to think deeper, fact-find, and dream of a better future. All good things.

[-] 2 points by Misenka141957 (61) 12 years ago

No, occupy is about true DEMOCRACY dear.

[-] 2 points by cmt (1195) from Tolland, CT 12 years ago

Wonderful post!

As a small way of doing things differently, I encourage people with a few spare dollars to visit kiva.org. I've made a few loans there. It's fun and helps build a better world outside the corporate model.

[-] 1 points by KeenAwareness (66) 12 years ago

That is an amazing resource! I will FWD this to more people! Give and you shall receive! The economy of abundance?!

[-] 1 points by cmt (1195) from Tolland, CT 12 years ago

I belong to the team of the Flying Spaghetti Monster on kiva. I invite anyone with a somewhat twisted sense of humor to join us!

There are a wide variety of other teams, although no one has to join one. I just find it more fun and benefit from the additional encouragement. Or, of course, you could form your own team.

[-] 1 points by zorbaka2 (61) 12 years ago

that sounded fairly logical until the spooky moving of pyramid blocks and why can't we all just get along.

[-] 1 points by Helsinki (34) 12 years ago
  • "You really do not think the giant stone that make up the pyramids in Egypt were lifted solely by human hands and apparatus do you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRRDzFROMx0

Well, yes!!!

[-] 1 points by JosephCouture (45) 12 years ago

If you don’t care for unpleasant truths, now is your last chance to turn away. People have been saying the world is experiencing a great awakening- and I just got a glimpse of what that really means.

Look for yourself if you dare. Read “Awakening To the Nightmare” at www.josephcouture.com

[-] 1 points by dealdoctor (148) 12 years ago

Yup!

[-] 1 points by rockyracoon2 (276) 12 years ago

amen. big business/government leaders couldn't give two hoots about Americans standing up for their freedoms. they have mostly lost the plot and seemingly sold their souls to the greed machine. my family doctor use to say to me, u cannot be rational with irrational people. its seems to apply here. it seems the elite have already decided their agenda of world domination which to them is probably quite rational. Obama doesn't speak about things, because he's told not to, rather they silently distribute more riot gear. i've read they have detention camps already built for the masses. how to effect change beyond writing letters, protesting, destruction and violence? how can we really defy the current system? stop spending $, stop voting, stop using gasoline, stop watching tv, get past tipping point for 911 lie awareness, take meeting with Bill Gates or ?

[-] 0 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

I like this but still not a fan of how everyone hates on oil often stating climate change when there's proof that the climate has been changing on earth from the first day of its existence. But other then the anti oil parts I love this!!

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

Even if oil didn't contribute to climate change, most people who are able to think just a little can see that oil damages our environment and health in a HUGE way.... from so many angles.... oil spills, toxicity of oil-based products, depletion of oil from the earth causing "natural disasters", pollution from burning oil, etc.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

Do you drive a car or use plastic or eat food? Where would the world food production come from with out oil? how would we get from point A to point B without oil? how would you heat your house without oil? I'm pretty sure there have always been natural disasters and since we have only been burning oil for the last hundred years or so how do you explain that? Oil spills, How is that oils fault? More like the morons that were handling the oils fault, no? The pollution from oil comes from a lot of different sources including every time you ex hail so you'd better go jump off a high building quick because your killing us all. and we better go try and close in volcanoes to cause there destroying this planet. You know the earth changes and its going to with or with out our help, you can't fear change its gonna happen anyways.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

"Do you drive a car or use plastic or eat food? Where would the world food production come from with out oil? how would we get from point A to point B without oil?"

And there ARE alternatives now.... non-toxic ones.... so we MUST convert to them.

"Oil spills, How is that oils fault?"

Wow... you really asked THAT?

Your arguments are completely illogical.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

You know the funniest part of this all is that I totally think that green energy is the way to go but its lunacy to think we can just change over in the snap of a finger, that being said I still don't agree with your points or your method of debate.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

I'm afraid if you believe there are viable alternatives to drive the world you are delusional, not to mention you didn't answer any of my questions. You just tried to discredit me by re-posting what I said out of context. If you truly believe my arguments are illogical then its very scary how disconnected you are. It's not worth my time to try to school you when you clearly don't think for yourself or do any sort of unbiased research. Maybe try looking at all the information and then get back to me.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

I work for an energy company that IS creating alternatives. Get your head out of the sand.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

There you have it folks a biased opinion, when your company can take care of the worlds food production, let me know.

[-] 1 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

Calling me disconnected because I support the move away from fossil fuels is asinine. People like you worship oil and are so biased against anything else. Saying I'm biased because I work for an energy company is asinine as well. The point is that I am SEEING what's going on.

You can keep your head in the oil bucket while the rest of us move on. And you call me biased.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

Actually I called you disconnected because you think there is a viable alternative to oil. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I support green alternatives, but I'm certainly not gonna get my pitch fork and go after the big bad oil company. I know better then thinking that we could live with out oil at this point in time, do you relies how many people would starve to death if oil ran out today? Desperate people will do anything to survive, that's the real scary thought! I'm not biased I just know better. I'm curious what exactly is it that I'm not seeing? please enlighten me...

[-] 1 points by rin1 (123) 12 years ago

climate has been changing, but have you heard of peak oil? people might have said it was a myth 10 years ago, but now the US government acknowledges it and even commissioned the Hirsch Report. Read the Transitition Handbook by Rob Hopkins. It speaks about how we've reached peak oil (peak production of oil and decline there after to match demand) around 2010/2011, and they are running out of new ventures for oil, except deep sea drilling that will cost many workers lives on oil stations in the ocean. crude oil is a costly and dangerous process that is actually causing earthquake in oklahoma - you can look this up under fracking - just google it and oklahoma. we cannot depend on oil that is actually dirtying up our atmosphere - because it is there is no denying it, the media doesnt actually publish studies on air pollution that are detrimental to health (ever hear of people committing suicide with carbon monoxide in cars, its that bad, i mean smoking causes lung cancer, this stuff will kill you in 10 minutes) i would read some books on peak oil and how it has seriously messed up the world - even going to iraq was a very oil driven move - iraq was one of the only nations that hasn't used up its oil reserves and had a lot of oil untapped oil reserves unlike many other countries such as syria that is tapped out.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

I should actually add that the peak oil theory is a part of a bigger theory called finite oil which basically says that oil is a product of organic material decomposing which has be dis-proven.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

as well you die from the lack of oxygen not the exhaust per say you could pump any none oxygen gas into a closed environment with the same out come.

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[-] 0 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

I'm actually very familiar with the theory of peak oil and I call it a theory because it is just that a theory with no scientific proof. Have you ever heard about infinite oil? Infinite oil does have proof and solid scientific research behind it, its been significantly suppress because what better way to raise the price of something then to dupe the masses into thinking there's a limited supply? I beg any one who reads this to please look into it before passing it off and just clicking that dislike button.

[-] 5 points by struggleforfreedom80 (6584) 12 years ago

Yes! Striking is effective. An important tool in fighting the elites.

http://struggleforfreedom.blogg.no/1321101669_the_transition_phase_.html

"What you should do is exactly the kinds of things that are going to lead to hysteria among privileged and powerful people" - Noam Chomsky

struggleforfreedom

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[-] 4 points by Huck (4) from Oakland, CA 12 years ago

As a former Student Government President of Hunter College of the City University of New York(CUNY), I applaud all of you who drafted this proposal and all those who continue to support it. CUNY is also a 'public' university and just like at UC and CSU, CUNY and SUNY suffered budget cuts, tuition increases and a more militarized police apparatus when I was a student there 10 years ago. What students and potential students are facing today is nothing new, but rather the execution of a prolonged strategy to disinvest public funds from education while the politicians cry bankrupt. All this at a time when the first ever audit of the private Federal Reserve Bank reveals that they gave out $16 trillion in unreported bailouts. That's not $16 million or billion, we talking about over $16,000,000,000,000.00!!!!! And there's no money for higher learning so young people can have a chance to get a degree in this tough job market, not to mention learn a few things along the way. But all they seem to teach us is that there's just not enough when it comes to funding public higher learning. CUNY was free for over 100 years and only started to charge tuition in 1976, which just happen to be the same year that the student body of the 20 campuses was a majority of students of color. Since then, tuition has continued to skyrocket as public funding as been slashed. History has taught us that we must continue to question authority and fight for our rights to an affordable quality education accessible to all who want to learn. Right on Y'all--Keep On Keepin' On!!! The 99% are with you!!!! See past these pigs and keep the focus on the ones who really are callin the shots!!! Free education for all!!!

[-] 1 points by TheBossRev (6) from Huntsville, AL 12 years ago

The answer is on the Liberty Bell in Independence Hall. Literally we need to have a day in which we simply declare all of the debts existing null and void. We need a year of Jubillee.

[-] 4 points by Lorne (2) from Toronto, ON 12 years ago

The best of luck in your goal of collective action. Across the world, people are awakening to the power that resides within the 99%, if only they have faith in that power. As well, the non-violent reaction to the forces of repression on campus are an inspiration to all of us, and I speak as a retired person who still cares deeply about the world.

[-] 3 points by catzbarking (3) 12 years ago

Today i sent an e-mail http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments to the WH, and i am hoping people will call and or e-mail the WH with similar sentiment:

Let’s start calling the White House [202-456-1111] to send the President a message something like:

We need you, our President, to stand up for our 1st Amendment Rights and stop the police brutalization in our cities against all patriotic Americans known as the 99%. About a week or so ago an 84-year old woman, a priest, and a pregnant 19 year old woman were attacked by Seattle police. The pregnant woman was punched in the stomach. She is purported to have suffered a miscarriage as a result of this brutal attack.

We are the Citizens of the United States of America. We ARE the People. We need you, our President, to listen to us and stop police violence against us in our own country.

The State department has come forward to reject the violence in Egypt from the military on its citizens.

Why are we not afforded the same democracy?

[-] 1 points by TheBossRev (6) from Huntsville, AL 12 years ago

Do not expect mercy from those who would be kings by color of their money. It isn't going to happen. You will be branded terrorists and decried the right to even live.

I discussed the current situation with a George W. Bush ideological "Free Trade" leader in early 2001. I pointed out to him that under his proposed system the USA would collapse and with it his power to persue his goals. I said, "Even if we do absolutely nothing to oppose you, we will collapse and your (new world order) order will collapse without army or money to support it." His response was, "I hope you enjoy your life in jail." This was obvious more than 10 years ago. Wake up. This crew will settle with nothing less than your life. You can accept no less a price for your cause. They will make you pay it. It is up to you to stand firm even at the cost of your life. It is your life at stake.

[-] 1 points by xxcONScIENcExx (172) 12 years ago

email sent

[-] 3 points by gjjemhunter (16) 12 years ago

Israel had a law called Jubilee in which all debt was forgiven every 50 years. Wouldn't it be great if we had a law like that - so we could all have a fresh start if we were deep in debt. We need to be the ones making the laws, not the elites.

[-] 1 points by TheBossRev (6) from Huntsville, AL 12 years ago

This will happen. The debts existing will collapse anyway. They are a mere fantacy that is about to fade away. Why should any man suffer an further delay or misery?

[-] 1 points by kestrel (274) 12 years ago

So any idea as to the availability of house loans, say one year before Jubilee?

[-] 1 points by SeaChange (134) 12 years ago

This is an amazing idea!

[-] 3 points by wilster200 (4) 12 years ago

You guys just fill me with admiration and love. Gentle power applied with courage and determination. Flexibility without compromise. Awesome!

[-] 3 points by ZPASTRONAUT (4) 12 years ago

The metamorphoses of a butterfly!

‘’Occupy is not necessarily about Socialist, communist, and Marxists ideologies. It is not something that can be defined by a word or a theory. It is a movement, something that is taking place in each successive day…’’ by KeenAwareness

Long live the butterfly!

Cheers!

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[-] 3 points by thefewminutes (19) 12 years ago

this happened to me! I was the Web Designer for Seattle University's Bookstore. Over the last few years as employees left/quit/died their positions were not re-filled; instead they adopted a policy of laying more work on existing employees...so called "Increased Productivity." It came my turn to get the axe, and the proposed change was twice as much work (including duties and work that was not in my job description) for a reduced salary. The salary would have been so reduced I wouldn't have been able to survive on it. Of course I refused, they fired me, killed my health insurance and retirement fund, and now I'm still looking for a job.

[-] 2 points by averagejoel (25) 12 years ago

freelance. There's all kinds of work out there. I am a freelancer and work is good everywhere. Best of luck to you.

[-] 2 points by thefewminutes (19) 12 years ago

that's what i've found too, just nothing permanent. paying for healthcare out of pocket now

[-] 0 points by Raward75 (6) 12 years ago

Made your choice to leave. Try finding a new job with that work record

[-] 2 points by thefewminutes (19) 12 years ago

my point was there really wasn't a choice. my point was that Seattle University Bookstore acted like the 1%, putting profits before people. It has nothing to do with my job status now.

[-] 3 points by 4ows (8) 12 years ago

The fees are completely insane. I got free education and med in my country but I cannot afford a single year abroad without a loan. It can be done, best of luck all!

[-] 5 points by SwissMiss (2435) from Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI 12 years ago

And we still have people fighting the concept that many other countries have incorporated and that they are very successful with. That just tells me one thing.... that the greedy want to continue to be allowed to be greedy and to benefit from the rest.

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[-] -1 points by Mooks (1985) 12 years ago

You did not get free education, someone else just paid for you.

[-] 5 points by janinerickard (5) 12 years ago

Yes, that's right, and "someone else", a euphemism for "we the people", SHOULD pay for each individual to have access to all the basics (food, shelter, education, health care, protection) in a society.

Mooks, I'm sure you enjoy breathing clean (er) air and drinking clean water. Do you, as a taxpayer, resent paying for these goods?

[-] 3 points by efschumacher (74) from Gaithersburg, MD 12 years ago

Clean air and clean water are nature's bounty and free to use. But you do have to pay to stop selfish folks from dirtying them up.

[-] 2 points by Mooks (1985) 12 years ago

Not at all. I don't mind paying for people's food stamps or Medicaid either. But I, as a taxpayer, do resent having to pay for someone to get a useless college degree. Not everyone needs or should go to college.

[-] 3 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

Don't you think the price of medication, education and everything the government pays for would go down if no one could afford the current price and the government didn't pay what ever ridiculous price the corporations set because they know the government will pay it?

[-] 0 points by Mooks (1985) 12 years ago

Maybe for some things. Definitely not all. I am a dentist and 1 or 2 days a month I see Medicaid patients. The reason I don't see more is that their reimbursements are so low that I basically break even once I pay my staff and for my supplies and stuff. Most dentists I know won't see a single Medicaid patient. In a lot of aspects of medicine, the government doesn't just pay any price, they are setting the price themselves.

[-] 1 points by Turtle (268) 12 years ago

'65% - 85% of reasonable and customary fees' is what I recall as the common rate paid by Medicaid, depending on which profession is involved, which is what those who creatively apply additional codes from the ICD-9 manual rely on.

I personally watched a $14,000 appendicitis become a $25,000 emergency surgery, simply because the anesthesiologist, the surgeon, and the hospital knew how to inflate costs by applying additional ICD-9 codes; that was the difference in estimated costs once they discovered that the patient was covered by Medicaid, instead of vending services for a cash payment, or standard/private health insurance coverage..

Likewise, I've seen similar uses of codes employed in taking what would've normally been a $350 dental check-up, cleaning, panoramic x-ray, and sealing, for a six-year-old patient, and booting it up to the $1,100 range; also with the use of creatively applied ICD-9 codes.

Many health-care pros have figured out how to compensate for the lower percentage of standard fees that Medicaid and Medicare pay out.

Who authors and approves the ICD-9 manual? Who authors and approves the DSM-4 manual? The professionals whose groups use these manuals in their day-to-day work.

Maybe you're not doing this yourself, but a bunch of docs, dentists, and MH practitioners are conducting business like this. And in the end, many of them are making -more- money than they would've had the client paid a flat-rate cash fee.

I've seen it as a mh cliniican, myself. And as a community member in the cases of the appendicitis and dental exams referenced above.

[-] 1 points by oilfieldandproudofit (40) 12 years ago

I did not know that, thanks

[-] 1 points by janinerickard (5) 12 years ago

Hmm, I'm quite perplexed at someone who would pay for welfare programs but not college.

Mooks, why do you call a college degree useless? Wasn't it useful to you, your staff and your patients to become a dentist?

[-] 1 points by Mooks (1985) 12 years ago

Not all college degrees are useless, but a lot are and I would not want to pay for them. As far as welfare, I also don't like paying for people to get junk food and then also paying for the health problems arising from the junk food. People should have a right to food, healthcare and a basic education. People need to use common sense though.

Of my staff, only my office manager has a 4-yr college degree. And they all make between $40-85K per year with great benefits. You don't need a college degree to be successful.

[-] 1 points by SeaChange (134) 12 years ago

@ Mooks - Who gets to decide?

[-] 1 points by 4ows (8) 12 years ago

Well the education system needs to be changed entirely, there is no arguing about that. I think Ken Robinson explains it very well on TED talks.

And you're right "someone else just paid for you", but I'll bet you they didn't pay half the amount a single student has to pay abroad (if you put all the fees together). Expenses are one thing, exploitation is another matter entirely.

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[-] 3 points by Coinyer101 (25) 12 years ago

Good luck. I will be following online from Arkansas.

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

So far I have abstained from posting in the Occupy Movement or participating other than attending a few weekends @ Occupy LA. I found it a very enlightening atmosphere there with no threat to my propensity to act out with equal force against police abuse. I don’t want to spoil or contribute what I feet as my right to resist illegal police force by any means necessary. I have re-posted loads and loads of pertinent information to a core of right wing FB friends (mostly family) who show some sign of understanding albeit with some resistance ( I reckon because it’ “wasn’t their idea”).

Police have behaved with the typical and predictable traits of their stereotype in other cities and I have done well to stay out of it; but so far, not so much in LA, I think in part because of the bicycle culture “inviting’ them to ride along on Midnight Ridazz & Critcal Mass rides and our history for city wide riots that spun out of control.

Now I think I can finally speak to this without provocative energy that could spoil the transcendence this movement has done well to maintain. I will say that I am on the fence about the probability of real change unless we seriously show our ability to unify and remain in solidarity despite our ideological conditioning of “us and them” which I still battle with daily. Whenever a grass movement has taken off, it has just been co-opted by a corporate punk/bitch/puppet ~ re packaged into a single issue platform an pitted against mainstream-media-hypnotized conservative minority projected as the national consensus. While the debate drags on of course the laws are morphed so that our original agenda is mooted by a worse crisis invented as a smokescreen. This has been a great source of frustration for me and appeals to an emotional pain body stemming from early childhood abuse and neglect. It is still lurking beneath the surface of my adult personality no matter how well I seem to manage it. Justice is my only salvation. I want Dick Cheney PROSCECUTED! I want the truth about the Twin Towers and Building 7. I want the banking institutions held accountable and I want the leaders of our nations today to stand with the people, not “Corporate Ghosts” who have no mother, can’t breath, bleed and won’t pay their share in taxes. Of course, I want all these things to transpire like the rest of the world seems to. ..but I do have a definitive demand that I am certain could be the key to real change for the good of all.

Here is my demand, it is not my original idea but in my own words ~ If there were one Golden Rule to abide by; the Silver Bullet, not to kill, but to defuse the concept of "Outside Other" or "Evil Bastard of the Enemy State" it is this: PLANET over PROFIT ! ! Assuring and upholding the right of our Earth to Exist, Persist and Evolve over Profit will surely benefit each of us before "Trickle Down Economics of Capitalist Rule" ever will. It must be accepted that every living thing has this right, that indeed our planet, our solar system our galaxy is a living conscious organism which we are only a tiny part of. Thanks to young and spirited and tenacious people of this movement for staying the course of non-violence even though I personally have limited faith in it. Thanks for the elders of the movement for your eloquence, experience and wisdom that you have so generously passed along to the rest of us since public education and corporate media have failed. Peace to our Planet, even (especially) those of us who think that monetary power is lasting.

[-] 1 points by WorldCitizen99 (20) 12 years ago

This is how the change happens -once an idea reaches critical mass it becomes part of our genome. The story of the hundredth monkey effect was published in the foreword to Lawrence Blair's Rhythms of Vision in 1975.[2] The claim spread with the appearance of Lifetide, a 1979 book by Lyall Watson. In it, Watson repeats Blair's claim. The authors describe similar scenarios. They state that unidentified scientists were conducting a study of macaques monkeys on the Japanese island of Koshima in 1952.[3] These scientists purportedly observed that some of these monkeys learned to wash sweet potatoes, and gradually this new behavior spread through the younger generation of monkeys—in the usual fashion, through observation and repetition. Watson then claimed that the researchers observed that once a critical number of monkeys was reached—the so-called hundredth monkey—this previously learned behavior instantly spread across the water to monkeys on nearby islands.

This story was further popularized by Ken Keyes, Jr. with the publication of his book The Hundredth Monkey. Keyes' book was about the devastating effects of nuclear war on the planet. Keyes presented the hundredth monkey effect story as an inspirational parable, applying it to human society and the effecting of positive change. Since then, the story has become widely accepted as fact and even appears in books written by some educators.

[-] 2 points by BreadLandPeace (359) 12 years ago

Wow, one more great action after another, it's like some Marxists have said: at a certain point a change in quantity becomes a change in quality. What great work! Thanks to everyone!

[-] 2 points by JesusofNazereth (5) from New Orleans, LA 12 years ago

Why are you wasting time with these schools, start your own, plenty of underpaid teachers would defect, what are you gonna get for all your debt, jobs that don't pay the bills?

[-] 2 points by Misenka141957 (61) 12 years ago

They must be sht...g in their pants. In addition to the strike you should all cast a vote of non-confidence against the regents and kick them out of their cozy dens. Replace them with people who trully represent you and your interests! One strike only is not going do a thing. You need to hit and hit hard once for all with no hesitation and swiftly.

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

Future Motives to OCCUPY: Failure of Super Committee (D.C. failure) & CEO of MF Global (Jon Corzine-Former politician of NJ) recently RESIGNED financial responsibility to help customers and use their money against regulations; HIDING $1.2Billion in Debt!!! 40 to 1 debt ratio!!! Please help communicate: the reformulation of people who hold jobs that have economic impact such as MADOFF, CORZINE & RICHARD S. FULD JR will pay for their responsibility if they hurt others economically!!!

Love from Austin,Texas

m/r

[-] 2 points by stephenadler (118) 12 years ago

Who ever wrote this piece did a very good job in communication the urgency of the action for Nov 28th. I'm hoping it was a student at UC Davis or attending one of the UC schools.

One bit which has puzzled me is the high rise in the cost of higher education. I would like to have someone chase the money to to see where the $100K of student debt accumulated is going. Are the salaries of the teachers going up? Are the taxes levied on the school property going up? Is the cost of electricity or internet access going up? It boggles my mind to understand why the cost of tuition has gone up much faster than the inflation. Is the education that much better than it was 20 or 30 years ago?

Is there a web resource which publishes the salaries of the presidents of these schools and the resources they directly control? (i.e. monies used to pay their staff working directly under them, their travel budgets, housing costs etc.) I'm wondering if a lot of the increase in the cost of education is just the fact that loans are being made to students who then go out and shop for the best education they get. More and more students are given loans and thus drive up an inflationary bubble, much like the housing market. But in the case of the housing market, what went up in price is the value of the property, (until the bubble popped.) But in the case of education, what is going up, or rather where is the money going?

[-] 2 points by stormy7 (2) 12 years ago

The proposal is the utopian ideal I envision for our country. But in my heart of hearts I believe it's too late. I back the movement 110% we have to fight for what is right.

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

we must concentrate on attacking the brutality and inhumanity of the ENEMY exposing the violence of the police to push them into a psychopathic breakdown and start fighting each other. so keep pushing Lt JOHN PIKE until he realises his neighbours know their children are not safe while he is on the streets.

[-] 1 points by TheBossRev (6) from Huntsville, AL 12 years ago

I do not like villifying the adversary though it seems necessary. We will have to live with these people when more calm peaceful times return. However; this will only be the beginning of sorrows for the USA. We must refuse to get mad, we must get effective.

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

the only way to beat a bully is public exposure. they like to keep their inhumanity secret. Lt JOHN PIKE is the tip of the iceberg! name and shame these bullies and push them into a breakdown. that's what they do to use with debts, foreclosures, homelessnesss, unemployment. so we are reflecting their celebrity and crucifixion society. so crucify Lt JOHN PIKE make him homeless and unemployed FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

[-] 2 points by PartyX (202) 12 years ago

As California raised tuition, so has other states. This is a very well written article that gets to the heart of the matter. Well Done!

[-] 2 points by Violetarojo (119) from Washington, DC 12 years ago

Can someone please add to this post specifically which four and where on the campus' it all begins. Thanks & God bless you!

[-] 2 points by Thisisthetime (200) from Kahlotus, WA 12 years ago

More Power to Occupy UC Davis. You are inspiring. Fair-ness.

[-] 2 points by bus352 (2) 12 years ago

(General Comment)---Hurray!! for the students and let it be a powerful strike on 11/28. This "greed" and the weakening of our educational system has sickened my stomach. There's no need for any tuition hikes period, ESPECIALLY now!!

[-] 2 points by jeon0169 (1) 12 years ago

All I'm going to say is Egypt know how to get things done

[-] 2 points by rcarmstrong (115) from Cadyville, NY 12 years ago

Here is a local band with a message (Lucid from Northern New York).

http://www.youtube.com/rulucid#p/a/u/2/atg9GeDx6KA

[-] 2 points by NICHE505 (1) 12 years ago

'The Occupy Movement' is the promise and threat of true Democracy in action. If you are against it, you are against true Democracy, so admit that. You have hat right, but do not be a hypocrite, claiming you are for democracy, then fighting the Occupy Movement,

[-] 0 points by jdnreha (85) 12 years ago

Now only if you knew what true Democracy is, you might rethink that statment

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

Dear President Yudof,

Kent State or current day Egypt. One of these is the path that you have chosen for protest at the University of California with your decision to do next to nothing. You must do better.

Non-violent protest/speech/assembly can never be met by violence, but violence has been the response of your university. UC Davis police made a false statement about why the students were attacked with chemical agents. Chancellor Katehi has made multiple false statements about the situation on her campus. You released a pathetic email yesterday.

Rectify the situation. Lt. Pike must be arrested. Chancellor Katehi must be fired. You must resign if you believe you have any dignity.

Occupy will prevail without regard to the path you choose. History will remember you by the path you choose.

Sincerely, A Peaceful Person

via email: President@ucop.edu

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

We must educate America by listening to what the experts understand and are telling us. A great educational movie of what is causing the current economic crisis created by experts.

INSIDE JOB Download Full Movie: http://uploading.com/files/1846c65b/ij.avi/

As the film follows the effects of the 2008 economic meltdown, it searches for a voice to be held accountable among the major players of the financial sector, finding none. No person or group of people could be found responsible, but speaker after speaker, what becomes clarified is that everyone in this chain was simply subjected to the commonly held value of “maximize your profit at any expense.” As long as everyone in the chain was getting what they wanted, everything seemed fine. However, when the system imploded, resulting in bankers having to lose those profits, and millions of people losing their homes and jobs, it shows how the commonly held value at every layer – “maximize your profit” – is in dire need of a revision.

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[-] 2 points by rcarmstrong (115) from Cadyville, NY 12 years ago

Here is a video that you might feel is apt, by Lucid, a homegrown band in Plattsburgh, NY

http://www.youtube.com/rulucid#p/a/u/1/5krLAWrIZEE

[-] 2 points by PetadeAztlan (113) from Sacramento, CA 12 years ago

Good information above. We are seeing more and more the money connections involved in the whole corrupt system. People are waking up more each day. We need to keep learning about how to fight for our humane rights with a variety of tactics. @Peta_de_Aztlan

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

So Serious is this that it needs to be in the Faces of the people.. here and abroad. NO ONE should be subjected to what our fellow Citizens fighting for our rights are being forced to take!

When you pepper spray the faces of our Students on their own campus, in a non violent stance.. you Pepper Spray the White House!

...The Mayor and the College President are attacking our Very Foundation of Freedom and Independence from suppressive Authority!

____Put this article in every Email you send .. Link it over Facebook and Twitter... Send a MESSAGE to your representatives... "NO MORE of this or there WILL Be Anarchy.. and YOU will be the ones held Responsible."

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

Awesome!

[-] 1 points by Truebeliever (6) 12 years ago

Why let the media label us as OWS, Occupy Wall Street? It sounds weak, and nebulous - not "catchy" if you get my meaning, the way "Tea Party" seemed to conjure up patriots (they are not!), but they created an image that they were... Can we add a T - so we become OWST (Occupy Wall ST) or Occupy Wall Street Together? My point is OWST pronounces OUST - and that is precisely what we all want! OUST the greedy bankers, OUST the politicians that let them, etc. I think OWST would be a rallying cry for everyone, the OWST "the system" that has preyed on us all. Thank you for listening. Signed -0WST (Oakland)

[-] 1 points by WorldCitizen99 (20) 12 years ago

Could one of the UC economic or history students explain how banks can eradicate all debt? This is what I am trying to figure out and have come up with so far. Money is fictional and right now it exists because banks says it does based on the interest they charge?

"We really have to start admitting the bankers have some kind of super genius understanding of reality and manipulation if we are to strive to expose this fact. They are in complete control of the situation – they could turn the economy around at any time. We are completely at their mercy. Banking is a pure profit industry. They just have a code to be so profitable or go out of business." (see source below) G. Edward Griffin, in providing a chapter-by-chapter summary of his 1994 book, The Creature from Jekyll Island, made this claim in the summary for chapter 8:

“Fractional money is defined as paper money with precious-metal backing for part, not all, of its stated value. It was introduced in Europe when goldsmiths began to issue receipts for gold which they did not have, thus only a fraction of their receipts was redeemable. Fractional money always degenerates into pure fiat money.“

The reason for this, which he doesn’t mention, is that whenever new money is created, only the principal is created, and never the interest.

Compound interest charges will always eventually outstrip the supply of new precious metal.

Griffin admits that a fractional gold standard is inherently flawed, and, therefore, the Federal Reserve wasn’t the ultimate cause of the failure of the gold standard in the U.S. in 1933.

Be wary, therefore, of anyone who does advocate a gold standard with less than 100% backing.

The reason for this, which he doesn’t mention, is that whenever new money is created, only the principal is created, and never the interest.

Compound interest charges will always eventually outstrip the supply of new precious metal.

Griffin admits that a fractional gold standard is inherently flawed, and, therefore, the Federal Reserve wasn’t the ultimate cause of the failure of the gold standard in the U.S. in 1933.

Be wary, therefore, of anyone who does advocate a gold standard with less than 100% backing.

Fiat money is money that has value only because of government regulation or law. The term derives from the Latin fiat, meaning "let it be done", as such money is established by government decree. Where fiat money is used as currency, the term fiat currency is used. Fiat money originated in 11th century China,[1] and its use became widespread during the Yuan and Ming dynasties.[2] The Nixon Shock of 1971 ended the direct convertibility of the United States dollar to gold. Since then all reserve currencies have been fiat currencies, including the dollar and the euro.[3] http://fauxcapitalist.com/2011/10/09/g-edward-griffin-a-fractional-gold-standard-always-leads-to-pure-fiat-money/

I wish these guys would get together and get the story straight. Bill Still says pretty much the opposite in The Money Masters about Colonial Scrip. It brought major prosperity to the colonies until England forced a change in policy and eventually started counterfeiting it off shore. My guess is it was loaned in small amounts to a lot of producers interest free. I think Lincoln was probably going to start loaning Greenbacks in this manner before he was shot. Obviously people were using generic IOU’s long before 13th century China. The banker always usurps and gets his sticky fingers involved whether there’s any gold involved or not. I would be wary of anyone who wants gold to have anything to do with book entry IOU’s. And anyone who believes the bank has any reserves and not just a number of how much cash it can create when the borrower walks into the bank has a very limited understanding of what “money” is and how it’s created. When the banker adds a dollar debit(on top of the principal debits) to the borrowers account for a loan fee or an interest charge, he is simultaneously adding a dollar credit to his own account – that is how the interest in addition to the principal is created. The principal credits are given to the borrower in the form of bills/coin or transferred by book entry into another’s account. The borrower then proceeds to capture the credits from the banker and the producing collective to give back to the bank to be extinguished when balanced with the debits. Just like when the bank sells a foreclosed home at auction – the credits are extinguished to curb inflation. We really have to start admitting the bankers have some kind of super genius understanding of reality and manipulation if we are to strive to expose this fact. They are in complete control of the situation – they could turn the economy around at any time. We are completely at their mercy. Banking is a pure profit industry. They just have a code to be so profitable or go out of business.

[-] 1 points by LidiaK222 (4) 12 years ago

Check out Change.org and sign some petitions !!! I have 2 petitions 1. Tell Congress we did not elect Norquist to speak for us , and 2. A lobbyist holds America hostage, and start some more petitions , you know "the pen is mightier then the sword , Please help !!, Thanks

[-] 1 points by adamaecompton (32) 12 years ago

uhm, you can't shut down learning... this will be one heck of a learning experience for all. . . jus saying. :) the whole world is watching... and learning. thank you.

[-] 1 points by RepublicanForSinglePayer (8) 12 years ago

As the mother of a son who is currently in college I support the students at UC Davis. They have a right to peacefully assemble and were brutally attacked. What is being done to college students in this country is financial terrorism.

The Predator State is Here!

[-] 1 points by ZenDogTroll (13032) from South Burlington, VT 12 years ago

If regents want to implement austerity

let them return their pay . . . .

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

Obama's inaugural address vs UC Davis spray. this is what this video is about. Please share if appreciate http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUTZr1TVUl4

[-] 1 points by mserfas (652) from Ashland, PA 12 years ago

What's truly sad is seeing the news about Anonymous "hacking" to obtain John Pike's name, e-mail, phone, and address. ( http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/anonymous-hackers-target-uc-davis-pepper-spray-cop-181722285.html ). Which cop assaults a citizen should not be a secret - nor is finding somebody's entry in the phone book what I'd call hacking. And yet, even that tiny bit is already blocked out of Yahoo and some other sites. (link at http://www.tech-ex.net/2011/11/anonymous-gives-pepper-spraying-cop-web.html ) Still, there's no law against saying somebody's phone number is 530-979-0184 (and surprisingly, Google has not yet upgraded its search to return every possible permutation of the digits in no particular order, though I'm sure it's on their work list...)

[-] 1 points by OurTimes2011 (377) from Arlington, VA 12 years ago

Yes! Keep it up. Way to go.

LOOK AT THAT CROWD!

Why is this not on every news channel?

[-] 1 points by CriticalThinker (140) 12 years ago

@ [-] Jimboiam (Tallahassee, FL) 1 points 1 hour ago

QUOTE No proof huh? Check post #5 http://vnnforum.com/showthread.php?p=1333630

I have no faith in our current leadership at all, but i am not willing to exchange it for some nutball marxist idea either. I will work to change it through our courts and electoral process. QUOTE

I have been trying that for too many years. It has not worked. When we throw one of the rats out, there are legion to replace them. SOSDD, I say. I, too, don't want a nutball idea either. Look at the citizens of Egypt and the circumstance they find themselves in. But, it is TIME to rid ourselves of this oligarchy, aristocracy, or plutocracy, or whatever it is we have.

[-] 1 points by CriticalThinker (140) 12 years ago

@ KeenAwareness Much of what you say has merit. Einstein's remark that one cannot find a solution to the problem with the thinking that created the problem is profound. I would take issue with your comment that ideally, we need not be governed, or put another way, we don't need government. With all due respect, our Federal Government is tasked with but TWO and two ONLY duties, to safeguard every individual's Rights, and to provide for the common defense. A necessary responsibility with what we are fighting for with corporatism and corruption, to be sure.

Secondly, state and municipal governments provide us with necessary functions as well. Roads, zoning, and the means with which to provide those services.

Please understand that I agree with you that government, especially Federal, is way out of bounds. They have created careers out of their positions, something I am convinced our Founding Fathers would oppose vociferously.

[-] 1 points by LoveAll22 (26) 12 years ago

The Internet gives us a unique opportunity in the history of mankind. It gives us a powerful medium to allow Love to expand. We have said "we are one" since the beginning of time, but it was difficult to see and feel that. The only mediums we had before now were word of mouth, print, snail mail, radio, etc. And all of these were very slow to reach others and were easily controlled by those in power. Now, the Internet gives us humans isntantaneous golobal information transfer. Love (and non-love) can flow freely. We must be careful because technology is a powerful medium and can be misused. But if we all stick to Love's principles of non-violence, equal distribtuon of the earth's resources for all, and gently reminding those who offer thoughts other than Love to let go of their fear, then Love will triumph.

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

I hope this continues until this government wakes up and finally does what The People want. We can no longer be ignored. They can no longer push what we want to the side and pretend like it doesn't exist. I am sick and tired of them pushing good ideas and bills to the side that will help The People. By the time they get finished shredding them up to fit what THEY want it is no where NEAR what we need or want. What do those politicians think they are getting paid to do, serve themselves?

[-] 1 points by qualsh (3) from Irvine, CA 12 years ago

As I commend your efforts, I think by making such a concerted effort against California schools, is a bit misguided. The regents board must be selected better, but I think you dilute the power of OWS when focusing your protests upon schools, that were promised a good deal by Wall Street, and also became the victim, just like all of us. You should all research who is on the boards, and what financial stakes they have. What corporations do they represent, or work for? Focus your efforts on the mechanisms of Wall Street, that have been taking advantage of public workers, like those that work at the universities, instead of shutting down their school, which was forced to raise tuition to make up for the holes that Wall Street left in pension funds, and forcing school staff and faculty to pay into their own benefit plans. Protesting the schools, and tuition hikes is fine, but you have to ask yourselves should you be focusing your efforts on them, or continue the saga solely against the financial world?

[-] 1 points by qualsh (3) from Irvine, CA 12 years ago

Just so you guys know: here is a link to the UC Regents biographies http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regbios/welcome.html A list of private corporate entities that may influence UC decision making: Blum Capital Partners, L.P. -- Newbridge Capital, LLC. -- Paramount Pictures' Motion Picture Group -- Makar Properties -- Banning Lewis Ranch Management Company -- Marcus & Millichap -- Essex Property Trust -- Westwood One -- Pegasus Capital Advisors -- Ruiz Foods -- Union Square Investments, Inc. -- Main Street Advisors

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

What is "Occupy Wall Street" by a OWS activist. NYC in less than 7 minutes explains the main reason and message of the movement please watch and share if it's useful. http://youtu.be/s7mWsNp9sy4

[-] 1 points by Nanaverm (3) 12 years ago

The austerity cuts need to begin with the Regents' salaries.

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

I read most of the posts, and I'm happy to see so many thoughtful comments. Obviously some people in the this country are educated in spite of the deteriorating and profit based system that higher education has become. I grew up in California and attended a state university (not a UC). In those days, both the state universities and the UCs had great programs, high standards and were financially accessible. Now almost everyhing is based on a business model that is at odds with the true idea of education. The UC system is diabolical and the students are right to protest. They pay more and more and get less and less in return. I hope the shutdown works. I know if I were a student today, I would be there with them. Although California voters elected Reagan and Schwartzenagger, there was a time when it was an enlightened place with high standards and good education. Now everything is based on greed, and the result is an economy and educational system circling the drain. I hope the idealism of the OWS movement reaches far and really changes the world for the better. The comfortable few should stop calling the protesters spoiled children. I have listened and read as much as I can, and they are anything but spoiled.

[-] 1 points by nullapars (10) from Sacramento, CA 12 years ago

We need a common demand, something simple that United We Stand for. We should call for a constitutional convention to change the way we choose our leaders and that makes it ILLEGAL TO GIVE MONEY TO POLITICIANS PERIOD. Take the money out of the system and we take away the weapon the rich have used to hijack our system and cause this mess. This is the way for the 99% to take back our government. The elected officials will never do it so we must. It's a simple message that is easy to understand and hard to be against. TAKE THE MONEY OUT OF POLITICS make all forms of campaign contributions and political donations illegal. A specific message the media has to cover because everyone is demanding it.No other single change could solve so many of our problems. Anything short of this wont work. Imagine how things would be if this were accomplished. I also think we need to get rid of the electoral college and implement term limits for everyone in congress. More info at http://uws1.weebly.com/

[-] 1 points by DonQuixot (231) 12 years ago

See the 10 points proposed by Michael Moore in his website. It's like the New US Constitution for the 21st century to substitute the old constitution that was bought by Wall Street and converted into toilet paper by the Patriot Act.

[-] 1 points by ZenDogTroll (13032) from South Burlington, VT 12 years ago

Shut them down I say.

Sing John Lennon songs. He isn't my fav musician today - but I'm sure it is both a sound and a symbolism that these geezers not only recognize and are familiar with, but one which will induce tremendous amounts of

cognitive dissonance

within their own minds . . .

And be sure to chant:

Occupy Your Mind

hehe!

; D

[-] 1 points by revrevrev (7) 12 years ago

Marie Antoinette: Let them eat cake. Newt Gingrich : Go get a job right after you take a bath.

[-] 1 points by RomCath (24) 12 years ago

La Renaissance américaine du 21ème siècle!

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

I just have to shake my head, here we have a call for action at UC Davis, and what do people do, debate doctrines in comment sections? The movement is about creating “actions”, did I miss a memo or something? Sorry, but I am getting dizzy by this constant barrage of intellectual narcissism found at every site I visit and every article I read. Not to mention the other half with half-baked comments that seems to come out of South Park. ACTION people, that’s what ACTIVSM is.

Ok, I feel better now.

[-] 1 points by Bellaciao29 (99) 12 years ago

Inequality, war, brutality, destruction of the human dignity descend from the blind greed that characterized the men who lived in the caves. There's only a way to go out of this bestial situation: to rid of the capitalism.

[-] 1 points by freeows (84) 12 years ago

S O L I D A R I T Y!!!!!!!! (With UC Davis and all college students!)

Kids, it's your time to SPEAK UP and arm yourselves to protect every right you should have like your parents! You have the absolute right of "American Dream". You have the absolute right of high education. A small group of the powerful and the greedy people are trying to take these them away from you.

STUDENTS UNITE! Across the country.

[-] 1 points by va1 (3) 12 years ago

Remember UC regents and chancellor raises on 250K+ salaries a few years back, all while tuitions fees were doubling? Remember how they argued that they needed that kind of pay to stay 'competitive' with the private sector? It was, and still is, a disgusting display of greed. No administrator should be making more than 80K a year. Beyond a living salary (which 80k would be more than enough for most), serving the public would be its own reward. I bet you can find the right people that are more than competent, in fact, MORE competent and willing to serve their UC system for 80K a year. Paraphrasing UC Davis English prof, Nathan Brown, teachers and professors are assets to the university. Administrators like Kitehi ARE NOT. Raise adjunct and professor pay, the real assets of educational communities; lower tuition for students, our society's future assets; CAP ADMIN/REGENT/CHANCELLOR PAY AT 80K. It won't completely solve the tuition issue as admin pay is a tiny fraction of overall UC budgets...but if students have to suffer, worthless bureaucrats shouldn't be getting royal treatment. It's time to end the mirroring of pay of public work to the so-called 'market' value of their jobs... if anything we've learned in recent history, the market is broken and flawed, and is not a worthy model that reflects true value.

[-] 1 points by Justice2999 (1) 12 years ago

Where Does Occupy Wall Street Go From Here? ...a proposal from Michael Moore: I read Michael Moore's e-mail and completely agree. It is my hope that the Occupy Movement will begin to pass out flyers at Malls and other commercial venues where the American public is most accessible. Many have listened to News Reports that are unfavorable to the movement and question your purpose. Just like Mr. Moore, make it plain. Be Well.

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

YES!

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

free markets, globalization, outsourcing have completely damaged the education system in India..when India opened up its markets around late 90's for the IT revolution and call centers, they needed more and more technical staff, so they went on and completely diluted the requirements of engineering colleges, the number of engineering colleges skyrocketed to 10000s in matter of 10 years all similarly backed by providing heavy student loans..even poultry farms and primary schools were modified into engineering colleges..all these graduates are half baked....one cannot imagine how good a bridge will be if build by a civil engineer graduated from these colleges...the quality of education is spoiled in India for the welfare of the outsourcing...

[-] 1 points by Larry (3) 12 years ago

Article 23 [War] The American Democracy Council shall declare war, conclude and ratify treaties and agreements, unless it authorizes the Legislature to do so.

Article 24 [Martial Law]The American Democracy Council shall make decisions concerning martial law or the state of emergency whenever there is a threat to the internal or external security of the State and whenever the American Democracy Council deems it necessary for the protection and defense of the American Democracy.

Article 25 [Emergency] The American Democracy Council shall make decisions concerning martial law or the state of emergency whenever there is a threat to the internal or external security of the State and whenever the deems it necessary for the protection and defense of the American Democracy.

Article 26 [Armed Forces] The State alone is empowered to establish the Armed Forces who shall protect the people and insure the security of the country, its republican system, and national unity.

Article 27 [Judiciary] The aim of judicial decisions shall be the protection of the principles of the community and the rights, dignity, and freedom of individuals.

Article 28 [Judges] Judges shall be independent. In the exercise of their functions, they shall be free from any authority except that of the law and their conscience. Appointed by the American Democracy Council.

Article 29 [Verdicts] Verdicts are pronounced and executed in the name of the people. Article 30 [Recourse] Everyone has the right to resort to the Courts in accordance with the law.

Article 31 [Criminal Justice] (a) Crime and penalty are only determined by law. (b) The penalty is personal and can only be exercised by the American Democracy. (c) The defendant shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. All necessary guarantees for the exercise of his defense shall be provided. The accused or imprisoned shall not be subjected to mental or physical harm. (D) Accused is provided with an attorney at the expense of the state. (E) The death penalty is banned.

Chapter III Miscellaneous and Transitory Provisions

Article 33 [Old Constitution] The Constitution, its amendments, and all related consequences are annulled.

Article 34 [Old Law] All existing provisions of laws, decrees, and regulations which are not in conflict with the provisions set forth in this constitutional proclamation remain in effect. References to the Old Constitution in these laws shall be regarded as references to the American Democracy Council and reference to the former United States of America shall be regarded as reference to the American Democracy.

Article 35 [New Laws] Decisions, statements, and orders issued by the American Democracy Council since Date of Adoption of New Constitution and before the issue of this constitutional proclamation shall have the power of law and supersede all contrary provisions. They can be annulled or amended only in accordance with the procedure defined in the present constitutional proclamation.

Article 36 [Promulgation] New laws shall be published in the Official Journal and they shall be in effect at the date of publication unless it is otherwise stated.

Article 37 [Permanent Constitution] (1) The present constitutional proclamation shall be in effect until a permanent constitution is issued. It will be amended by the American Democracy Council only in case of necessity and in the interest of the American Democracy. (2) This Proclamation is to be published in the Official Journal.

Adopted this ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬__ 2011

Signers:

[-] 1 points by Larry (3) 12 years ago

Article 8 [Property] Public ownership is the basis of the development of society, of its growth and of self-sufficiency in production. Private ownership, if it is non-exploitative, is protected. Expropriation will take place only in accordance with the law. Inheritance is a right which will be governed by needs of the American Democracy.

Article 9 [Planning] The state will institute a system of national planning covering economic, social, and cultural aspects. Cooperation between the private and public sectors will be necessary for the achievement of the goals of economic development.

Article 10 [No Titles] The creation of honorary titles and civilian ranks is prohibited. All titles granted to the members of the former leaders and to followers are abolished.

Article 11 [Asylum] The extradition of political refugees is prohibited. Our borders are open to all who wish to participate in the American Democracy.

Article 12 [Home] The home is inviolable and shall not be entered or searched except under the circumstances and conditions defined by the law.

Article 13 [Expression] Freedom of Opinion is guaranteed within the limits of public interest and the principles of the American Democracy.

Article 14 [Education] Education is a right and a duty for all people. It is compulsory until the end of the primary school. The State guarantees this right through the establishment of schools, institutes, and universities, and of pedagogical and cultural institutions in which education is free. The creation of private schools will also be regulated by law. The State is particularly anxious to enhance the physical, intellectual, and moral development of the youth.

Article 15 [Health] Health care is a right guaranteed by the American Democracy through the creation of hospitals and health establishments, clinics in accordance with the law.

Article 16 [Defense] Defense of the homeland is a duty. Military service is an honor for the people. Defense of a citizen’s personal property is encouraged; the private ownership of firearms is banned.

Article 17 [Taxation] No tax will be imposed, modified, or cancelled and no one will be exempted from paying taxes except in accordance with the law and a vote of the American Democracy Council.

Chapter II System of Government

Article 18 [American Democracy Council] The American Democracy Council constitutes the supreme authority in the United States of America. It will exercise the powers attached to national sovereignty, promulgate laws and decrees, decide in the name of the people the general policy of the American Democracy, and make all decisions it deems necessary for the protection of the American Democracy and people..

Article 19 [President, Legislature and Judiciary] (1) The American Democracy Council appoints the President ,the Legislative and Judicial levels of the government.. It may appoint deputies for the President and Legislature and Judicial without portfolio. It may discharge the President, Legislative and Judicial and accept their resignation. But the resignation of the President carries with it the resignation of all Legislators. (2) The American Democracy insures the execution of the general policy of the Government in accordance with the decisions of the American DemocracyCouncil. (3) The American Democracy is collectively responsible before the American Democracy Council. Each Member is responsible for his department before the President.

Article 20 [Promulgation] The President, Legislature and Judiciary shall study and prepare all projects of law within the framework of the general policy outlined by Article 19. It will then forward the proposed texts to the American Democracy Council for consideration and promulgation.

Article 21 [Budget] Matters relative to the general budget of the State are instituted by law and those concerning the final accounts are subject to ratification by the American Democracy Council

Article 22 [Joint Meetings] The American Democracy Council may, at the request of its President or two of its members, hold a joint meeting with the Legislature .

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[-] 1 points by Larry (3) 12 years ago

In the name of the All Peoples , and the American people of the United States of America , who pledged to restore their freedom, enjoy the wealth of their land, live in a society in which every citizen has the right to prosperity, equality and well-being, who are determined to break the restraints which impede their growth and their development, who will stand with their brothers and sisters from all parts of the peoples of the world in the struggle for the restoration of every inch of American land desecrated by imperialism, corporate greed and for the elimination of all obstacles which prevent world unity .

In the name of the American People who believe that peace cannot be achieved without justice and equality, who are conscious of the importance of strengthening the ties which unite them with all the people of the world who are struggling against imperialism and corporate greed; who understand fully that the alliance of reaction and imperialism and corporate greed is responsible for their underdevelopment despite the abundance of their natural resources, and for the corruption which spread through the governmental apparatus; who are conscious of their responsibility in the establishment of a national, democratic, progressive, and unitary government.

In the name of the popular will, expressed on October 20 by the United People of the World and America who overthrew the imperialistic and corporate oligarchy and proclaimed the American Democracy in order to protect and strengthen the people of the world until it attains its objectives of freedom, collectivism, and unity and equality for all.

The present Constitutional Proclamation is made to provide a basis for the organization of the state during the phase of completion of the national and democratic revolution, until a permanent constitution is prepared, defining the objectives of the American Democracy and outlining the future course.

Chapter I The State

Article 1 [Principles] United States of America is a democracy, and free republic in which sovereignty is vested in the people. The American people are part of the United Nations. Their goal is total unity of all the people of the world. The American territory is a part of North America. The name of the country is the United States of America.

Article 2 [State Religion, Language] The United States of America endorses no religion and there is no official Language. The state protects religious freedom in accordance with established customs.

Article 3 [Solidarity, Family] Social solidarity constitutes the foundation of national unity. The family a unit of two or more individuals based on religion, morality, and patriotism and personal preference, is the foundation of society.

Article 4 [Work] Work in the American Democracy is a right, a duty, and an honor for every able-bodied citizen. Public functions are the duty of those who are put in charge of them. The goal of the state employees in discharging their duties is to serve the people.

Article 5 [Equality] All citizens are equal before the law, equality is the highest purpose of the American Democracy.

Article 6 [Collectivism] The aim of the state is the realization of collectivism through the application of social justice which forbids any form of exploitation. The state endeavors, through the edification of a collectivist community, to achieve self-sufficiency in production and equity in distribution. Its aim is to eliminate peacefully the disparities between social classes and to attain a society of prosperity. Its inspiration is its diversity and heritage, humanitarian values and the specific conditions of the human society.

Article 7 [Economy] The state will endeavor to liberate the national economy from dependence and foreign influence, and to turn it into a productive national economy, based on public ownership by the American people and on private ownership by individual citizens.

[-] 1 points by Gypsea (3) 12 years ago

Michael Moore is not the best spokesperson . He does not understand the law. A "FREEMAN"on the land that knows the law and THE LEGAL LANGUAGE knows that when a child is born and registered the govt. forms a Corporation in his name and trades on it .On Michaels list his #10 (B) refers to laws not for corporations etc. this could be tricky if you don't know the law......Gypsea

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

They're saying that OWS whites are still Reparations Offenders and hypocritical white devils because we didn't fight for economic equality for them (blacks) until the financial meltdown began to affect our lives - and they're saying it (the financial crisis) really hasn't significantly impacted our lives. Now they are asking whether we (OWS whites) and the police should all be imprisoned and or executed. http://blackfootsoldiers.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/white-occupy-wall-street-ows-reparations-offenders-racist-university-of-california-police-regime-terrorists-condemned-are-boths-criminal-actions-imprisonment-execution-worthy/

http://blackfootsoldiers.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/occupy-wall-street-ows-whites-r-repara-tions-offenders-still-dangerous-psychotic-devils-nbfsn-condemns-hypocrisy/

http://underprivilegedjournalism.blogspot.com/2011/10/breaking-white-occupy-wall-street.html

What can we do to help blacks who got left behind and don't know we're in a post racial America get up to speed?

[-] 1 points by colofreebird (14) 12 years ago

Who is voting in this vote? just the regents or is this an election type of vote? Also what is at stake with the vote?

[-] 1 points by ZPASTRONAUT (4) 12 years ago

History similarity’s

France - Nanterre University - March 1968 USA - California University - November 2011

''Before 5 o’clock a small group led by Cohn-Bendit and composed by militants who had participated in all the recent demonstrations in Nanterre, disrupts the class and says: ''At 5 o’clock meeting in the amphitheater X to discuss what to do in face of the repressive conspiracy so menacing (Reference to the blacklists made by the college administration. Aiming all political activists, particularly anarchists and the RANUC - Resident Association of the Nanterre University Campus) ’’... Meeting involving 600 to 700 students: Discussion on measures to be taken, resolution of occupying the administrative sector where the debates will take place: University-critical, anti-imperialist combat and capitalism today. The conditions for cohesion - opposition to bourgeois society were launched...''

[-] 1 points by dealdoctor (148) 12 years ago

Fantastic! Here is the Occupy Global Anthem. Let it inspire you for the General Strike! It will. http://tinyurl.com/7mxokbc

[-] 1 points by JosephCouture (45) 12 years ago

It seems that despite all the cutting back everywhere, there is enough suffering to go around for everyone. In one case, a young family torments a life they find meaningless before snuffing it out. In another, a homeless man gives up hope of anything any better.

But a few brave souls have decided to carry on and find a way. Read about it all here: “Preoccupied In Hell” and “Cruelty: Great Fun for the Whole Family”

www.josephcouture.com

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[-] 0 points by WolfThom (90) 12 years ago

100 Facts

http://www.china-intern.de/page/wirtschaft-hintergrund/1318019478.html

Secrets of the temple

From Publishers Weekly In this penetrating study of the Federal Reserve Board in the Reagan era, Rolling Stone writer Greider (The Education of David Stockman) views the "Fed" chairman (until recently Paul Volcker) as the "second most powerful" officer of government, the high priest of a temple as mysterious as money itself, its processes unknown to the public and yet to be fully understood by any modern president. Controlling the money supply by secretly buying and selling government bonds and thus affecting interest rates, the Fed can manipulate billions in business profits or losses and millions in worker employment and stock, bond or bank account values, the author explains. Greider's conclusions are startling at times. The Fed, he maintains, could have prevented the 1929 crash. He also asserts the "awkward little secret" that the federal government deliberately induces recessions, usually to bring down inflation and interest rates. A time-consuming but extremely informative read. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. -- Dieser Text bezieht sich auf eine vergriffene oder nicht verfügbare Ausgabe dieses Titels. From Library Journal The recent retirement of Paul Volcker as chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System seems an appropriate time to look at the man and at the system itself. William R. Neikirk's Volcker ( LJ 10/15/87) brought out the subject's personality, convictions, and modus operandi. Greider ( The Education of David Stockman, LJ 10/15/82) touches on these characteristics, but focuses on the system's influence on world economy. Greider throws much light on how our nation's unelected managers of monetary policy make day-to-day decisions. A very readable narrative, recommended for academic and public libraries. M. Balachandran, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Urbana-Champaign Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. -- Dieser Text bezieht sich auf eine vergriffene oder nicht verfügbare Ausgabe dieses Titels.

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[-] 0 points by Sharpie933 (20) 12 years ago

You guys can call yourself official sounding names like "The General Assembly" and have "delegates" and "marshals" and stuff, but the titles you bestow upon yourself mean just as much as the guys who call themselves Commander So-and-so at the Star Trek convention. I'm suggesting that if you are going to be calling yourselves made up titles, at least make it something fun like "Xenomorph Laser Gunner" or something.

[-] 0 points by kestrel (274) 12 years ago

I have a really radical idea.... since no one is forced to attend college or attend this particular college... why doesn't all those who don't like the UC system, find another system they do like? Most will never use their degree anyway...

[-] 0 points by MVSN (768) from Stockton, CA 12 years ago

One of the main reasons why education costs keep rising is the continueing rise in the bureaucracy of the schools. Too many people with jobs that have nothing to do with actually teaching anything.

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[-] 0 points by frankchurch1 (839) from Jersey City, NJ 12 years ago

Thanks right wing America for proving that you hate freedom. Sicking the cops on us just made us stronger. Yes! We! Did!

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[-] -1 points by MVSN (768) from Stockton, CA 12 years ago

I just knew that sooner or later the U.N. Would be brought up as the solution to the worlds problems. The IQ around here is astounding.

[-] -1 points by skeptical (14) 12 years ago

Wow - so forget changing people's minds when they vote - you're for stopping the vote altogether? Incredible - kiddies - this is America - we vote - get used to it.

[-] 1 points by SeaChange (134) 12 years ago

This is an undemocratic vote in which the students affected have no say. (did you even read the article?). In that sense it is just another echo of our national corporatocracy of the elite.

[-] -1 points by skeptical (14) 12 years ago

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.... grow up, kids- shake loose those adbuster puppet strings - do you not see how you are being used?

[-] -3 points by ComunistUSA (58) 12 years ago

The Communist Takeover Of America - 45 Declared Goals

  1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.
    1. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.
    2. Develop the illusion that total disarmament [by] the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.
    3. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.
    4. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.
    5. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.
    6. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.
    7. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.
    8. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.
    9. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.
    10. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)
    11. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.
    12. Do away with all loyalty oaths.
    13. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.
    14. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.
    15. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
    16. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.
    17. Gain control of all student newspapers.
    18. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.
    19. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.
    20. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.
    21. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."
    22. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."
    23. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
[-] 1 points by mserfas (652) from Ashland, PA 12 years ago

Wait a minute - your anti-communist position then is that America should prefer atomic war to coexistence, impose censorship, outlaw political parties, control media, etc.?

[-] 0 points by ComunistUSA (58) 12 years ago

With this list you can't pick and choose. It's all or none!

[-] 1 points by mserfas (652) from Ashland, PA 12 years ago

If I really thought it was all or nothing between nuclear war and Bolshevism, I'd be waving the red flag. Fortunately it is not so.

[-] -3 points by ComunistUSA (58) 12 years ago
  1. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.
    1. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."
    2. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
    3. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."
    4. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
    5. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."
    6. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
    7. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.
    8. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.
    9. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
    10. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.
    11. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.
    12. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.
    13. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand [or treat].
    14. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.
    15. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
    16. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.
    17. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use ["]united force["] to solve economic, political or social problems.
    18. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.
    19. Internationalize the Panama Canal.
    20. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction [over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction] over nations and individuals alike.
[-] 1 points by LoveAll22 (26) 12 years ago

What are you afraid of? That the bad guys will come and take away our "freedom"? (Look at the UC Davis video - we do not have freedom). The Illusion is this: there are no bad guys, no them. We are all just people looking to have a loving realtionship with our families and with Mother Earth. Of course there are people with power who wish to expand it at all costs. But those people are few in number and we can easily disable their power by refusing to believe in their illusions and lies. Let the light of Love into your heart, if only for a few moments, and see if you can feel a change. Imagine the laugh of a baby and the smile of someone in love, and then try to feel the fear of the Illusions. Love and fear can not exist in the heart at the same time.

[-] 0 points by ComunistUSA (58) 12 years ago

I don't think laughing and smiling were primary concerns for the people in the shallow graves last time there was a communist take over.

[-] 1 points by SeaChange (134) 12 years ago

Dr. Strangelove anyone? You forgot the part about your vital fluids.

[-] 2 points by GeneralJDRipper (2) from New York, NY 12 years ago

We can no longer sit back and allow Communist infiltration, Communist indoctrination, and the international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids.