Occupy Wall Street Thanksgiving
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 23, 2011, 10:51 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
This Thanksgiving, Occupy Wall Street is celebrating unity and community with an open feast at Liberty Square. From 2 to 6 p.m. at Liberty Square (Zuccotti Park) we will meet to share food, stories and inspiration. All members of our global community are invited to break bread with us.
"This is all about supporting the 99%,” said Megan Hayes, an organizer with the #OWS Kitchen working group, and a former high end chef. “So many people have given up so much to come and be a part of the movement because there is really that much dire need for community. We decided to take this holiday opportunity to provide just that – community."
More than three thousand individually wrapped plates will be distributed on Thursday in accordance with New York State Health Code. People in the community have opened their homes to cook meals. Roger Fox in New Jersey will be making 250 meals, Mia Valh and Alia Gee are also making large numbers of meals. A lot of community organizations are involved and Liberty Cafe in East NY donates space for the #OWS Kitchen working group.
Locally owned family business, Texas BBQ will be providing 2,000 of the meals. They are being purchased with donated funds and will be served along with the home-cooked meals from supporters and food from the People’s Kitchen at Occupy Wall Street. The Owners of Texas BBQ are Egyptian and are supporters of the Occupy Movement.
Indigenous voices, religious leaders, food justice activists and leaders from peoples’ movements around the world are speaking on Thursday at Liberty Square. Occupy Thanksgiving is a celebration for the entire New York community. All are invited.
There will also be a can food drive. Donations of cans will go to local food banks and pantries throughout NYC.
For the first time in 25 years I am hopeful. We are a force to be reckoned with now that our power is knowledge. Go Occupiers I am with you in spirit but too disabled to be present. I'm going to make a donation. Thank you for what you are doing.
I couldn't agree more. For the first time in my life, this movement feels to me like we are coming together to build something, rather than be against something. The dominant sentiment I hear is one of hope and of new ideas, that together we really can build a better world for our children. Mother Teresa once said, "I will attend a peace rally all day, but I will not attend an anti-war rally". That is subtle and profound and it is what OWS is all about. Godspeed all!
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The thanks giving decor ion our home includes native American and Puritans along with a picture of "Bone" Herrington our first native American astronaut. We are so proud of our global heritage as we move into this galactic cycle we circle the wagons of Earthlings to meet the challenge of cosmoclimatology. Working together to meet these challenges, sharing common goals will bring a real experience of kinship and respect for the sovereignty of all nations.
What's typical about it?
your comment made me smile :)
Me too!
And thank you for what you are doing.
Yeah for thesecond time since the beginning of this OWS movement as a Native American I am ashamed to have been part of this Occupy movement. The first was that they chose the word Occupy while this country has been Occupied for 519 years. Now I have to hold my breath as OWS decides to rubberstamp genocide. I am done with this.
Dear Brother (or Sister): I am a descendant of mixed races who have all known colonization throughout Western Civilization's history...that means white as well as black and every shade in between. I embrace OUR collective global ancestry into the heart of Eastern Africa and the origins of homo sapiens as well as australopithicenes. I view The Occupy Wall Street movement as the first generation united around the world by technology to recognize that we can finally collectively heal the wounds caused by millennia of warring factions over so-called "scarce resources" throughout our history. There is a new social paradigm at work. Just because the first "Thanksgiving" is one that began with good intentions but ended with genocidal repercussions is not the reason to throw out a movement which is looking to change a social paradigm that's as old as the Ice Age. I don't care what color people are or what their culture is. I look at the whole current economic system as being one based on humanity's need to survive during millennia without the technology we have now. We are finally able to communicate in ways our ancestors never did, and we can begin to heal and change the way we used to relate to each other. It's time for a new global healing.
I think you are right that technology has helped create the new social paradigm. The citizens of the world are fed up trying to go about our business and survive while the war mongers strive for more power (and end up with millions of innocents killed in the process). We need to fix our problems here and position ourselves to help our brothers and sisters across the globe.
Yes, divineright, I agree completely with your comment. We need to fix the problems here and definitely position ourselves to help all our brothers and sisters across the globe. I know many of the activists and groups who are working in OWS first started 12 years ago with the anti-globalization movement, first against the World Trade Organization (Seattle 1999), and then against the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's unfair austerity measures imposed with loans to the Third World countries as they emerged from neocolonialism and tried to gain independence in the 1960s. So I know their heart is there, many of those informed activists were working to end that economic injustice, they are the kindest people I know. We have to start somewhere.
I'm glad to hear we have some people with serious experience on our side. Thanks for your post and for working to make a difference.
Just because "the first Thanksgiving: is one that began with good intentions? Really? Seriously? Umm It was a celebration of the murder of 700 human beings. What good intentions are you speaking of?
I completely agree with you that Thanksgiving is a holiday based on lies and murder. At the same time - the very fact that our country is based on lies and murder is the reason why we have to come together. 500 years of history cannot be unwritten, and nothing will change if we are "done" with the movement when it does one thing wrong. Things will change when we see that as an opportunity for moral growth within the movement. We should see it as a responsibility to participate in the true democracy built within the movement and make our voice heard.
Solidarity
I am pissed about what the white man has done and continues to do to the indigenous of this land (I am of mixed ancestry.... indigenous, Mexican, and European). I, however, don't think OWS was trying to align itself with the genocide that occurred to the indigenous of this land. I do think that 99.99% of Americans need to become educated about it and Thanksgiving, though. My feelings and sympathies lie with the indigenous of this land and of the many lands around the world who have experienced the atrocities of white man.
Perhaps we could see this as an attempt to make things better for the future and to unite all peoples. No one can change the past (unfortunately), but they can make a better future for all. I completely understand your feelings, but seeing it from a different angle could help.
About using the word "occupy", this movement is evolving each day, and there are so many layers of issues that need to be fixed.... including what the indigenous have suffered since the inception of the USA. I think it takes time to unravel all of these layers.
I hope you reconsider and give OWS another chance. The indigenous voice matters and needs to be heard.
"Lakota historian Nick Estes talks about Thanksgiving & his book “Our History Is the Future,” & the historic fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock.
“This history … is a continuing history of genocide, of settler colonialism and, basically, the founding myths of this country,” says Estes, who is a co-founder of the Indigenous resistance group 'The Red Nation' and a citizen of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe."
"Lakota Historian Nick Estes on Thanksgiving, Settler Colonialism and Continuing Indigenous Resistance" (13m Video): https://www.democracynow.org/2022/11/24/lakota_historian_nick_estes_on_thanksgiving
& https://truthout.org/articles/thanksgiving-can-never-be-redeemed-from-its-colonial-past-lets-abolish-it/ - by Amrah Salomón
respice; adspice; prospice!
What drove me crazy was that so many Occupy sites did recognize the day of mourning. Why not OWS the flagship of this movement? Kind of crazy. That is why I was sooooo surprised it seemed to be a deliberate attempt to say "see we are nrmal white bread americans just like you." The 99% are not white. Some are white. Inclusiveness will get us farther than pretending we are just like the status quo.
"What drove me crazy was that so many Occupy sites did recognize the day of mourning. Why not OWS the flagship of this movement?"
I'm not sure. Maybe they missed the boat on it. I think you should address the issue with the OWS to help them become more aware from now on.
"Inclusiveness will get us farther than pretending we are just like the status quo."
Agreed. I'd like to see more groups become "splinter groups" of the OWS.... groups of minorities and others who have been pummeled for so long.
I have just learned something from your post--I did not know anything at all about the falsehoods of the Thanksgiving holiday and so I do apologize for my ignorance. By good intentions, I originally meant only that people today want to believe there was a time when the "settlers and the Indians" could get along, even though most do realize that what eventually happened is that the settlers committed genocide. Most Americans have absolutely no clue about the details of this sordid history. As a Filipino American, my own heritage is a mix of the colonizer (Spanish) and the indigenous -- and like the Native Americans; I too, did not know about another omission in U.S. history books while I was growing up, not until many decades later. Many know of the Spanish American War, but not of a Philippine-American War at the turn of the 20th century, where the U.S. came to help the Filipino rebels against the Spanish and help them win independence; however, the U.S. then refused to recognize their independence and instead turned the country into a "territory"...the war lasted over a decade. This I found only after someone told me about Pulitzer Prize-winning Stanley Karnow's book "In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines". And I also, learned of other history that's been hidden: African contributions to civilization...in religion, mathematics, etc... that, too has been kept from students.
I also forgot to mention Christopher Columbus and the Taino Indians. (Undoubtedly the same happened in the Philippines--I used to be embarrassed that world circumnavigator Magellan was slain by the indigenous tribes in the Philippines--but after reading about what Columbus did to the Tainos in his demands for gold, I can just imagine why Magellan may have angered the islanders he encountered, only the islanders won, temporarily.) Oh, and Captain Cook on the big Island of Hawaii--he too was slain... I should probably add that I learned this hidden history from political activists--and especially, progressives-- who are interested in humanity as a whole... they love to travel, love diverse cultures (I should know because I married one who is a Russian Jew) and have a social conscience... and yes, they do have a hidden guilt about "white privilege". I've been pleasantly surprised to find how many of my progressive friends/acquaintances who were passionate about the anti-globalization movement 10 years ago, are now involved in Occupy Wall St. So please don't give up, we are forging something important here...
I learned absolutely NOTHING about what the U.S. has done in the 4 public schools I went to growing up. All we were told was about "what good" white man did when he came to this side of the world. It's all absolute bullshit. I'm pissed about the lies that were fed to us in the guise of education.
Wonderful words! Let me show you this video. More precisely - a set of frames. This is a message to everyone. And, to your great people! Although, actually, it's not just the message, but and a solution. That no one can beat. And, I hope that this is our future.
I couldn't have said it better... or more succinctly... BEAUTIFUL. btw... Here is what I believe to be your words made real...http://dl.dropbox.com/u/50500650/yourtopia-your%20official%20final%20beginning.pdf
It wasn't the first Thanksgiving. DO the research. IT wss the first 100 Thanksgiving's that were celebrations of victory over Indians. Would OWS celebrate a holiday that started out to honor Hitler? THis is not ok, This is not a progression. I don't care if you are a full blooded Indigenous person, if you don't care about this you aren't anti-imperialist.
Do you really think everyone sits around the Thanksgiving meal to give thanks for killing all of the natives in this country? Honestly, that's retarded. Sure you have some valid points about the scandal surrounding this holiday, but at this point, it's not worth causing a problem about it. The true intentions of the holiday TODAY is to bring people, families and communities together to give thanks for whatever is in their hearts. Sharing food with the community and donating food is for good intentions, not for the evil intentions of our ancestors. Besides, if you ever want justice for your history, you first need to remove power from those who really DON'T care what you have to say
Isn't that racist, indigenous people express themselves and white people say? "That's retarded" Today is a day that still uses the same racist stereotypes and lies to reinforce american imperialism. A day where no one ever says "how messed up is it that indians are an extreme minority in their own land". No one ever said that it was wrong to share food. What is wrong is for this socalled political movement for justice to recognize a fascist holiday with no recognition of the truth. DOWN WITH THE SETTLER STATE> DOWN WITH US COLONIALISMM, US OUT OF NORTH AMERICA.
""how messed up is it that indians are an extreme minority in their own land""
I think about that all the time and am very saddened by it. And then those indigenous people are told where they can and can't live. I just saw a documentary (forgot the name) about how the Navajo in Arizona were forced by the U.S. government in the 1970s to move and share land with the Hopi.... when those two nations lived together peacefully for years and years. As I watched the doc, I wondered why the government would want them to move. And then I thought to myself, "There has to be something in it for the government." Sure enough, there are all kinds of natural resources in the ground that the government wanted to get its hands on the sell to companies.
The Navajo and Hopi people (as well as other indigenous nations) know how to live off the land and survive very efficiently, without money. Being forced to move, they had no way of making money in order to survive, and they were forced into poverty. Some of the Navajo refused to move, however, ripping down the fences that the government put up.
Power to the indigenous peoples!!!!
Government wanted them to move to steal their coal, uranium, gold and vast resources the Navajo and Hopi are some of the most poisoned in the world as a result.
Exactly. How can the government go onto indigenous land to claim it as their own? This is just one reason why it's EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that the indigenous peoples align with these movements to further their cause. We all are connected in this.
I totally disagree with you. As Ogitchidaag said, do you think it would be OK to start a holiday based on what Hitler did? How would you feel about that holiday years and years in the future? What would you say about it then? Would you feel the same as you do about Thanksgiving?
Hi Ogitchidaag. It's good to hear the opinion of a fellow Native American. I agree that maybe the term "Occupy" wasn't the best choice of titles, but I am trying to overlook that (though insensitive, I don't think it was negatively intended). The same goes for Thanksgiving. I hope we can take the good things from it that exist in the present (like helping the less fortunate). With Native American history, we know all too well about disrespect and oppression. I hope you will not give up on this movement and rather work to educate your fellow oppressed brothers and sisters. The movement has placed great value on education. There is still a long trail ahead of (in many respects), but we will persevere.
Which of Occupy Wall Street Demands affect us?
While there are not "official" demands, I'd say many of the issues affect us. Getting corporate money out of politics, addressing police brutality, overall a re-evaluation of what is acceptable in the USA (and for all humanity). If the issues aren't addressed, life be a downward spiral for all Americans.
Your response really crystalizes that this movement is not about truly poor folks. It just isn't. It is about getting corporate monry out of politics? As if politics in this country weren't morally bankrupt before corporate money. This government has been a rottong fish from the beginning.
"This government has been a rottong fish from the beginning."
I agree totally. Perhaps your voice can be heard to make the rights of the indigenous a top priority. Your voices should be heard. You could be one of those voices.
I'm not saying that politics weren't corrupt before corporate money. It is the system that was wide open for greater corruption which they eagerly invited. I look at getting corporate money out of politics as a means to an end. If that doesn't happen first, nothing will change for the better. Any remaining rights for the majority of people will erode. We can't only change it from the top down though, we have to help the poor around us and respect our fellow humanity to keep our base strong.
I hear what you are saying. Maybe you'll be more happy with how OccupyLA has gone about thanksgiving, although you still may be offended. I'd like to hear what you think about it.
https://www.facebook.com/events/190246761060765/
I think your critique is well-made (as are some the replies), but what it boils down to is a demand for sensitivity that would eventually mute all of us: we'd have few words that someone doesn't object to, & virtually no holidays in which to form a momentary repose & coming together. There is, after all, always someone who can legitimately object to the origins &/or ramifications of any given holiday or festival.
My understanding of Thanksgiving is that it dates only to 1863 & President Lincoln's proclamation proposing a national "day of thanksgiving." Yes, it harkens back to the first "thanksgiving" in the Virginia colony c. 1607, but I also understand that it wasn't a special holiday, but rather a custom of the Puritans to give thanks for any bounty from the Lord. Furthermore, it was, then, an English, rather than American (which technically didn't exist, not as a unified nation) custom. While Thanksgiving in caps is a national, US holiday, unique & celebrated at more or less the same time every year.
In short, I honestly think comparing Thanksgiving to thanksgiving is likening turkeys to chickens.
andy
You just don't and never will get it and this is why Occupy Wall Street will never be a revolutionary movement. It is led by White People. Mostly with college educations. Washington declared a Thanksgiving before Washington. THere were 100 Thanksgivings that were declared to celebrate victory over "Savage Heathens". Your response that being sensitive would cost white people all their racist holidays? Well maybe you should look at that. Maybe it should as your government has never even recognized it committed genocide!
I sympathise with your position. My ancestor was a Native American who "married" a French Canadian. He cut off all ties to her people and forced her to give her children away. That is all I have left of my heritage. No name, no Tribe. However, we cannot move forward if we only look to the past. We must keep our ancestors alive by remembering their struggle, so we can work positive change in the world we are in now. We can't just send everyone back to their homeland because this has become their homeland too. We can work to end the corruption that made possible the near destruction of the Native people of this land. If there are people elected fairly by the people, there must be those who will carry our cause. Maybe you will be one of our voices. Native Americans are part of the 99% as much as the college lefties, as much as the stay at home mom and the students, soldiers and reverands. In order to get a fair voice we have to keep looking for the common threads that bind the 99%, instead of the threads that will unravel the whole blanket if you let them.
I know that in my household, I use Thanksgiving as a chance to talk to my children about the whole story of how America was formed, especially what was done to the Native Americans. I do so in an age appropriate way, for instance the 5yr old is told about how the gov. made promises and broke them, and how that caused the Natve Americans to suffer and not have any food. The 12yr old is learning about the Trail of Tears, the treaties that were forced and then broken, and some of the legends that were spared and recorded.
By holding the past together with the present and the future we can assure that future generations know of what happened and look for ways to preventing it's continuation or future occurance. If we look singularly at the past we may miss the chance to change things in the here and now.
I like this statement, and especially like the focus on indigenous people, among those most oppressed by finance capital today and by genocidal wars for centuries.
If anybody is interested, I will post some material I prepared about indigenous peoples and endangered languages for OWS, but never took down there because I got distracted by personal issues out here on Long Island.
That would be wonderful. Lack of understanding and knowlege have seperated people through out the millenia. The more we know about eachother, the easier it is to see that this is a struggle we are all in together as humans. It helps us to look past those things that divide us, and remember that people struggle under oppression together. It is never just one individual.
There is "sensitive" & there is downright neurotic. What you're demanding appears to be the latter. & no, I'm not saying only "white" holidays would be effected by such extreme sensitivity. Think about it a sec, then do some historical research of your own. Hard to believe you were ever a meaningful part of Occupy Wall Street.
What is nueroticv about asking that messaging about "THanksgiving" coming from the OWS movement address the intrinsic racsim at the origins of the holiday?
Addressing the true & accurate origins of a holiday is one thing--consider this: one of my people's festivals, Hanukah, is said to be the "festival of lights" celebrating a victory over compulsory Hellenization of the Jewish people. But that victory also includes massacres by fundamentalists against "hellenized" or more secular Jews--such as yours truly. So, should I celebrate? Should I berate those who do? Should I get angry when TV or radio displays a generic "happy Hanukah!" message?
I've always believed that it's a sign of maturity to accept things in the spirit to which they're intended.
Of course I believe people should be aware of the origins of the holidays & festivals they observe, but what I'm trying to say is that pretty much every holiday can become problematic to someone if you dig deep enough.
Does your nation observe any festivals or sacred days that commemorate, at least in part, a victory over another nation? If so, at what cost to the vanquished?
Bottom line is it's perfectly reasonable to cite the origins of say Thanksgiving Day in the US, but to expect people not to observe it (especially considering that the Thanksgiving we observe today has nothing to do with defeating Native Americans) because of those origins? That's going too far.
andy
It absolutely has to do with defeating Indigenous people and it always did. America has always refused to take the blame for any worng done.
The entire nation is not given Hanukah as a holiday? Indigenous people of the Americas never committed or attempted a genocide of others so I don't get the really strained attempt at comparison,
You need to speak with your elders. There were many lives lost through tribal wars, yes even whole tribes disappeared. We don't record such things in the same way that the Isrealites do. You have to have been told some of the old war stories of triumph and wrongs that were righted through violence and enslavement. Keep in mind that when you hear of triumph, you only hear the victors story.
Um there was intertribal conflict most of which came about as a result of displacement and being puushed into the territory of others by the advancing Europeans. BUT THERE WAS NEVER AN ATTEMPTED GENOCIDE!! THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF THAT! Also almost all intertribal warfare was facillitated by the introduction of the horse into the Western Hemisphere, and the introduction of GUNS. I have spoken with my elders every day of my life.Whole tribes disappeared because of Europeans coming here, because of small pox, because of guns, because of the policy of Manifest Destiny.
There was intertribal strife before there was displacement from white settlers.
You are also lumping together those of latin descent in with that of the "white" arrival. There was trbial warfare prior to guns and prior to horses or the great councils that took place before the white man came would never have been needed.
I f there was a genocide like you speak of, who would be left to tell the tale? If the warriors were killed and the wmen and children were absorbed into the tribe, how long would their story be told?
You are correct in that the colonization of this land brought trials unspeakable to the Native populations. What can we do today to make a positive difference? Your boycotting of Thanksgiving has done nothing for Pine Ridge. Instead of focussing on a solution to the obstacle of fair representation, you chose a holiday that does not resemble it's roots.
It would be like a pagan upset because christians stole their traditions. They can't be given back. The thousands of people burned at the stake, tortured to death, drowned, and suffered other unspeakable crimes against humanity, can't be brought back. Entire villages saw to the demise of ALL the women in the village. In other words , they have a lot to be angry for to, as do African Americans,Irish immigrants, Those of jewish descent....
We can spend all of our time on our differences, or we can temporarily lay them aside while we deal with a bigger problem.
We have known Occupy Wall Street was organized by the top 20% of America since they chos ethe name Occupy for this movement. This country has been occupied since 1492, 519 years. Today Occupy Wall Street again shows it's true colors. Because white people do whatever they wish and always have.
There is a different 1%, the 1 percent that is Indigenous or First Nations, that is the 1% that is the poorest in the USA, that has the highest infant mortality, that has the highest unemployment, that has the highest diabetes rate, that has the highest alcoholism rate, that is the only 1 percent of people in this country that has had it's government wage an active official poicy of genocide against it. Today Occupy Wall Street aligns itself with the top 1% against the lowest of the 99%. It aligns itself with the majority against the lowest minority, Is OWS proud that it went along with the dominant society? They could included on their webpage facts about the origins of this fascist holiday but instead they just bragged of celebrating Thankstaking. They proved that all the effort that indigenous people in Occupy OK, Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Boston, Occupy Santa Barbara, Occupy Louisville and many other cities now know that this movement is not about them. OWS engaged in populist tendencies to go along with the majority of white people to say to indigenous people that, "in an effort to look like we were regular Americans we decided to toss Native people under the bus". OWS has proven to me that all my nights at a camp doing security, all my days organizing rallies on the issues that face all of us were for nothing. OWS has proven that it is under the control of the white children of the top 20% by disregarding us. OWS will never be the revolution because it is led by the the top 20% and at many rallies in this movement your figureheads have been actually the 1% who claim to be liberals. You do not uplift the leadership of the most oppressed in this country. Until the lowest 30% lead this movement? It will never be a revolutionary movement. Revolutionary movements do not recognize the holidays of the oppressive regime. OWS is not against capitalism and your celebration of Thanksgiving with no statement released acknowledging the oppression of native people shows this movement and it's true color at the top. WHITE. So I guess I will personally ask all my comrades in AIM and other indigenous communities to pull out of this occupation that was never about us? Normally I would be doing security at the Occupy site in my town but I read this and said "nevermind."
I would like to know more about the "gift economy" -- as I've heard anthropologists call it -- that was the ancient method of trade among all small tribes most likely endured in the southern hemisphere before and long after the Ice Age set in some 30,000 years ago, affecting the land mass of what is now Europe and northern Asia, escalating the need for ever more superior weapons of warfare and tactics, and an economy based on "scarce resources". I am a minority woman born here in the U.S. and I long lamented the dysfunction that brought slavery to this land; neocolonialism through war to much of the world after the discovery of "The New World"; then destructive economic globalization overseas beginning in the 1960s as colonies fought to free themselves from European rule (and now coming to roost in the U.S.) but realized that this anger was destroying me. We finally have the technology that our ancestors never had globally to share more easily -- "scarce resources" had to be taken from other tribes with whom we could not communicate with due to distance or language barriers... and required ever more superior weapons of military might. It's time to heal and to use our collective ingenuity to create the more loving, sharing communities we have longed for since the beginning of our humanity. I look forward to hearing more about "indigenous" tribes "gift economies" and restoring these values because god knows, I think the whole "money" system is proving itself to be a farce now--the size and scale of the Ponzi scheme of Wall Street and derivatives and credit default swaps and "housing bubbles" -- it's all illusory "wealth" and not really contributing to the exchange of actual goods and services that need to be circulating in communities to meet our basic human needs so that we can all thrive and live the lives of safety, security and love that our collective ancestors wanted for us.
You are racist. You said, "Because white people do whatever they wish and always have." That is racial stereotyping and profiling. Practice what you preach, guy.
Racsim is hatred of someone because of the color of their skin based on no knowledge of them. Ummm Indigenous people have reason, history, and cause not to trust people who enjoy white privilege. Look at history and deny that. Look at current affairs and deny that. Look at the racial compostion of jails and colleges and deny that. White folks are not hurting the way people of color are and unless you are in solidarity with that statement then you are part of the problem and cannot see your own racism.
Not every white person is racist. Yes, a lot of white people have done a lot of wrong to people of color throughout the world and throughout history, but that doesn't mean all white people are this way, do any of that, or hate people of color. I am considered white (although I'm of mixed ancestry), but I hate those white people who have and who do such unspeakable things to people of color. I know a lot of other white people who feel the same way.
All I'm saying is that it's dangerous to generalize. It makes those of us who are on your side feel like we're the targets, when we support you. That makes us a little defensive (a natural reaction).
I am mostly white. So I agree. But the dominant culture is white and white people who resist changing it are part of the problem. I like you and I think your heart is in the right place. If you look at some of the responses I have gotten there has been a lot of generalizing?
Yes, there has been a lot of generalizing. And yes, most of the population is white. I don't think most white people are racist, but I do think there are too many racist people still. And I agree that white people who resist change are part of the problem. I don't think OWS is about resisting change across the board.
I respectfully disagree.
I believe OWS is active resistance FOR change. Many, if not most, want to change the corruption across the board.
From the liberal, who wants to reinstate the social safety net
To the conservative, who wants to jail the corrupt politicians and bankers.
We all realize that everything has gone wrong with America, and that it cannot continue....And we are willing to speakup and protest..... It's the cry in the wilderness...
This Shit has got to STOP.
I said OWS IS NOT ABOUT resisting change.
I agree with your comments, BTW.
Here is a thread that may bring a smile : }
http://occupywallst.org/forum/why-libertarianism-is-so-wonderful/
If not that then maybe this?
http://occupywallst.org/forum/atlas-shat-and-excerpt/
I'm not well.....
"Cause not to trust" and hatred are two different things.
You, perhaps not intentionally, left out the most insidious part of racism. It allows one to blame an entire race for the acts of one. If you reflect on your statements I believe you will see how you, yourself, have fallen in to the trap of racism, committing the same error in judgement of those you rail against. Come, use your voice to help make a difference for your people. The past cannot be forgotten or erased, but we can paint a brighter future on it's foundations.
Reparations can be made for the past and racism is a conquering people refusing to hear the demands of the defeated for justice. THat is what we have here. The crimes continue to this day, will not be forgotten, just as Palestinians will not forget when they have been thrown out of their homes, neither will indigenous people ever forget. We owe it to our chidren and grandchildren to continue fighting for reparations and honored treaties lest they have nothing for the future.
That's why your voice and the voice of others is extremely important. You can be part of the solution. Most people don't even know that there still are things happening to the indigenous today. Please speak up and speak out about it to help make everyone aware and to help find solutions. That is how you can help your people, other peoples of this land, and this movement. Please help educate people about what you have talked about.
Trying
I know it's hard. I have faced a lot of sexism all my life (I am passionate about playing sports, and I play several of them with both men and women) in sports and other things. I'm very deeply bothered by this and the fact that women still are treated as second class to men in a lot of ways. I get so angry about things I've experienced, and many times it's hard for me to hold back from telling people off.
Through my experiences, though, I'm learning that the best way to help change people's views is by creating awareness, educating people who know nothing about your cause, and trying to create your own opportunities. I still struggle with this, but I'm also trying.
Definition of Racism C/o Merriam-Webster.com
1: A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
2: Racial predjudice or discrimination
First known use ~ 1933
It has nothing to do with a conquering people, everyone has the potential to be racist. It is only through a moral obligation to tolerance and truth that we prevent ourselves from being such.
Hilarious, YOu don't see anything weird about the fact that you just claimed racism didn't exist in the white mind until 1933? After Slavery, after the Civil War, after the genocide of indian people, after the 1000 years of Crusades, after manifest destiny, after the inquisition in 1933 Webster decided racism would be a word. Eurocentric people are a hoot.
I did not ever say any of that. The specific term racism was introduced to the english language with it's "first known" usage. Opression does not need any other name, but we gave it one anyway. May I remind you that as a woman I am in a unique position to reflect on oppression. Besides the fact that every aspect of my ancestral tree is a result of oppression under one name or another.
Thank you for being so blinded by hatred that you cannot see an attempt at honest communicatioon. I cannot speak for the entire 99%, but that doesn't mean I am not a part of it. I am so tired of all the arguments that focus on reasons we should be divided against eachother, instead of positive interaction based on using our majority to do what we can to alleviate the personal miseries we are surrounded by.
I am not blinded by hatred I am just trying to work to make sure native people have their rightful place in this movement,did it ever dwan on any of you to 1) Include the Native perspective in your messaging? TO tell the truth about Thanksgiving? 2) To apologize for not doing so. I have accepted the apology from each that gave it. When you make excuses for racism it rips the scab off of the wound and deepens the cut.
You are using a negative approach to make sure native people have their rightful place in the movement. That's what people are telling you. They don't disagree that your people have suffered and continue to suffer, but it's the way in which you are presenting it that they find to be anti-progressive.
I like most of your comments. If you go back and look at my first comments? Thye were generally fact based and nice. It was when I was attacked in response that I got angry,
I think, for some people, their interpretation of Thanksgiving or why they may celebrate it is the same reason people commemorate those who were killed in the attacks of 9/11 on the anniversaries of 9/11. They don't do it out of disrespect but do it as a way to respect and remember those who were innocent and who died. I believe that is what many of the people who have responded to you mean. Perhaps that can help you to see it from their view. It doesn't mean they don't sympathize with you and all indigenous peoples.
A lot of us have indigenous ties via our ancestry, even though many of us weren't brought up within an indigenous culture (wish I would have been).
I understand. I think some of the people who responded to you weren't trying to attack you. I think they were presenting a different view.... their view that moving forward is the best approach, since we can't change the past. And moving forward (and fixing things that still are broken and that are happening to the indigenous) requires working together in a positive manner. I don't think they were trying to upset you.
I think both viewpoints of Thanksgiving are valid. I completely understand yours and get why you are upset about it. I am, too..... and I am in debate about whether I want to observe it (but for my own meaning of it) or to let it go completely.
I also understand what others are saying about how they want it to be turned into something good.... taking a bad event from the past and trying to turn it around. It doesn't mean they want to ignore what happened and don't care about it. It's about taking something bad and turning it around. They aren't doing it to disrespect the indigenous peoples, but I do agree that most people don't even know the real root of Thanksgiving and should become aware of it.
I am not religious at all, and in the last few years, I have been questioning everything I grew up celebrating.... Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, etc. I started to ask myself why I celebrate these holidays and what they mean to me. When I got down to the core of them, I decided I don't want to celebrate them for the Christian meanings (for the ones that now are seen as Christian holidays), because I'm not Christian or of any other faith. I then looked into them and discovered that most actually were pagan holidays and celebrations that were ripped of by the Christians. I then thought about whether I wanted to celebrate them for their pagan roots and meanings, for my own reasons, or to not celebrate them at all. I have decided that I want to celebrate some of them for their original pagan meanings (like Easter/Eostre, for example, the celebration of the Spring Equinox and the return of life).
I think a lot of people go through this when they discover the true roots of something that they have been celebrating their whole lives but never really knew why they were celebrating them or were doing so because that's what everyone else does or because of lies they have been told about them.
For those of us going through that, some decide to define their own reasons and meanings for celebrations.
If you read some of the comments? I was called nuerotic? Asking everyone to have a national "I hate myself day"? I was called unamerican? That was meant to hurt.
Yes, I know. But this is what I said.... "I think some of the people who responded to you weren't trying to attack you." I didn't say no one attacked you. I was talking about those who sympathize with you but who have their own reasons for celebrating Thanksgiving and who explained that in a respectful manner and who didn't attack you.
As for those who did attack you, they need to think before responding and try to understand your point of view.
I don't think we will let Merrian-Webster and Eurocentric people define how we define racsim, the history of when we began to call something racist? And you might consider that there were Indian words for racism as old as 500 years upon encountering it in the shape of Christopher Columbus. Racism to us is white people always trying to define our oppression for us. THanks
Please you misunderstand my point. We cannot have honest discussion if we are using different deffinitions for the same words. You as an individual have as much right to your opinion as the rest of the 99%. I was only trying to help find a peaceful and hopeful way that we could find common ground against a common problem. I understand if you do not want to look for that ground with me.
Please don't misunderstand mine. My father was pure white. This isn't about me hating anybody. The hate was don by those that created this holiday. To celebrate their genocidal treatment of the indigenous people of this hemisphere. You can't put lace o a bowling ball and call it a wedding cake. This is about the issue of whether this movement will acknowledge the oppressed people of this land and how Wall Street to this day ravages communites of color and poor white people from one tip of the contnent to the other. It is not ok in an effort to blend in with the dominant white power structure to sweep the history of oppression under the table. It just isn't. All that is being asked is that it stops. Starting with recognizing the flaw of announcing the "Occupation" of land that is already illegally occupied!
"This is about the issue of whether this movement will acknowledge the oppressed people of this land and how Wall Street to this day ravages communites of color and poor white people from one tip of the contnent to the other."
Perhaps you should bring this point up to the movement. Perhaps people who worked to give people free meals were thinking of how to feed a bunch of people for free and weren't thinking about the roots of Thanksgiving.
That is where education and positive dialog can help. Criticizing OWS and saying it doesn't care about the indigenous of this land is inaccurate and isn't going to help in any way at all.
When movements are in their infancy they are usually flawed. I am working with the 99% Declaration, and United Republic....other movements that are the offfspring of OWS and the need to put forth a chain of action. The way I see it is that I have just this one opportunity to get in on the ground floor of this and take the chance that I will get the opportunity to weigh in on things I hold dear.
Saying that the US is illegally occupied indicates that there is someone to punish under law and that there is a realistic basis for making the illegal occupiers leave. Would they cut me into peices and ship them off to all the original countries my family are from?
Since we can't in all reality send them packing, what is our next best option? I still say it is by supporting groups like this in their attempt at returning the power of the country back to the majority. We are a part of that majority we just need to keep talking louder, until we make change happen with freedom, majority, and the taking of their jobs when necessary.
Agreed.
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Also in the report: The Smithsonian has acquired a large number of Indian human remains and culturally significant objects through a variety of means. For example, in the late 1800s, the Surgeon General of the Army requested U.S. military forces to send thousands of Indian human remains from battlefields and burial sites for the purposes of conducting a cranial study. As a result, thousands of sets of human remains were sent to the Army Medical Museum and then later were transferred to the Smithsonian.13 Other human remains and many more objects have been collected through archaeological excavations and donations. According to museum officials, when new collections are acquired, the Smithsonian assigns an identification number—referred to as a catalog number—to each item or set of items at the time of the acquisition or, in some cases, many years later. A single catalog number may include one or more human bones, bone fragments, or objects, and it may include the remains of one or more individuals. All of this information is stored in the museums’ electronic catalog system, which is partly based on historical paper card catalogs. Generally, each catalog number in the electronic catalog system includes basic information on the item or set of items, such as a brief description of the item, where the item was collected, and when it was taken into the museum’s collection. Since the NMAI Act was enacted, the Smithsonian has identified approximately 19,780 catalog numbers that potentially include Indian human remains (about 19,150 within the Natural History Museum collections and about 630 within the American Indian Museum collections).14 This number has changed over time as the museums have either cataloged more human remains or identified additional catalog numbers that contain human remains. According to museum officials, Indian human remains, funerary objects, and other objects
Isn't that marvelous? Wouldn't you just feel wonderful during this holiday season?
Umm sorry this movement is acting from white privilege and whte privilege does whatever it wants. Interesting a person of color who has been slighted by this movoement's racist decisions gets called on the carpet as stereotyping in response to stereotyping? In response to OWS following the status quo? But I will change my tone and address the white privilege displayed by your decision making.
You people are beautiful. An inspiration to the world.
Do you need volunteers to help?
i second this question. i'd love to lend a hand, or just come and sit.
Yes! Please email ows_kitchen@gmail.com with your availability for tomorrow, between 10am-6pm! Also, if anyone is bringing cooked food, please make sure that it is individually wrapped/pre-packaged. Thanks a bunch!
Here is something we can all do this weekend.
http://occupywallst.org/forum/heres-a-thought-why-not-try-to-attract-more-people/#comment-418015
We need this movement to grow.
They always need volunteers, it's quite a job to run the kitchen. You could probably show up and volunteer, iirc their meetings are in the evening after dinner hours (not that they close but they slow down a bit).
I can't go tonight, but I can come tomorrow and bring food, paper plates, etc. What is most needed? If they don't let you set up in Liberty/Zuccotti do you have a secret plan B?
This is Love in action! You are an inspiration and a picture for the world to see and to embrace. On this day we can give thanks that the message of Thanksgiving can be seen by millions, all at once.
Great Beginning to worthy celebrations, about sharing, about beyond "I".
Let us hope Christmas will be celebrated the same way.
We will truly enjoy the festivities without the decay of excess consumerism.
I understand why there are Native Americans who are upset about this OWS Thanksgiving celebration. Even though I am white, I declined a Thanksgiving meal with family today. I admire the courage and strength of the OWS movement. However, it appears that they need to become more educated about the first Thanksgiving. That's not all- the founding fathers were in the Age of Enlightenment but they also adopted the Iroquois principles of governance as well. In fact, I would choose the Native American ways over the great Masonic experiment. Why? because when the Europeans first came to this continent, this continent was the richest and most abundant on the earth, thanks to the respect and harmony of the Native ways. I hope that we can all unite in solidarity and learn from the wisdom available to us from the ones who were here first and took good care of this land.
I agree. And it was those white people who received welfare from the indigenous. They would've died off without it. And the white people brought disease, guns, materialism, etc. to this side of the world.
Why We Shouldn't Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day should be turned into a National Day of Atonement to acknowledge the genocide of America's indigenous peoples.
http://www.alternet.org/story/68170/
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Many of us have been social justice and human rights activist for decades. Basically for many a lifetime commitment because the 1%'s greed and need for power and the abuse of power never goes away. But this new and growing movement of not all but many many young people makes my heart sing and brings tears of joy to my eyes! OCW's clear commitment to many social justice issues as well as pushing for accountability is absolutely breathtaking and inspiring many! Keep it up folks...we all need to keep applying the pressure. Peaceful peaceful.
This Thanksgiving I am so thankful for those who are out on the streets around the country around the world focused on justice and accountability! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I'm bringing pie!!! :D
Absolutly stunning! I hope you all have a great event. But dont forget the pepper :P
Giving back to those who sacrificed there house's for tents and braved the weather true occupiers they deserve it
I will keep this photo of Occupy Thanksgiving forever. The kindness and pure selflessness shown here is the essence of our movement. Peace and love. Charlotte
May the OWS Thanksgiving be a total success :)
Happy Thanksgiving one and all. God Bless you, I pray for the safety of every Occupier at home and around the world. You are all heroes to tens of millions. United we stand and we stand united. Hope is a wonderful gift, and you have given me hope and for that Thanks is not enough.
Remember who brought and taught you Thanksgiving: the Native's of this land. It is capitalism that is occupying against America's own principles of "liberty and justice". Either this is corrected or America cannot stand.
I love thanksgiving and I love OWS.
Lowering the tax rate on the wealthy sector does NOT lead to job creation here in this country. History has proven this fact for decades. Under Clinton, the tax rate on the wealthy sector was actually higher, and that sector created MORE jobs. Under Bush, the tax rate for the wealthy sector was lowered, and yet jobs diminished! Under Obama, the tax rate for the wealthy sector has remained low, and jobs are not being created here in the USA. Ask any economist to give you an example of when LOWER taxes on the wealthy sector actually led to job creation in the USA, and they can't find an example.
http://www.letstalkaboutit.info/2011/11/egypt-re-up-and-thanksgiving-revisit.html American Indian Movement talks about Thanksgiving at the 30 minute mark. "We were the first 99% and look how that turned out" Really shocked you are simply celebrating Thanksgiving. Why did AIM throw it's solidarity to you and you not to us?
We have known Occupy Wall Street was organized by the top 20% of America since they chos ethe name Occupy for this movement. This country has been occupied since 1492, 519 years. Today Occupy Wall Street again shows it's true colors. Because white people do whatever they wish and always have.
There is a different 1%, the 1 peorcent that is Indigenous or Frist Nations, that is the 1% that is the poorest in the USA, that has the highest infant mortality, that has the highest unemployment, that has the highest diabetes rate, that has the highest alcoholism rate, that is the only 1 percent of people in this country that has had it's government wage an active official poicy of genocide against it. Today Occupy Wall Street aligns itself with the top 1% against the lowest of the 99%. It aligns itself with the majority against the lowest minority, Is OWS proud that it went along with the dominant society? They could included on their webpage facts about the origins of this fascist holiday but instead they just bragged of celebrating Thankstaking. They proved that all the effort that indigenous people in Occupy OK, Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Boston, Occupy Santa Barbara, Occupy Louisville and many other cities now know that this movement is not about them. OWS engaged in populist tendencies to go along with the majority of white people to say to indigenous people that, "in an effort to look like we were regular Americans we decided to toss Native people under the bus". OWS has proven to me that all my nights at a camp doing security, all my days organizing rallies on the issues that face all of us were for nothing. OWS has proven that it is under the control of the white children of the top 20% by disregarding us. OWS will never be the revolution because it is led by the the top 20% and at many rallies in this movement your figureheads have been actually the 1% who claim to be liberals. You do not uplift the leadership of the most oppressed in this country. Until the lowest 30% lead this movement? It will never be a revolutionary movement. Revolutionary movements do not recognize the holidays of the oppressive regime. OWS is not against capitalism and your celebration of Thanksgiving with no statement released acknowledging the oppression of native people shows this movement and it's true color at the top. WHITE. So I guess I will personally ask all my comrades in AIM and other indigenous communities to pull out of this occupation that was never about us? Normally I would be doing security at the Occupy site in my town but I read this and said Nevermind"!
Thank you for bringing this to light. Now... what do you expect from us?
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Unlike some people we have clear demands.
Expect from racists? I pretty much expect you to do whatever you damn well please as you always have. Ripping us off and ignoring us!
That's a powerful label to put on someone you have never met. Nobody was ever born a racist. I personally revere as many people and cultures possible. But I am in the group you made for me in your mind, I guess.
How can you ever hope for anything to change when you just did the above?
You're becoming the racist. You are becoming prejudiced, judging everyone you see the way you judged me.
You show us grievances while at the same time kicking dust in our faces just because.
I am not going to fight with anything you have to say. I am going to simply sit back and watch the nation transform, for minds to open, and hey, this might be to your benefit.
I take it back unlike OWS I can say I am sorry. see above for expectations.
Why We Shouldn't Celebrate Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Day should be turned into a National Day of Atonement to acknowledge the genocide of America's indigenous peoples. http://www.alternet.org/story/68170/
How many of us have to "atone" until you are satisfied? This ...tradition... stopped being about conquest centuries ago. We're trying to repair the damage now.
I cannot believe as an indigenous person I have spent so much of my time and effort on this movement to watch Occupy Wall Street play pilgrims and the the dead indians. You aren't revolutionaries at all if you do not take time to recognize tthe misery this day represents.
First I'd like to say that I do not agree with greed and the acquisition of land or property of any kind by theft, cheating, hurting or killing people. My people were not founders of this country, we were immigrants three decades ago. We do however celebrate Thanksgiving as a day to come together as a family and to be grateful for our lives and each other. Although my ancestors were not here when this land was stolen from the Indian people I can't see how the ancestors of those who were here can make this situation right. If we can not get justice in the present, I do not know how we can begin to think of getting justice for the past. I hope indigenous people thinking of turning their backs on the occupy movement give this some thought. It has been my experience that people in the occupy movement are compassionate caring people, not perfect people, none of us are. I would find it hard to believe that they celebrated Thanksgiving to celebrate hurting anyone. Their message mentioned breaking bread which I equate to acting as a cohesive group or family. Separating from the group because of either a lack of understanding or insensitivity, perceived or real, will only result in weakening of the group and the individual who walks away. I think an opportunity to educate and allow others to show some understanding and compassion for what was done to native Americans is being missed here. I also believe that many Americans are ignorant of the facts of what actually happened and how your people were screwed over and how some continue to be. I know there are current issues such as the plight of Leonard Palteir , he should have been freed years ago, I even wrote requesting Clinton to do so. I do not claim to know of all of the other ways in which your people have been damaged but I would argue that dividing us as our people and your people will not move anything forward for either of us. If we are to create a better world were atrocities to any humans are not tolerated we need to work together. I believe we need to address the pillaging of our country happening right now as a priority. FYI - I am an American who is what in the dog world would be called a mutt. I am a product of the melting pot called the United States. I am Irish, German, English and Scotch my son' child is Irish, German, English, Scotch, Czech and my daughter's child is Irish, German, English, Scotch and Italian. Who knows what nationalities my other son's children will be as he has not married yet. Some of those combinations did not mix well but here I am. In my families Irish heritage we were driven from our indigenous lands by the English. Should my Irish fight my English? It appears my ancestors thought not. I'm sure if I traced back far enough I could find more of these situations as many other people could but I don't see the use in it. Worrying about past wrongs would prevent me from effecting change in the present. Most of all I believe that the people in this world need to see that we are all humans, well most of us anyway. I'm not too sure about the sociopaths who would harm so many for their monetary gain. I'm sorry for the pain the past has caused all indigenous people but traced back in time we are all indigenous people of the planet earth. We need to help one another not create divisions. We Are One Race - the Human Race. I hope you find peace.
Let me get this right. you are saying we are all from somewhere so get over it? Fine if i come throw you out of your house? You will just suck it up and leave? Your logic is so historically twisted. OUR LAND is being stolen has been stolen NOW. So we want it back! Get it? We are not ok with this illegal nation destroying all the indigenous animals and plants, the water, the air. This is not ok. IT IS NOT! This is not a crime that happened a long time ago and can't be reversed. Indigenous people are here now! Our treaties and national sovereignty is being violated now! Not yesterday not 100 years ago but continuously for 519 years. It continues today. Thanks for nothing but taking. I don't care that yuour ancestors didn't kill indians a long time ago. US and corporate aggression is killing Indian people now, today, in Latin America, here in the US, and in Canada. GET IT? NOW!!!! Not Yesterday. NOW!!
I have great shame... not as a white person, or as an Irish-Scottish-German-Italian person, but as a Human Being... that other human beings did these things. More than EVER, we-- human beings-- NEED you and your culture's wisdom because I am likewise proud-- as a human being-- of the ideas and relationship with nature that Native Americans are so famous for. We need you, and your contribution to our current political and environment crises.
And by all means, continue to fight for your lands and treaties. But man, more than ever we need the wisdom of a harmonious relationship with nature. Please help.
We cannot move forward until we learn of the mistakes of the past. How can we celebrate a day that marked the murder of Indians every year and say we have learned, We aren't asking that people not spend time together on this weekend. We are asking that during this time the people who were murdered be remembered. That as a movement OWS stand up for Indigenous rights on this of all days. If not this weekend? WHEN?! When is a better time to make the point than now.
I think you should bring your point up to OWS. It's a very valid point that needs to be heard and addressed. But rather than fighting with people about it (that will get all of us no where), you should advocate for the things you've mentioned in a positive way. I totally agree with "beamerbikeclub" about the valuable ways of the indigenous peoples, and I'd love to learn more about them, because they resonate with me in a big way. Perhaps you can find a way to get your voices heard through this movement (I sure hope so).
The government and the corporations and lobbyists that control everything are the enemy of ALL OF US. In order for the indigenous issues to be heard and addressed, we need to resolve these corporations and lobbyists of their power and control over the government and much more.
Can you see the connection?
I know you have a deeper connection and this is a sensitive topic and I probably just cannot relate to your level of pain around it. But again, I don't see it as a race or culture thing... it's human beings behaving badly. I don't say forget it, we need to study and remember history... but I do say we move on and we work with the society we have and try to have joy where we can. I hope this makes sense. AGAIN, "white" America is in such great need of the wisdom of Native Americans in their famous cultural relationship with nature that I really hope that we can put aside these types of disagreements from the past in the hope of a better future.
I agree. The relationship the natives have with the earth and environment could be a HUGE stepping stone to environmental advances and cleansing. Their knowledge and spiritual relationship and experience would help tremendously. They could educate us all.
It is funny people respond as if the genocide has no more impact or that we are a extinct people. Here is the 41st protest of the Wampanoag of Thanksgiving. Maybe you will listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JYmKess4hrc#!
"we are all indigenous people of the planet earth" Really? You aren't the indigenous people of this hemisphere. And the indigenous people of your hemisphere have not been hunted to extinction. I appreciate your backhanded apology. Sort of. There are so many issues beside Leonard Peltier. In New York there is the constantr war between the state of New York and multiple tribes like the Oneida who have had their treaty rights violated and never had their land returned. This case just went to the Supreme Court where the right wing court denied their rightful claim. THere is the state of New York's constant mistreatment of Mohawk sovereignty. There are endless issues currently facing native People all over the US and in Latin America as a result of Wall Street exploitation of indigenous resources there. The fact that the only issue you know of is the Peltier struggle is so damned sad so consider these issues:
Some of my close relatives (my paternal great grandfather was half native and half Mexican) were natives of this land. His mother was 100% native.
The things you mention and all of the other issues that natives are suffering NEED TO BECOME part of OWS. Please, please, please make your voices be heard.
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When our family gathers in Indiana on Thanksgiving, I will be thankful for YOU and all the Occupiers throughout this country and around the globe who are standing up for a new way being community and creating justice. Thank you for all you are are doing.
Thanksgiving is a racist holiday that celebrates the genocide of indigenous people, how this is not in your message but it is in Louisville Kentucky? Wow, I thought NYC was better than this. This is a white bread revolution.
granted, okay... white Americans can be ignorant of history... but Thanksgiving is one of our few, best holidays. It's my favorite (and I am not ignorant of genocide our a shameful history) but at least it's not a day of explicitly celebrating war and it's a day of family and food, and not crazing consumer shopping (that comes after) : (
I repeat from above... We need the wisdom of Native Americans. but in terms of sending the right message... Thanksgiving is not really the Enemy anymore.
Sounds like a Blessed event.Godspeed #OWS!
This is a great idea to do good and also spread the cause. Perhaps it can be used as an idea to spur future "constructive" projects that help create a more positive image of the movement and move away from just protesting (this would of course continue). Other ideas could include teaching underprivelaged kids and providing supplies to local community groups. I will be making a donation by the end of the year as well. The battle continues.
keep doing the great positive work. you are showing a lot of people by example what we all can do. i can't be there is person either but i do what i can virtually all day everyday.
there are a lot of us who can't commit in person time but are doing what we can any way we can. :)
How can I go about offering my kitchen for people to cook for this? I would be more than happy to let people use our kitchen to cook for this.
On Thanksgiving whether we are with the die-hards at Liberty Square or home with our families, we should all take the time to think of all the victims of Wall Street's greed. We should also be thankful for those courageous few people who woke the rest of us up and made us believe in Margaret Mead's quote: " Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Have a great day.
I would like to do a story about this on my blog, www.RaisingVegKids.com so does anyone know how many of the meals they're serving at Zuccotti will be vegan?
Happy Turkey Day NY!!!
God bless the Occupiers!
I was only able to make it to Zucotti Park a few times before it was raided (i'z a jersian) but i have to say that on a regular non-thanksgiving day i ate like a king!! All food was free, fresh, delicious and incredibly appreciated by myself and im sure everyone else was was able to dine on the feast. KEEP IT COMING!! #SOLIDARITY
It really doesn't matter if there are Indigenous activists speaking or not. Your messaging does nothing to tell the truth about Thanksgiving.
You could turn the tides about this.
What OWS did today was noble, generous and inspiring.
IN Occupy Louisville We are Having a celebration of resistance against imperialism. A celebration of those who fought and died fighting against manifest destiny. Really shocked at your messaging here. Nothing about how Thanksgiving is a racist holiday. ""On June 20, 1676 Edward Rawson was unanimously voted by the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, to proclaim June 29th as the first day of thanksgiving. The proclamation reads in part: “The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present War with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy… The council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favor…”" Maybe there is no place for Native people in this "movement".
This was a noble, generous and inspiring act. I am very proud to see OWS do this.
Dear OWS -- to the guys by the computers Liberty Park. I handed you a flyer and tried to explain you are not getting media attention and a guy laughed he mis understood me and I was too sick and tired to explain although I handed him my flyer....NY media is blocking out any good you do like joining us for Health Care march and protesting with us in front of St. Vincent’s. I also heard how OWS save people from losing their homes showing up in Brooklyn. Why is that? Why?
Please now that all opposition against Bloomberg and Christine Quinn pushing through a third term was silenced. My YouTube channel removed -- Norman Siegel represented me and people spoke up and I got my work back 28 hours later. Please no anti-semtism but take a look at this and the Murdoch scandal you may not read in NY press...
Happy Thanksgiving and I pray you will join us infront of Rudin luxuy condo sales offices for condos where ST. Vincent’s once was/
http://suzannahbtroy.blogspot.com/2011/11/bloomberg-murdoch-rubenstein-ny-times.html
http://www.adweek.com/news/press/australian-news-corp-exec-accused-attempted-bribery-136708?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mediaweek-Magazines-And-Newspaper+%28Adweek%3A+The+Press%29&utm_content=journalism%2C+media%2C+new+media%2C+social+media&utm_term=journalism%2C+media%2C+new+media%2C+social+media
Great to see #OWS reach out to the community like this!
You are the shinning light through the malaise of our indifferent leaders. Bravo Occupy Wallstreet movement- so proud of you!
Great job (about feeding so many people for free)!
I am confused on how this is going to be allowed by the NYPD given the current police state of the park?
I wonder the same thing; however, just imagine how aweful they would look in the media if they attack a Thanksgiving feast. Talk about an un-American thing to do!
I'm really disappointed. I thought OWS spoke for the 99%, that INCLUDES the Native Americans who have been treated like trash and ignored for hundreds of years. Why didn't OWS use this as a time to educate people about the plight of the Native Americans? I know it's difficult to face the angry posters on here, but they have a right to be angry! Those of us with white privilege need to reach out to the oppressed people. Maybe the current generation didn't take their land, we're responsible in other ways. By ignoring the minorities, celebrating our victory over them (Thanksgiving), and using racially insensitive language ("occupy", our very title, hearkens back to colonialism), we're still keeping them down. If OWS is going to truly represent the 99%, we need to make sure ALL ethnicities are represented and respected. And that could have started with a Day of Mourning instead of a "Thanksgiving" feast.
I get this feelings we are all on the verge of something big. No its not a Socialist revolution, no it's not a Marxist revolution. We are not communists. We simply have come to realize. It was our apples, our sweeteners, our flour and hard work that made the pie. Why is our slice so small? It's a simple question you think someone who made $5000/hour would be able to answer. After all, he must be brilliant to be worth 1000x what I am.
This is a wonderful thing You are doing for the people of New York and for the rest of the World. I heart fully applaud You and all those involved. Keep up Your excellent work.
Recognizing now Occupy Boston went to observe Pylmouth day of mourning, LA had indigenous people lead their day, Occupy Louisville recognized Thankstaking. OccupyWall Street? Settlers! Colonialists! Blew right past this opportunity to be real! Occupy Wall Street Chose the name Occupy without even realizing or thinking about the fact this is occupied land already. Occupy Wall Street is a settler movement led by children of the 20% of the wealthy just below the 1%. WHo want more power from the one. THis is akin to the French Revolution. Not the smashing of capitalism but spreading the 1%'s power to the 20 narrowing the gap between rich and poor maybe. This is no revolutionary movement. I was worng about you wish I had seen it clearer before I donated time, tents, money, food, technical expertise, and my soul. Your just a bunch of rich coleege kids running homeless shelters in an effort to make them look political. THey are not. You ran a soup kitchen today in observance in that most imperialist holiday. Thankstaking. Good luck with that. You think we are gone? Think we are powerless? Watch.
Hi, I want to invite you to watch the music video I just made “Yes, I feel hurt,” a love song for the occupy movement. The scene is set mainly in Occupy San Francisco.
The Market Street encampment and its magical Wishing Tree were dismantled, but live on in this video.
http://youtu.be/Csyz1HrJEos
Brian
Very pleasant at Liberty Square today. Thank you OWS for raising spirits!
Just got back, it was a wonderful warm and spirit-filled event. I had to "giggle" at the meal options: regular, vegetarian and vegan -- 'natch. Us kooky hippies, no?
I am so sorry that Ogiitchidaag is so bitter. There are many Americans who feel shame over the treatment of the Native Americans. We are sorry for the treatment of Native Americans, blacks, immigrants, the poor, and others who are forgotten by our ruling society. We can be bitter over these injustices or we can try to correct them in the future. I believe that Occupy is challenging our society to behave differently, and for this we can be thankful. This is what Thanksgiving can mean to all the oppressed and those who seek a better world. I hope Ogitchidaag will re-join Occupy and help to make his 1% a part of the 99%.
Sorry means reparations, sorry means making whole what was destroyed. Sorry means doing something besides propping up a fascist holiday to address a wrong. Same with slavery. THe white left is just as much avoiding a conversation about reparations with those destroyed by imperialism as the right. Becuase OWS isn't about tearing down imperialism or capitalism it is about a bunch of white folks who are pissed the bad economy hhas finally rested on their doorstep.
You are right about people not caring about or helping those who are suffering.... but that is human nature. I think most people, of whatever culture, would react the same way. I'm not saying it's OK or is justified. I'm just saying that people tend to not think about that which is not affecting them directly.
Please speak out about the sufferings of the indigenous people and make them more known. Please make them a part of OWS.
Thus far I have not been able to participate in the movement as I would like to due to back problems that effect my ability to walk slowly and stand still for a long period of time, but as the weather warms up in the spring, I hope to become more active. I am fully in support of the OWS movement and all it stands for. I think it is perfectly fine for OWS to be involved with Thanksgiving. When most people celebrate Thanksgiving today, they are giving thanks for what they have today. I do not think it's useful or relevant to go back hundreds of years for what meaning the holiday had at that time.
so awesome! keep it up!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hot food, warm wishes, and a toast to all of you.
We thank OWS for their HOPE and OPTIMISM for a new day and a better future for all peoples.
I've commented on many other occasions about why this movement is so valuable and is the arrival of something long in the making. Today I just want to say thank you. Creating community is something that has become extremely challenging in today's society, it's something I work for regularly in my own personal life. Yet it's Thanksgiving, and my only invite doesn't ring of family or community, only sadness. I'm happy to see that today there is a community which I can readily participate in and a rich day of thoughtful activity at that. This holiday has come to mean something different than perhaps its original intention. It's a day of family, friends, reflection, and it's a great day for discussion that will perhaps sway opinion and change perspectives of family and friends. I look forward to spending it with you!
A real thanksgiving for all those who have risen up to defend the least of us, to recognize our empowerment, to realize we are citizens not consumers. I only wish that we could go back 400 year and apologize to those whose land and well-being our ancestors destroyed. Let us go forth together to work toward new democracy based on freedom justice for all--not just those with money and power. Occupy everything with love and honor.
You don't have to go back 400 years. WE are here now! The US can reparations can be made now. Stop talking about us in the past tense. THis government is still stealing land still ripping us off. Apology is nothing without reparations. For murder, land theft, genocide, rape.
These things NEED to become part of OWS. Please help them become part of it.
THe First THANKSTAKING PROCLAMATION was followed by 100 like it that celebrated victory over the "heathen savages"! Get it right and then the first presidential was by G Washington and was about fighting the British. Always was about war.
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION - JUNE 20, 1676
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks to God, for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unamimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.
"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgements he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard..."
The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many
By Jennie A. Brownscombe [1914] The Pilgrim Society Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being perswaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and soulds as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."
Love you all! Thank you so much for Occupying to bring attention and change to our nation! (SOLIDARITY FROM MAINE)
I find our elected officials incompetent to govern. They need some incentive that will mean something to them instead of putting funds at risk that will cause harm to those persons and institutions who can least afford such loss. I suggest that these officials’ pay and/or benefits be cut if and/or when they fail to do their job. As it is, party “a” threatens to harm parties “”d” through “z” if parties “b” and “c” can’t come to an agreement. It makes no sense whatsoever to threaten Congress with cuts that will not have any impact on them directly. Our Constitution establishes the type of government we are to have. We do not need to establish any “sub” groups within these institutions. They are all responsible collectively to govern and if/when they fail to do so they are all liable collectively. The “carrot and stick” method only works when the carrot or stick is guaranteed to the same one. These officials have received their carrot upon being elected as they shall receive full pay and full benefits for the rest of their life even if they only serve one term. I say put all options “on the table” including their lifetime pay and benefits. I’m of the position that such a “stick” would cause these officials to get their head out of the clouds and their feet on the ground.
I find our elected officials incompetent to govern. They need some incentive that will mean something to them instead of putting funds at risk that will cause harm to those persons and institutions who can least afford such loss. I suggest that these officials’ pay and/or benefits be cut if and/or when they fail to do their job. As it is, party “a” threatens to harm parties “”d” through “z” if parties “b” and “c” can’t come to an agreement. It makes no sense whatsoever to threaten Congress with cuts that will not have any impact on them directly. Our Constitution establishes the type of government we are to have. We do not need to establish any “sub” groups within these institutions. They are all responsible collectively to govern and if/when they fail to do so they are all liable collectively. The “carrot and stick” method only works when the carrot or stick is guaranteed to the same one. These officials have received their carrot upon being elected as they shall receive full pay and full benefits for the rest of their life even if they only serve one term. I say put all options “on the table” including their lifetime pay and benefits. I’m of the position that such a “stick” would cause these officials to get their head out of the clouds and their feet on the ground.
While our man-made corporate automatons genuflect and give thanks to their Wall Street bronze bull, WE, the human occupiers of Wall Street remind them that corporations are our servants and that people aspire to greater values than just material wealth. We proclaim that corporations are only a legal construct created by people to facilitate business transactions. Corporate charters have a defined purpose and duration and can be vacated when their mission is accomplished. We further proclaim that corporations were never intended to have civil rights, nor to have the vote in civic elections. Our proposed Constitutional Amendment could be called: ‘The 100% Certified People Democracy ‘
I am coming to NYC from vancouver, canada, to see the movement with my own eyes and would love to help serve food/clean up/ whatever needs doing. Who can I contact to volunteer? E mail: artofwar.music@gmail.com thanks! - josh
I can truly understand why you feel the way you do about the Thanksgiving holiday. I feel the same about how millions of turkeys are bred and brutally killed for the sake of one meal each year. However, to associate Thanksgiving with genocide is a bit misguided. When President Lincoln decided to make this day a holiday ( during the Civil War) he wasn't thinking about pilgrims. He wanted us to set aside a day to celebrate our blessings despite any adversity that we may be enduring. He wanted us to realize that positive outcomes can result from adversity. I have learned that it is our own perception of anything that often dictates the outcome. So, I believe that this Thanksgiving is THE most appropriate day to celebrate in honor of the heroic activists across this country who waste not a second in negative thought or self defeat and instead, believe that they will change the world forever. They have made me a believer and restored my faith in humanity. I am forever grateful for their bountiful efforts.
Here's President Lincoln's Thanksgiving speech: ( much of what he writes can be applied to our struggles today and the OWS movement) By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
THe First THANKSTAKING PROCLAMATION was followed by 100 like it that celebrated victory over the "heathen savages"! Get it right and then the first presidential was by G Washington and was about fighting the British. Always was about war.
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION - JUNE 20, 1676
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks to God, for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unamimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.
"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgements he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard..."
The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many
By Jennie A. Brownscombe [1914] The Pilgrim Society Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being perswaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and soulds as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."
Actually there were alot of rolling proclamations about Thanksgiving! And everyone up until Washington had to do woth winning Wars and so did Lincoln's!! The first proclamation was 1676 during the Pequot War, by the Governor of that territory. I swear selective historical membory of imperialists!! We will just latch onto the last one and forget the firsts 150 that were about killing Indians! Racist!
Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation:
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our sasety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.
(signed) G. Washington
and when he made that proclamation? HE was currently waging war against the Sioux in Minnesota and the Dakotas. And he signed the declaration of execution of 39 Indigenouys men to be hanged to death on Christmas Day 1862, the largest mass execution in US history. The Indian removal program that was put in final high gear under his watch was nothing but genocide! Good try, Lincoln was an imperialist and he was a quite proficient Indian Killer. This proclamation of thanks for ending the civil war while not even acknowledging the war he was waging against Indigenous people is the worst one of all!
Happy Thanksgiving! http://mayorbloombergkingofnewyork.blogspot.com/2011/11/mike-bloomberg-nanny-mayor-pepper.html This post has Mike Bloomberg’s head on the Pepper Spray Cop with the message to New Yorkers from our Nanny mayor to drop dead. Please sign the petition demanding a hospital in the West Village. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.
Q: Isn't the implication of OWS that there is a clear demarcation between the 1% and the rest of us (99%), somewhat misleading? Many economic theorists, and even 8th Grade Math Teachers would espouse that there is a Gradation in any distributive analysis.
A: political slogans are neither formally nor dynamically equivalent to distributive analyses, or any other form of mathematical, economic, or logical analysis. Take "Change We Can Believe In." If we were to take it literally, we would logically have to conclude that Barack Obama completely kept one of his basic promises: he changed his shoes today from the ones he wore yesterday, and he, his wife, children, and most staffers, certainly believe that it happened, therefore he can legitimately say "we believe" this.
But nice try on the trolling! For your next post, I suggest you try to nail me on the difference some sociologists and 8th grade math teachers make between "beliefs" and "knowledge" (even though this is not a universally accepted distinction). You might also get on Obama's case about ending his sentence with a preposition.
neverrmind, saw the answer further down the scroll
How do I volunteer to help serve the food?
WE NEED TO OCCUPY THE MACY'S PARADE!!! Tons of press, speaking out against the big corporations!!!
One thing to be thankful for is that the sacrifices of Occupy have thrown light on the practices of police organizations. No longer will cops feel the same sense of empowerment in violating the rights of non-violent protesters. They'll be thinking twice before pulling the trigger on that "non-lethal" weapon, or brandishing that baton. Thanks to Occupy, the whole world is again watching.
Smiling from me to you! Special thanks from the bottom to the top of my heart to all those who are making this day happen so generously and graciously! I feel very fuzzy reading this entry and no tears just immense joy! Again, Happy Thanksgiving to one & all! God bless you! Huge revolutionary hug! My arms feel like play dough! Stretching.. Stretching… best damn hug I have ever had!
I love how you put at the bottom of the article "Indigenous voices are speaking". So? You just gave the shout out to the most racsist holiday of the year. Why weren't our voices heard in this release? You just wanted to seem like regular colonists. Regular Occupiers of stolen land. Going along to get along. Who cares if Thanksgiving marks the victory of pilgrims over 700 pequot men women and children. Who gives a damn? Not Occupy Wall Street. Bunch of settlers and colonists.
What a spirit! I wish I could join you to eye witness this heartfelt Thanksgiving dinner. Sending my love from Calif to all of you New Yorkers for what you have been doing since Sept 17! With love and gratitude, Happy Thanksgiving, you beautiful people! :-))
SHOW THEM HOW PEOPLE TAKING OF PEOPLE LOOKS LIKE!!
(While our goverment failed to do so ...)
We give with hopes that all people spread their love wherever they are. each and every one of us has something to give. if not food, we give our support to each other. we are proving to the world that Love is the answer! Thank you, fellow Occupiers!
I love ows
Thank you the beautiful spirit of this across-the-board social, political and emotional re-awakening! Thank you for all the courage and the imagination. Thank you for the joy of conquering our alienation and playfully subverting our helplessness. Thank you for restoring meaning to words like hope and democracy. Thank you for this eruption of sharing and all the love that's in the air. The list is very long. I don't want to to get mushy here but you are the winner. You deserve my massive gratitude! Thank you OCCUPY!
I would like to help on Thanksgiving in any way needed. Please let me know how I can be of service. Thanks so much. ...Bravo OWS.
AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT GRAND GOVERNING COUNCIL
MINISTRY FOR INFORMATION P.O. Box 13521 Minneapolis MN 55414 612/ 721-3914 . fax 612/ 721-7826 Email: aimggc@worldnet.att.net Web Address: www.aimovement.org
ORIGINS OF THANKSGIVING The year was 1637.....700 men, women and children of the Pequot Tribe, gathered for their "Annual Green Corn Dance" in the area that is now known as Groton, Conn.
While they were gathered in this place of meeting, they were surrounded and attacked by mercernaries of the English and Dutch. The Indians were ordered from the building and as they came forth, they were shot down. The rest were burned alive in the building.
The next day, the Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony declared : "A day of Thanksgiving, thanking God that they had eliminated over 700 men, women and children.
For the next 100 years, every "Thanksgiving Day" ordained by a Governor or President was to honor that victory, thanking God that the battle had been won.
Newell based his research on studies of Holland Documents and the 13 volume Colonial Documentary History, both thick sets of letters and reports from colonial officials to their superiors and the king in England, and the private papers of Sir William Johnson, British Indian agent for the New York colony for 30 years in the mid-1600s.
"My research is authentic because it is documentary," Newell said. "You can't get anything more accurate than that because it is first hand. It is not hearsay."
Newell said the next 100 Thanksgivings commemorated the killing of the Indians at what is now Groton, Connecticut [home of a nuclear submarine base] rather than a celebration with them. He said the image of Indians and Pilgrims sitting around a large table to celebrate Thanksgiving Day was "fictitious" although Indians did share food with the first settlers.
Source: Documents of Holland, 13 Volume Colonial Documentary. History, letters and reports from colonial officials to their superiors and the King in England and the private papers of Sir William Johnson, Britsh Indian agent for the New York colony for 30 years. Researched by William B. Newell (Penobscot Tribe) Former Chairman of the University of Connecticut Anthropology Department.
A big shout out to all the contributors! Thank you Occupiers there and everywhere. Let's also reach out to the homeless, the poor, and our veterans. I support you here in Fort Collins, CO and feel so blessed this Thanksgiving.
This type of in-community growth benefits all involved. At a time when people need it most, we are able to- we should. A win-win with no downside. Love u washington st.
I love this idea. I too, will
be making a donation asap.
Now THIS is the definition of Thanksgiving.
VETO para todos estos personajes que han participado de alguna manera en las decisiones que han llevado a Colombia (y todos los demás países) a la situación en la que se encuentra. No supieron aprovechar la oportunidad de hacer algo bueno por el país, sólo por sus bolsillos. No más de estos funestos personajes, necesitamos sangre nueva para que de verdad este país tenga lo que se merece. VETO
Remember who brought and taught you Thanksgiving: the Native's of this land. It is capitalism that is occupying against America's own principles of "liberty and justice". Either this is corrected or America cannot stand.
Happy Thanksgiving from Reno, NV/Western States and thank you to all OWS keeping the attention on corruption in our government, financial institutions and big business!
I fear Mr. Boehner is ashamed of his own impoverished past.
Remove Boehner from office.
If Americans are so comfortable they are willing to accept the Republican enforced agenda of corporate profit over individual welfare then so be it. We are at a crossroads. We must reject the status quo. But we are so comfortable we are deprived of the impetus to change. Profit rules. The natural world is destroyed before our eyes. Our families, social structure, falls before profit. Boehner must be removed from office.
I am not hopeful. Boehner and Republican forces supporting corporate interests have succeeded in stopping progressive legislation.
It's events and actions like this that make me love OWS.
This makes me cry in joy :*o)
Now I know why the African American Community here is thinking of doing a separate occupation, this movement is not defined by the oppressed but the top 40% of the 99% that is mostly white, college educated, and privileged.
Hi im darren check out my blog http://youngphilosopher89.wordpress.com its left wing reflecting my anarcho-syndicalist views
Thanks Brothers and Sisters. One more beautiful thing done at Liberty I missed because it's always easier to do nothing than something. How some (aside from the usual assorted trolls) can throw stones at you actually in the plaza from behind bushes in their own neck of the woods is funny stuff to behold. If the lame attacks I see are any indication of the integrity of your detractors, all you have to do is stay truthful, transparent, and self-reflective to the max to make their heads explode. But you know this...
Thank you, OWS, for having the courage to stand up against people who are turning this country back into an oligarchy. You're my "lobbyists"!
[Removed]
Democratic Reform Demanded as a result of Government Corruption and Neo-fascism
1.Members of the elected officials AND spouse shall liquidate all investments including real-estate.
2.All members AND spouse shall notify public of all holding companies.
3.All members shall relinquish every and all bank accounts with all assets frozen for the term that are in office.
4.Any unreported investments as defined in above and * shall be removed from office and punished by incarceration.
5.The practice of campaign contributions is illegal and all parties involved shall be punished by severe incarceration with no exception including the office of the presidency.
6.The practice of lobbying is illegal and all parties involved shall be punished by severe incarceration for undermining democracy.
7.All members of government shall eat and live at special government facilities that will provide cafeteria style food and simple Spartan shelter.
8.All members are not allowed carrying cash, debit cards, checks or any form of currency or methods of payment.
9.Travel when and only when it is absolutely necessary shall be provided by modest low cost, low fuel consumption vehicles provided by the government, they shall have GPS and be monitored for frequent use.
10.Every war shall be voted on by the people.
11.All military around the world shall return to the homeland.
12.Military expenditure shall cease for 10 years and/or until further notice and/or a vote and/or democratic consensus is taken from the 99.
13.All banks will repay all government loans and grants whether they are called TARP or NonTARP
14.All banking personal shall pay back all bonuses and incentives and shall be clawed back if need be through extra taxation.
15.Any and all TARP or Non-Tarp payments are not the responsibility of the Taxpayer.
16.All corporate welfare is banned.
17.Due to conspiring forces of attempted creation of a New World Order causing the undermining of the 99’s jobs by Government and lack of protection for which it was the responsibility and failed, and by allowing corporations to export all our jobs to low income countries the following steps will be taken:
a.All tech support, sales and administration on products bought in this country must be done in this country. No outsourcing of phone help is allowed and is illegal punishable by incarceration.
b.Regarding imports: The wage gap will be determined of said export country and will be excised accordingly: example if the minimum wage is $1/hr and the local minimum wage is $10, an excise tax of 90%(10-1) shall be placed on these products.
After reading this I went to buy some cans to bring over for the food drive. At the supermarket I saw a NY Post headline about Obama coming to NYC today. I surely hope that he doesn't plan on doing a campaign stop here to take down OWS the way he sucked the life from previous liberal movements(anti-war, feminism, environment.
I went to the supermarket to buy cans for the food drive. Planning to come. Then I saw a NY Post headline about Obama coming to NYC. Do I smell plastic turkey to OWS to kick start the campaign? Especially after getting mike checked in New Hampshire? I hope he doesn't manage to take OWS down like he did the liberal movement (anti-war, feminism, environment etc)
Occupy Wall Street is the best.
thanks for everything you do to make the world a better place for alll solidarity will save our country
This is really great, I hope people will be at the Thanksgiving parade with your signs before this event.
I'm thankful for persons who bear the burden of criticism and conflict, remaining peaceful in the onslaught of physical and emotional violence.
I'm thankful for those who keep their eyes on the prize, addressing their detractors as even-handedly as they do their comrades.
I'm thankful for those persons who are teaching me, and others, to be better people.
I'm thankful for persons who take on the underlying issues that have led this country and world astray, addressing the need to improve our lives in regard to those concerns, even if some in the audience aren't able to hear the language in which it's expressed.
I'm thankful for renewed hope, in what was becoming a more and more hopeless world, where self-actualization had taken a back seat to day-to-day living and merely growing old.
I'm thankful for those who expressed kindness and tolerance toward me when I was in Liberty Square.
I'm thankful for the love and solidarity I feel toward individuals who I was graced to encounter there.
I'm thankful.
I am thankful for Indians who fought and died trying to stop this imperialist settler state. I am thankful for Indians who said an and no. I am proud to say "US out of North America". I am thankful there are still some Indians left to fight against genocide. I am not thankful that OWS decided to snub us on Thanksgiving. Seriously.
I'm not thankful you felt snubbed, nor am I thankful if you were indeed snubbed, either, Ogitchidaag.
My earliest ancestors in N. America, to the best of my knowledge, came here from Ireland in the 1700s, one of whom, Patrick O'Shaughnessy, allegedly carried George Washington's flag into battle at some point during the American Revolution.
Patrick and his family were Irish; among those who were at times looked down on by the English (whom I'm also related to). Some of the Irish worked as indentured servants, or 'white slaves,' in order to pay for their passage to your Country.
Like many Hispanics of Mexican nationality, seeking to enter the U.S. today, many of my Irish ancestors came to North America seeking a better life. Some of them found that here. Thank you.
The Irish and the Scots (minimally present in my lineage) were held back by the Brits, who'd sometimes burned their farms in the Old Country, raped their wives, murdered their families, and either stole, or simply slaughtered, their livestock, when ever there was tension between the UK's subjugated colonies and the King.
One of my Irish Ancestors, in 500 A.D., was King Dythea, an Irish Pagan King, during a time of intermitent persecution where religious beliefs were concerned.
I didn't know any of these individuals personally. I didn't even know specifically who I was related to until a number of years ago, when I received information from an extended family member, as all of my family-of-origin members are dead now, and have been dead for a long time.
I had known almost nothing about my ancestors before that.
I apologize for what my family members helped to do to your family members. I apologize for what my government did to yours at Wounded Knee, and on hundreds of other hallowed battle grounds and village sites..
I stand with Leonard Peltier, AIM, Ira Hayes, and others, for a better, more fair and equitable world.
If you were here at my home now, you'd be welcomed to our feast, at which we do not honor the traumas of the past, as much as we celebrate what it is that we have now.
Peace to you and yours. I ask your forgiveness and camaraderie..
Turtle
A thankful Thanksgiving..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQqTxK7VhSk
just ordered a whole lot of stuffing and gravy from a local restaurant - bringing them down to OWS tomorrow - can't wait
Your are a champion. Happy thanksgiving.
MSM may see hippies, homeless, and violence but all I see is love, sharing, and peace. You guys should have handed out flyers to all the Wall Street Bankers asking to volunteer, the irony of having the 1% serve the 99% would be priceless.
I am shock to read on this post how many people are so critical of the home buyers in this situation! Really people whats wrong with you! The banks knowingly made these loans for the sole purpose of packaging them and selling them off for a profit. They didn't care if the buyers could afford the loans or not. The value of your homes have dropped because of the banks and loaning institutions, not the buyers they were conned!
sorry commented on the wrong post
Let's all take a minute to thank God that we live in a country where we have the freedom to protest (as long as we don't break the law in the process) and speak our minds.
God? God? WTF? God is the reason Thanksgiving is a genocidal holiday. Where Pilgrims high on self righteous religion murdered the Peqout people and then feasted. We will never have a revolutionary movement with you people driving the ship.
I agree. I'm so sick and tired of the God bullshit being thrust into every situation. I despise religion to the core.
Oh, please. I truly hope you are joking.
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CAPTION CONTEST - what's that old fart saying? "Did I leave my teeth in there?" LOL
I am so appreciative of the sacrifice those that were able to camp out and spend so many days and nights away from their loved ones did for us all. With a plan real change is before us. There are so many things to consider. I would like to put God back into our lives...into our schools and government. We need God before all because I truely believe only He is capable of healing and repairing our nation.
Well that is mighty white of you pilgrim! YOu want o force god back into our heathen lives? Settler.
You can take your god and shove it. Why should those of us who believe otherwise be forced to follow YOUR ways??????
"He is capable of healing and repairing our nation."
If that is true, why in the hell hasn't "he" done it yet????
I had read that OWS was planning on hitting shoppers. I couldn't think of anything more destructive to the movement that attacking ones family holiday. It was my WISH that instead OWS would feed people on the streets of the Capitol. I am thankful for this article. Zuccotti Park is a fine substitute. As a rebel act, instead of attacking shoppers, OCCUPY a locally owned store and clean him out of inventory by buying all you can. Do what you can for the little guys that try and compete against the big box stores.
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I'm sure the NYPD will be there to pepper spray the hungry and homeless.
Any contributions are gladly accepted. :^)
Well it is a food product, essentially.
I see some people don't understand sarcasm...
I got it.
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What happens if the Thanksgiving food is pepper sprayed at mayor's instruction?
Let's hope they have salt spray too, and maybe butter!
That is so funny. I would love to see a cartoon of this. "Please pass the salt spray". Excuse me, is there any more butter spray?".
We serve it to Megyn Kelly so she can appreciate the difference with Jalapeños?
Lets ensure the ows cooks dont go on strike again bc they despisebthe homeless...like a few wks ago. Isnt hypocrysy soninteresrting when coming from the self righteous.
Gobble Gobble Gobble
There is a lot I would like to say. But the word is out that diversity to you has to do with looking different, and that you are totally intolerant of people that think differently and that you delete their comments.
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Ows losers
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I kinda agree with Newt, a bath and a job are in order! Everything is not free, go out and work for a living and you might see your situation improve. Otherwise enjoy being homeless. Just don't expec t me to work and pay taxes to support you.
By the way real Texas BBQ is not made in NY by an Egyptian. It comes from New Zion BBQ in Huntville, made by a guy with no teeth and served by a God fearing bible reading woman.
Oh my. You're quite the racist.
He takes pride in having a job that does not even pay him enough to have teeth. What else could you expect?
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You go ahead over in that corner and be a hater and a racist. (Way to start the holiday season by the way). I think I'll stand in this one and applaud the OWS movement - and any folks performing similar actions this holiday season - for their charity and commitment to community.
Can you read, What about the millions out of work and can't find a job, You must live in a part of the country that isn't that bad, But there are more poor now than ever and most people would rather pay their bill's but through no fault of their own they lose their job's and have a family to feed Don't you realize we are in a bad rescission, Where is your compassion for your neighbors. What about the politicians that make the law's to suit themselves, Like inside trading and there are many more. Read this throw them all out,Maby it will help you understand what's going on in this country.
http://www.amazon.com/Throw-Them-All-Out-ebook/dp/B0062N35X8/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_3#reader_B0062N35X8
I suspect oldsparkey doesn't get out much. By the way, I've eaten Egyptian food in Texas made by a toothless New Yorker and it was fantastic.