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We are the 99 percent

Stop the Neo-Liberal Crisis Politics – Dispossess the Beneficiaries!

Posted 11 years ago on May 16, 2012, 9:38 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

Blockupy Frankfurt

via stop-neoliberal-crises-politics.org:

We are experiencing the deepest crisis of capitalism since the great depression of the 30s – and the European governments continue to pour oil on the fires! From the very beginning, some governments have prevented a solidarity-based solution to the crisis in Europe and are significantly responsible for its exacerbation. This refers particularly to the German government, which, in August 2008, blocked a substantial economic stimulus package for Europe. Hardly had the recession reached its lowest point in Germany in 2009, when the German government preached the necessity for hard austerity policies. The “debt brake” was anchored in the constitution: politics disempowered itself, shaped by neo-liberal ideology. The austerity measures taken in various EU states affected above all wage-earners, pensioners, the unemployed and the self-employed, while the wealthy, the banks and the corporations were spared. In spring 2010 the German government blocked aid for Greece, causing a steep rise in the yields of Greek government bonds and thus an increase in national debt and making a solution of the crisis more difficult and expensive. The loan agreements with Greece and other countries in crisis and their ridiculous austerity demands only made the crisis worse. For example, the reduction in the Greek minimum wage does not contribute to an increase in “competitiveness”, as the country’s current account deficit is as much due to the mercantilistic policies of the core eurozone countries, as to the role of deregulated finance. Instead, the reduction of the minimum wage has destroyed the internal market further. This example makes clear that the current crisis politics redistributes wealth from wage-earners to those who possess the capital, regardless of the macro-economic and societal consequences. Greek salaries have already dropped by 20-30%, hundreds of thousands of people are losing their jobs, over 10,000 schools are closed, hospitals are running out of medication, children are starving. Similar developments are also looming in Portugal and in other European countries.

Neo-liberal politics, whose failure has become obvious in this crisis, is being radicalised once more. The aim of the “fiscal pact”, for example, which was agreed by the heads of state and heads of government of 24 EU states on 2nd March 2012, is to make neo-liberal austerity policies legally binding for all time. A “debt brake” in line with the German model should be anchored across the whole of Europe. National budget deficits should, in future, be capped at 0.5% of GDP. This plan overlooks the fact that already in the 1990s the “Stability and Growth Pact” agreed by the European Economic and Currency Union, which had allowed a budget deficit of 3% of GDP, could not withstand the reality of a capitalist society dogged by crises. The 3% deficit was frequently exceeded. The “Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union”, as the Fiscal Pact is officially called, is more than the result of unrealistic plotting by neo-liberal economists and politicians. Further waves of privatisation, destruction of jobs, restriction of public services, social degradation, and wage reduction, are pre-programmed across the whole of Europe; and all to protect the profits of a small group of rich capitalists. The destructive policies which have been pushed ahead mainly by the German and French governments have been accepted and put into practice by nearly all EU governments, because in every state there is a dominant wealthy clique who profits from the increasing pressure on the wage-earning population.

The European crisis policies lead to an increased undermining and devaluing of democracy. Not least through international pressure were the governments in Greece and Italy removed from office and replaced by a government of “technocrats” in order to calm “the markets”. These governments make far-reaching decisions without having the legitimacy of being elected. A proposed referendum on the austerity measures in Greece was quickly quashed after pressure from the ruling powers. Elections become meaningless when the large parties represent more or less the same policies, as recently in Portugal and Spain. Responsibilities are moved from the national level to the EU-level without an adequate democratic control of the activities of the EU institutions such as the European Commissions, the European Central Bank, or the European Court of Justice. We note with great concern the increased nationalist, racist and fascist movements in various European countries.

And yet the prevailing policies are not without an alternative. A significant alternative, however, is only possible when the roots of the crisis are correctly identified. National debt crises form only one aspect of the current European crisis, in which the tensions of European integration (unequal development, common financial policies without common policies on wages, taxation and industry) collide with a structural over-accumulation of capital. There is too much capital, measured by the possibilities which remain to exploit work and the environment.

An alternative strategy for attacking the crisis needs to include the following elements:

No ratification of the Fiscal Pact

The Fiscal Pact means further loss of democracy, commits nations to neo-liberal policies, and increases the crisis.

Cancellation of national debts

A public debt audit must clarify how the debts were incurred and who is in possession of the government bonds. One person’s debts are another person’s wealth. The savings and pension entitlements of the broad mass of the population must be secured, while the interest and repayment entitlements of the wealthy, the banks, the hedge funds and the corporations must be cancelled.

Nationalisation of the banks

Banks which have been saved by public funds must be nationalised. Banks which are “too big to fail” must be divided up.

Radical redistribution of income and wealth

We need a tax on financial transactions, an increase in taxation on capital returns, a re-introduction of wealth tax and a much stronger progression in income tax, in order to achieve a lasting financing of state spending and increase in benefits, and to enable social and environmentally necessary investments, as well as to combat world poverty.

Overcoming of mass unemployment

Mass unemployment, low wages and wage reduction are important reasons for decreasing wage rates and the creation of surplus capital which inflates the financial sector. There must be an end to the manipulation of unemployment statistics. Mass unemployment can only be overcome by a radical reduction in working hours.

Democratising democracy

Democracy must be strengthened at all levels, especially at the European level, and must also include the economic sector. It cannot be possible that democracy comes to a stop at the gates of the factories and the banks, and that a small group has the means of production at its disposal, when human survival depends on it.

The “Arab Spring”, the movement of the “indignant ones” in Spain, the numerous strikes and demonstrations in Greece and the worldwide “Occupy” movement which started in the USA, are all a source of encouragement. It is high time to strengthen the protests and to take them to the place where the European crisis policies are apparently decided. This is why we are announcing the world-wide decentralised protest demonstrations on 12th May as well as the European protest demonstrations which will take place in Frankfurt am Main on 17th-19th May 2012.

63 Comments

63 Comments


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[-] 5 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

It's called Shock Doctrine and it was birthed by the Nixon, Freedman, Rumsfeld, Pinochete, Powell bastards.

We have neglected our political system and money has taken over. Even good politicians need to play the money game if they want any chance to succeed at all. More imperfection. But the idea that both parties are the same is a RepubliCon-MSM-1% tactic to suppress the vote like they did in 2010, which got us all those crazy Tea Baggers and Koch Bros pols like Scott Walker!!

Don't be fooled again!!

Unite and Win! Unite and Win! 2010 Never EVER Again!!

Register and Vote! Register and Vote! "We the 1%" NOT What They Wrote!!

Get out the VOTE!!

[-] 0 points by JesseHeffran (3903) 11 years ago

After reading "The Shock Doctrine," by Naomi Klein, I was left with the impression that the Washington Consensus was a biparty consensus. I'd have to say the Blue Dogs buy the Neo liberal line that market forces are better at regulating the economy than politicians and the rule of law. Every body tells me it is normal for the Blue Dogs to be where they are, but I believe they should be either out of a job or on the other side of the aisle. Klein's description of Feudal societies forming all over the globe with the help of our public officials is a sickly reminder of why not voting leaves egg on all our faces.

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

I just finished watching that excellent documentary for the second time. One thing I found interesting was that the concept was developed by the "Chicago boys." Isn't Obama one of the modern-day Chicago boys?

[-] 1 points by ancientmariner (275) 11 years ago

How the HELL did you get 3200 points with the name Go Money???

Oh yeah, you guys got bots and vote each other up 20 times apiece.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

It's "gee, no money."

[-] 1 points by JesseHeffran (3903) 11 years ago

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I guess that was my point. Chicago Boys" economics is New Wave Capitalism. Capitalism is an American love affair. It's as much the philosophy of a good chunk of the American Electorate as it is to the main stream politicians, or so I believe.

Now, I believe Chicago School Doctrine is a perversion of what most people believe to be Capitalism, but it is not surprising that the philosophy evolved in such a way. So I guess my point is that when you are an American citizen and you point a finger at a certain individual for what the Chicago Boys did, three fingers are pointed right back at you, especially if you are railing for more deregulation and more market solutions.

You got to love their language, though. It is seductive.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

I'm going to hunt down that book.

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[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

Nice!

I also recommend the documentary available on Netflix!

2010 Never EVER Again!!

Get out the Vote!

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

I hope it is OK that I share this here with you all. Forum please let me know if you would like me to remove it and I will - No Problem.

The following is a letter to the President of the USA and all of the current sitting Government.


If you would like to contact the President:

http://www.barackobama.com/contact-us/ or email info2012@barackobama.com

You can also make contact here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments

Sent this day 5/21/2012

Mr. President and all members of Government,

Do you want to know why you have the American People in the streets protesting?

It is because you and the rest of the government as well as the Supreme Court the Justice Department, the FBI, the SEC, the CFTC, the Federal police, The Police of Cities States have turned against The People of The United States of America. You have all turned away from your oath of office to serve and protect the Constitution of the United States of America.

The People see that you are directly supporting private interests to the detriment of society.

You have not charged or prosecuted the economic meltdown criminals of WallStreet for their crimes Fraud being right up there in front and waving it's hand for attention.

We the people see this. We also see all of you trying to ignore all of the Occupy movements that are protesting the greed corruption and white collar crime that is running rampant in this country.

The police and other enforcement agencies were set-up for valid reasons with real duties to perform.

They are also institutions power bases. They are just as open to greed and corrupt manipulation as any other institution.

The secret service feels so dedicated to the job right now that they hire hookers while on assignment.

This country is going down the drain and you are all sitting on your hands or are helping it to do so.

If there were a valid third party candidate offered to run for office today.

Guess what? Possible landslide winner?

Read the Constitution read the Declaration of Independence.

You have all forgotten what the job of government stands for.

[-] 2 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 11 years ago

Good to see OWS talking about wealth and the 99%, I just wish they would take a stand on those that support us and those that don't. (not many do support, but one "group" sure do oppose)

[-] 2 points by GreatTrue3 (2) 11 years ago

This is not a crisis of capitalism is the crisis of European socialism. Socialism in Europe more than in any other country in the world. Socialism is necessary to diminish and strengthen capitalism. When in Russia have criticized the neo-liberal economy in return offer to return to the Stalinist repression of the 30s. Take away people's apartments, cars, land and other property and build a labor camp. The most vicious enemies of neo-liberal economics is the enemy of democracy and freedom. So things are in Russia and the former Soviet Union. In order to preserve the freedom necessary to revive the European capitalist economy, which was destroyed by unions and lazy workers. To the delight of the enemies of Europe.

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[-] 0 points by jdjay (34) 11 years ago

But democratic socialism has never been given a chance independent of the dictations of competing with vulture capitalism. Democratic socialism is the natural evolution of our society. If it is given a chance, minus the dictations of our current corporate dictatorships, it will provide a new breed of sovereignty that has been unseen for many many years.

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

Keep up the good work! You're on the right track.

People come first!!

Unite and Win!

Get out the VOTE!

[-] -1 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

You are a TROLL!

[-] 2 points by JosephB (26) 11 years ago

Nationalizing the banking system is step two. Step one is educating the people why this will not only work well, always has worked well and will provide massive benefits for infrastucture and the future. Expansion and growth cease to be necessary with Govt owned banks. Our world need not be stripped and exploited so the future is diminished for our children.

The debt this nation has been saddled with which on paper is owed to the Feds and banking system, through allowing these parasites to exist.

Europe is where the banking system comes from. The small group of tribal manipulators of banking are alive and more dangerous that ever, creating devision and debt exploiting governments and people.

It is the same here and globally .

Tinkering with the system is useless.

[-] 2 points by JohnWa (513) 11 years ago

The rotten system has evolved over time stripping wealth and resource from wider society and collecting into the coffers of a tiny group with a large pyramid of ethically and criminally corrupt supporters who see themselves as "doing well" under this system.

It will take an prolonged war of resistance to crumble this empire but it is vulnerable as it relies on wider society to feed it.

The sadness of withstanding the punishment metered out by the oligarchy to keep the masses obedient and fearful will happen inspite of resistance or compliance, but the shape of the punishment and the duration will depend on how fast the occupy and other resistance proliferates and acts.

If banks were split up then they will only find ways around that to work as a cartel and combine forces. Laws must be in place to prevent any corporate activity that may disadvantage other traders or citizens and their rights.

Rights are set in law by people and the people are not in charge of lawmaking presently . Law making has historically been controlled by money and power to coerce.

This has to change with greater democracy than a vote every so many years and then unsustainable business as usual, and massive profits for a few who own the banking system and politicians.

Money controls who get to be a candidate and who gets known. Mind control using money and media determines outcomes on these occasions . The psychology of mass hysteria is alive and well with expert PR shaping media activity.

A method of employing common will or democracy depends on education of all and a more representative consensus of will and decision making than employing the govt structure we have at present. In other words a new system with safeguard so that capture of government by power and money can not take place. Social or societal consequences has to be the prime concern , not stock markets and gambling systems profiting a few at cost to the rest.

Shifting the law making into the realm of intelligent planning for a future existence looks to be a far cry but must happen or our human story will be a very sad one of degeneration of the planet and all living upon it.

We have become a dangerous destructive predatory species by default allowing little control of the predatory element which is not equipped to forge a long term sustainable plan. We must recognize that this element may be within many people and with varying degrees.

While Psychopathy is defined, we are loathe to apply the recognition of that to business and political leaders who display all of the classic symptoms but, instead tolerate them and even vote for them. The general psyche in sport, block buster movies and hero worship is based on adoration of the predatory element. This rubbish is pushed at us all the time. Little credit is given to more worthy common good initiatives and qualities.

Also within our nature is a more significant aspect of cooperative and social group interaction for common good. This is easily recognized but often categorized and called denigrating names to prevent the logic of common good being given any credit or application in community and fiscal planning.

How many times have you heard people called " Commo " for expressing doubt about aspects of the financial system or political hegemony, when it is obvious both of these in their present form are hurting humanity and the planet. Name calling and social ostracism is endemically used to control.

The article above is one of many broad explanations available but very helpful in countering the rubbish distributed in the press and news . Banks and bankers are at the root of the financial based stripping of assets which are creating debt and not social spending to provide community services and infrastructure for basic services, although there are many tentacles of the financial blood suckers extended into controlling these services for their profit.

South and Central America have many examples where the people have not been so indoctrinated with misinformation, and so have seen over throw of tyrannical systems of rule by corrupt government puppets for the bankers.

America is corrupt to the core in what it is doing to the world and its own people.

The arrest of this rotten hegemony can only come from its common people. More power to OCCUPY and its function of resistance and education.

[-] 1 points by TheEvilFuckaire (208) 11 years ago

Capitalism rewards greed and corruption, and punishes kindness and decency.

[-] 2 points by justiceforzim (-17) 11 years ago

yeah, really. The damded banksters forms ask you to check here if you are "kind'" or "decent" and your interest rate is adjusted accordingly. LOL

[-] 2 points by francismjenkins (3713) 11 years ago

Jon Stewart joked about the irony of Germany using a "global banking conspiracy" to dominate Europe --and although it's not a laughing matter, I always find it interesting to see how comedy can disseminate what might be viewed as controversial ideas, in a benign way.

Is it any wonder that Germany is taking such a hard line against public spending, under the pretense that austerity is needed to preserve the integrity of the Euro, while at the same time opposing steps that would in fact make the Euro a workable currency for its member countries.

It's becoming exceedingly obvious that Germany only cares about Germany, and they're not only not bothered by the fact that their prosperity has come at the expense of other EU members, this seems to be their strategy. I'm quite sure that many Germans don't share this seemingly dark and narcissistic outlook, but this outlook appears to be guiding German policy. That Germany has deluded itself into thinking it can enforce this policy without an army, is, however, pretty bizarre.

[-] 1 points by TheEvilFuckaire (208) 11 years ago

The European banks don't need an army they own the US politicians and by proxy the US military.

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 11 years ago

I'd say that's a bit of a reach (at very minimum we'd want evidence to make the case for this allegation). I mean, it's not even really intuitive. Why would American banks (or for that matter politicians) be in the business of serving Europeans? Moreover, I don't think Germany will be able to defend its position for that much longer, and Germany (perhaps more than any other European country) has an interest in preventing a mass exodus from the Eurozone currency. If suddenly countries like France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland side with Greece, the game is over for Germany (and this seems to be the trajectory things are heading in at the moment).

So we just have to keep up the pressure, and (ideally) intensify it.

[-] 1 points by JohnWa (513) 11 years ago

Look a little deeper and see who owns the banks. It is a global issue and the US military is effectively at the beck and call of international bankers.
All crashes are opportunities for a transfer of wealth. Picking become cheap. Why has the US got near to 500 military bases globally. And you pay for them.

[-] 1 points by TheEvilFuckaire (208) 11 years ago

ALL the currencies on earth are fiat currencies now, backed by nothing, and printed by a few banks like the FED, the European Central Bank, Bank of England. These banks are privately owned by the European banking cartels, a few rich families that have owned governments for centuries. As far as owning our politicians? They are for sale openly through lobbying they auction themselves off to the highest bidder before they are even elected. The economic collapse is unavoidable and will only spread.You cannot use monopoly money forever, money need not be backed by gold or silver, but it needs to be backed by something or it is theft. Now all over the world people are waking up and asking for their money that was promised by these IOUs that have been used instead of money for the past 100 years. The rich have nowhere to hide from a planet wide revolt.

[-] 2 points by JohnWa (513) 11 years ago

Abraham Lincoln printed greenbacks backed by the state for the people. The private bankers fixed that with a little bit of lead.

[-] 3 points by TheEvilFuckaire (208) 11 years ago

Yep.

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

Comedy picks up where MSM, to appease their 1% owners, leaves off or self censors. The owners are OK with that because it trivializes (makes a joke of) their vicious crimes. Ha ha ha we had two, fraudulent, bloody, public-bankrupting, private-profiteering wars!! Ha ha ha the 99% got raped, robbed and blamed by a greed-addled few in the 1%!! Ha ha ha government is broken because RepubliCons keep braking it with impunity right in front of our electoral faces!!!

Germany is under attack because their socialist policies worked and they came out of this economic catastrophe relatively unscathed. The predator and vulture capitalists have to attack successful social policies wherever they can, it's a World Class War. Shock Doctrine is their Strategic Initiative.

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 11 years ago

Certainly, few could disparage Germany's social welfare programs, or how she handled the economic crisis (for instance, Germany paid its manufacturers to keep workers on the payroll, and companies like BMW in turn simply reduced hours, while maintaining pay levels thanks to the temporary subsidy, and it worked remarkably).

However, the issue here is really Germany's handling of the Europe wide crisis, and it's really not behaving like a "member" state (but rather it's throwing it's weight around, and sort of kicking other members while they're down). With friends like that ... who needs enemies? So this situation begs an obvious question, what's the point of a European Union if they react to the first real crisis they encounter, not with solidarity (which you would think is the point of having a union), but rather by trying to cannibalize each other?

I do appreciate the fact that Germany is deathly scared of inflation. It erodes savings, and Germans are savers. But really, a more feasible bailout package for Greece would not create an appreciable inflation risk (Greece is just too small to have such a big impact on inflation). I assume the real concern must be the precedent it would set (since other, much larger countries, may also need a bailout of some sort in the near future). So I expect Germany to continue its hard line, at least until it's confident that larger European countries are on a more stable footing. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that this will come soon enough to rescue Greece.

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

With RepubliCons and predator capitalists like this, who needs terrorists? They are busy saboteurs!

The EU is a great idea and solves many problems, but nothing is perfect, and the powers (terrorists) that be (terrified by anything smacking of "Union") would like us all to know all about real or manufactured "imperfections" LOUD and CLEAR. They don't want it to spread. Vulture and predator capitalists are amassing a HOT class war and Shock Doctrine is their Strategic Initiative.

We should double-down on EU and go WU ~ World Union!

"Greece seems unable to form a new government following parliamentary elections because of the refusal to co-operate by socialists on the left and Nazis on the right. I didn’t mean figuratively “Nazis“, they call themselves Nazis. (what’s old is new again) This will force new elections and the likely emergence of a government that will leave the Euro behind. This is a dangerous road, but the only one that makes any sense. "Even in Germany, where they haven’t really suffered from the austerity insanity, the locals are starting to rebel with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s minority government losing a large number of seats in local elections. They join the French people who realize that their nations are under threat from the bankers. Americans are much slower to catch on." Prairie2 News

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 11 years ago

Put it this way ... abruptly forming a world union, could only be something imposed by some sort of top down process (and the people are getting tired of top down master plans, to the point where they're starting to realize, it does not, and cannot, produce a robust and intellectual society).

Right now, the world is ran according to an insane power based philosophy (which is, if nothing else, outdated). I mean, the fact that we can conceive of better ways of thinking, tells us that better ways of thinking exist (and therefore, we should use them) :)

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

What we have now is a proxy, illusory form of "just governance" thinly veiling a near Medieval Kingdom. Is it comforting that we let it happen over 30+ years?

Critical mass is a wondrous thing, and awareness could be it's trigger! Awake the sleeping giant (America, not China) and we will have leaps and bounds of change. WU may pale in such change. Occupy Wake Up!!

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 11 years ago

I forgot about that great phrase ... sleeping giant (yes indeed, we must awaken from our slumber). Imagine, the last 30 years were filled with evangelical gibber-shit. It's so bad, after America fully comes to its senses, there will probably be like a two year hangover period :)

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

That's an explosion I would love to see. These dark-ages were old with Bush one.

How can we do it?

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 11 years ago

Best we can do ... keep growing.

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

That's what she said.

[-] -1 points by able132 (50) 11 years ago

You can start by admitting you're here to promote the Democratic Party and the two-party tyranny it represents, and that your mission here is not to support global revolution but to co-opt OWS. And don't reply calling me a RepubliCon again, you ignorant bastard: The Democratic and Republican Parties are two sides of the same corrupt coin, and neither will ever see my support again!

[-] 1 points by francismjenkins (3713) 11 years ago

That sounds like some blood pressure increasing anger .... ouch!

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

If you are not a sabotaging troll, tell us what your idea is. You're against a lot, what are you for? What will remove the tyranny of the few in the 1%?

[-] -1 points by able132 (50) 11 years ago

I stand for everything that philosophical anarchist Thomas Jefferson stood for. And bringing down their two-party Democratic/Republican oligopoly would go a long way towards eliminating the tyranny of the 1%.

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

And put Governor Romney in the WH, which will multiply the 1% tyranny problem exponentially.

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[-] 2 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

RepubliCon Troll BS!

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[-] 1 points by JesseHeffran (3903) 11 years ago

You realize your constant name calling and ostracizing does more to put a monkey wrench in the whole idea of anarchy than those who advocate for the two parties. Anarchy can only work through compromises and understanding of the oppositions' grievances. Bulling those who don't toe your line just makes those who disagree with you more adamantly apposed to your solutions. You do more for your ego than you do for the future.

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[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Have you considered sending this as an open letter to the President and the currently seated Government?

I think everyone should send this type of open letter to the Government.

[-] 1 points by 99oneofus99 (20) 11 years ago

I'll be keeping my money out of the banks and Wall Street, except for Facebook, I'll make money off its stock.

[-] 1 points by Binh (83) 11 years ago

Support SYRIZA! They are trying to occupy the Greek government to reverse austerity.

[-] 1 points by webb5 (36) 11 years ago

Yes, the picture does not look good. Major reforms are badly needed, but how do we get them. Well, we might learn something from the actions of the people of Iceland. The people here refused to bail out the banks.

http://truedemocracyparty.net/2012/04/iceland-is-free-iceland-kicks-out-the-bankers-how-iceland-defeated-the-bankers-this-is-how-true-democracy-works/

I think we can go one step further. To get true monetary reform moving we can start our own debt free currencies. This has been used many times in the past as an emergency action when the money supply has bottomed as we are seeing now.

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

We need to fight the banks at their own game. Creating new local currencies as a supplementary is the way to do it, the banks are not going to like it at all. Small communities, townships even organisations like Occupy Wall Street could use it. I guarantee that when people see a community use a local currency it will spread like wild fire. The question is, who is going to start it ?

[-] 2 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

We should have foreclosed on Wall Street, liquified there skyscrapers, lobby art, limousine fleets, and offshore accounts, made them a ward of the state, moved them into strip malls on main streets, capped their wages and police their every transaction.

Woulda, shoulda coulda!!!

We must start learning!!

[-] 1 points by Renneye (3874) 11 years ago

Hehehe ! I get all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it !

[-] 1 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

Fleets of Yugos!!!

Lunches by Micky D!!!

Wall Street assets-paid Health Care and College Education for all!!!

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[-] 1 points by frieswiththat (2) 11 years ago

The real question is who would accept the currency in exchange for goods or services?

It might be accepted by the true 1% of the population who represent Occupy Wall Street, but among the remaining 99% of Americans, all you would receive is laughter in exchange for your "local currency".

[-] 1 points by webb5 (36) 11 years ago

You don't get it do you. There is a shortage of money, not resources. We have large numbers of unemployed because of this shortage. Basically there is poverty amongst plenty.

If you were suddenly marooned on a deserted island, you would quickly understand that printed money has no real value. Food and water is what we would really value. You certainly would not lie down and die because you could not buy them! Unfortunately we now put more value on money which today’s banks create as debt. We have lost sight on what is real wealth.

This system would certainly work in countries like Greece. Maybe America is not hurting enough yet. The solution is there, it needs to be understood that’s all.

[-] 1 points by tomthiele (1) 11 years ago

I refer to your article "Stop the Neo-Liberal Crisis Politics – Dispossess the Beneficiaries!". I agree with the analysis and the demands. But in germany there is still no historical subject to fight aginst the capitalist crisis along this requirements.You can set up requirerements of all kinds but they are uselss if you have'nt got educated troops to set them by. The troops to fight, mainly those who produce the surplus in the industry have to be educated in understanding the functional mechanisms of capitalism. Once this process has taken place there will come up demands like controling production, controlling the banks by occupying means of production, real occupying of the buildings like wallstreet, ezb, etc. A real fighting movement is the precondition to destroy the capitalist system. I feel we are still in a very early stage of this process. for better understanding capitalism I raccomand: http://www.polyluxmarx.de/home.html
Th. Thielemann. works council and union member Hamburg

[-] 1 points by TheEvilFuckaire (208) 11 years ago

European Banks control the earth and wield the United States like a sword. Any democratically elected government not in bed with the banks will be toppled by the US. Any dictator that is in bed will be propped up by the US. Look at Honduras and Saudi Arabia if you doubt it. Capitalism is not synonymous with democracy, making us think that it is, that is the brainwash of our age. Capitalism is an economic system not a form of government

[-] -1 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

Pinochet!

Shock Doctrine!

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

If anyone still believes that this isn't a world-wide struggle, they haven't read this

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[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

What we are seeing is all the Milton Friedman, Richard Nixon, Lewis Powell, Donald Rumsfeld, Augusto Pinochet, Ronnie Raygun, Margret Thatcher, School of the Americas, subvert and oppress the 99% People, empower and enrich the 1% Kings, RepubliCon Shock Doctrine coming to fruition.

And what is essential to a thriving "democracy?" VOTES!

The 99% are not corporations, the 99% are We the People, the great American democratic experiment!! Protest and demonstrate with American democratic PRIDE, non-violently ~ hoodlum free, with our great American Flag!

And get out the VOTE!

Unite and Win!

[-] 0 points by Ratico (21) from Fredericksburg, VA 11 years ago

This is a great artical. As we understand how things have become what they are, we begin to see the strings controlling us. We need to start sharing all the knowledge we have of the manipulation of current affairs - and we will see the true, malicious intent of the 1%.

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

See or read Shock Doctrine!

Not all the 1% are bad, just a greed-addled, democracy-hating, few, who want to be the Kings, and always have since we overthrew the King of England.

[-] 1 points by Renneye (3874) 11 years ago

Great post...and great advice. Thanks!

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

Spread the word.

Get out the Vote!

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[-] 0 points by MattHolck2 (44) 11 years ago

"neo-liberal policies"

use shorter sentences

there must be better words to describe these ideas

I jus want everyone to walk out into the street and talk about their nations future

demand elections be national and state holidays

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[-] 0 points by Bighead1883 (285) 11 years ago

Austerity fatigue,that sums up PIIGS.Grexit is a good name,so Portexit, Irexit,Itexit,Spexit,are the obvious progressions of the GFC.At least Icexit and prior Argentexit showed it could be done.Capitalism has failed worlds societal ideals as did Communism.Time for a new ism,Humanism or Sustainism.Globalism using the Capatilism Model is an abject failure due to greed,.

[-] -3 points by airplaneradio (50) 11 years ago

We believe in progress. And you are standing in the way of it. Progress doesn't need humanity anymore. Science has filled in many of the gaps. So we need less humans, not more. Too many people here have become nothing more but useless eaters. It is time for some abortions.