Forum Post: A People's Bank (Re-Post because the first time it didn't show up or was deleted)
Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 30, 2011, 3:20 p.m. EST by redandblack2011
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I'm amused by all the commentators that expect the protestors to simply offer a series of demands that their rulers will enact--a few small modifications that will correct an otherwise just system. The goal of this movement is obviously the formation of a new society from the bottom up, based on direct democracy. The protestors don't desire to beg some authority to do something for them; they want to do things for themselves. However, in order to begin to really take action, some sort of ideological consensus must be acheived. Only then can this movement begin taking concrete steps towards improving the lives of the 99%. A good first step would be the creation of a people's bank, democratically controlled by assemblies and operated by an elected committee. The bank would be funded at first by donations. It would lend capital for the creation of worker's cooperatives, who would pay back this loan plus a small fee, thereby enlarging the resources of this bank. The people in this movement could pledge to shop only at these co-ops (unless, of course, there are not yet any co-ops that offer the required product or service), thereby guarenteeing these business's income at the expense of the capitalist businesses. There could be a registry of these co-ops and they could have a sign in the window. This may seem a bit far-fetched at this phase, but with more ideological consensus and organization, I think this would be a very pragmantic way of meeting the material needs of the 99% while sprouting the roots of a new economic order within our current withering society.
We the 99ers are the new house in congress voting on a bill submitted that will end the slow motion nightmare. When it passes it will go to the 99ers acting as the new senate. We are giving birth to forming a new society,an ideological consenses. There is no doubt we will go with this or state bank or credit union. But the first step in consenses before taking it to our senate for passage must be debated. Can we hold our attention on what we are giving birth to so we will think of getting a pan of hot water or something to cut the embilical chord. Einstien only came up with the solution by staying with the problem. I'm right below you trying to get a discussion group started and would like you to attend.