Forum Post: Any plans beyond Protests and Occupations?
Posted 12 years ago on Nov. 21, 2011, 12:55 p.m. EST by lizroxkazbah
(0)
from Salt Lake City, UT
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Hi, So I'm a Stay at home mom of a 10 month old in Utah. We have protests here but with the violence and everything I have stayed home since I cannot risk my baby getting pepper sprayed or injured. I wanted to know if anyone knows if Occupy has any plans or ideas beyond the protests. The protests garnered international attention and a great deal of support and I know there are millions of people like myself who support the movement and want to get involved but cannot for whatever reason go to the protests themselves. Are there any plans for boycotts or anything that can take the message to the next level? Now that there is so much attention and support isn't it time to really start to do something that affects wall street. For example: What if someone watched which stocks were highest selling then boycotted those companies the next day? I am not an economist or anything but it seems to me that that would "hit them where it hurts" so to speak more than simply protesting would. Or even boycott companies that exemplify what the occupy movement is against. I have no specific suggestions because I think that is something that should be debated and decided by the group but I would VERY Much like to get involved somehow and I know many people who feel the same way as I do. They support the movement and want to help but have responsibilities and things that prevent them from taking part in things like these protests. Any thoughts or if there is already something going on that I have not heard about let me know and I will get on board.
Great idea! I've been thinking along those same lines. In regards to our esteemed congessional members, I think if small groups of non-partisan [or at least open-minded opponents] could be put in charge of following and reporting the activities of just one congressional member...then the facts would be reported in [ideally] manner that maybe the mainstream general public would pay attention to.
Occupy needs someone who can organize...much like MoveOn.com has done.
"For example: What if someone watched which stocks were highest selling then boycotted those companies the next day? I am not an economist or anything but it seems to me that that would "hit them where it hurts" so to speak more than simply protesting would."
I don't know much about economics, but would that hurt Wall Street or just the companies you are boycotting, their employees, and the little old retired ladies who have stock in their retirement plans? I would think that the Wall Street folks would see it as a golden "buy" opportunity, since once the boycott is over the stock would be expected to go back up if the product or service is still any good. And if the boycotted companies take the boycott as an opportunity to "right-size" their labor force, well, the Wall Street folks love that. Also, if you do decide on boycotts, I would think that the short-sellers would make a killing.
Anyway, I am no expert and could be completely wrong.
It is known that : the honest is oppressed; take bribes ; as trample poor law; the poor are despised. Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. If so, vote for the petition: http://wh.gov/jkl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgkSiyIUz_w
Become as self sustainable as possible, avoid the affluenza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7_w3w9VLIw
Boycotts are happening for Black Friday. Many OWS supporters are asking people not to purchase items on Black Friday, or if you do go out, to purchase from local shops and cooperatives.
Many supporters would say to buy American where possible, but to buy local American. The only problem is that America does still have sweat shops, a lot of them being in LA, so it can be difficult still to know if the purchase is going to benefit the people or not.
Personally, I would suggest buying Fairly Traded wherever possible, even if its not from the US, though especially Fairly Traded from the US.
The other promoted idea is transferring money from "big banks" to local banks or credit unions.
Other than that, the best thing you can do for the movement is stay updated on what is happening and inform any friends or relatives that don't know what is going on or how serious the crisis of finances is in the world right now.
I would like to see the DC occupiers pressure congressional members as to whether they support fully funded public campaigns. A state by state confrontation with all congressional members from each state All response published and those that dog responding being published as well. Also shadow K street lobbyists and document who they see and meet with daily.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9WVZddH9w