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We are the 99 percent

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg's New York

Posted 12 years ago on Nov. 16, 2011, 3 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

59 Comments

59 Comments


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[-] 5 points by nickhowdy (1104) 12 years ago

Expect even more Police State..Everywhere..For your own protection...Ha Ha Ha...This country has shown itself for what it really is: A Fascist Plutocracy..

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

To the undercover/overt law "enforcers" and unhappy individuals that are so terrified of this movement as to attempt to clog the comments with unabashed nervousness of change that it reeks "yellow belly" stench....I will continue,as other Occupiers, with creating the change necessary for a truly egalitarian world; where resources are protected, nurtured and shared with every living individual on this planet. Creating a world filled with individuals no longer bound to the false notion that a piece of paper with a politician's face on it is an actually resource (unless you count it a great camp fire starter, wall paper or building insulation). I do this for you, those who are scared of the great and growing movement, your children, family, friends and all others; And I pray that you join the Occupy Movement here and worldwide for your children, parents, extended family, friends and strangers....the same strangers who are a part of this movemnment for you!

Cheers xoxo,

Lisa Marie Chadwick

[-] 4 points by chango (26) 12 years ago

VIVA OWS!!!! ~~~ its better to die on your feet than live a life on your knees- Zapata

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

Dear folks--I just viewed this video, and I have to say that while in essence I agree with your message and your intent, it is not effective to taunt the police with "Shame" chants. The idea of nonviolence protest is to show your opponent, though pacifism and love, that we are one. Submission is the tool. One young woman was screaming, "I am your sister." While that is more like it, the scream itself is antagonistic and blaming. These officers are trained to this duty, and is it reasonable to expect them to lay down their batons and walk away? If they are met with violence through speech, attitude, or action, they will feel vindicated, justified. Solidifying the barrier you seek to overcome cannot be accomplished when you meet your opponent with antagonism, of any sort. You feel called to stand up because you have been moved at a deep level, something I admire and feel moved to emulate. Please do everything possible to make your every action consistent with the new world order of peace and justice that you are trying to establish.

[-] 1 points by llf (144) 12 years ago

How do you know that the people doing that were not NYPD provocateurs? It is a known fact in many social movements that often the loudest and most obnoxious "demonstrators" are actually police in disguise and agitating so the folks in uniform "can clear things out." Are you really that idealistically naive? Violent and law braking cops deserve the higest form of condemnations and scorn because they are betraying and abusing the public the swore to defend and that pays their salaries...Or did they just take a personal oath to the billionaire Mayor and his ilk?

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

MLK was an idealist, a spiritual man whose vision guided a movement. I'm a proponent of the strategies of nonviolence he successfully practiced. "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." By the way, what evidence do you have that there are such provocateurs? Not that I'm entirely unwilling to argue against such a notion--I'm just wondering if you have evidence. Peace.

[-] 1 points by llf (144) 12 years ago

No one here is proposing or promoting any violence. This is a non-violent movement that has been attacked by the NYPD. Are they promoting non-violence? Have you seen any of the videos or other images? Since day 1 they have been making asses of themselves (remember the white shirts?) and helping grow the movement with their idiocy. A well trained police officer does not have to get violent in reaction to free speech--or even direct insults from people. That IS the job. You really have no idea, unless you were there, what was and what was not said in earlier era demonstrations. Are you saying it is legitimate for a cop to beat someone in a demostration because they feel insulted by some language? Cops that abuse people are pigs. Lastly, the NYPD has the evidence about what they did today. Ask them if they had any infiltrators in the crouds...

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

I understand that your passionate response stems from a deep and legitimate feeling of being wronged. I just asked a question. I've taken a stand WITH the movement, so please, take a step back. The last thing we need to do is lash out against one another as well as those who we feel are our opponents. If you lose your head because of unjust and unnecessary violence, then they have won. Nonviolence isn't simply the absence of violence; it is a willingness to submit to violence peaceably in order to hold a mirror up to the perpetrator and the world. This is how it works over the long haul. A violence reaction must be expected, and accepted so that the world can better see the injustice. The protestors shine a pure light on the injustice by nobly submitting, but they shouldn't blame the misguided person who hasn't learned the lesson they are trying to promote. Don't divide the world into us and them. We are "them" and we have to be patient and dignified as we try to teach others through our actions. As you promote the movement's ideals, "Be the change you seek to bring to the world." and "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind." Mahatma Ghandi. Don't be discouraged or distracted by the reactions you get. Carry on. Peace.

[-] 1 points by llf (144) 12 years ago

I agree with your thoughtful message. We may disagree a little on tactics and it does sound like you are pointing out the need for more sophisticated non-violent training. That is likely the case. But that does not mean that talking and even "insulting" the agent of oppresion to their face is an act of "violence." Demonstrating anger and outrage at oppression and the oppresor does have some valid role...Be well. Peace to you too.

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

May peace and light grow. If you are in the trenches, more power to you. I want to witness it first hand, and am planning on making a trip down soon. I have much to learn. Thank you for your patience.

[-] 1 points by llf (144) 12 years ago

What do you think of this video. Is this what you have in mind or should different tactics have been used?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmJmmnMkuEM&feature=youtu.be

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

A peaceful, persistent action. They held up the mirror. I still disagree with the "us vs. them" chant of "Shame on you." Would "We are One" or "We Are All United and Cannot Be Divided" achieved the same objective? Or singing, "We Shall Overcome?" I am inspired by these young people's willingness to put themselves on the line. Thank you, lif, for continuing to share with me. Are you attending a GA in your local. We have a small one in our locality and the big debate that is coming up is about direct action and how to make it more effective. We held a hastily organized rally on 11/17 and critics think that our message was not effectively put out there. I am so gratified by the number of people I've been able to talk to whose disagreement with me was at first quite strong, but we've been able to continue to share in a positive way. Be well. I'm a grandmother of 2 with one more grandchild on the way. There is no more important work than that which we are doing. I wish everyone would just drop everything an unite to create a better world. I fervently believe that we are in a crisis situation, and that we should mobilize in response to that crisis.

[-] 1 points by llf (144) 12 years ago

This was just tweeted by...OccupyWallStNYC

OCCUPYWALLSTREET

"Even in the face of immense #policebrutality, imprtnt 2 remember most r 99%. Just being forced 2 protect 1% & their stuff. #ows"

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

really, is that what they did in libya, no wait egypt,...nah I mean syria..wait a minute that is what they did in 1776...no...what are you talking about?

[-] 0 points by Banduras7317 (-16) 12 years ago

well said

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

Thanks, but I reread, and I actually don't think one sentence said what I meant it to. I think I meant You solidify the barrier you seek to overcome (or dissolve) when you meet your opponent with antagonism of any sort. Does that make more sense. I'm tired. I think I'm obsessed.

[-] 0 points by Socrates469bc (608) from New York, NY 12 years ago

I agree. I would suggest using symbols that are dear to them and to occupiers. Fly the stars & stripes. If you don't like that fly the Egyptian or Libyan flag, or fly the flag upside down, or make large copies of the 1st Amendment right to free assembly, and chant, We are Americans, or This is America.

(For safe measure take your cross and hold it out to the at arms length in their direction.)

[-] 3 points by chango (26) 12 years ago

when will you white kids fight back? These thugs wouldn't dare try this on a black crowd. NYPD thugs know this, blacks would have burned the city down. If you won't fight back then keep straining the cities resources. You can outlast the cities thug tactics because thugs don't work for free. The city can't keep throwing dollars away by keeping these thugs on overtime. VIVA OWS!

[-] 3 points by gray4420 (3) 12 years ago

Fight the Sopa bill, or videos like these will be taken down, and people who posted them legally pursued.

[-] 1 points by Banduras7317 (-16) 12 years ago

-Fight the Sopa Bill.

[-] 3 points by anon8675309 (1) 12 years ago

Don't give up. It might be time to consider some new tactics.

Perhaps you could try to fill the jails, though I'm not sure how the police's capacity compares to the number of protesters.

I wonder if lying down in the street and blocking traffic would be a viable option to the limited interference caused by being in the park.

To the guy complaining about Warren Buffet; do you know of any other 1% person who says that rich people should pay more taxes? Most of them are lobbying for a tax holiday so they can bring back billions from overseas and not pay any taxes.

The police should be ashamed, they should be supporting the people and keeping things safe; they should not be leading us towards fascism.

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 12 years ago

JFK said: "Those who'd make Peaceful Evolution Impossible ... make Violent Revolution Inevitable" ! Axiomatic one may think but the 1%ers are so high on $elf-$atisfied Hubris that they are blinded to These Basic Truths. Gandhi said: "Healthy discontent is the prelude to progress" & "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." Re His Ideas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyagraha

The Police are the same as the rest of us BUT The Violent Thug Ratio is far higher than in The 99% and MILITARISED COPS have lost Basic Policing & Peace-Keeping Skills in ( "The WAR on Terror" over the last 10 years.

Further, The 'PATRIOT ACT' (1000+ pages, ready & prepared for 'EXPRESS INSTALL' less than 1 Month After 9/!!) has done NOTHING to keep USers safe, rather it Has Made An Utter Mockery Of THE BILL OF RIGHTS !!

The Entire State Bureaucracy has been co-opted by Bloomberg & Cronies to try to oust 'OWS'. You can bet that there's also a Federal Task Force / 'OccupyCom.' there to try to stymie 'OWS' & THE 99% MOVEMENT.

ENLIGHTEN-UP & accept that WE Already Occupy The Cities. WE just have to assert OUR Rights & Liberate OURSELVES from the 1%ers & Their Lackeys!

iVIVA los 99%! "From The Redwood Forests to The Gulf Stream Waters" ...

per ardua ad astra

[-] 3 points by sunnydays (6) from Broken Hill, NSW 12 years ago

Perfect!! Would be hilarious if it wasnt true. Unfortunately it is. Welcome to the police state America.

[-] 2 points by BeachNTwo (26) 12 years ago

Bloomberg needs to stand trial for giving orders to the cops to violate the U.S. Constitution and rights of the media. Orders came from HIM to confiscate the cameras of any media who film the cops being violent..Last time I LOOKED this was STILL AMERICA and we have a right to fight back when someone is violating our rights. I would not sit by passively and allow this..as no one should...Ya hear that BLOOMBERG? Having money coming out your rear does not allow you to violate citizen's rights....

[-] 2 points by SuzannahTroy (31) 12 years ago

http://mayorbloombergkingofnewyork.blogspot.com/2011/10/occupy-wall-street-stepped-in-to-150.html Is Brookfield worth 150 billion using Federal loan money from 9-11 to hire retired NYPD officers to violate US constitutional rights of protestors?

[-] 2 points by TimeHasC0me (66) 12 years ago

The only way you, OWS, all will make a difference is if you affect the day to day operation or flow of life, commerce, and or government. As i once witnessed in France, their government wanted to raise fines, tolls, taxes, etc. on all commercial truck drivers and trucking companies. What happened next was amazing. All French trucking companies and drivers criss crossed their trucks across all major highways in their country, completely blocking and disabling the transportation of all goods throughout the country. This lasted for about a week or less, until the government backed down and reversed its decision. It worked because it takes a protest of this scale to affect change. Occupying a park, although symbolic, will never ever ever do anything to change how disgustingly our government and the rich control all our lives, and continue to make the rich richer. You need to regroup, and i mean regroup all OWS protesters from across the country to a few very large simultaneous protests because small groups here and there won't really make a statement and can be easily intimidated and disbanded by authorities. You need a board of smart leaders that can effectively communicate a set of real smart ideas and demands and better organize the movement. You need to continue to use social media as a way to communicate as they did in the middle east to oust their dictators. But most of all you need to make one massive statement by protesting and affecting the day to day operation or flow of life, commerce, and or government. It will be the only way that you will get the govt and the rich to stop.......turn around......and stare in awe at the EPIC scale of the movement before them, and realize that the time has come, and that We The People have officially drawn the line in the sand, and are no longer willing to play their game any longer. IT IS THE ONLY WAY. Thank you.

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[-] 2 points by flower (5) 12 years ago

wow that looks like how TSA treats a girl with souvenirs and then threatens to cut off her fingers.......VS letting a tall white guy pass through with a Humongous GUN that looks like a rocket :S

[-] 2 points by bwp123 (3) 12 years ago

I feel a little distrustful of this video. It shows protesters smiling and walking arm and arm with the police; it doesn't show the violence, beatings, people being slammed to the ground face first, and the frenzy the cops seemed to want to create that I saw.

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

I love this video. It shows the reasonable face of the police and how they have to get their hands dirty dealing with the scum and vermin with lice and scabies. They are worth 3 times what they are paid! Love the song too. This makes the scum look even scummier!!!Love it

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

Nice idea, but this video could have been sooooo... much more effective, with all the available footage of police brutality that has taken place since the occupiers began their campaign. There was so much footage showing violence toward women, elderly and peaceful protestors. The police should be ashamed of themselves. FiddleDeedee: you're in a deep sleep. Time to wake up. Billionaires are billionaires because they traffic in violence.

[-] 0 points by Thrasymaque (-2138) 12 years ago

True. We should be building divisive imagery between the protester as victim and the police as aggressors. This will help fuel animosity against the police and the 1% and pump up our troops. The tank poster was good, but we need to spread some real images of real violence. Certainly, nice music with nice cops you almost want to hug is much too peaceful.

[-] 2 points by n8ppq (3) 12 years ago

Wow!

[-] 1 points by Benedias (11) 12 years ago

Rcarmstrong has it right. Those shouting "shame", even if prov acted, are only hurting the movement. If you aggravate an animal they will respond with violence, and that is exactly what is happening. Peaceful = peaceful not insulting and screaming at people because your brother doesn't agree with you. Peaceful.

[-] 1 points by Kevin77 (16) from Groton, CT 12 years ago

What the protesters should do is teach the World,and the State of New York a lesson that will never be forgotten. I think if the 99% can shut down the Macy's Thanks Giving Day Parade it would show the rest of the World how strong you really are. Trust me everybody will really start believing,and taking things seriously this time.

[-] 1 points by stprice (1) from Lubbock, TX 12 years ago

It's a sad day when an AMERICAN gets in trouble with police officers for posting the United States flag!! Seriously?? Out of all the things for those officers to get upset about and they are all over that guy for posting a U.S. FLAG??? I thought we WERE in the U.S.A.??!!
I was watching the other video as well and noticed that police officers were SHOVING protestors out of the park and the protestors were being peaceful and non-violent. So why all the unnecessary shoving?? I am really glad that this movement has started because it is bringing to light all of the double standards in our country and putting it out there for the world to see. Keep up the good work and help the people for the people!!

[-] 1 points by Martyr (1) from East Elmhurst, NY 12 years ago

i love how brainwashed the average american is... that they can't grasp the movement... and still think they live in the land of the free.... talking about get a job and pay your taxes, yes you minimum wage slave pay your taxes while the highest paid people in the country laugh at you, they got you right where you are a minimum wage worker thats in slave mode, can't think for himself, sleep eat shit and work like a slave while the millionaires sit on their asses and not even pay a dime... may god help you for I can't blame you for being stupid for you were born that way.

[-] 1 points by lisamarie2infinity (14) 12 years ago

To the undercover/overt law "enforcers" and unhappy individuals that are so terrified of this movement as to attempt to clog the comments with unabashed nervousness of change that it reeks "yellow belly" stench....I will continue,as other Occupiers, with creating the change necessary for a truly egalitarian world; where resources are protected, nurtured and shared with every living individual on this planet. Creating a world filled with individuals no longer bound to the false notion that a piece of paper with a politician's face on it is an actually resource (unless you count it a great camp fire starter, wall paper or building insulation). I do this for you, those who are scared of the great and growing movement, your children, family, friends and all others; And I pray that you join the Occupy Movement here and worldwide for your children, parents, extended family, friends and strangers....the same strangers who are a part of this movemnment for you! Cheers xoxo, Lisa Marie Chadwick

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[-] 1 points by NiceLovelyDay (55) 12 years ago

The goon squad keeps putting the wrong people in jail.

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

To the undercover/overt law "enforcers" and unhappy individuals that are so terrified of this movement as to attempt to clog the comments with unabashed nervousness of change that it reeks "yellow belly" stench....I will continue,as other Occupiers, with creating the change necessary for a truly egalitarian world; where resources are protected, nurtured and shared with every living individual on this plant. Creating a world filled with individuals no longer bound to the false notion that a piece of paper with a politician's face on it is an actually resource (unless you count it a great camp fire starter, wall paper or building insulation). I do this for you, those who are scared of the great and growing movement, your children, family, friends and all others; And I pray that you join the Occupy Movement here and worldwide for your children, parents, extended family, friends and strangers....the same strangers who are a part of this movemnment for you!

Cheers xoxo,

Lisa Marie Chadwick

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

We will overcome . . . someday. Deep in my heart I still believe. But people need to be committed for the long haul. No more retreat into passivity and narcissism. We need to recognize the fundamental changes we need to make in our own behavior, our personal lives (how much do we contribute to the consumer culture that underpins the Wallshington power structures?). To what extent have we stood silently by, content to live in our own secure bubbles, ignoring the corruption and the exploitation of corporate capitalism and the human suffering it has caused? The middle class is hurting now; students are realizing that the future that they have been promised is a total lie. Shedding these illusions is healthy. Though outrage is warranted, it needs to be tempered by self-awareness and humility. We can't overcome if we resort to methods that dehumanize those whom we seek to change. We must change ourselves as we engage in the process of changing the world. This is the true revolution.

[-] 1 points by Vilgelm (0) 12 years ago

Not so cruel (mostly not cruel at all) as dispersal of peaceful demonstrations in Moscow and Minsk, but it seems strange. I didn't think, that dispersal of demonstrations in USA is possible at all.

But I want know answers for few questons:

  1. Are protesters are socialist or communist?
  2. Do protesters want some kind of goverment change?

I read some articles on web, but not fully understood targets of this protest, can somebody explain it?

If the whole thing sounds like: "Away from the rich, give to the poor", in Russia it has brought death and dictatorship in 1917.

Greetings from Russia and sorry for my English.

PS This poster (http://2439-occupywallst-com.voxcdn.com/media/img/03QUh.jpg) looks very similar to some soviet posters, it is intentionally?

[-] 2 points by anon8675309 (1) 12 years ago

Not communist or socialist, except maybe in the sense of the "common good" like free basic education.

It seems to be a reaction to how much difference there is between the wealthy and the rest of the people. One percent of people control 99 percent of the money.

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

Ну ты и хрень прогнал. Из рядов рукопожатной слизи небось?

2all sorry for offtopic. Simply this, "Vilgelm" said stupidity.

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

http://kucinich.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28942&Itemid=2

Wherever one stands on the issue of the protesters the Blockade imposed by the NYPD upon the press is a clear violation of Article 1 in our Bill of Rights. The seizure and destruction of the protesters personal property before a court order was obtained violates the 4th & 14th, as does the destruction of the camp before the 11am hearing that occoured on the 15th of November regardless of the hearings verdict.

[-] 1 points by csj092809 (1) from Aspen, CO 12 years ago

Looks to me like the police tried to instigate violence. Good going Occupiers for not falling into their trap! And thank you for standing up for me. I wish I could be there with you!

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

no, looks like someone finally got sick of going to work everyday and watching this rats nest of people sit around and do yoga nd meditate. Ha!

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

Our mission should be to educate in word and deed.

[-] 1 points by SuzannahTroy (31) 12 years ago

http://eastvillageeasteastvillage.blogspot.com/2011/10/phony-poser-christine-quinn-did-not.html click link at very top mayor bloomberg king of NY blog of mine - my question -- the private retired NYPD officers Brookfield has hired to police the park along with NYPD -- are the retired NYPD being paid with federal loan money that Brookfield received. I give you links and it is a bit of work but Brookfield worth 150 Billion dolllars got mega millions of Federal Loans from Dept. of Energy as well as at least $700,000 from 9-11 so are they using Federal Loans from 9-11 to violate people’s US Constitutional rights?

[-] 1 points by wiseone60 (3) 12 years ago

mabe they'll get tired of riot gear and quit..then bloomburg can suit up and fight his own battle .. for the city he thinks he owns

[-] 1 points by cscombs (0) 12 years ago

King Bloomberg is at it again...writing about it here

http://uberpolitik.wordpress.com/

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[-] 1 points by wafalp (0) 12 years ago

I can foresee that those who are trying to stop OWS will be run over by it one by one in the next 50 years. I will keep footages of events like this for the future generations to see history in the making.

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[-] 0 points by classynancy (-73) 12 years ago

The only people present with dignity were the police officers. Get a job, pay your taxes, contribute to society in meaningful ways, i.e. pay for your own electric bill, internet access, sanitary services, and police protection. Mommy and daddy won't always be there for you when you are evicted from your camping trip and need a place to crash.

[-] -2 points by classynancy (-73) 12 years ago

Great point, these guys are total losers and faggots.

[-] -2 points by classynancy (-73) 12 years ago

Very poignant analysis, don't forget the lesbians and LBGs \

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[-] 1 points by llf (144) 12 years ago

You need to learn how to write before you can be edited.

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[-] 0 points by Thrasymaque (-2138) 12 years ago

Wow, the police in America look so nice, welcoming, and friendly. I live in Indonesia. It's a whole different ball game here.

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

"The Whole World Is Watching!"

So? ....Looks okay to me.

[-] -1 points by Thrasymaque (-2138) 12 years ago

Wow, the cops don't look like tanks at all! They look like nice guys. This is not good for Occupy. There should have been a Tienanmen like faceoff like on the posters. I almost want a hug a cop and share a beer with him. Can't they shoot some rubber bullets at someone? How are we suppose to grow if everything's honky dory?

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[-] 0 points by Thrasymaque (-2138) 12 years ago

You do realize the plan is to demonize the police. You have seen our latest poster no? The one with the tanks.

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