Forum Post: Broader Mission

I haven’t yet been able to make it down to Wall Street. I have a one-month-old, but here are some observations from afar: There has been a lot of talk about ‘what is this movement about?’ What causes are the protesters fighting for? Well, now that the movement is a month old it’s becoming clearer what it’s about. it’s not just about particular causes – it‘s about whole societal change and renewing our quote on quote democratic processes themselves. What makes this movement what it is is the fact that it’s decentralized, directly democratic, non-violent, and non-partisan. These characteristics themselves are potent ingredients for a new political culture. The general assembly method of consensus is healthy and effective. Now that the movement has spread across the country, these assemblies could become the new organs of democratic decision-making in this country. In addition to serving as platforms for communities to make local decisions, Issues of corporate, environmental, and individual rights on a national level could be decided upon by a representative from each assembly across the country.
Naturally, not everything in life lends itself to be decided upon democratically. Our current government oversteps this as it is. Make demands around issues of rights and justice, but demand that these things be legislated and protected by government, not provided by the government. All government social programs that I can think of- Medicaid, Social Security, public education, are mismanaged and faltering. Leave the decision-making power to individuals to decide on things like where their kids go school, or what doctor they want to go to. Individuals will always make better decisions for themselves than governments can make for them. The government can facilitate these decisions by providing tax credits, for instance. Also, don’t fall into the trap that socialism and communism has by trying to control Culture and the Economy. Again, make demands that individuals have the right to express themselves, but let them do that freely. And, yes, draw boundaries for the economy where it begins to infringe on human dignity and the environment but don’t ask the government to do the job of economists and bankers. Our main dilemma in this country is the incestuous relationship our government has with big business. Corporate Agenda has replaced the Peoples Agenda. The way out of this problem isn’t just to turn it around so government controls big business – it’s first to amend every law and structure that facilitates their collusion - for example Citizens United vs fec, or Corporate Personhood, then for government to take on a regulatory role – maintaining and protecting human and environmental rights and agreements, rather than controlling ownership and decision-making, as is the case under communism. This movement has real momentum. Don’t sell it short by making it too narrow. Let’s occupy this country till real, systemic change occurs – then keep on occupying it with our direct participation.