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Forum Post: Houston, We Have a Problem

Posted 8 years ago on May 6, 2015, 6:21 p.m. EST by turbocharger (1756)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

So what usually happens when someone has a problem?

Say you and a group of friends are out and you get a flat tire. What do you do? Do you patiently wait while the program you signed up for years ago fiddles around with delays and excuses and just sit there, getting later and more tired?

Or do you say fuck it, lets just change the damn thing.

We currently lack that attitude in this country. We have 330 million people standing around waiting for these so called public servants to make up programs to handle our problems, when about 99% of them we could easily solve ourselves.

But we've been trained to wait for government to solve it all. Community service? Hell no. Think of something as simple as potholes in the street. Communities will drive over the same potholes for ages, month after month. No one will take 45 minutes out of their day to get some cold patch and fix it.

But honestly, why would they. We are being taxed up the freakin yahoo. You are paying for the service, yet its not getting done. And its not like you have a choice to opt out of any of this racket either. Its all the law. Your community want all of your tax money back because you could actually do a better job? Hell no, you go to jail.

This country has turned into a government driven disaster. Corporations in full control of things, pillaging the entire planet, with government there to protect them at every step. A few crumbs to the peasants to keep them from rioting (rioting too much, a little bit installs some fear, and fear is good, especially in keeping the dividing factors such as class and race going).

So here we are. Sitting in the car and we have a flat tire.

Whats the plan, Stan?

58 Comments

58 Comments


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[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 8 years ago

Left Forum 2015 May 29-31 John Jay College of Criminal Justice NYC.Register TODAY! Also-Economic Update for May '15 with Richard D.Wolff is a live monthly talk which will take place at Judson Memorial Church,55 Washington Square South(NYU) NYC.Admission is $15.Dr.Wolff's monthly talks are recorded and can be viewed on Youtube.This month's Economic Update will be on 5/13 and posted by the next day.For more information,go to democracyatwork.info rdwolff.com or check Dr.Wolff's Twitter @profwolff These updates are helpful in that they sketch out some of what we can expect going forward based on the way events are currently trending.

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

I really look forward to going to the Left Forum, and I hope to be able to see Kshama Sawant speak. My friends and I got a the group rate, $20 per person for the entire three days. I would bet that you won't see any other politicians from the two main parties there. I think most people have had their fill of them.

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 8 years ago

I'm really excited.This year is gonna be BIG.

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[-] -2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 1 points by mdonelly (442) from Mineola, NY 3 minutes ago

I agree, this year's Left Forum should be huge. I signed up as a volunteer for the 29th. I guess, if you are going to, talk the talk, then you have to walk the walk.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

Why don't you 1st try to talk the talk and then walk the walk.

What is your action plan for the public to take to retake control of the government?

See if you can answer this time - rather than continue to dance around the subject and try to toss it back on me.

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by mdonelly (448) from Mineola, NY 0 minutes ago

We will never be able to take "control" of our government by supporting one of the two corrupt parties. We did that... remember whose in the White House? Are you resting up for what you view as "action," voting that is?

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

So just what "ARE" you suggesting that the public do?

Hhmmmmmmm?

Keep in mind that OWS is non-violent.

See if you can answer this time rather than just go back to your routine shuck and jive.

BTW - who said anything about supporting the corruption of the parties?

It wasn't me. I have however suggested that the people regain control by electing their representatives and not the parties offerings.

Kind of a big difference to what you keep trying to claim I am doing.

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[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 1 points by mdonelly (448) from Mineola, NY 2 minutes ago

I am "suggesting" that you are here to have this (not our) struggle absorbed into the corrupt Democratic Party!

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

And there ya go again with your dodging of the question. You having problems thinking? Is the question to hard for you? If not.

So just what "ARE" you suggesting that the public do?

Hhmmmmmmm?

Keep in mind that OWS is non-violent.

See if you can answer this time rather than just go back to your routine shuck and jive. See if you can answer this time instead of trying again to throw it back onto me.

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by windyacres (1195) 1 minute ago

How many times are you going to ask that question? We have a problem and we need you to get out of the way!

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

I will keep asking until you and your buddies stop dodging and present your action plan for the public to take to gain control of the government.

Can't ya do that?

Show me ya got something other than circular public self defeating crap to spew.

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 2 points by windyacres (1200) 14 minutes ago

i think you pegged it well. Just another obstacle.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

21st track "(All we have is rhetoric)"

We hope that that is enough to get you to agree to do nothing.

OH - but we don't mind if while taking no action to take control of government in a legal manner - that you go out and legally protest how shitty things are and get beaten up and arrested (illegally) by the cops.

If you protest often enough while taking no political action to take control of government - we fully expect that martial law could be called down upon you.

But HEY - that's OK with Us - because we are all about supporting the 1%er status-quo. How better can we protect that then by getting you all to do nothing in the political arena in your state or for your federal representation.

  • by (mdonelly, turbocharger, lugano, windyacres - harmonizing & the Cronies singing back-up)
[-] 0 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

okay, you finally convinced me, the dems 1% will treat me with better crumbs than the repubs 1%. i should vote for my best interest. If I am to be a slave, i want a slaveowner that's nice to me.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by mdonelly (450) from Mineola, NY 1 minute ago

They all have their job$ to do. And seeing this revolution succeed isn't one of them. Partisans rarely have bright bulbs. Anyone who pushes Democrats day and night, and defames everyone who disagrees with him is a bit more than an uncompensated party lapdog.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

21st track "(All we have is rhetoric)"

We hope that that is enough to get you to agree to do nothing.

OH - but we don't mind if while taking no action to take control of government in a legal manner - that you go out and legally protest how shitty things are and get beaten up and arrested (illegally) by the cops.

If you protest often enough while taking no political action to take control of government - we fully expect that martial law could be called down upon you.

But HEY - that's OK with Us - because we are all about supporting the 1%er status-quo. How better can we protect that then by getting you all to do nothing in the political arena in your state or for your federal representation.

  • by (mdonelly, turbocharger, lugano, windyacres - harmonizing & the Cronies singing back-up)

20th track "(We really really really are not about Direct Democracy)"

As people could tell if only people paid attention to our activities

Lucky for us the people do not and so we can continue with our politi-speak = talking endlessly while saying "really" nothing at all - nothing of any value - see also: endlessly arguing circular "public self defeating" logic, tossing shit, spouting specious aspersions, trying to hide in the light, etc etc etc

Lucky thing that more people don't ask us why:

"Why don't you take over government for the people from within?"

"Seeing as you don't have a national party in place to successfully run your candidates in all 50 states - WHY don't you run your candidates as dems and reps?"

Well we would just have to say (and we do) that the people can't be successful that way. Better we say - if we all stay away - and just protest for government to get better.

We really do not want people to consider a possible winner by doing things like Bernie Sanders and run as a dem for a real chance to win - and have "more" people running on the issues where they can legitimately destroy their opponents in office or also running for office - by pointing out past voting records showing non support for the people - even showing active attacks on the people - or even calling on them to declare a public stance.

Gosh that would ruin our whole "public self defeating" circular do nothing opt out and just protest logic.

  • by (mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)
[-] 1 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

Do you post from Coon Rapids, or Quantico? The Democrats are messed up as are the Republicans.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by mdonelly (460) from Mineola, NY 0 minutes ago

Do you post from Coon Rapids, or Quantico? The Democrats are messed up as are the Republicans.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

16th track "(When we conflate the dems with the rethuglicans)"

We are doing our best to prevent legitimate debate.

As - we can't have people considering matters like:

Who supports access to Health care for all

Who attacks access and denies Health care for all

or

Who supports raising taxes on the wealthy

Who attacks raising taxes on the wealthy

or

Who supports expanding Social Security

Who attacks Social Security

or

Who promotes environmental standards and protective restrictions

Who attacks environmental standards and protective restrictions

I mean if we do not shut this stuff down it becomes pretty easy to see that we really can't conflate the dems as being exactly the same as the rethuglicans.

We need to support our meaningless "public self defeating" circular logic arguments - that to gain participatory democracy and control of government - that the people need to opt out.

  • by (mdonelly, turbocharger, lugano, windyacres - harmonizing & the Cronies singing back-up)
[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 1 points by windyacres (1200) 4 minutes ago

DK is a hopeless case, and I am sorry for giving up on someone because i don't believe in that.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

I'm hopeless because you have nothing? Ur funny.

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by mdonelly (450) from Mineola, NY 0 minutes ago

Will you be pulling an all-nighter... again? May I suggest that you sleep in 1 hour intervals, then wake and check the 'boards' to see if anyone has the audacity not to vote for a candidate from one of the two corrupted parties. That way, you will be raring to go tomorrow.

You think I'm "funny." Thanks, you have been a huge help to me in perfecting my deadpan humor.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

19th track "(We are not about Democracy)"

As some can plainly see

We feign to support it

While doing our best to get the public not to participate to own it or control it

We spout propaganda while trying to expound that the public is unable to make a difference and so should just protest instead of voting out those working against them - as that would be futile

Thus we get a lot of mileage to argue our meaningless "public self defeating" circular logic arguments - that to make a difference one must opt out

  • by (mdonelly, turbocharger, lugano, windyacres - harmonizing & the Cronies singing back-up)

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (450) from Mineola, NY 12 minutes ago

"I'm hopeless.." Now that we can agree on!

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

Yes - You are hopeless and Yes we can agree on that. Your do nothing rhetoric kinda gave it away.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by mdonelly (448) from Mineola, NY 1 minute ago

In order to get a better understanding of what our revolution if about, you should think about going to the Left Forum, from May 29th to June 1st. High school kids FREE.

http://www.leftforum.org/

And if you still didn't comprendo, you could pedal your Democrats there.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

Isn't that where you should just leave your advocating then? Just advertise the left forum and leave it at that? Because you freely admit that you have nothing. Nothing other than your opinion that the public can't win and that they should opt-out of the election process.

Because all of the rest of your crap amounts to a big fat ZERO.

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by windyacres (1195) 0 minutes ago

That hasn't worked hundreds of times before, why do you expect anyone to waste time again explaining to you the problem? Get out of the way!

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

Still waiting!

I will keep asking until you and your buddies stop dodging and present your action plan for the public to take to gain control of the government.

Can't ya do that?

Show me ya got something other than circular public self defeating crap to spew.

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by windyacres (1195) 1 minute ago

We have opinions about action plans. Please get out of the way!

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

Come out with it already and quit trying to dodge the question.

Just admit that you have nothing so far other than to try to tell the public to just opt-out.

Because honestly the only opinion you have expressed so far is that you feel the public can not win.

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[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 0 points by windyacres (1200) 3 minutes ago

Is it possible for you to get out of the way?

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

Get out of the way of WHAT ? You just got done telling me that you have nothing. So just exactly what am I in the way of? So far the only thing I could possibly concieve of having been in the way of - is your constant harping for the public to just opt-out - OH sorry and while opting out to be sure to go to the left forum.

That pretty much covers it - RIGHT ?

[-] 2 points by JPB950 (2254) 8 years ago

I doubt any plan could find majority support. The right balance has been found between poverty on the one hand and contentment and apathy on the other. The public has enough distractions provided that they don't feel the need to fix that metaphorical tire themselves. They are given just enough to sit comfortably until the government shows up to fix things. There isn't ever going to be any meaningful change as long as we're given just enough to keep going.

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 8 years ago

(PS. Great post, emotional snapshot.......)

Sure, but our civil rights are being violated! And survival of humanity, the human spirit, and people's minds, their voice is not heard. (Youhave heard it before http://cusdi.org )

We should take representatives of government to court! Literally

I also feel the taxing without representing, especially in DC, the Feds, doing wars, bombings, many things the public opposes. If we had a voice, which we should, it's the law and ideal, to influence govnt, to outwit the corporations, as was the founders intent, maybe the only plan would be for everyone to file a big, or series of lawsuits against government forviolation of our civil rights.

[-] 2 points by JPB950 (2254) 8 years ago

My point is that we have a voice, the majority choose not to use it effectively. They're content to vote for the lesser of two evils every election rather then hold officials accountable. Adopting a direct democracy isn't of much use when few citizens are even vaguely aware of what is going on and simply vote based on whatever sound bite they remember from a 30 second TV spot. Freedom takes real work and there aren't enough that care to make the effort. This doesn't mean you have to surrender. I'm simply stating what I believe to be the real problem, public apathy. As long as a majority don't care, there will always be corrupt individuals exploiting that indifference.

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 8 years ago

Yes. The God, and GOP, and cultural historical religious traditions of the past, racism, provide for a total head in the sand mindset, we are two nations divided by 2 cultures and 2 parties, of different mind sets and goals. 2016 will be the big spectacle, and let down. Most want one of the 2, or none of above, or don't care, the herd to define their potential in life. Well time is passing, hope they have built a solid boat for themselves and the rest of humanity.

Maybe powers that bei want to lower our standards to third world status, so none would have incentive to journey here. There will still be necessary mercenary armies, police, and maybe the churches will take an even bigger role, as in the Middle Ages.

Or else we could read the tea leaves in science and literature. Maybe not exciting enough for the intellectually stunted.

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

I agree, it is agonizingly slow, but people are 'awakening' as the deleterious effects of this corruot system hit them. They are realizing that we have been manipulated, and although our plights, albeit often different, are connected in that we have a common foe. Unions, people who lost their homes; religious and community organizations, students, the poor and service workers are coalescing, and fewer, and fewer people are going to their corrupted representives of this self-benefitting system for help. They know better, now.

[-] 2 points by JPB950 (2254) 8 years ago

I don't see the awakening. There are momentary stirrings but there are always too few real activists and they can't seem to agree on a unified course of action. For a while we talked about the 99% as though they were a unified group, but they aren't and the sad reality is they form small interest groups that expend more energy arguing among themselves then they do working toward any real change.

I feel the overall approach is flawed. Just inciting the masses to action is likely to always be a waste of time. You get riots by the mob, then promises from politicians, followed by a few new regulations or laws that whitewash the problem, and finally the return to "normal" as loopholes in the new laws are exploited. People need to take a persistent interest in government and stay informed. If they only come out occasionally for a cause without any understanding of what is happening that cause is likely to fail.

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

Anytime two people get together to accomplish something, or try to, there will be differences, often unsurmountable. Occupy proved that unfortunately. Many of those early Occupiers gravitated to groups which dealt more specifically with their grievances. The amateur organizers in 2011 now are seasoned professionals who have learned from their mistakes. And if you reach out in your every day life, as I did recently, talking to a young woman who was a disabled veteran, you will see that the level of discontent extends a lot further than you might think.

What's really different now is that people realize that their plights are connected, and that they have a common foe, a government that has big banks and corporations as its top priority and is unresponsive to their needs, like I have said in earlier posts. So now, you have people organizing and protesting from a much, much wider slice of our population, e.g, adjunct professors... students who are getting screwed...low-wage workers...people who are most concerned about climate change, or others who are sick and tired of having their civil liberties trampled on... people whose local hospitals are being torn down to make room for high-end condos... construction workers who lost their job to non-union workers (one union lawyer I talked to said they lost 50% of their work to non-union workers in NY in one year), and their chance to keep food on the table, or their kid in university and people losing their homes for a varitey of reasons, that have nothing to do with their unwillingness to work. The list is endless...

I have met young people who know how screwed up the system is, and some have graduated from the best universities in the World, e.g, LSE & Cambridge in London, Harvard, MIT, Duke, Yale and Columbia to name a few. You should be encouraged by this. I am.

[-] 0 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

When we recognize the fact you stated, people will join others that agree with their narrow agenda, we don't have enough power. We should agree first of all that we are going to vote against the dems and repubs, regardless of who the candidate turns out to be. Vote Together! Democracy is the only power we still have and we have to use it to fight the powers that be.

[-] 0 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

The people who have either formed or joined grassroots organizationns, and who take part in various forms of resistance are far more diversified than earlier in our struggle. The overwhelming majority of them were young (30 and under) in 2011. That is less and less the case today. For example, you will see 50+ year old construction workers who 'were' used to making a decent living, marching alongside far younger students and Fight For $15 workers. You will see many of the pedestrians and drivers who witness these demonstrations show empathy and support with them too, raising their fists, and even honking their horns, although the latter is still illegal unless warranted for traffic in NYC, I believe.

I wouldn't exactly say that people have joined groups with "narrow agenda[s]" cause that has sort of negative connotations. But they have joined groups that speak more closely to their major concerns. From these street protests whether people are in them or not, and also from many people abandoning the MSM, and instead going to alternative media ....more and more people are realizing that our struggle is connected. Most of us who are here for the right reasons know that fact, and more people in the streets than I have ever seen before also know it.

[-] 0 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

It is a wonderful thought to imagine that, "more people are realizing that our struggle is connected". If government is a republic, then politicians are "public servants", in addition to possessing leadership qualities. Let's decide to Vote Together and allow candidates to interview for our support! I don't know any of these people and I am not interested in sound bytes provided by the media. We choose to only demand issues we all agree on and leave out, (at least until later), any controversial ones. It shouldn't be difficult to find the right candidates if we keep our demands for candidates to only altering the corruption currently ruling our government. One of the requirements should be transparency, with the people's decision deciding what is necessary for "National Security". Money in Politics is an obvious issue that needs altering. Daniel Ellsberg warned us about secrecy with his commentary about the Pentagon Papers. There is too much secrecy in government allowing both corruption and distrust to flourish. OWS is revolutionary and I'm proud to be a part of it!

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

I agree with most of what you say, but I am very leery about vesting any of our time into a broken political process that is infamous for lying. It has become increasingly dificult for third parties to run for President. You may remember one of the last politcal debates where third party candidates were excluded. Jill Stein (a lovely woman, grandma I believe), the Green party candidate was arrested for attempting to enter Hofstra Uni..., where the debates took place. She also went through the humiliation of being hand-cuffed to a chair in a temporary detention center with 13 guards present.

So who stopped Ms Stein from taking part in the debates? The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) did, and they are controlled by the Democrats and Republicans. One of the things that the corrupt two party system fears most is a third party candidacy. Neither party want to lose their niche, and they will do their damndest to keep it. That is super deleterious to the 99%, and it is sad as hell that our country has devolved so far.

Don't get me wrong from my previous posts, victory is not just around the corner. This kind of struggle never takes a straight trajectory upward. I'm just saying that it has diversified greatly, resembles past movements in history and 'It's trending in the right direction.'

[-] 4 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

I voted for Jill Stein! This is a revolution and I'm not vesting any time into a broken political process! The fact that it's difficult for a 3rd party candidate to run for president is why i am not associated with the two corrupt parties! OWS continues the revolution until the masses join us! As you posted earlier, people are realizing we are connected.

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

Not everyone in our revolution is in lockstep as to how we should proceed, nor are they in total agreement in what our goals should be. But it would be fair to say that most people realize that we need systemic change, and that in order to achieve that, we have to overlook some of our differences to reach our more important objective. To put it another way, people have become aware that there is strength in unity. And that having our movement swallowed up by either of the two parties will be a death knell to our struggle.

Many people from both the left and the right derided FDR albeit for different reasons. Those on the right who wanted things to stay the same vehemently criticized him for instituting the sweeping reforms that he did. And many people on the left loudly criticized him for having saved capitalism. When he did eventually go the the oligarchs, he did so from a position of strength. The crininal elite of the time were well aware of what was waiting for them, angry people...e.g, radicals, communists, anarchists and socialists who wanted TONS more than just reforms.... if they did not agree to the provisions which became the New Deal. Most of our ancestors and us, and ironically most of today's conservatives as well greatly benefited from the major reforms that were in the ND.

I've heard it said that the planning of the onslaught of rollbacks to it began the day after it passed. The corrupt system including the corporate owned MSM have become experts in twisting our language, thought process, and demonizing anyone who was not on board their self serving agenda.

Today, we have an added problem, climate change. It is impossible for me to see how a capitalist system that thrives on endless war, unlimited consumption and never ending resources can be turned into a sustainable system. We have long passed the stage of being at a breaking point. We simply have to take this seriously and do something real soon, and not just mitigation! It will be to our peril, if we do not.

I remember talking to an older man a couple of years ago who was from Ireland. He was an operating engineer (boilerman, I think) at NYU. And he was involved in a similar type movement as a young man in Ireland. I prodded him a bit in our conversation to see his reaction, and told him, 'We have radicals in Occupy.' Surpisingly to me, he very quickly replied in his still thick Irish brogue, 'Oh you've got to have radicals!' Coming from this conservative looking dude, it reaffirmed to me that we were on the right track.

No one knows how and when this will end. There will be victories for us to celebrate, and defeats that we will mourn over. We should all take solace though in knowing that, people striving to make our society a just one is a noble endeavor, not a radical idea.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 8 years ago

Very, Very well said, indeed!

This sounds the most like the core values of the Occupy that I became acquainted with early on.

It's so good to know that there are some still here who haven't taken their eye off the ball.

Beautiful!

Thank you

[-] 2 points by turbocharger (1756) 8 years ago

Damn Renneye, thats a long time to be with someone. You holding up ok?

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 8 years ago

Aww, thanks Turbo! Yeah, I'm absolutely ok. Other than a few hairy moments, like the other day when he climbed in through the window, lol!

He's another casualty of the greed of "Big Pharma", I'm afraid. They got their greedy clutches into him 20 years ago. One addictive narcotic on top of another for years, then that wasn't enough, and so he supplemented with street chemicals on top. He became crazier for every year that went by, and eventually he wouldn't let me help him ween off any more.

I really wanted to leave 11 years ago, and should have, but, by then there were babes involved and you know how that goes. They're 12 and 14 now, and thankfully they have a voice at this age and don't have to see him if they choose not to.

My kids were 8 and 10 when I first got here. Wow, Occupy is so inextricably woven into my, and their lives.

No worries about me, Turbo. Personally it feels great to get out. My immediate concerns are for my kids and helping them through. Keeping things as normal and fun as possible. We're having a campfire in the backyard right now, roasting marshmallows.

My kids and I all have a keen understanding that many of our world's kids are in far more dire and desperate circumstances than my relatively lucky ones.

All the same...thanks for asking. :-)

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

And Thank You for saying that. Occupy was the beginning of the 'awakening' and many of those early Occupiers, despite the problems that did arise gravitated to other grassroot organizations, but fondly still consider it their home. Me too. You..;)?

[-] 1 points by Renneye (3874) 8 years ago

You know I do! Very fondly indeed!

I haven't posted here for a while, now. A situation needs my immediate attention (had to 'suddenly' leave my spouse after 30 years), and I feel bad posting when I know that I can't contribute to the follow-up conversation. So it is, for now. But I do still check in and have a quick read here daily.

I've had a dream for a long time, and I think I'll finally act on it, once I get the babes and myself settled in another residence.

It's a big dream. My dad (RIP), always said, go big...or go home, lol!

It's a type of bricks-and-mortar educational co-operative in the health/green industry that will affect much in the local and surrounding area. I think I can make it happen. I can't wait to get started. Like you say...other grassroots organizations!

Is this what you were going for, ~.^ That's the way I remember it, lol!

Be safe, and be well.

[-] -2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

Dancing............ dancing............. dancing................ we're a dancing machine

Ah babe

Move it baby

( Our theme song - by mdonelly, turbocharger and the Cronies)

2nd track: (We throw specious aspersions as we have nothing else to say. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing)

3rd track: (More specious aspersions - as we have got nothing - nothing - nothing else. by - mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

4th track: We support the status quo - though you wouldn't know - cause we are so sneaky and say damn it all - with no plan at all to change it at all. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

5th track: (We sing our own politi-speak - saying much while saying nothing at all - tossing aspersions and providing no plans - we're the next best thing to the rethuglicans in office - listen to us sing and pay no attention to the fact that we forward nothing - and so we serve the status quo. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

[-] 0 points by mdonelly (324) from Mineola, NY 8 years ago

I would bet that you are both out of tune, and out of step with your little, repetitive routine, epecially the latter! I don't take your comments/criticism seriously and I would imagine that I have lots of company, because I know who its coming from. If you are happy making yourself look silly, don't let me stop you. I enjoy watching you too!

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 1 points by mdonelly (295) from Mineola, NY 2 days ago

I would bet that you are both out of tune, and out of step with your little, repetitive routine, epecially the latter! I don't take your comments/criticism seriously and I would imagine that I have lots of company, because I know who its coming from. If you are happy making yourself look silly, don't let me stop you. I enjoy watching you too!

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

Dancing............ dancing............. dancing................ we're a dancing machine

Ah babe

Move it baby

( Our theme song - by mdonelly, turbocharger and the Cronies)

2nd track: (We throw specious aspersions as we have nothing else to say. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing)

3rd track: (More specious aspersions - as we have got nothing - nothing - nothing else. by - mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

4th track: We support the status quo - though you wouldn't know - cause we are so sneaky and say damn it all - with no plan at all to change it at all. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

5th track: (We sing our own politi-speak - saying much while saying nothing at all - tossing aspersions and providing no plans - we're the next best thing to the rethuglicans in office - listen to us sing and pay no attention to the fact that we forward nothing - and so we serve the status quo. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 8 years ago

Be prepared to be maligned by DKA and the other establishment trolls. They don't like anything besides the usual :)

[-] 2 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

Yes, if we convince enough people to vote for dems things will get better, lol. Try to crush the republican party completely, and then everything will be great! Some people cannot see that the dem establishment would fight that effort as much as the repubs. Why would any of them want things to change?

[-] 2 points by turbocharger (1756) 8 years ago

"It's also very convenient to have the "other" party to blame for all of the "bad" policies. "

Hell ya it is. If you got rid of either of them, it would be all eyes on that party only, and the shit would hit the fan quickly.

Divide and conquer, running like a well oiled machine.

[-] 2 points by turbocharger (1756) 8 years ago

Exactly. They all go out to dinner together and laugh at the vitriol that Americans spit to each other over what they realize is just showbiz for the corporate state.

[-] 3 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

It's also very convenient to have the "other" party to blame for all of the "bad" policies. Many, if not most voters, vote against a candidate more than they vote for one they like. That's why there are fewer and fewer votes in Congress, they aren't on the record for their vote. This allows them to be vague instead of establishing their view. The media helps with regular distractions and we continue with more of the same.

[Removed]

[-] 3 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

I haven't kept up with her actions lately, but i remember her being the breathe of fresh air. I also remember her boldness for not settling for politics as usual and am a big fan. Sorry about my confusing post because she appeared ready to take action for causes without worrying about ruffling feathers at all. I'm not surprised she's under attack, actually I would be surprised if she were not under attack. I assume the media out there are scaring many of the "comfortable" people who fear radical change. I respect the many wise people in that area and assumed they would be enlightened enough to keep her from being overrun.

[Removed]

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 2 points by turbocharger (1756) 2 hours ago

Yes, Social Altenative is not coming from a past of corruption and racism like the Democrat and Republican parties are.

It is a breathe of fresh air.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

The American People Are Angry Bernie Sanders

[-] -2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 1 points by mdonelly (289) from Mineola, NY 2 hours ago

Replying here. You misunderstood my comment. Kshama Sawant is like a breath of fresh air and the World would be a far better place if more people were like her!

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

What? Whats that you spray? You aren't gonna dis her for being a part of the system? A socialist like Bernie? What happened to all of your derision for those trying to make a difference from the inside? Is this part of your "cover" routine?

Re-Elect Kshama Sawant for Seattle City Council, … www.kshamasawant.org

Home page of Kshama Sawant Re-Election Campaign for Seattle City Council, District 3

[Removed]

[-] 2 points by windyacres (1197) 8 years ago

Your post makes a lot of sense because i don't believe Sanders has any chance of winning. Elizabeth Warren says she is not running, but I wonder about the political theatre. I was aware of Sawant but didn't know a strong challenger had been chosen to have her removed. She seemed like OWS to me.

My first thought on your Sanders theory was; Sanders has boldly said for many years the things we want to hear, they will have, "jumped the shark", and the political theatre would soon be over if they don't allow him to be heard. I now see a way for him to bow out and support Hillary, probably because they will make him out to be a buffoon. I do know more people leave the R's and D's to become Independent or something else every year, keeping the elite from sleeping well. The ultimate would be for Warren to be the 3rd party candidate and be allowed to participate in the debates. She would crush them and break up the duopoly so that won't be allowed. They are saying that no 3rd party candidate can debate which should raise eyebrows amongst even the hardcore, but they can count on the media to help smooth this issue. There will be plenty of distractions.

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 2 points by mdonelly (293) from Mineola, NY 8 hours ago

Bernie Sanders run for Presidency as a Democrat has at least two insidious objectives. The main one being, to funnel the huge amount of discontent, especially the grassroot organizations, back into the Democratic Party, as it will divide our struggle, and if not recognized it will most likely kill any chance for REAL progress. The other goal is to prove, albeit falsely by example that the corrupt two party system works. What these two parties fear most is a viable third party candidate who has not sold out, and that answers to the interests of the people FIRST and foremost!.

Kshama Sawant being challenged for her city council seat in Seattle by the city's President of The Urban League, a Democrat is a good example of how fearful both parties are of having REAL change! Clearly the other 8 members of the council have far closer ties to the corrupted parties who answer to big-monied interests, not ours...so why oppose her? She is a huge threat to topple over the rotten apple cart, that's why!

Given the enormous level of discontent in this country which began in earnest, congealed and grew momentously with the advent of Occupy Wall Street, it is inevitable that the oligarchs will have to make some concessions...or modest reforms. The minor improvements that they will have to concede to will be meant to appease people who want LEGITIMATE and truly JUST change, while keeping the oligarchy firmly in place.

To reiterate, the political theatre that is being played out before our very eyes, and how it culminates will also serve as justification that the corrupt two party system WORKS, which is laughable to me.

When Sanders pulls out, he will throw his support to Hillary, which is what he has implied he will do. Come election time, we will be faced with the same screwed up scenario that we have come accustomed to; Choosing the 'lesser of the two [corporate-owned] evils." It may be worded in a more euphemistic way, but that's what it will be!!

"Bernie's job is to warm up the crowd for Hillary, herding activist energies and the disaffected left back into the Democratic fold one more time. Bernie aims to tie up activist energies and resources till the summer of 2016 when the only remaining choice will be the usual lesser of two evils."...my emphasis

If Sander's candidacy had altruistic motives, he should be fuming at the inequities that her and Bill have brought on the American people, but instead, he counts her as a good friend and strongly implies that he will not attack her! That's ludicrous...and very telling, as well....

"Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders: Sheepdogging for Hillary and the Democrats in 2016"

http://www.blackagendareport.com/bernie-sanders-sheepdog-4-hillary

↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply permalink

The collected styling s of the status quo defenders

1st track:

Dancing............ dancing............. dancing................ we're a dancing machine

Ah babe

Move it baby

  • "Our theme song" - by (mdonelly, turbocharger and the Cronies)

2nd track:

We throw specious aspersions as we have nothing else to say.

  • by (mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing)

3rd track:

More specious aspersions - as we have got nothing - nothing - nothing else.

  • by (mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

4th track:

We support the status quo - though you wouldn't know - cause we are so sneaky and say damn it all - with no plan at all to change it at all.

  • by (mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

5th track:

We sing our own politi-speak - saying much while saying nothing at all - tossing aspersions and providing no plans - we're the next best thing to the rethuglicans in office - listen to us sing and pay no attention to the fact that we forward nothing - and so we serve the status quo.

  • by (mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

6th track:

On taking legal action - We so stink - that some might think - that we are quietly buying up fertilizer and plumbing supplies - truth of the matter is - we are just about keeping the public from taking action - cause we are all about supporting the status quo.

  • by (mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

7th track:

You might confuse us as being GOP - because we support them in their attacks on anyone who would speak for the people and would forward actions to take to make the government for the people again. As we are for the staus quo - so fuck ya all who are not 1% supporters.

  • by (mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

8th track:

Because you know we're all about them Dems,

'Bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

we're all about them Dems, 'bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

we're all about them Dems, 'bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

we're all about them Dems, 'bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

.......

Because you know we're all about them Dems,

'Bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

  • by (mdonelly, turbocharger & the Cronies singing back-up)

9th track:

Because you know we're all about that base, 'Bout that base, no action

We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base

Yeah it's pretty clear, we ain't for you

But we can shake it, shake it like we're supposed to do

'Cause We got that boom boom that all the 1%'s chase

All the right crap spread in all the right places

We see the citizens groups working that action to take

We know that shit ain't real (believe us)

Come on now, make it stop ( as we like things the way they are)

If you got apathy apathy - just raise it up

'Cause every inch of you is perfect

From the bottom to the top

Yeah, our Koch he told us don't worry about your stance

He says, people they like a little more BS to hold to at night

You know we won't support no publc-figure, speaking truth to all,

So, if that's what's you're into

Then go ahead and move along

Because you know we're all about that base, 'Bout that base, no action

We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base

We're bringing doody back

Go ahead and tell them citizens groups hey

No, We're not playing - you stink - you're naive,

We're here to tell you,

Every inch of you is played from from the cradle to the grave

Yeah, our Koch told us don't worry about your stance

He says, people they like a little more BS to hold at night

You know we won't support no publc-figure, speaking truth to all,

So, if that's what's you're into

Then go ahead and move along

Because you know we're all about that base, 'Bout that base, no action

We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base

Because you know we're all about that base, 'Bout that base, no action

We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base

Because you know we're all about that base, 'Bout that base, no action

We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base, no action We're all 'bout that base, 'bout that base

  • by ( mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)
[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

[-] 2 points by turbocharger (1756) 1 hour ago

Bernie is simply the 2016 Democrat version of Ron Paul in the 2012 elections.

After 8 years of idiocy in the Bush disaster, the Republicans needed to put one of their "knights" on the pedestal to rekindle some sort of grassroots feel. Enter Ron Paul.

This is no different. Just history repeating itself. How ironic, who would have thoght?

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

5th track: (We sing our own politi-speak - saying much while saying nothing at all - tossing aspersions and providing no plans - we're the next best thing to the rethuglicans in office - listen to us sing and pay no attention to the fact that we forward nothing - and so we serve the status quo. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

6th track: (On taking legal action - We so stink - that some might think - that we are quietly buying up fertilizer and plumbing supplies - truth of the matter is - we are just about keeping the public from taking action - cause we are all about supporting the status quo. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

[-] -2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

8th track:

Because you know we're all about them Dems,

'Bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

we're all about them Dems, 'bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

we're all about them Dems, 'bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

we're all about them Dems, 'bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

.......

Because you know we're all about them Dems,

'Bout them Dems, not Rethuglicans

  • (by mdonelly, turbocharger & the Cronies singing back-up)
[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

You must be one of the Cronies:

Dancing............ dancing............. dancing................ we're a dancing machine

Ah babe

Move it baby

( Our theme song - by mdonelly, turbocharger and the Cronies)

2nd track: (We throw specious aspersions as we have nothing else to say. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing)

3rd track: (More specious aspersions - as we have got nothing - nothing - nothing else. by - mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

4th track: We support the status quo - though you wouldn't know - cause we are so sneaky and say damn it all - with no plan at all to change it at all. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

5th track: (We sing our own politi-speak - saying much while saying nothing at all - tossing aspersions and providing no plans - we're the next best thing to the rethuglicans in office - listen to us sing and pay no attention to the fact that we forward nothing - and so we serve the status quo. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

Dancing............ dancing............. dancing................ we're a dancing machine

Ah babe

Move it baby

( Our theme song - by mdonelly, turbocharger and the Cronies)

2nd track: (We throw specious aspersions as we have nothing else to say. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing)

3rd track: (More specious aspersions - as we have got nothing - nothing - nothing else. by - mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

4th track: We support the status quo - though you wouldn't know - cause we are so sneaky and say damn it all - with no plan at all to change it at all. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

5th track: (We sing our own politi-speak - saying much while saying nothing at all - tossing aspersions and providing no plans - we're the next best thing to the rethuglicans in office - listen to us sing and pay no attention to the fact that we forward nothing - and so we serve the status quo. - by mdonelly & turbocharger - harmonizing - the Cronies singing back-up)

[-] 1 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 8 years ago

human motivations exceed the need to survive

[-] -2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

Your plan (however much you feebly deny it) is to sit in that car with the flat tire and do NOTHING.

Your program - IS - turbocharger and his cohorts are plants - they attack everyone who bring forward opportunities to unite and act to make a positive difference. The whole program that they operate under is to get people to do nothing - to let things go as they are. They say they are protesting the system - yet - all that they do promotes letting things go on as they are and for the public to do nothing about it. They are not on the site to promote unity and action - they are on the site to disrupt people getting together to take action.

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 8 years ago

Only 10% of the country views your plan favorably you bumbling clown.

To everyone else- this nut DKA never attended any political events at all, no one knows him and theres no photos or anything to verify any of it.

So while the rest of us are out actually doing shit, this guy that supports the way things are- a government of top/down controlled by two political parties.

Granted I havent done too much the last half year, at the end of the day I know what I do. And I know what you dont do. All you have is verbal support for Democrats and Israel.

Enjoy freakshow. Open wide, another election is right around the corner.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 8 years ago

Dancing............ dancing............. dancing................ we're a dancing machine

Ah babe

Move it baby

( Our theme song - by mdonelly, turbocharger and the Cronies)