Forum Post: Protest or Action - It is not all one thing or another thing it is a combination.
Posted 12 years ago on May 31, 2012, 10:55 a.m. EST by DKAtoday
(33802)
from Coon Rapids, MN
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
OWS is not offering-up support for any party or politician. It is pointing out issues to the people and the people are making their own plans.
I am a person = one of the people.
I am not telling anyone that OWS or Occupy or 99% support these things.
I am pointing out what I support.
Support for the people not for profit.
Common cause issues for unity against the status-quo greedy corrupt criminals.
To identify a troll - look at issues that benefit all of society - and see them standing in the way.
To identify a troll look at issues that benefit special interest groups - quite often to the detriment of society/humanity/world - and see them cheering on the issue for the special interest.
How did Vermont ban fracking? It was not through a street protest it was through their political process. It was through awareness of the issue and popular public support against it.
http://occupywallst.org/forum/vermont-banned-fracking/
The enemy is any and all corrupted politicians that work against the interests of the people. All politicians that support profit over people to the detriment of society and our world have got to go.
This issue began with protest and is now entering the field of the people taking part in their Democratic process in unity. Petitions continued the process of public protest and have forced a recall vote.
Thank you for forwarding the issue of needed support for the people of Wisconsin. This is very much a common cause issue.
Wisconsin - show the rest of us how to deal with corrupted politicians.
Throw the bums out.
Unite in common cause and we WIN.
WallStreet caused the economic meltdown. Protest in the streets has pushed awareness.
Action must compliment protests.
PETITION: Congress must put Wall Street reform back on the agenda: http://act.boldprogressives.org/sign/sign_glasssteagall/?source=bp
Also,
PETITION: Jail the Bankers: http://act.boldprogressives.org/sign/sign_wallstreet_bankerjail/?source=bp
The Middle class & the working poor & The Poor & The Homeless - working together - can save this country.
Unite in common cause.
Issues must be pushed.
So much reason to not allow fracking, but so much denial. Hoping Governor Cuomo, has the nuts to protect NY.
The citizens of Montreal came together in support of the student protest about increasing tuition costs and over the attack on their right to public protest.
Two black and white issues joined at the hip and the clear cause of the public protest.
In a situation like this public protest is all you really need because it is the known issue/cause of the protest. All that is required is that government listen to the will of the people and act appropriately.
The WallStreet protest is about so much more. The protests across the country attest to this fact.
Public protest shows how wide spread the awareness goes. Public protest says that we are fed up with the ongoing situation.
But since this is a whole big complex issue it must be addressed in all of it's parts.
Public protest alerts the government that their public is unhappy and wants change.
It is also the public's job to tell government what those changes need to be.
It is the Public's job to participate in protest and in the Democratic Process that is theirs.
Of course, in New York state, there is no right of recall:
As of July 2011, recall of elected officials is not available in New York.
State senator John DeFrancisco (R) introduced S#5516 on May 27, 2011. S #5516 would allow the recall of elected officials at every level of government in the state.[1]
DeFrancisco's bill was introduced because of ongoing turmoil within the Jordan-Elbridge school district.
Other bills that would allow the recall of elected officials were also introduced in the 2011 session of the New York State Legislature.
They are:
Brian Kolb (R-Canandaigua) introduced S #6526, saying, "It’s a vehicle to restore confidence."[1]
James Tedisco (R) introduced #1493 in the New York State Assembly on January 20, 2011, while Joseph Griffo (R) introduced a companion measure, S #2453 in the New York State Senate on January 21, 2011.
Tony Avella (D) introduced #5190 on May 3, 2011.
http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Laws_governing_recall_in_New_York
So there are some politicians who are trying to secure this right for the citizens of New York, but so far it hasn't happened.
This should be a major demonstration and petition campaign. No recall removes accountability to the people. This should be approached as unconstitutional. Denying the will of the people to participate in government. No recall allows misrepresentation.
Indeed, but we should also lend support to politicians who are fighting for these things (regardless of political affiliation). However, there are legal issues to work out. For example, AGC collects donations for OWS, and AGC is a 501(c)(3) organization (strictly prohibited from activities like endorsing political candidates).
If OWS was a 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organization, this limitation wouldn't exist.
501(c)(3) — Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations
501(c)(4) — Civic Leagues, Social Welfare Organizations, and Local Associations of Employees
501(c)(5) — Labor, Agricultural, and Horticultural Organizations
501(c)(6) — Business Leagues, Chambers of Commerce, Real Estate Boards, etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/501(c)_organization#Types
Can a tax-exempt organization endorse candidates for public office?
The type of tax exemption determines whether an organization may endorse candidates for public office. For example, a section 501(c)(3) organization may not publish or distribute printed statements or make oral statements on behalf of, or in opposition to, a candidate for public office. Consequently, a written or oral endorsement of a candidate is strictly forbidden. The rating of candidates, even on a nonpartisan basis, is also prohibited. On the other hand, a section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organization may engage in political campaigns, provided that such activities are not the organization's primary activity.
In addition, section 501(c) organizations that make expenditures for political activity may be subject to tax under section 527(f). For more information, please see Election Year Issues.
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=139018,00.html
OWS need not make any political statements. It may want to change it's legal status before it does such a thing in an official capacity.
The people protesting however can do what they want. I have not yet seen an issuing of cards that say this individual is an official member of any organization.
I also believe that people should look at voting records and recognize those in office that are supporting the issues of the people - and support those individuals.
Right, but unfortunately, it's hard to find nonpartisan organizations who endorse the things we endorse, and are willing and able to engage in the political process. Yes, individual protesters can do what they want, but without coordination, I'm not sure how it could be effective? Moreover, even if an independent organization was endorsing the things we endorse, and they had a legal structure enabling them to engage politically, would OWS be able to align themselves or endorse in some way, the activities of that organization? Sort of a complicated question (but of course it doesn't seem likely that OWS would be willing to do this sort of thing, so I guess it's a moot point anyway).
However, we may be able to endorse "issues" (versus individual politicians), and the issues can be specific (not just an obscure endorsement of the concept of participatory democracy, but supporting specific bills presented to a legislature, which are calculated to enhance citizen participation).
See now that is exactly the problems we face here in talking and trying to find common ground. Partisan. Fuck that shit. Support or confront issues. If I see a good republican issue to support I will. Same with independent or green or democratic or anonymous.
It is the issue and what it proposes that is important.
Partisan is divisive.
Yes, I've come to agree with that statement (although I also admit, I didn't always see things this way). Partisanship has transformed politics into something akin to a sport. The issues a politician endorses isn't very important, what matters is which team they identify with.
It keeps the people from finding common ground and uniting into an unstoppable force of good for all.
Support for the people not for profit.
An issue of outreach and education. Protest alerts the public of an issue. Eduction is outreach to get involved. Direct action - access to direct democracy can be started in petitioning as well as boycotting.
Outsourcing must end as it is destructive to the overall economy/society.
Protest stupid and destructive free trade agreements. They must be reworked to "support the economy of the country's" that are importing.
Direct action Protest that has real teeth.
Support your local community Bank and Non-Profit Credit Unions.
Protest with real teeth.
A message that can not be ignored.
Kick the TBTF corporate banks in the balls.
Transfer out your accounts.
There is protest to alert the public about issues.
And then there are direct action opportunities born of these protests.
Forward direct democracy. Participate in our democratic process. Petitioning is part of the peoples voice in government and in governing.
Ask the AMA to support the labeling of genetically engineered foods.
Dear Dan,
We have less than 7 hours to convince a powerful and respected organization to support labeling of GE foods.
The American Medical Association (AMA) is about to weigh in on the debate to label genetically engineered foods – and we need to make sure that doctors support our right to know how the food we feed our families is produced. We know the FDA takes their views seriously.
Just last night, we found out that in an unusual move, the AMA is seeking feedback from non-AMA members…that means they want to hear from people like you and me. This is a huge, and rare, opportunity, so we need your help right now.
We only have until 6pm Eastern today to show the AMA committee charged with this issue that there is overwhelming public support for labeling.
DEADLINE TODAY: Ask the AMA to support the labeling of genetically engineered foods.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=6KIgkJPbSj%2BWcKOrNm%2B9Qnlfc7lfArLA
Background: the Indiana state delegation submitted a resolution to the American Medical Association Reference Committee for Science and Technology that asks the AMA to study the impact of mandated GMO labeling and then to take action based on the results of the analysis.
Why do doctors care about GMOs? Many AMA members recognize that the lack of labeling denies health professionals the ability to trace potentially toxic or allergic reactions to genetically engineered foods. They also know that without labels, we won't be able to understand any adverse health effects from consuming GE foods. It's no wonder that over 300 hospitals and medical centers in the United States have signed a pledge to encourage their vendors to supply food that is produced without genetic modification.
Healthcare providers hold incredible sway with decision-makers in DC and throughout the country. That's why we want them on our side if we want to convince the FDA to label genetically engineered foods. We only have hours to submit public comments. Please use our simple tool to send a message to the AMA right now.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=At90TLiXR/kC5Q0EydTCpnlfc7lfArLA
Together, we submitted over 1.1 million comments to the FDA. It took you only five days to generate 25,000 signatures on the White House "We The People" petition in favor of labeling. And our partners in California succeeded in securing the nearly one million signatures needed to put GMO labeling on the statewide ballot this fall. Even though we've got less than 7 hours, I know we can win this next victory.
The American Medical Association is a well-respected institution with a long and influential history dating back over 160 years. The position they take on labeling will have a powerful impact on all of our efforts to secure the right to know how our food is produced. Please speak out now.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=3gqU9pISHWMSJ8oyVtYBdXlfc7lfArLA
Thank you for contacting the AMA today. Thank you!
– David Bancroft on behalf of the entire Just Label It team
We're building a movement of concerned citizens – parents, health care workers, small business owners, farmers, and more – who care about what's in the food we eat.
In October 2011, the Just Label It campaign was formed when the Center for Food Safety filed a petition with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to require the labeling of all foods produced using genetic engineering. Days later, we asked citizens from around the country to join us and tell the FDA to "Just Label It." More than 1.1 million Americans have contacted to the FDA urging them to label genetically engineered foods. Ask others to sign on at www.JustLabelIt.org/takeaction.
Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Learn more at www.JustLabelIt.org
It is a battle on ALL fronts
Hey DKA, I just want to caution the use of words like Battle or Fight or War. As you can imagine, these words are words of emotion and the kind of revolution I think you're struggling for is a revolution of reason. I really admire what you are doing, but remember it took a long time to get into this mess and it may take some time to work out the kinks, so to speak. Take care to allow others to have their say and be a part of this great movement.
That is why I am advocating for an inclusion of all strategies and not the exclusion of strategies.
With one major exception - NO VIOLENCE. VIOLENCE is not a good strategy. It is an invitation to failure. I do not support violent aggression or protest.
I will also confront issues promoting opting out. As that is self defeatist.
I know you are none violence, you are doing great work, just a caution against "battle on all fronts"
I happen to believe words do matter and in specific ways.
You see not every child who plays Call of Duty will want to be in the military, but I wonder how many will. The movie Hell and Back Again, is to me a prime example of this idea.
14 Arrested at Cruz Home, Vowing Needless Foreclosure “Stops Here”
http://occupywallst.org/article/14-arrested-cruz-home-vowing-needless-foreclosure-/
From - Moms Clean Air Force
Dear Dan,
I'm pleased to tell you that, at the EPA's recent hearing in Washington, D.C., Moms Clean Air Force was able to deliver—via little red wagon—more than 8,000 comments in support of a proposed rule to limit carbon pollution from new power plants.
Thanks to all of you who took action and submitted your comment! Your signatures and comments were hand-delivered directly to the EPA—we made sure that your voices were heard and that the EPA got our message loud and clear!
Molly Rauch was also able to testify on the EPA’s rule—as she wrote in a blog post about the hearing, "I have a public health degree, and I studied epidemiology, but I spoke yesterday as a mom."
http://www.e-activist.com/ea-campaign/broadcast.response.do?ea.url.id=91127&ea.campaigner.email=YVTHd2e3n/zaE8AaERsMJQ==&ea_broadcast_target_id=0
Molly testified, in part, that
Our children deserve a well-regulated electric power industry that produces electricity from clean sources, without destabilizing the climate, increasing smog levels and associated respiratory health problems, and causing other grave health effects of global warming. It's EPA's job to set the rules that will give us the clean and safe power industry all Americans—and especially our children—deserve.
The EPA has a big job and we need to give them our support. Right now, Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma is trying to KILL the EPA's Mercury and Air Toxics Standards—a rule designed to get poisons out of our air.
Defend the EPA's clean air safeguards once again—please take a moment and tell your Senators not to join Inhofe in his Congressional Review Act.
http://www.e-activist.com/ea-campaign/broadcast.response.do?ea.url.id=91128&ea.campaigner.email=YVTHd2e3n/zaE8AaERsMJQ==&ea_broadcast_target_id=0
Thank you for all of your support—a mother's work is never done.
Sincerely,
Dominique Browning Co-Founder and Senior Director, Moms Clean Air Force
It's not one thing, it's everything, and it's going to take everything we can do to make it move in the correct direction.
Yes it is a battle on ALL fronts. The main thing is getting the people involved - participating - uniting we WIN.