Forum Post: Occupy America National School Walkout October 28th
Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 12, 2011, 11:35 p.m. EST by urlordandsaviour
(64)
from Ithaca, NY
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
On Friday 28 October there will be a National School Walkout in support and solidarity with the protests at Wall St and those which have swept across America. Those who want more information can go here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=243582649024545 . . to get some information and begin organising in their schools and communities.
Even if you are not a student, or want to take part, it would be helpful for you to get the word out to as many people as you can so that we can make this vision a reality.
Spread the word organise
NSW, what’s the beef with that?
What do you mean? (It's early)
Sorry I don’t have access to facebook. What are the main issues concerning the national schools?
Aah.. Well, as you know it is us who compromise the future of the country and the way we're headed with the current Corporate-Run "Democracy", that future will be bleaker than ever.
It is also because of declining taxes (which has been supported by the Top 1%) that schools are now recieving less funding. Teachers are getting laid off. Things like music and art are being left out of the school. The poor schools get poorer etc. So, while it may not seem like it, it is very much an issue that effects students and teachers very closely (as it does all of us).
Plus we all probably know someone who lost a job to outsourcing. Lost a house in the recession. Lost a job etc.
Finally, we want to stand in support of those in occupations around the country and show that we too want a more just and sustainable future.
I see! Is the walkout supported by the Board of Education or by the teachers union?
First comprise (not compromise)...
Second, not at this time. That's first something that will be handled locally and at this time we don't have a critical mass.
Third, regardless of their support we shall walkout. Though I know in a previous walkout a few teachers from my school joined.
What grade do you teach and do you have a website?
Teach? I'm actually a student organising this. As for a website no. I could possibly get one but that's not in the cards at the moment.
bump. We now have a rather sexy logo!
Oh gee, I would love too. But... OH YEAH! I value my education and I have a full-time job. Whoops! Maybe, next time! :)
What's one or two hours in the grand scheme of things?
(And if this isn't poorly done sarcasm. Spread the word!)
What is one or two hours? Because, I would lose my job by walking out, this is a movement targeted at the WRONG group of people, and I wouldn't walk out of class because I'm not a complainer. I work my ass off everyday, because I want great things. Also, I want to give my kids nice things and I have an Autistic brother I have to take care of the rest of my life (after my parents die). And, thanks to our lovely government and people like you, my dad is taxed 50% on the money he EARNS because people like you protest that he does not deserve it!
Thank you for doing that. I appreciate it!
You want great things?
So do we. I'd say we want greater things. We want it so that all people will have a voice in this country. So that the corporations who have shown time and time again to be a detriment of the common good are not in control but the PEOPLE are, also so that all people will have fair access to education so that they can get a job that pays a living wage.
We want change.
Also let it be known, that if it weren't for what you call "complaining" America as we know it would not exist.
And btw, the whole reason this mess started is a little something called "personal responsibility", which NO ONE seems to understand anymore.
It is time for people to own up to the mistakes they made and take some personal responsibility.
Greater things?
No, you want something for nothing. What you want is someone to foot the bill, while you have fun.
Corporations? Mind you, these "big bad corporations" are ran by PEOPLE. These "horrible entities" employee THOUSANDS of people. You want to get rid of them? Ok, fine. Do it! But, don't come crawling back to these corporations when you are unemployed.
What makes me mad, OWS should not be protesting the corporations. OWS needs to be protesting what is happening in the GOVERNMENT. You can thank your government for the corporations being so harsh on the people. The government needs to keep their nose out of the economy and quit putting so many damn policies on the corporations. Once this is done, the corporations will give people their jobs back.
Corporations are created BY PEOPLE, employ THE PEOPLE, and are ran BY PEOPLE.
Get your facts straight. It is your big bad government that needs to change, not the corporations.
To paraphrase Joel Bakan. While corporations are made up of people. Think of it like hockey. On the ice, they are brutal to each other. Slamming people in to boards, getting in to fisticuffs etc but off the ice, they'd never do those things. Corporations are the same way. While many in them are good people, once they step in to the corporate arena, they begin to operate by a different set of morals. Morals which align with the destruction of lives and the planet.
Also, that is NOT socialism (which, frankly isn't what OWS is about). Socialism is where everyone foots the bill so that everyone can have access. What's wrong about that.
The government needs to keep their nose out of the economy and quit putting so many damn policies on the corporations. Once this is done, the corporations will give people their jobs back. <- Show me one way this has helped things and I can give three how it has done the opposite. To show what I mean I'll play along with the whole Corporations are people thing.
Us people have laws. We can't steal, murder, rape or pillage. We can't commit fraud or perjury.
Should corporations too not be bound by laws.
very clever much love from the isle of man x x x
Thanks a bunch. ^^
bump!
I agree... but it needs for ignorance relief. Tell all walkout leaders, they need to demand "talking" about getting a real education from their schools instead of socialist indoctrination. Maybe even LEARN about free markets and capitalism....
First: The Occupy movement is apolitical. Second, it's the unrestricted free market which led to the conditions from which the movement arose.Third, I don't think you have a grasp on what socialism is. So do you mind telling me what you think it is...
Capitalism isn't a political system, it's an economic system. Political systems are things like democracy, monarchy, etc. And I think it's more accurate to say that the government got rid of some good regulations while putting in place some completely stupid regulations. Blaming deregulation alone without also pointing out bad regulations is just going to get us more bad regulations, like pressuring banks to make sub-prime loans while at the same time offering federal guarantees for those loans. That's like giving drugs and bail money to a drug dealer and then being surprised when he takes full advantage of both of them.
You are right but economic systems and political systems ARE intertwined and can't always be separated from one another.
BTW, check out "oceanweed" posts and tell me you people are apolitical...
Oceanweed is but one person not the representative of the movement.
and EVERYBODY has a voice..... is what I keep seeing. He is NOT alone.
Perhaps it may be hard to think but, that you are wrong and not everyone wants to live in Free Market Wonderland™
First: You are blind and deaf then. All I hear is "pass Obama's "jobs" bill", or "the rich don't pay enough taxes", or "the Unions are standing up for workers", or "Fox news if right wing propaganda", or "big corporations are evil", or on and on and on.... Sorry, but you are dead wrong.
Second, all your bitching would not be happening if the unemployment rate was at 6% or lower. Why is it NOT? Sure as hell NOT from "unrestricted free markets". It is from the perverse intrusion of the US government on the free market and personal lives. YOU of the 1% should be protesting your leadership in Washington or going about change the way this country was founded.... VOTING! Still on this thought, how the hell do you know what the "conditions from which the movement arose" are when NOBODY can come up with a coherent list of grievances other than everything under the sun.
Third: I'll tell if you tell. I am talking about the idea that a worker and his employer are "partners" for one. What a crock that is. I am talking about the pervasive view in you 1% that capitalism somehow has caused some GREAT wealth divide among the people and that the "rich" have exploited the "99%". I am talking about the idiocy that taking more from "the rich" and redistributing it to the rest of the population is somehow going to elevate everybody, I am talking about people that try to demand that a corporation or wealthy person do such and such with their ill gotten money, I am talking about a hundred other things like this. That's not even the political side of it.
You all ACT like there is some great thinking going on among you but you fail to ACTUALLY educate yourselves on what is really going on.... Sad
First: The rich don't pay their fair share. They get mansions while others are left to beg on the streets. What about that is fair. Big corporations are evil? Yes, they are responsible for the degradation of the environment. etc. I could go on.
Second: What perverse invasion?
Third: It has. Look at the difference in income just here in America. Much less, between the US and say China.
OH, OK... the top 1% who earn 23% of the income in this country pay 40% of the taxes... fair to people like YOU. The top 10% pay 71% of the income taxes.... fair to people like YOU. Bottom 50% pay 3% of the taxes.... fair to people like YOU.
You wouldn't have to beg in the street if you would go home and work to better yourself without blaming other people for your problems. Perfect, you say somebody that has worked hard and made a lot of money can't buy a large house for their family because it is not FAIR to some socialist in Ithaca. Ugh.
"Degradation of the environment".... can't you all come up with something a little more original. Been hearing that one since I was a little boy... You'd think we'd all be mutant blobs by now.
Perverse intrusion of the government, is all the rules, regulations (oh but it saves our air!!), taxes and fees hoisted on somebody that, god forbid, wants to start a company and hire people. Why the hell do you think these evil corporations are taking the manufacturing and jobs overseas? Because it takes half the time and money to start a manufacturing plant and then the taxes will be significantly LOWER once they do start. The perverse intrusion in everybody's life is the same. Obscene taxation, fucking up even more a health care system that was the best in the world, telling us what we should and shouldn't eat, government education that spits out people like what is at Wall Street.
And btw, who the hell CARES what the income differences are between the US and China. Tell China to become truly capitalist and they might come close. I guess it's better in your minds for the US to lower itself to all the rest of the worlds countries.
Some day you will grow up and educate yourself apart from left wing rhetoric.
China's more capitalist than we are. They don't care if people are worked like slaves. They don't care that their forests. They don't care if the wage is 3 cents a day. They don't care if people get cancer from their job.
Do you want the US to be more like that. Or more like say Norway. Which has a great economy, clean air, fair wages etc. Oh, and Norway has 60+% taxes and many of them don't mind at all. What with free education, healthcare etc.
Degradation of the envronment is not some opinion. It's FUCKING SCIENCE. Go on, find one scientist who will disagree that climate change is not real.
Also, cite your tax stats. Cite them well.
Of course... and ALL your "sources" for your liberal mindset are perfectly accurate and totally unbiased.... you are laughable
Yes, the UN is a liberal and biased source.
It is most definitely NOT science, it is computer modeling using flawed data. You might know that IF you chose to educate yourself. Good for you, you asked... http://www.oism.org/pproject/ (31,000 signed so far) http://www.oism.org is the home page http://www.nipccreport.org/reports/2011/2011report.html https://www.facebook.com/seeeva http://www.sepp.org/index.cfm
Taxes: http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/incometaxandtheirs/a/who-pays-most-income-tax.htm http://ntu.org/tax-basics/who-pays-income-taxes.html http://cbo.gov/ftpdocs/88xx/doc8885/EffectiveTaxRates.shtml#1011535 (older CBO numbers) http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/250.html All these numbers come straight from your government.
You should move to Norway then. BTW, their economy is largely based on BIG OIL and GAS. Such debasing of the world going on in Norway. This is a large part of Norwegian income. Would you allow an exponential increase in energy production in the US? I think not from what I've read. Their tax rate is not 60%... the average tax rate after deductions is 25%. But before you move, you might want to know that if you make peanuts over there, you will STILL pay the tax, unlike here where you will pay nothing. The cost of living is sky high there and there is a value added tax of 25% on items you buy. Healthcare is much like Canada.... don't go there to get sick. Do you really think "healthcare, education, etc" are FREE? Please tell me you are that ignorant.
First, while I do think Norway does have a strong economy, it is because of their oil and gas exploitation that I still don't support them (I tend to support Denmark, with it's strong wind industry). Also I know it's not free. Just a burden of society. Not the individual. Also when you say "Don't go to Canada/Norge/Danmark to get sick." Don't you mean America, where we're perfectly to have you die or go bankrupt if you get sick and can't afford it.
Also, on cost of living. The average wage in Norway is 500.000 krone ($100,000 USD, compared to maybe $35,000 USD in the US (I will agree that in cities it is expensive))
Second, Your climate links. Those organisations are hardly credible and are funded either by far-right wing moguls or don't disclose their funding. In any serious debate, you'd be laughed at for even using those as backing.
Taxes: About link, never post in an argument. The CBO.gov is good.But the Tax Foundation. They recieve funding from Exxon Mobil and Koch Industries who have a vested interest in keeping taxes low.
TL;DR: Pay attention to who is actually saying these things. While it may be nice to believe that rich people + corporations are paying their fair share and that climate change is a myth, it's just not the case.
www.unep.org/climatechange/ - That there is a rather unbiased source.
(And hardly the most extreme)
First, while I do think Norway does have a strong economy, it is because of their oil and gas exploitation that I still don't support them (I tend to support Denmark, with it's strong wind industry). Also I know it's not free. Just a burden of society. Not the individual. Also when you say "Don't go to Canada/Norge/Danmark to get sick." Don't you mean America, where we're perfectly to have you die or go bankrupt if you get sick and can't afford it.
Also, on cost of living. The average wage in Norway is 500.000 krone ($100,000 USD, compared to maybe $35,000 USD in the US (I will agree that in cities it is expensive))
Second, Your climate links. Those organisations are hardly credible and are funded either by far-right wing moguls or don't disclose their funding. In any serious debate, you'd be laughed at for even using those as backing.
Taxes: About link, never post in an argument. The CBO.gov is good.But the Tax Foundation. They recieve funding from Exxon Mobil and Koch Industries who have a vested interest in keeping taxes low.
TL;DR: Pay attention to who is actually saying these things. While it may be nice to believe that rich people + corporations are paying their fair share and that climate change is a myth, it's just not the case.
www.unep.org/climatechange/ - That there is a rather unbiased source.
(And hardly the most extreme)
so clever and funny x x x
Why thank you!
61 is a nice number
bump!
How about something more permanent like changing their diets to have a lot less factory farmed meat?
http://www.westernwatersheds.org/watmess/watmess_2002/2002html_summer/article6.htm "By far the greatest impact on the American landscape comes not from urbanization but rather from agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farming and ranching are responsible for 68 percent of all species endangerment in the United States. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water, particularly in the West. Most water developments would not exist were it not for the demand created by irrigated agriculture. If ultimate causes and not proximate causes for species extinction are considered, agricultural impacts would even be higher. Yet scant attention is paid by academicians, environmentalists, recreationists and the general public to agriculture's role in habitat fragmentation, species endangerment and declining water quality. The ironic aspect of this head-in-the sand approach to land use is that most agriculture is completely unnecessary to feed the nation. The great bulk of agricultural production goes toward forage production used primarily by livestock. A small shift in our diet away from meat could have a tremendous impact on the ground in terms of freeing up lands for restoration and wildlife habitat. It would also reduce the poisoning of our streams and groundwater with pesticides and other residue of modern agricultural practices."
But instead we have: http://www.seriouseats.com/2007/11/the-subsidized-food-pyramid.html "The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has posted an easy-to-understand visual on its site that shows which foods U.S. tax dollars go to support under the nation's farm bill. It's titled "Why Does a Salad Cost More Than a Big Mac?" and depicts two pyramids—subsidized foods and the old recommended food pyramid. It's interesting to note that the two are almost inversely proportional to each other."
That's a great idea but, not what we're going after right here
sorry don't want to miss gym class
It's a shame that you don't want to take part in the protests. Perhaps you could get the word out.
sorry not a hippy
Then why are you even on this site? Plus, I'd remind you that the movement (this walkout included) are rather apolitical (aside from the core tennants). It's not just hippies (however awesome they are)
shameless bump, gotta get the message out there
bumpity
I have a daughter in colleges. if she walks out she loses her financial support. Currently she is on track to be debt free from college and I am paying her way. What would YOU do if you were i a similar situation?
Any college that would cut financial support to a student for an act of protest especially since it is only one day (of the many that they are in college) is likely not worth it and if it really got between me and my studies, I'd still organise the protest and get the word out but wait until my class at the time was done and join the protest. Sure it doesn't carry the same power as the walkout but it would still do just that bit more to support the cause.
I am the one funding, my rules, my money.
First, I don't see why you'd make such rules. If your daughter wanted to walk out on one day of many I don't see why you wouldn't support her in what she's doing. EVEN if you may disagree. Second, if she were to. Would you even know?
its entirely his business what rules he makes for his daughter
I'm just saying that his rules aren't what I'd call those of a supportive parent.
She is on the presidents list. I am very supportive.
if you have kids you may raise them as you see fit
True. She IS over 18 though. Also point to.
Gotta get the word out and since no one's really posting, I gotta bump!
Great, promoting ignorance among Americans.
What do you mean ignorance. A school walkout, though some will go just to get out of school will be a great way to enlighten people on the issues.
Another bump, trying to get as many people as possible to take notice of this.
bumpity
Bump!
Bump!
Solidarity. We shall not be moved.
What does this accomplish? One extra day added to the calendar. Union members with a paid day off.
It's a sign of solidarity and support for the movement. Also, I'm having a hard time telling if you're for or against the idea or not.
colleges not schools
This is very much intended to be a High School and lower walkout. However, if someone wanted to organise a concurrent one with colleges, that'd be much appreciated.
Because the US needs even less educated and less skilled young people? Or, because it's an excuse to party rather than go to classes?
Now, hold on. How does a walkout on one day really damage ones education. I'd argue it shows that they are educated enough to take a stand and voice their opinion in protest.
Plus, it's not an excuse to party. If people want to, they'd just do it.
another shameless bump. Spread the word, make this a reality
shameless bump, the word has to get out
I soo hope this makes it.
Just keep spreading the word
Not gonna learn much in a school anyway, why not?
Here here brother. Spread the word and organise!
For great justice!
Fuck school. Let's do drugs that day too! I'm getting a new tattoo!
This is the kind of attitude that will turn people away from the walkout.
I'm tired of 21 days of yelling my lungs out. I need a hit. What brother will help me. We need stuff to get us through this protest and don't bring more food or clothes. You know what we need.
Nah man I understand. Just don't want people thinkin we're bunch of no good druggies. Thats all. Anyways, hope you can get the word out, especially if your down at Wall St, getting those cats behind the walkout.
That'd be great.
It's tuff here and getting cold. I don't want to be here but they tease us with the goods. I'm starting to think this is a waste of time. Why are we here. No one seems to know but the promises of free stuff keeps u here. Man it's tuff.
Why? I'd say something about wanting a change in the system. To be a part of a movement etc etc
Things were better 21 days ago.
One must suffer for change...
I feel this should be our vision to get it right once again:
How easily we can Reform Wall Street--Simple & Direct
It's Time for a Million People March on Washington, D.C. to Reform Wall Street--Time to take back our Country from their Influence over OUR lawmakers! Here's how easily we can do it, a focused good start: Take away their powers "once again."
"We are here Congress because we want to REINSTATE the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/071603.asp#axzz1aPEc3wX which saved our country from the Great Depression by preventing banks and insurance companies from merging and becoming large brokerage firms; instead of Banks and Insurance companies--can't we learn a history lesson here Congress? Btw, why did most of you vote for its repeal in 1999? http://www.counterpunch.org/2008/09/19/shattering-the-glass-steagall-act/
And also we want you to CHANGE the Commodities Future Modernization Act of 2000http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodity_Futures_Modernization_Act_of_2000 BACK to where it was before 2000, which since has deregulated energy markets and has allowed such scams as The Enron Loophole; whereas in the early 2000's Enron Corp. was charging 400 bucks plus for a kilowatt hour...They all when to jail for this. But, the Enron loophole is still not CLOSED, for example, allowing speculators to resell barrels of oil over and over again before it reaches the gas station owner. It's basically, legal gambling at our expense. What were those lawmakers thinking then? What are you thinking now? Either do the right thing, or you're part of 1%."
Reasons:
Why are oil prices high? The Enron Loophole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbdtTGYQBMU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNp0y0SjOkY&feature=related
Rolling Stones Reporter: Truth about Goldman Sachs--how they have cornered the markets--basically, The Enron Loophole and the Repeal of Glass-Steagall Act in 1999. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waL5UxScgUw
Make your own posts for this. This is not the place.
sorry, but this is core of the issue...without it, nothing will change, good luck.
I know. Just this is not the thread to be posting it in. That's all.
sorry again :)
No problem!
bumpity!
read the post below
Anyone?
bump!
bump!