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Forum Post: "Our problems stem from our acceptance of this filthy, rotten system"

Posted 12 years ago on Aug. 8, 2012, 9:19 p.m. EST by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

The quotation comes from a poster of Dorothy Day at a United Farm Workers picket line. Day, a famous writer, activist, and anarchist, was often hauled to jail, reviled for her pacifistic steadfastness even during World War. After that her support of Communist ideals led Joe McCarthy's acolytes to dub her "Moscow Mary" during the heyday of the Red Scare. It was commies then, and terrorists now.

She lived exactly as she preached founding a network of "Catholic Worker Houses" to shelter and feed the homeless of all faiths or no faith at all.

Now the struggle for political-economic equality has passed to all of us, who cry for change. The time to act is right now, for us to no longer accept "this filthy, rotten system."

As the election approaches, maybe we can began to spread the seeds of change. No one else is going to do it. Dorothy Day even showed us the way to start: "The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us?"

67 Comments

67 Comments


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

"The Dispossessed Majority" :

"The US is ruled by a private oligarchy. The government is merely their front. The country’s resources are diverted to the pockets of Wall Street & the military/security complex. The oil, mining, timber, and agribusiness companies control the Environmental Protection Agency and the Forestry Service, which is why regulation only pertains to the small individual, while fracking, mountaintop removal mining, and pollution of air, water, and soil run wild."

"The oligarchs have succeeded in making americans a dispossessed majority in their own country. In November americans will again give their approval to one of the oligarchy’s two candidates."

by Paul Craig Roberts.

e tenebris, lux ...

[-] 5 points by Umong (0) 12 years ago

so why in the hell are 99% letting these bastards get away with it. Put the tv OFF right now and you can watch the Kardashians after this problem is solved !

[-] 3 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Or somehow organize our own media to broadcast the workers' news, but I'm afraid the Kardashians or whatever would still outrate honest-to-god information networks.

[-] 2 points by Neuwurldodr (744) 12 years ago

That is too funny!!

[-] 0 points by hchc (3297) from Tampa, FL 12 years ago

One Word: Apathy.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

What your middle name?

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

It would be difficult to pick a single favorite of your deliriously educational posts Shadz. But if I had to....I think this one is my favorite, hands down !!

LETS DETHRONE THE OLIGARCHS from their power over us, and then together we can ALL rebuild our beautiful, gloriously beneficent mother earth.

OCCUPY THE OLIGARCHS !!

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

"Occupy The Oligarchs" !!! & as 'Oligarchy, The US Military-Security Complex & Empire' are sooo intrinsically linked within this unjust "filthy, rotten system" ...

Thanx for your kind, encouraging & uplifting comment.

fiat lux ; fiat pax ; fiat justitia ...

[-] -1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

You shadz, more than anyone else here are the voice of this movement. My hat is off to you.

[-] 2 points by alterorabolish1 (569) 12 years ago

Mine too. Thanks for what you do shadz.

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

Pedestals are only good for falling off, I fear but I shall endeavour not to give in to 'fear' and accept at the risk of hubris, your kind words with belated good grace. We all have a tone in 'The Voice' and you 'O' & your beloved daughters and grand-daughter are workers, leaving foot prints in time and space on the road to a better America for all, now and in the long run.

per aspera ad astra ...

[-] -1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Thank You....you have me tearing up.

[-] 1 points by Builder (4202) 12 years ago

Awwwww, but you're right about Shadz. One of the few reasons I drop by this site is to check the admin news, and to see if Shadz has a few more links for me to check out.

More power to you. ;-))

[-] -1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Thanks, I am a bit sentimental, i guess. Shadz is a 'class act.' On a side note you live in a wonderful country, and it is where I met my Kiwi wife.

Joke: Why do all the Aussies drink out of saucers?

[-] 1 points by Builder (4202) 12 years ago

LOL. I don't use a saucer.

[-] -1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Maybe not you...but the answer is; Because the Kiwis have all the Cups. think sports here. ;-)..and give me a good Yank joke back. I can take it, as well as dish it.

[-] 1 points by Builder (4202) 12 years ago

Why do Americans call their baseball contest the World Series, when no other country competes?

Not a joke, I'm just curious.

I hear that Aussie Rules (a kind of football game) has taken off over there. Good to see. And because I'm a blonde, here's a blonde joke for you;

A blonde walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. She says she's going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.

The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for the loan, so the blonde hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce. The car is parked on the street in front of the bank, she has the title and everything checks out. The bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.

The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the blonde for using a $250,000 Rolls as collateral against a $5,000 loan.

An employee of the bank then drives the Rolls into the bank's underground

garage and parks it there.

Two weeks later, the blonde returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Miss, we are very

happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very

nicely, but we are a little puzzled.

We checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?"

The blonde replies..... "Where else in New York City can I park my car for two

weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?"

[-] -1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

lol lol Yes, i will remember that one....but more importantly....you're a blond...a woman....can you tell me more.? ;-) That was my ex i was talking about earlier.

The reason Americans probably call it the World Series is probably because we like to think the world centers around us. The Little League world Series used to be only American teams competing, but now not so anymore. A town near me won the LLWS several years ago.

[-] 1 points by Builder (4202) 12 years ago

Not a woman, just a blonde.

Got the reverse mohawk happening, actually.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

I let my friend's kids cut my hair once. i won't do that again though.

[-] 3 points by Nevada1 (5843) 12 years ago

Good Post

[-] 2 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Thanks for the link.

Roberts hits the nail on the head. Over and over we see that Marx's words were not only descriptive but prophetic: that a democratic republic is the ideal political system for the ruling class to gain complete control.

[-] 1 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 12 years ago

Any political system will be taken over by the few if the many let them.

[-] 2 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Ours though has been bought and paid for. I don't believe most people realized it was happening. Even now most still don't accept that fact.

Look at so many of the posters leaning either toward the Democrats or the Republicans. Many still believe the same parties, which have consistently failed working Americans in the past, will now miraculously change their stripes and work for the benefit of average Americans.

I don't think so.

[-] 1 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 12 years ago

Quite true. The delusion that the party will save us when in fact both are enemies of freedom. Guantanamo, indefinite detention, endless wars, citizens united, Etc. Both parties supported these measures, both need to be voted out!

[-] 2 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

A viable third party that truly champions reform has become necessary, if the country is to survive without a radical upheaval.

[-] 1 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 12 years ago

The very idea of party is offensive to what is right and wrong. By it's nature, any power gained by a party must be taken from it's members.

Why is there the idea that people cannot vote independently, with full individual power? Are we so brainwashed by the party system that we can't see any other alternative?

Can anyone give a solid reason for a party to exist? I have asked this question before and have never received a valid answer. Anyone?

[-] 1 points by LeoYo (5909) 12 years ago

Parties exist for individuals of a common ideological identity to unite for seizing political power.

They can be banned or at least limited in their undemocratic influence as is done in Nebraska.

[-] 1 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Ah, now if you want to change the system, I'm the person to talk to, but most people, with whom I've exchanged posts, seem averse to abandoning the system we have and going full-speed ahead to a direct democracy.

The way our political system is currently set up, though, requires enormous wealth to campaign.

Frankly, I believe that all candidates, who attain a required number of petition signatures for a certain level of office, should have equal, publicly paid media space with no private contributions allowed whatsoever.

That would put all viable candidates on a level playing field, in which they could actually discuss issues rather than foam at the mouth as they attacked one another.

[-] 1 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 12 years ago

Public funding of elections goes against my political grain. I tend to favor non governmental, by the people solutions. When the people, who are able but unwilling to take action to protect themselves against corrupt leaders, even voting for those corrupt leaders, my anger turns against the people. No laws will ever be able to protect them.

A law is like a fence. When a wolf jumps over it, that fence does not protect you any longer. What we do as a nation is vote for a pack of wolves, letting them construct the fence that is meant to keep the people secure.

Public campaign finance is a fence that the wolves will climb over with the aid of citizens united. Our only sure defense is our vote, our shotgun that will send the wolves fleeing. But we must use both barrels, one for each pack.

[-] 2 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

The problem is that Ds and Rs admit that the candidates buy elections. The person that spends the most generally wins. That's not democracy.

People need to make informed choices, and the only way to accomplish that is to put the candidates on display actually talking about the issues. A vote for Obama, a vote for Romney simply perpetuates the same myth of choice.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Talk about issues and how they should be handled and Do this Under Oath.

Penalty for perjury in play. Mittens would be in jail already.

Every election - should be a renewal of the oath of office taken by all - not just the newly elected or re-elected. The failure to uphold that oath should be loss of office and a vacant chair until a new representative can be elected to office.

[-] 1 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

As I wrote in a previous post, all candidates, who receive a minimum number of petition signatures for a given level of political office, should receive equal media space, either publicly funded or as the media's public-service requirements, to directly address the issues with no private campaign funding of any sort.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Media should have a public service function that makes them give proper and equal coverage to all candidates for office - state and federal - this should be part of their community/society service/support. Telling the news certainly does not fit in any category of public service as they do not report the news.

[-] 1 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

No, I gave up watching TV "news," which was nothing more than a chat room for bubbleheads, who thought a new IPad was the greatest gift God could bestow on humankind.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Fine - understood - by everyone - Government is FUCKED-UP.

So bring initiatives to the table.

Forward protest stratagems.

Sign and circulate petitions.

Share good things - information, videos, documentaries. articles etc etc etc - out onto social media.

On your comment above - you could have attached the Move to Amend campaign site or petition.

Yes speaking-out is good venting can help relieve stress - But - Hey - let us all try and be productive as well.

[-] 1 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 12 years ago

Like any evangelist knows, our message can't remain confined to the safety of a political forum. It must be preached to family, friends, neighbors, and especially in the streets to strangers.

I would like to encourage everyone to keep the message visible in the streets. Just because the tents are down does not mean our signs should be also. They should be raised high to let the people know there are still people willing to fight injustice. They are not alone.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

Absolutely - keep the drive alive - collect information that can be shared with the people you meet on the street - present them with initiatives and the reasoning behind them. Reach out educate foster support and growth through meaningful communication.

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23824) 12 years ago

Very nice post. We need deep societal change before things will get significantly better, an overhaul of our ethos, really.

[-] 2 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

The time has come for us to get our hands dirty and start working the soil.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 12 years ago

An awakening - a leap into understanding and maturity.

[-] -1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

I will humbly admit that that word "ethos" was new to me when you first brought it up a while back. But that is exactly what we need, "an overhaul of our ethos" for "deep societal change..."

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23824) 12 years ago

Thanks, Odin. I've read a lot of books on the topic of "nationalism" and the "nation state" and that word comes up a lot and it's a really important concept.

Here's the wikipedia definition:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethos

[-] -1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

I did look it up the first time you brought it up months ago, and now again. I did have an idea of what the word meant, as I knew the word 'ethocentric' from my daughter who is now in grad school for anthropology. I suspect unfortunately that we are an ethnocentric people on the whole. Thanks.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23824) 12 years ago

That's a great thing to major in. Interesting.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Yes it is. She has been doing field work way out in the Western Alleutians (1,200 mi. west of Anchorage, 2-4 wks at a time) on an island called Adak for the past three summers, living in tents with her peers. Between the two of you, I am learning a lot. ;-)

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23824) 12 years ago

That's really nice. I love these kids that are willing to take their lives in a meaningful direction rather than just pursuing the almighty dollar. Good for her.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Yes, I am very proud of all three of my girls. One, the anthropologist who does a lot of work with animal rescue in AK...another who is a big sister, and hooks up some of her rich gardening clients who have too much stuff.....with people who are poor and don't have enough stuff! lol I get a kick out of her. I always get so many compliments about her when I visit VT. She also worked tirelessly in shit-kickers (rubber boots) helping people who were flooded out after Hurricane Irene's devastating floods in Vermont. I know. And then the last one who gave me my first beautiful granddaughter, and who despite graduating in the top 10% at Fordham, and VLS...is doing what she loves, being a public defender. Luckily in AK, PDs have more time to work on cases, and they are compensated better too than in most states....On one case which she worked very hard on, and thoroughly researched....she had it dismissed on a well-written motion. She received a dozen roses, and two boxes of chocalates (they were yummy! lol) from her grateful client, and his grandma, while i was there in AK. All this after graciously turning down an offer of help from my niece's husband who works for a very powerful, DC law/lobbying firm with branches throughout the country including AK.. She has also stated to me that she would never work for corporate law. I did have a little help with all this BW, from my ex, which i guess also goes to prove, that time does indeed heal all wounds.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23824) 12 years ago

That's all so great Odin. I am not surprised at all at the quality of your children. You have every right to be proud!

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 12 years ago

Now, if only I had taken better care of my money. ;-) That's minor though in comparison, isn't it?

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23824) 12 years ago

Most definitely.

[-] 3 points by Nevada1 (5843) 12 years ago

Good Forum Post

[-] 1 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Thanks, let's keep up the fight.

[-] 3 points by Neuwurldodr (744) 12 years ago

As anyone can see by most of my responses, all I can say to this one is that...

I completely, unequivocally, and from the the depths of all the love I hold for humanity in my heart..CONCUR!

[-] 1 points by CrepusculousRays (12) 12 years ago

Very well said Neuwurldodr!!

[-] 1 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Dorothy Day, quite an activist, who never gave up the struggle for the working people, regardless of their language, race, culture, or country. Her life, that of a devout Catholic, lent real credence to the 19th-century Communist slogan: "Workers of all countries, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains."

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Educate, Agitate!

Peace

[-] 1 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Exactly.

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Woo Hooo!. We're almost there!

[-] 2 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

It's a long, hard struggle. Dorothy Day began passing out the Catholic Worker during the Great Depression for 1 cent a copy. You can still buy it for the same price. The worker shelters have grown in number, so now over 200 serve dispossessed people around the country.

She taught us to keep pushing, even when the ruling class pushes back.

[-] 0 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

I know it will take years. I agree with the education & agitation.

Solidarity! Elect progressives! Republicans ARE the problem

[-] 2 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

The plutocrats are the problem regardless of what they call themselves. They have formed a solid front, which makes it even more important that we all overlook our differences and concentrate on changing our system to a fair and equal society.

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by VQkag2 (16478) 12 years ago

Our problems stem from conservative policies that republicans proudly trumpet and some dems cave in and vote for.

And Dorothy Day would agree!

Educate the masses that republicans/conservative policies ARE the problem.

Agitate for the progressive policies we need to correct the damage they've caused.

Solidarity.

[-] 1 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Solidarity is right. The only way for workers to win is en masse.

[-] 0 points by TrevorMnemonic (5827) 12 years ago

Good read!

[-] 0 points by TitusMoans (2451) from Boulder City, NV 12 years ago

Thanks. Dorothy Day proved that not all religious people are bigots eager to send everyone who disagrees with them to hell. I'm sure she actually took great pleasure in the fact that many Catholic clerics castigated her for being a communist sympathizer.

She had balls.