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Forum Post: Platform and Petition of Grievances (rather than demands)

Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 8, 2011, 8:05 a.m. EST by ms3000 (253)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

This 99% action plan has been revised and updated to include a Platform for the 2012 Election and a Petition of Grievances as authorized by the First Amendment.

https://sites.google.com/site/the99percentdeclaration/

PLEASE READ AND COMMENT. WE NEED AN ACTION PLAN NOW.

26 Comments

26 Comments


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[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

that could be one of the planks in the platform! you should run for delegate for your district!

[-] 1 points by amanoftheland (452) from Boston, MA 13 years ago

a common sense action plan would be to form committees of knowledgeable people who can teach other Americans how to use the banking and monetary systems to the advantage of We the People. (and screw the international bankers at the same time)

[-] 1 points by amanoftheland (452) from Boston, MA 13 years ago

we dont need more jobs, that will just kill the planet even faster, we dont need more housing there are plenty of places to live its just that the costs are too high and the are more people in one area and more houses in others. What we all need is to understand how the banking and monitary systems work. once we understand we will understand 2 things, first there is no money, federal reserve notes are not money secondly there are enough people on the earth to take care of all the work that need to be taken care of ie farming, transportation, manufacturing. i imagine if we all share the jobs most people can work 3 month and take the other 9 months as vacation and family time. and by the way since there is no money then everything must be prepaid!!!

[-] 1 points by amanoftheland (452) from Boston, MA 13 years ago

Henry Ford once said " It is well enough that the people of this nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning"... Well Henry, tomorrow morning has arrived Because the American people now know how the banking and monetary systems work in this country and I am one of them. I know where the wealth of the American people is hidden!

[-] 1 points by JeffBlock2012 (272) 13 years ago

please put your platform here: http://www.JeffBlock2012.com

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

I emailed it to you

WHEREAS THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION PROVIDES:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

WE, THE NINETY-NINE PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in order to form a more perfect Union, by, for and of the PEOPLE, shall convene a THIRD CONTINENTAL CONGRESS on July 4, 2012 in the City Of Philadelphia.

Election of Delegates:

Between now and May 4, 2012, the People, consisting of all American citizens who have reached the age of 18, regardless of party affiliation and voter registration status, shall elect Two Delegates, one male and one female, by direct vote, from each of the existing 435 Congressional Districts to represent the People at the Third Continental Congress in Philadelphia convening on July 4, 2012. The office of Delegate shall be open to all American citizens who have reached the age of 18.

Meeting of the Congress and Deliberation:

At the Third Continental Congress, the 870 Delegates shall set forth and vote upon a broad PLATFORM and PETITION OF GRIEVANCES to be submitted to all members of Congress, The Supreme Court and President and each of the political candidates running in the nationwide Congressional and Presidential election in November 2012.

This PLATFORM and PETITION OF GRIEVANCES shall be non-partisan and address the critical issues now confronting the United States People which MAY include, but not be limited to:

[ADD LIST OF SOME OF THE GRIEVANCES TO BE VOTED ON AT THE CONGRESS ON JULY 4TH 2012]

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVLED that IF the PLATFORM and PETITION OF GRIEVANCES are not acted upon and implemented to the satisfaction of the Delegates of the Third Continental Congress within ONE YEAR of presentment of the PLATFORM and PETITION OF GRIEVANCES, said Delegates shall demand the immediate RESIGNATION of ALL 435 members of the United States House of Representatives, 100 members of the United States Senate, 9 members of the United States Supreme Court and the President of the United States and demand new elections to be held within 99 days of that resignation demand.

Upon implementation and enactment of the Third Continental Congress’s PLATFORM and PETITION OF GRIEVANCES, said body shall DISSOLVE.

★THE NINETY-NINE PERCENT★

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

The first order of business upon convening on July 4, 2012, the 870 delegates would elect a chairperson to preside over meetings and act as the final vote in the event of a tie. The next order of business would be to propose and then vote on a platform and petition of grievances. Just like the original Continental Congresses, the delegates would meet for several days and then travel home to report back to their constituents and then reconvene until completed. The goal would be to get the platform and petition of grievances between July 4th and late October so that it can be presented to the President, all candidates running for office and the existing Supreme Court and members of Congress. They would then be given a period of time (one year is suggested in this version) to enact the list of grievances. If they fail to do so, the 99% will demand their resignations and call for new elections within 99 days.

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

I know people want immediate results because so many people are hurting out there, but if you think about it, this has plan has never been tried before in the US and it is pretty radical. Yes, it does bear some similarities to the Estates General in France in that a shadow government was formed but as the French found, violence only led to dictatorship.

[-] 1 points by charliecoop (2) 13 years ago

I understand the attraction of the phrase "Continental Congress," but I'm concerned it excludes Hawai'i. Also, shouldn't there be a way for Puerto Rican citizens and residents of U. S. Territories to participate?

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

It is my understanding that there will be 870 delegates, one man and one woman from each of the 435 congressional districts. You must be a US citizen and at least 18 years old to run as a delegate.

[-] 1 points by RemembertheMiddleClass (4) 13 years ago

How was our republic taken from us? We gave the power to the corporations and those whose can vote the value of their pocketbook. How do we get it back?

Campaign finance OVERHAUL! We have a 'one person one vote' system in our country, but thanks to our Supreme Court, corporations now have a vote, too. How do we take back control from the corporations? We eliminate their ability to contribute to campaigns. Being a politician should be a service not a business.

There are those who boast that 'small government' is most beneficial 'for the people' - but that isn't true. Small government only benefits the people of Wall Street. Small government means less regulations and more power and control in the hands of corporations, let's be perfectly clear on that. We need to start using the phrase, "We are the Populous" in order to clarify our message.

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

please repost and suggest this action plan so we can start electing the 870 delegates to this new congress

[-] 1 points by ee12 (1) 13 years ago

I actually have not been involved in the protests, which some may say I do not have a place to comment. I will, however, make a comment and hope someone listens. I agree with Occupy Wallstreet’s position wholeheartedly. I am truly scared for the future of this country. I agree with MS that you need to have a Platform. I like how your “Petition of Grievances” has a meeting take place on July 4th, 2012. I think it gives time for the message it get out. If I was organizing your group I would spend the next couple of months spreading the word in states that I grossly affected by outsourcing and inequality, however, as the book “What’s the Matter with Kansas” argues consistently vote against their economic interests. You need to educate people in these areas and make it clear that the people and causes they perceive to be the reasons for their problems are the wrong enemies. I would recommend that when you protest in these areas you might want to come up with an alternate tactics then used in more progressive areas. The message you have in a very new one and there will naturally be resistance. Therefore, it needs to be packaged in a way that allows acceptance to be a bit easier. This might mean that the persons delivering the message might need to be dressed more like the people in the areas they go into. I know this is a controversial message, because it is important to not judge people based on how they look. However, unfortunately, it is part of the human condition to judge. And, I believe that the primary purpose of the protests is to make governmental and economic change. I would also when making public appearances on CNN dress more similar to mainstream. Again, I know this is controversial, but please understand this is coming from a supporter and someone who wants your message to get across and your platform to be successful. It is kind of like the intruders on the show “V”, you have to look and talk like them to get them to hear your message.
Now on to my opinion about the platform. In addition, to having the “Petition of Grievances” I would make recommendations to people about simple things they can do to make a difference. Some people who may want to make a difference do not have time and the education to think about simple things they can do. For example, tell people to not use automated checkout lines at grocery stores, and rather take the time to get a human cashier. Things like this do not cost any more money but help people keep jobs. Again, making suggestions to people will help them to feel empowered to make changes.
I like the “Petition of Grievances” for many reasons. But I am going to tell you my suggestions first. As an attorney, I would strongly suggest that you get an attorney with knowledge of Constitutional Law to help you write the “Petition”. You want the “Petition” to have demands that CAN be passed within our governmental system. For example, in the “Petition” you talk a lot about campaign finance reform. I am assuming you know about the Supreme Court decisions that make it very hard to make changes to campaign finance. What this means is that you need to have an amendment to the Constitution to make this happen. At this current state in politics that is not realistic UNLESS you get residents of state that vote more conservative to understand the problems of campaign finance. See comment above. I like how your “Petition” addresses issues that are on “both sides of the table”. This will make it easier for you to get people in critical states on board with the movement. When you organizer in those areas stress those points first.
I have to end my point, my son calls, but great job on the movement, and if I can help in any way I would love to. Sincerely, EE12

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

I agree with you EE12 and what I like about this plan is that the greedy corporate media will love this story and follow it every day as we organize the election and hype up the congress on July 4th, They will then follow it every day while the congress meets thereby ensuring that the attention stays focused on the movement.

https://sites.google.com/site/the99percentdeclaration/

[-] 1 points by Flsupport (578) 13 years ago

I thought OWS was more realistic than this.

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

what do you suggest? sitting in a park until it gets so cold that everyone goes home? If you do not have a plan to convene a meeting of the 99% and vote on a petition of grievances this movement will die.

https://sites.google.com/site/the99percentdeclaration/

[-] 1 points by Flsupport (578) 13 years ago

I suggest continuing to march. I suggest continuing to resist. This is based on the Arab Spring protests, not 1776.

[-] 1 points by captaindoody (339) from Elizabethville, PA 13 years ago
  1. Mansion for me, now, free
  2. 1000 servants
  3. A fleet of jets like that fat ugly bitch who owns ketchup
  4. A Ferrari
  5. No need to work
  6. Did I mention I want all of this free?
[-] 1 points by Laurieinny (7) from Saratoga Springs, NY 13 years ago

This was written in this forum under another thread..i believe it is all that we want...and don't forget WE WANT OUR REPUBLIC BACK! Remember the pledge of allegiance? We are tired of being told we are consumers. We are first and foremost citizens. And as citizens of this society – of this world – we demand a more just, humane, and responsible consumer economy.

We want food that is natural and healthy, not laced with petrochemicals and poisons. We want food that comes from our surrounding communities, not food that is controlled by monopoly corporations and that must shipped from thousands of miles away. If we eat meat, we want it to come from humane farms, not from violent factory slaughterhouses. If our food is genetically modified, we want it to be clearly labeled as such.

We want cell phones and computers that are free from conflict minerals. We want electronics that are upgradeable and designed to last, not cynically designed for the dump in order to enhance turnover and boost corporate profits.

We want shampoos and soaps and cosmetics that are free from sulfates, parabens, lead, and neurotoxins. We want bottles and cans free from BPA and other carcinogens. We want biodegradable detergents that clean our homes without poisoning our environment. We want a Food and Drug Administration that protects us from these dangers.

We want clothes and shoes that are made by people who earn decent wages for their work, not by manufacturers who exploit sweatshop labor. We want sweatshop clothes to be labeled as such, so that we know what we’re buying.

We want sustainable electricity and power that comes from the wind and the sea and the sun, not from dangerous nuclear plants or dirty fossil fuels that come at the expense of war and death in foreign lands. We want corporations to pay as much for power as normal people do so that they have an incentive to conserve.

We want affordable public transportation that works, and cities that are designed to facilitate cyclists and pedestrians. If we must drive cars, we want them to be clean and efficient.

We want stores that support our local economies, not big-box megaplexes that drive down wages and force out small businesses. We want living wage laws so that the people who work to create the things that we buy can live decent lives.

We want an economy that facilitates human life and well-being, not an economy geared toward quick profits for corporations. We want an economy that betters our world, not an economy that exploits workers, plunders the environment, and destroys communities.

[-] 1 points by Flsupport (578) 13 years ago

You need to listen to John Lennon. You dont need to change the constitution. A list of grievances is sufficient. Our constitution isnt the problem.

[-] 1 points by Laurieinny (7) from Saratoga Springs, NY 13 years ago

Agreed! We just want our REPUBLIC back! The one they stole from us and seize their assets to pay the deficit and the American people back. Not everyone can be a doctor, lawyer, rocket scientist. and each person in their own right should be able to choose the right to maintain their own life style as they choose without ridicule.

[-] 1 points by Flsupport (578) 13 years ago

Remember one thing, this is against Wall St not the government. If you turn it into an anti government thing you might as well call yourselves the Tea Party and go to a Sarah Palin rally.

[-] 1 points by Blueskies (49) 13 years ago

Here's what we want: Term limits - 2 terms and gone, to limit corporations ability to corrupt. Line item veto - to allow a president to cut the pork. Force congress to be subject to the laws they pass. No waivers. Federal referendum.

[-] 1 points by ms3000 (253) 13 years ago

yes but you need to elect a group of people to deliberate and formally present a petition of grievances. This plan elects 870 people from every congressional district to convene a shadow congress and present these demands and if the demands are not met, they will be in a position to take further action. The greedy corporate media will LOVE this story and follow it on a daily basis while the congress meets thereby assuring that over the winter, the attention will stay on the movement! Please read this plan and make suggestions and comments to improve it or offer a better plan

https://sites.google.com/site/the99percentdeclaration/

[-] 1 points by Laurieinny (7) from Saratoga Springs, NY 13 years ago

and no more career politician families...there should be a law stating something like....if you served once ..you may not serve again! End the corruption!

[-] 1 points by BlackBear (1) 13 years ago

This is great! Also, the "fossil fuel industry" must be taken to task. It holds our economy hostage, is the mistress of the military industrial industry, controls our power grid, and poisons its "customers." Time to send them a bill!