Forum Post: "This Isn't Political".....................Hysterical!
Posted 12 years ago on Feb. 21, 2012, 5:23 p.m. EST by hchc
(3297)
from Tampa, FL
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I heard this repeatedly at the beginning. People claiming it wasnt political in nature.
I havent seen a movement this political since the Tea parties.
Thoughts?
I don't think that Occupy collectively promotes or advocates for a particular political party's agenda. Some individuals here advocate for a particular candidate, and that certainly is their right.
As I see it, among things that Occupy seeks, one is about changes that promote ending how corporations exert influence on government that Occupy collectively views as being detrimental to the general welfare of all citizens.
That said, we don't want for political discussion at this forum though, do we?
Ok, great. How do you achieve them?
Either through your own politics, or through our current two party disaster.
Among other things, we advocate for an end to corporate personhood (Citizens United)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission
We advocate for reinstatement of Glass-Steagall.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass%E2%80%93Steagall_Act
I understand that we want that. I want it to.
How do you get it?
You either rely on two bought parties to screw the people that fund them.
Or you do your own thing, trying to get inside DC.
Which one?
I'll answer your question with a question: what do you think of the 99% declaration? Do you think it's a viable route to change?
that is well-said. its almost like you practiced it before : )
Well...truth be told... :-)
Since Occupy started, teh Dems have voted for NDAA, tried to push PIPA through, singed 3 more free trade deals, and Obama is now accepting SuperPAc money.
There has been zero things accomplished.
But this isnt for a lack of trying. Its just that the people currently in Congress DONT LIKE YOU. They dont like any normal person.
They are special. We are "civilians"..
Yes and no. The Occupy movement has raised very significant issues that challenge the status quo but its not going to make any real changes until its transformed into a political movement or a politician signs on at his or her own risk because s/he will then be responsible for any of Occupy's actions such as a crazy man totally unaffiliated with the Occupy Movement (from my understanding) showed up with a gun to Occupy Houston and was shot by the police. The politician would then have to answer for that.
The only reason I believe it has to transform into a political movement is because any of the changes Occupy advocates challenge 'business as usual' which is currently very profitable for the 1% so there is no incentive for anyone or any company to enact any change that would be socially beneficial because it would reduce profitability. The only solution would be to force change and amend the law through political means.
Now the problem with this (from my understanding) is Occupy is a movement of people and within the group it is inherently taboo for any one person to speak for the group. Therefore there are no 'representatives' to advocate for legal changes through existing / conventional channels i.e. legislative government.
That is where the Tea Party was successful. They were able to hijack the Republican Party and turn it in to the circus it is today. Those Tea Party Republicans are enacting changes that put the needs of the few ahead of the needs of the many and they do it through legally binding methods.
I'm new to the OWS blog but i already see the divisions and that it can't coalesce around a set of ideals the way those teabaggers do around lowering taxes and cutting social programs. While I think the Movement has some very good ideas, failing to to political will make OWS nothing more than a minor disturbance.
If the 99% declaration is an indicator of what's to come then I think you're correct - this will be a political movement. Occupy has effected political discourse since it began last Autumn, and will continue doing so.
the tea party was hilarious. all those guys walking around in costume was fuckin awesome. they must have spent weeks making those things! hahahahahaha
occupy is pretty funny but its nowhere close man. how many guys you see in 18th century drag at an occupy rally?