Forum Post: Why Are You Here?
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 5, 2011, 5:56 p.m. EST by RightsOfMan
(45)
from Brownsville, TX
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I am here because I want to improve the standard of living for everyone, through a variety of means and concerns. What about you?
For the love of the coming generations. The economy is not sustainable for its own sake, or for the environment - it depends upon continuous growth in a finite world. Why is it that way? Its founded upon the idea that private vices (i.e. personal and corporate greed - seek financial self-interest) create a public good. It's built upon that. In reality, private vices overwhelm the public good. Why not the reverse? Create the public good, and let that control private vices. It's not only possible, but being modeled by this democratic movement. As it grows, I believe it can make that model and the values spread and lay the groundwork for a new society.
Keep hoping a clear message and leadership direction etc will emerge, but really, untill then, most of the jabber on here is just noise or people trying to draw a reaction out, i especially love these donkeys who make rude comments just to get a reaction, i mean really? Are you really at that low of a level? Cant people be real, respectful? Do people really think some of these radical departures from the existing American system would EVER be adopted on any level?
I am here to sew a seed, maybe it will grow if it is tended to properly.
Occupy the foreclosures and the abandoned property.
I would like to see American people be able to obtain their dreams that was promised with a good education and hard work. I would like accountability in government and I would like the laws changed so that it doesn't breed corruption and greed in people who have power over us.
I am here because I started to feel that I am a human being not just a slave whose life somebody else is managing and I can not only express my opinion about how I want to live, but also I see so many the same as me, that it is giving to me hope that my voice will make some contribution to the happiness of all.
Because OWS claims to represent me, and I wanted to engage in rational and civil debate. It started out pretty good ( see my posts at http://occupywallst.org/forum/one-percenter-ready-to-join-if/ , http://occupywallst.org/forum/we-the-people-in-order-to-a-proposal/ , http://occupywallst.org/forum/what-is-money/ ), but it's now just descended into madness with people spouting unsubstantiated opinions and declaring anyone who disagrees with them to be an idiot.
The Age of Reason is Dead
Our Forefathers would be very disappointed in our demonstrated inability to engage in rational and civil discourse as required to self govern.
Ideas and resources for fostering rational and civil discourse: http://barcamp.org/w/page/47222818/Tools%20for%20Collective%20Sensemaking%20and%20Civic%20Engagement
See especially: http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_sandel_the_lost_art_of_democratic_debate.html
entertainment and to get a better understanding of the liberal mentality.
i dunno it just grew on me. i dont really support or oppose the occupation. i just like watching behavior
Campaign Finance Reform. Boom!
That's why I'm here.
All of the successful protest movements of the 20th century in the U.S. had a very clear and concise goal. The civil rights movement had integration. The counter culture movement of the 60's wanted to end the Vietnam War. The Women's Suffrage movement wanted women to vote. The Anti-Saloon league wanted prohibition of alcohol.
Wayne Wheeler of the Anti-Saloon league, was known for insisting on a very clear and singular goal to the exclusion of all else, a constitutional amendment prohibiting the sale of alcohol. His model for political influence through demonstration has been replicated over, and again. The prohibition movement might have been misguided, but no one could argue that it wasn't successful.
Could it be, that it is time for OWS to focus? I believe many more people would become active, if a singular goal could be devised.
Campaign Finance Reform!
Many Americans could line up behind getting the big money out of politics, I think.
What I am saying is that, imho, OWS needs a clear goal, complete with a kick ass sound bite! Americans only respond to sound bites.
Any good sound bite is concise, crunchy, and tastes good with ketchup. “BUY BACK the VOTE.”
To remind you that this country has for a long time, and still does, give you the greatest and most numerous opportunities to improve your own standard of living.
Yep, but you'll never get the children to agree. None of them want to acknowledge the extremely fortunate circumstance of having been born in America or accept any personal responsibility for the shape it's in.
Everyone wants more and blame others for the fact they can't have it.
I tried to initiate discussion along these lines, but I'm afraid nobody wants to hear this message. See my first attempt at http://occupywallst.org/forum/inconvenient-truths-america/ and my more recent effort at http://occupywallst.org/forum/the-power-of-the-people/
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