Forum Post: Winter is coming! What is the plan?
Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 22, 2011, 10:26 a.m. EST by SChung
(9)
from New York, NY
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
As an avid supporter of OWS, I've been staying updated on all the events and news stories about the movement (esp. Zucotti Park--I notice it on my way to work)
Compared to a month ago, the weather has become significantly colder and chiller. For those who have never braved the winter months in NYC, let me just say that the wind (esp in manhattan) is brutal.
There will be SNOW and rain and other elements that will threaten to stifle the movement. What are the protesters going to do? Is there a plan? It might be a good idea to start preparing now. :)
PLEASE refrain from posting irrelevant comments! Thank You.
Great if some are hard-core enough to brave the winter, but realistically, expect many not to. It's important to find ways to maintain ties & regular involvement with everyone who has been attending so they don't lose touch.
Winter should be spent planning. See Europe 1847.
Perhaps if we start now by establishing a Purple Finger Vote within Occupy, based upon the system developed in Iraq, we can begin building a much needed consensus and voice for our movement in time for winter. Perhaps then we can safely retain our numbers as we inevitably seek shelter from the weather.
Arrange a series of survey style votes in the General Assembly; distribute inexpensively printed ballots; and ink the fingers of all who mobilize to participate in purple to ensure no one may vote more than once.
Image the mass image of a multitude of purple fingers raised in solidarity, and clarify a Democratic vision. Democracy over the corporatocracy (where bullying corporations are now judged to be "citizens" stifling the voices of We, the 99%.)
That's actually a GREAT idea.. but how will this be facilitated? Someone will need to distribute this info among the people... As for staying in the winter... if moving indoors seems like it will diminish the movement.. why not get tents? I understand that setting up tents there is prohibited.... but I think thats the best way.
The symbolic power of defiance will be increased exponentially by remaining outdoors through the winter months. Yes, everything must be done to find shelter, but the encampment must remain! Those who are young and or healthy enough, must endure the cold, follow the rhythm of the seasons, and emerge a thousand times stronger in the spring. Think of Vally Forge. The Continental Army emerged from that ordeal a disciplined unit that we all know changed history.
The "Valley Forge" symbolism has power and should be adopted.
Occupy Miami?