Occupy Wall Street - Why the silence?

It is a curious thing. This forum has been so vocal about the latest political situations, yet this movement has been steadily growing over the past few weeks, and if anyone has mentioned it here, I've missed it.

What started, apparently, in the minds of a few Canadian activists has now spread to every continent except Antarctica, and has completely outgrown the original idea. And what is more interesting, it doesn't seem to have a leader or leading group - a completely "grass-roots" development.

It has the media so confused they don't know how to cover it, or even whether they should or want to.

Ask someone who is involved, and they will probably tell you that they are simply fed up with the corporate control of, not only America, but the world.

They have begun to call themselves the 99%, as opposed to the 1% who are in control of everything including, lately, the US Congress.

Isn't this what we have been talking about for close to a year around here? Saying something should be done?

Well, it looks like something is being done.

So, why haven't we noted it, and why aren't we talking about it?

Ann

10/11/2011


Ann..

I've gotten so tired of politics that I don't even watch
the news anymore ! I believe the answer to all this is that
everyone pay one flat tax 18% on everything except food.
That way if the wealthy buy jewels, cars, boats they have to
pay or don't buy it ! I feel our tax system is so huge with so
many loop holes people do get around them....


Cheers..Joe

I remember Abe saying there would be a revolt in this country eventually - it's so strange that it's hard to evaluate. Pretty much people are just fed up; but no one seems to have an answer to correct the situation because it is global.

Yes, Joe, but the the Wall Street occupation is not about taxation. This is a diverse group of people with a lot of different ideas. They aren't protesting in Washington, except in a peripheral, supportive way, as they are in so many cities, not just across the US, but around the world. They are focusing their attention on Wall Street and on the stock market as being the plaything of the wealthiest few, without regard to the damage being done to the economy, the health and welfare, and to the standard of living of the 99% who continue to lose more ground as time goes on.

This isn't about political parties. These people include Democrats, Republicans, Tea Partiers, Libertarians, Anarchists - you name a group; they are represented.

It is being compared to the uprisings in the Middle East and in Europe.

It has been under-reported and mis-reported by the media. It doesn't have a specific leadership, but it continues to grow.

Are we ignoring something extremely important? And if so, why?

Ann

dkchristi wrote:

I remember Abe saying there would be a revolt in this country eventually - it's so strange that it's hard to evaluate. Pretty much people are just fed up; but no one seems to have an answer to correct the situation because it is global.

It seems that possible answers are being generated by groups of participants, who are forming little communities and working together to come up with ways to deal with the issues.

It's pretty exciting when you think about it.

Ann

Here's a link about this subject. http://nycga.cc/resources/general-assembly-guide/

When people have had enough, they act. What we're seeing on Wall Street is the beginning. I believe the revolt will spread and increase in intensity unless they see action taken.
The same suppporters of the rich defeated the Obama's Jobs bill. They're adding fuel to the fire.

As long as the "intensity" remains non-violent, it could be a good thing, but if it goes beyond peaceful protest, it will do more harm than good.

It does show just how many people are serious about the situation needing to change, and that we are coming closer to that critical mass where the paradigm shift can occur, and a newer "reality" will be recognized without the need for violence and force.

Ann

Spoiling for a fight?

World news this morning says that an Iranian plot to kill Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the USA was foiled. Some US politicians (guess who) are calling it “an act of war”. Seems they’re looking for an excuse to attack Iran. Is war on their agenda to create jobs and boost the economy? They will find money for war, but not for healthcare or jobs. They just killed Obama’s Jobs Bill. The revolt may have to shift into a higher gear.

I'm hoping that the people are as fed up with war as they are with the economy. The answer would best be learned through civil disobedience. Look what Martin Luther King and his followers were able to accomplish.

Sit-ins and sit-down strikes helped us get out of Vietnam. We sang, back then, of the "dawning of the Age of Aquarius." that term is being applied in some circles today.

I choose to focus on a peaceful solution. War is not the answer.

Just me.

Ann

Unfortunately, too many people have had too little too long. These situations in a group environment light emotions further and there is o person wften some person who takes it to a dangerous level.

With so many people unemployed, there are plenty of people with time to assemble. That was the issue in other parts of the world.

However, unlike other parts of the world, we do have the right to vote here. The political process is supposed to correct for untenable situations. Unfortunately, our elected Congress only cares about hanging onto their lifestyles. The needs of those assembling are at the bottom of their list.

They are busy blaming and protecting their own pocket.

"The needs of those assembling are at the bottom of their list."

You are right about that, but as the movement grows, and the signs are that it will continue, it becomes harder and harder for the elite ones at the top to ignore the situation.

As you say, we do still have the vote, and an election coming up next year. Peaceful protests cannot be ignored, and my turn the tide of the voters.

Ann

I hope the protests continue and get somewhere. It is high time we became anti war and begin to support our oountry by paying taxes rather than giving our finest young people to die for dubious causes.

Thank you, Ann for a great subject.

The cliche, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" may apply.
Those who yell the loudest may get heard. Saying nothing, doing nothing, results in no change.

I agree that non-violence is the way to go, however it will take persistence. I'd like to see momentum build right up to election time.