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We are the 99 percent

Occupy Midsummer: Global Festivals for the Universal Living Wage

Posted 11 years ago on May 8, 2012, 4:29 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

occupy midsummer

via Occupy Midsummer

Call To Action

The regime of wholesale robbery — what the 1% call “austerity” — is already falling across Europe, and soon will fall across the world. But the inevitable collapse of austerity is not enough. We, the 99%, demand a world beyond Wall Street. We demand a system where everyone can not only survive, but flourish.

To reach this world, we are raising our voices to demand a universal living wage.

We call on all occupies, unions, community organizations, immigrants rights groups, student bodies, religious organizations, environmental groups, anti-poverty activists, and everyone to join us June 20th, 2012 for a new holiday for the 99%: A Global Festival for the Universal Living Wage.

In only eight months, Occupy Wall Street has succeeded in putting income inequality back at the center of popular and political discourse. Next, we will end it. This June 20th — Midsummer in the northern hemisphere and Mid-winter in the southern hemisphere — we will begin a campaign to ensure the 99% never again lose our homes or worry about feeding our families and communities because of the greed of the 1%. We will not stop until we win.

Midsummer is traditionally a day to celebrate abundance. Let´s celebrate our abundance of love, joy, and solidarity by proclaiming a new holiday for the 99%. Let’s eat, drink, sing, and dance on the future grave of austerity. Let´s show that a world without austerity and scarcity is not only possible, but already in the works. What better way to celebrate the passing away of the old regime of death and disorder than by joining together in festival to demand the living wage?

On the longest day of our year, the 99% will shine our brightest. We Can´t Live On Change — We Demand A Living Wage!

Find out more about the campaign for the living wage, how to organize events, and many other resources at www.OccupyMidsummer.org.
Contact: LivingWage@OccupyMidsummer.org
Twitter: @OccupyMidsummer. #OccupyMidsummer. #LivingWageNow
Facebook: facebook.com/OccupyMidsummer

75 Comments

75 Comments


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[-] 6 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

A midsummer's night dream? I can get behind that. With out a dream - with out a goal - we have no purpose/inspiration to move forward. Dream of utopia - aim for the stars - we may only hit the moon - but that would be a good start.

[-] 5 points by PeterKropotkin (1050) from Oakland, CA 11 years ago

So, we've settled on a demand? A living wage is a good place to start.

[-] 4 points by fiftyfourforty (1077) from New York, NY 11 years ago

"So, we've settled on a demand? A living wage is a good place to start."

Yes, it's something that would directly benefit millions of 99%ers and something that everyone would understand.

[-] 4 points by stevebol (1269) from Milwaukee, WI 11 years ago

Nice poster.

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23769) 11 years ago

Excellent! A living wage for all is one of the most important things we can fight for.

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

BW - Hey - Hi....I have not seen ( read ) you as much lately on the site. Are you perhaps having a life of your own away from here? No no don't say anything - hope you have been having some fun and recharging.

[-] 2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago
[-] 2 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 11 years ago

“a living wage is ¨the minimum hourly income necessary for a worker to meet basic needs¨ such as ¨housing, food, utilities, transport, health care, and recreation.¨”

This sounds a lot like the cost of providing labor too, just another way to look at it.

[-] 1 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Shouldn't we come up with some steady amount that it takes to live? With inflation, the minimum wage constantly needs to be bumped up every few years, due to decreased buying power. Why don't we come up with some solid amount, so that we don't need to keep changing it, based on some stable commodity? minimum wage = value of two pounds of copper spot/hour.

[-] 3 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

I just finished reading about the traditions of Sweden's Midsummer which is a really fun time. While it did start in pagan times, it has been Christianized...but luckily not that much! lol It is a huge holiday there second to Christmas and/or New Years. It is considered a magical time, and if you are lucky, you may be able to see a troll. I never thought of us as being lucky for having trolls here! lol

http://www.graphicgarden.com/files17/eng/sweden/midsum1e.php

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

LOL - they need to visit this site then on midsummer's night.

Lord knows there are plenty of trolls - maybe that is some sort of magical night for the sighting of - I wonder if that goes for the sighting of troll droppings/text.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

Could be...DK. They certainly have spread the shit around here. lol I hope some day to get to Sweden for this holiday. It really is a beautiful celebration of life, and it is something that I have heard about since I was a kid.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Do it to it. Make a plan start now or you never will. I hope you do.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

I just realized a few minutes ago that I will be at Denali on Midsummer June 22-23 with my sister, her grandson, one of my daughters, and my granddaughter. I will make sure to make it memorable for them...and no not by drinking a bunch of vodka. lol We just missed Midsummer in Sweden last year by a couple of days. Maybe, next summer we will make it. It must be celebrated in MN because of all the Scandinavians there.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

That I do not know. Though the play is quite popular. I have not been involved in a lot of the cultural heritage of the state much to my shame. I have always been a townie - White Bear Lake - Then I went to work and lived most of my life for someone else. Regrets - I try to encourage others to avoid doing the same.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

It's never too late. Scandinavians are welcoming people. Yes, it is important to learn from your mistakes, and teach others not to do the same. I do that even if it means having to face hard truths. "White Bear Lake" has been good to you though, as you have a good mind.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

You are much too kind. I am fortunate to have the family that I do.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

We all are, and it is cool that you take care of your parents the way you do.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

My God I feel sorry for those who do not have such a relationship with their family. There are way to many dysfunctional family's and I think it has a lot to do with the current state of affairs - work till you drop. Who has time for a family, you work go home eat fall over and go back to work.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

Yes i believe that scenario has a lot to do with the ills in our society too. Some kids just don't have parents who have the time to be parents. I tried, but I couldn't hold back on techjunkie any longer.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Not a problem - sometimes ya just gotta let loose. Technically speaking - I thought he might Be a Junkie. High all the time not in touch with reality - went on a magical mystery tour and has not returned home. You show much more patience than I.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

That is a possibility. How the hell did he get 2,400 bots?

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Occasionally he does not act so abrasive? Well that's my story and I'm stickin to it.

[-] 3 points by m4trix87 (71) 11 years ago

The monotheistic religions' high-ranking clerics destroyed/coopted many pagan celebrations in their effort to root out all opposition to them and their monolithic belief systems and thirst for power. Traditions of millenia destroyed, many times violently...

though an atheist myself i cannot but applaud this combined effort.

It's not about religion- it's about freedom.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

Sweden's celebration of Midsummer is probably the least religious orientated of any country. We still like to celebrate our 'heathen' heritage. lol Did you see the link I put up above?

[-] 1 points by m4trix87 (71) 11 years ago

Good you keep up with your traditions. There are people in Greece who are also trying to revive ancient greek customs.

Unfortunately, nationalists coopted many of these groups... hope in Sweden you didn't have this misfortune.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

It is my Dad who was from Sweden, not me, but i have been kept well aware of these beautiful traditions that where religiousity plays little part in. Rather it is a celebration of life, rebirth, family, friends, summer, and all the optimism that goes with it. So yes, I agree that is good. How can you not?

[-] 3 points by Coinyer101 (25) 11 years ago

awesome..., I'm in, and I'm gonna tell all my friends at Huff Post. [I have many friends at Huff post...,]

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

That would be great:)

[-] 2 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

Cool...the HP does a fairly decent job of covering the occupy movement.

[-] 3 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 11 years ago

That poster is beautiful. Props to the graphic designer!

[-] 3 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

I agree this is a beautiful poster. Midsummer is a big, big holiday in Sweden. Unfortunately we arrived there two days after MS last year. One of my daughters did help take the bushes with green leaves out of my friend's blacksmith shop, and I have a great picture of her doing so.

[-] 2 points by m4trix87 (71) 11 years ago

I don't like the image of the man below the "au" in "austerity" kneeling though, if he is indeed kneeling.

We are free, we must kneel before nothing.

We only concede with what we perceive as right.

Sorry about being so detail-oriented but i believe it is a point that could be fixed as to avoid any misunderstandings from our friends and/or accusations from our antagonists.

[-] 2 points by The99Rises (12) 11 years ago

Yes! Great idea and great we have an official demand now. I've always supported this movement, but thought it needed a bit more direction, and now we're not only back protesting in May but back with a goal!

[-] 2 points by Frizzle (520) 11 years ago

This sounds like a good starting point to build on.

[-] 2 points by riethc (1149) 11 years ago

Occupy Paganism!

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

Yoo hoo!

[-] 0 points by riethc (1149) 11 years ago

Is your "Yoo hoo!" sarcastic. "Occupy Paganism" was.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

Maybe somewhat sarcastic on my part, but only as a backlash for it having been religicized. I have no problem with people who are super religious, I just have a problem with fanaticals no matter what religion they are. Midsummer is a beautiful holiday in Sweden that yes has pagan origins, but it is more a celebration of summer, family, friends, light, and life in general.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago

this should be coming up soon

[-] 1 points by friendlyopposition (574) 11 years ago

Help me to understand the difference between the living wage and the minimum wage. If I'm reading it right, the UMW is an hourly wage paid for hourly work. This isn't a "guaranteed minmum income," right?

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Minimum income guarantee is not the same as a guaranteed minimum living wage.

[-] 1 points by friendlyopposition (574) 11 years ago

So, it is an hourly wage - but based on some formula that guarantees enough for rent and food and such.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Yes - you could take a yearly income that would cover all of the basics and allow some money to be set aside - divide it into a year of 40 hr work weeks and divide that by 40 and have your minimum hourly wage.

[-] 1 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 11 years ago

If Martin Luther King and Ghandi used these tactics, eat, drink, sing, and dance, India would still be under British rule and the south would still be segregated.

[-] 2 points by m4trix87 (71) 11 years ago

Do you follow the Occupy movement at all?

They do MUCH more than eating and drinking. But having fun is part of any revolution.

"If i can't dance i don't want to be a part of your revolution" -Emma Goldman

[-] 1 points by jrhirsch (4714) from Sun City, CA 11 years ago

I protest 3 hours every week on the street corner with a small group in our city. My feet are sore for a productive reason, not for one that will fail. Singing and dancing provides an illusion of power, but will accomplish nothing.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 11 years ago

The problem is the price of labor has been driven below the cost of production, when that happens production suffers, not from lack of demand but due to an inadequate supply.

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[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago

We call on all occupies, unions, community organizations, immigrants rights groups, student bodies, religious organizations, environmental groups, anti-poverty activists, and everyone to join us June 20th, 2012 for a new holiday for the 99%:

if elections are national holidays, a greater number of people will take the time to vote

when more people vote, more people care about the actions of their government

http://occupywallst.org/forum/support-the-99-demand-elections-be-national-and-st/

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

Also, our sub-living wages are no mistake. These are SLAVE WAGES, the evolution of SLAVERY! It's far cheaper to pay workers pittance and call it FREEDOM! No room and board bills, no transportation and doctor bills, just slave wages. The would-be Kings of the 1% are not going to cooperate with taking down their accepted and entrenched form of slavery that has been so extremely lucrative for them.

Plus, we have many knuckleheads who believe in this false sense of freedom, who will fight against a "living wage" for others, which they will perceive as a threat to their wages. Crab Mentality!

We can't stress the presence of a Class War being waged from the people at the top 1% enough. Many people truly believe the threat is coming from neighbors and immigrants, below or at their level. People, look up!

[-] 0 points by JIFFYSQUID92 (-994) from Portland, OR 11 years ago

My gut feeling is that a maximum wage of some sort is also necessary, the current immense hoards of wealth are a major contributor to this economic disparity.

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[-] -1 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

Great, raise the price of labor and what happens?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Less gravy for the execs who rape the worker. What would you expect? The money is there it is just being hoarded.

[-] 0 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

Raise the price of a good and the demand will be less or do you not think that law of supply and demand works.

[-] 2 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

It still kinda sorta works, sometimes, but mostly not.

Perceived value and demand do more than anything else.

Along with maximizing whatever the market will bear in the target demographic.. Hopefully with a lot of leak over at both edges.

Do really think they are stupid enough to leave all that to simple supply and demand?

[-] -2 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

So the laws of supply and demand don't apply anymore?

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Not the way you think they do.

Nor have they for many decades.

[-] -1 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

Well, then you are suspending the laws trhat have worked for centuries and if you want people to believe you then you better explain yourself beter than one statement. These laws have dictated the way commerce and human nature have run since creation so...

[-] 2 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Really?

Who do you think wrote that "law"?

Now you've even pasted onto human nature?

I used to work with a guy who used to manipulate supply in scrap markets. Manipulation, is manipulation.

[-] -1 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

The laws of supply and demand are written by the public. You can't suspend them. So you looked the other way while your boss broke the law? Hmmm...

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

The "laws" of supply and demand are written and rewritten every day by marketers and commodity manipulators.

It has more to do with perception and price points, than reality.

[-] 0 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

Of course it does, you add your perception ever time you transact. That is the market. That is supply and demand.

[-] -3 points by tiesa (-5) 11 years ago

You mean like the way Democratic Party operatives keep trying to manipulate OWS in general and this forum in particular, implying that Democrats are somehow less evil and corrupt than their Republican Party counterparts?

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago
[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Yes that sure worked on small business with high gas prices - worked to drive many out of business.

Large business, really any business does not need to raise there product price to pay their employees better - they just need to demand less pay at the top.

[-] 1 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

What are you saying, that the laws of supply and demand don't work for employment. The price of gas went up and demand went down.

You want all employees to be paid the same?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

I want the least paid to be paid a living wage. This is entry level if ever there was a recognition of such. This allows workers to begin life without public assistance and to pay taxes and to purchase more than the essentials to keep on breathing, this makes for a healthy and broad based economy.

[-] 0 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

That's fine however what this will mean less people employed especially in entry level jobe that are easily replaced. So we will have more people unemployed and on assistance.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Until the economy picks up from the new wealth at the bottom of the pyramid, and that will happen a lot faster then what is going on right now. Economic stimulus through the population. Should always happen through the people - much wider base and so impact.

[-] 0 points by Cweiss (-8) 11 years ago

How, all you are doing is moving money from one group to the other. There will be no increase in velocity. The same amount of money will be in the system.

[-] -1 points by simondoes (1) 11 years ago

So the guy washing cars will make the same Federally mandated pay as the Manager of the car wash or the Owner?

"Until the economy picks up from the new wealth at the bottom of the pyramid" ???????????????

This kind of ludicrous and total asinine statement by you are why you get such a bad rap around here. You are like the Joe Biden of OWS,everyone can't believe the complete crap and Leftist vomit you spew forth from that bung hole mouth attached to your progtard head full of shit.

What a fucking shit for brains loser:

D (Demented)

K (Kid)

on

A (Acid)

today

and I'm sure everyday.