Parents for Occupy Wall Street Family Sleepover
Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 20, 2011, 12:13 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
Families Plan Sleepover on Friday, October 21, Growing Support for Occupy Wall Street Community
http://www.parentsforoccupywallst.com/
Liberty Square, NY — A second try.
The parent founded and run group, “Parents for Occupy Wall Street,” will be hosting a Family Sleepover, from 4 PM, Friday, October 21st until 11 AM the following Saturday morning—a second try after being forced to cancel their planned sleepover last weekend because of a threatened eviction. With the Family Sleepover rescheduled for this weekend, parents and families in the greater New York City area are excited to demonstrate their support for this growing movement creating real change for our children’s futures.
Occupy Wall Street is a place for everyone, including families. At the Family Sleepover, families and children will find arts and crafts, a children’s music sing along, a pizza party, and a bed time story. With the help of various teacher and parent groups, such as the “School for the 99%,” and the Occupy Wall Street Outreach team, the Family Sleepover will have a sectioned off Child and Family Only area at Liberty Plaza.
Safety is the first measure on everyone’s mind. Security and strict involvement rules will be taken at the event including a check in and check out system with parent’s ID with a Parents for Occupy Wall Street security person and an hourly headcount. All parents will be required to wear an identifying T-shirt while working shifts around the hour. The police are already aware of the group and will be checked in with hourly on the group’s size and location.
The group’s goal is to raise awareness of the diversity of people supporting the movement. In the press, there is an assumption that the only people supporting the movement are solely homeless or unemployed when that couldn’t be further from the truth. With even a short visit to Liberty Plaza, you will see all walks of life supporting the movement, including middle class working families.
With the Family Sleepover, Parents for Occupy Wall Street are Occupying to speak up for the ones without a voice and make real change, change for their children’s futures.
How is the children's event going. I'm sure it everything is fine! I think it's wonderful. I liked how all of you are taking extra care with safety. Maybe some of the kids can make friends with a police officer!
New figures show President Obama continues to pull in huge donations from the financial sector, with more money from Wall Street this year than all other Republican presidential candidates combined. According to the Washington Post, Obama has raised a total of $15.6 million from banks and other financial firms, with nearly $12 million of that going to the Democratic National Committee. Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney has raised less than half that much from Wall Street, around $7.5 million. A top banking executive and Obama fundraiser told the Washington Post that reports of Wall Street antagonism toward Obama "are exaggerated and overblown ... [but] it probably helps from a political perspective if he’s not seen as a Wall Street guy."
That is because the Republican party IS wall street...and someone has to fund the "opposition party"!
I don't understand your point at all.
I'm only pointing out that the Republican party makes no effort to hide their direct ties with wall street and corporations...The democratic party makes a bit more of an attempt to hide these connections...but the numbers show that bolth are equally beholden to the interests of a few not the many.
Actually, there are more Dems wealthy than Republicans. People like Pelosi, Kerry, Reed, are some of the wealthiest politicians.
Yes, Obama is definitely the leader of this crony-capitalist gang of thieves! He has to go!! We need someone like Herman Cain to clean up the cesspool
Yes, I like Herman Cain also.
This is fantastic Idea. Bring in Family, Kids, Grandmothers. Next, Plan a Homeless March & Protest to the Banks . Use image of Oliver from movie Oliver...with saying, "Could I have more, sir?" Be creative, imaginative protestors. Need a Flash Mob falling down on ground and writhing or some such crazy stunt.
Bringing children to the ongoing protest is a very bad idea. I think many people who would support #ows would precieve that the protestors are using their children as protection(though I know this is NOT the case) Only people who are healthy and able body should be the ones sleeping overnight to hold down the fort. Not children!
No. You are missing the point totally. It humanizes the whole event. It gives the message of normal people with kids and attracts more women and the sensitive minded. Those who would see it the way you describe would never support us in any case. It is not going to be a permanent feature. Teaches kids value of free speech and protest. Great media event.
You made some good points. But my point is the brutality of the nypd police goons. You never know when these "peace" officers may forget there are children in the midst and do harm to the protestors and a child gets" hurt accidently"! Not Good.
That's another reason why it is good. They won't do anything with children there. It would be a political nightmare for them.
So, basically you are saying the children would be a kind of shield. That is like these Third World countries where they put children in figuring no one will attack the children. As the parent of 4 children, I would NEVER put them in that type of environment.
Typical American. Ultra control freak who is afraid of everything. Dude, like if the children come to the park to play and sleep over, you think the police thugs are going to raid it and beat the shit out of children? I swear to God. Americans have been nothing but a bunch of sissified wussies. Like, do you have anything better to do than whine?
Basically, Dost was saying "They won't do anything with the children there." To me, that is implying they be used as "shields".
I never said "they wont do anything with the children there" I said DON'T bring the children. The nypd goons have a track record of brutality in the past month.
My apologies, it was "Dost" that made that comment. The line below you.
then delete it.you falsely misquoted me.
I have edited the comment to reflect the correct poster.
Why are you trying to push a false narrative?
Dost, Maybe we have a convert. You are invited to the OWS sleep-over as a volunteer. You can be sure this is done professionally. Safety is their concern. Read about safety plans on the OSW website. Every contingency has been covered. SHCCCC
No, no convert here. I still think all of this will change nothing. I live in the South, no real traction here. In fact, from what I have heard, several states have denied permits to those wishing to occupy property in the capitals. Eventually, the government will get tired. In Charlotte, NC, they are worried it will set a precedent to people wanting to camp out for the DNC convention next year. Right now, there are only about 25-50 people camping out, but they are going to probably make them leave.
No, I am not a control freak. My children go camping, hiking, participate in things like karate. Have had broken arms, etc. Crowds like this are unpredictable. Even adults get hurt in large crowds if things get out of hand.
My bad. Sorry. You sound like a great parents. My reaction was way overboard. I was an idiot.
So the right of the people to peaceably assemble should be curtailed because the government police squads might hard the people?
Are you responding to me?! Cause Im for the right of the People to peacefully assemble. Its in the first amendment. Ive been to quite a few of the protest in DC and Im a supporter od #ows and the cause!
Having been at the info desk at OWS NYC for over two weeks (I work, have an apartment, am a veteran, middle aged, blah blah) I can honestly say most of the NYPD I have met (especially those in blue) have been polite and sometimes even friendly. They are doing their jobs. There will always be a handful of rotten apples that abuse their "power" as an excuse to harm someone. I don't condone that violence just saying that from marching the Brooklyn Bridge, on the 5th, and being at Times Square as well, MOST of the NYPD have been cool.
Yes, and a lesson in civics and constitutional democracy!
I don't think anyone would think that unless they are trying to push a false narrative.
Oh, children are not healthy!
Safety has to be the first measure because the place is loaded with thieves, drug dealers/users, criminals, miscreants, and sexual deviants. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/criminal_occupation_oh3CnKANUqYHrGPCaZaLRK
Have you been there for yourself? Walked around and talked to people? The Post is Junk, i can't say they represent anything accurately.
Ah yes! The New York Post - the Enquirer of New York newspapers. Yes, there is some thievery there because outside people have come into the "open" park. As in any crowded area anywhere (even on the beach on vacation) people must be aware of their surroundings. This is a small amount of people who are taking advantage of the situation as they would even if the Tea Party were there - although they would probably be camped out in a nice hotel! ;-)
Well, how about the NYTimes?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/nyregion/overnight-at-zuccotti-park-protesters-seek-sleep.html
I don't sleep at the park so he may have had those experiences. As I stated before there are homeless and others who are taking advantage of the open park and free food. I am sure that the family sleepover will be well watched over. It is the choice of the parents what they want to do, just as we have our choices.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/keith-boykin/occupy-wall-street-media_b_1019707.html?ir=New+York
just in case
Let's all blame the guy in office now, because it's not like the forty-two other people who have held office might have anything to do with the debt that's been around since the Revolutionary War. If everyone camping on Wall Street would get over themselves long enough to do something useful, we might be able to survive the economic crisis by working together. Or, we could all point the finger and act like we could really do any better than the man who won the election. This is still America, and if you don't like the guy in office, you have every right to vote against him next year. Just think about how hard is is to run a country, and stop acting like it's all Obama's fault. If you honestly think you have a better idea, you're welcome to run yourself.
Occupy Wall Street For A Long Time Until There is Social, Economic, And Political Change.
Three Things Come into Mind: One is Wall Street and Government Should be Separate. Two is Tax The 1 Percent Rich for Fairness and More Government Revenue. Three is Sales Tax Should Be Distributed To Social, Constructive, and Economic Programs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91ZPdoExVjQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn_x5vpD8W8&feature=related
We had an amazing experience. My son (9 yo) felt empowered and safe. The police were polite and professional. The ows support people were amazing. I would do it again in a heartbeat to be able see my son voice his opinion about the world and share his love for other people and environment. And most importantly--be heard!
I think having a Family Sleepover was a brilliant idea! I'm anxious to learn how it went.
bring the kids there, they will be invading your home soon. and taking your kids as slaves you wait and see slave for those ignorant jews and ethnics the blonds helped save. good luck
bring the kids there, they will be invading your home soon. and taking your kids as slaves you wait and see slave for those ignorant jews and ethnics the blonds helped save. good luck
lets demand competing currencies and regain control of our money. Start there folks. If we allow a tiny fraction of humanity to control the tool we use to purchase goods, we can't win. Make sure you never forget this. All the rights in the world will not help us if 1% controls our currency.
lets demand competing currencies and regain control of our money. Start there folks. If we allow a tiny fraction of humanity to control the tool we use to purchase goods, we can't win. Make sure you never forget this. All the rights in the world will not help us if 1% controls our currency.
Kids are probably learning more here than thay would at school, especially if they go to school in a ""low income"" area. Any idea of the disparities between public schools in towns that are right next to one another but with totally different income brackets? It's pitiful and reason enough to protest.
Kids are probably learning more here than thay would at school, especially if they go to school in a ""low income"" area. Any idea of the disparities between public schools in towns that are right next to one another but with totally different income brackets? It's pitiful and reason enough to protest.
Do you want a faster track to victory? Do you want a faster track to employment? Do you want a faster track to healthier environment? Do you want a faster track to empowerment?
learn how Occupiers http://inkrumguardians.webs.com/
America is a great county, but EVERY one needs to share the benefits. Riots in the UK, Occupy Wall St, and Occupy Melbourne are no accident. People are, rightly, dissatisfied with getting access to opportunity to get a job or career and earn a living. It is not right that wealth is so concentrated to the top 1% and so many others miss out on anything. Denis, from Australia
Please also note that there are always going to be people who will log in here in order to disrupt the conversation, or to undermine the confidence of those who want to participate in building a movement. Be suspicious of those sources; and probably it is not worth expending a lot of energy engaging in those debates. (such as: "i send my kids to this class or that activity." Great. Why mention some kids' after school programs here? It's irrelevant to the need for democratic action and participation that the protest represents.
They probably get paid to do so.
There is no effective protest without disruption. Disruption of the smooth order of things (which forecloses 2 million homes per year, gives away government and all resources and products of work and economy to a tiny corporate minority, and "supplies" the world with a thousand U.S. military bases from which to bomb Asia and North Africa, etc. etc.) is the goal. With all of that violence, and all the media background noise, how can a protest get the world's notice and attention? Some disruption is necessary. What is even more sad is to see that people actually claim that for a child to have this experience of joining a community for a cause has some coequal fault that has to do with the systemic undermining of education in the U.S. through underfunding, undertaxing the wealthy, and allow the education system to fail, decade after decade, in order to save corporations some tax money. It's a process of learning, and for kids, this is good learning.
OWS?? That's questionable. We need to take back our planet. Time to inscribe this movement: OTP! Occupy the Planet!
28th admendment set life terms for senators and congressmen,like the president, no more lobbist, reform the power in the goverment and take the 1 percent out, by not allowing them to operate behind the curtain in the senate and congress. for as long as they can rig the votes.
28th admendment set life terms for senators and congressmen,like the president, no more lobbist, reform the power in the goverment and take the 1 percent out, by not allowing them to operate behind the curtain in the senate and congress. for as long as they can rig the votes.
I am the 1%
www.proudtobeonepercent.com
Oops correction old age?? not Lebanese it was the Simbanese Liberation Front.
Points well taken Lloyd but I am not sure that your suggestion to block traffic is the best tactic. Just breaking laws does not guarantee change Wall St Traitors and Government Corruption accepting bribes are blatent examples of that. The Lebanese Liberation Front, The Weathermen and many other activists have broken laws and had nothing grand change. The only place to really make change is at the bottom line but everyone is enslaved and addicted to the dollar system. In debted and glorified indentured servants. OWS is making money for New York now bottom line. And last night I read how Occupy SF is crawling and in need of hot food sleeping bags etc. Will OWS, share the love? Send OSF some of that fed reserve greenbacks? You have to cheers them at least they whether backed by some agenda have gotten out there and made some glimmer of change hasn't bee done since the 60's Berkley Ca movement.
Really shows that people know this is a now or never opportunity to assert power. Realizing that the constitution has been trampled and the elected officials in open defiance of the will of the PEOPLE.
I'm very pleased at the way this movement continues to combat the media at their own game and roll with the punches. Focusing on the the idea of being inclusive, yet sheltering itself from the familiar attacks from the spin machine.
We sit and laugh at some of the "coverage" because we know the truth and their ignorance and pandering to their corporate sponsors and target audiences is entertaining. It's America, people are entitled to their opinions. Those who are intelligent enough to do some reading/research on their own decide - the majority of main stream press doesn't matter. It's real people getting the word out that's helped the movement grow.
That picture of the little boy with the sign was from our first GA in the Hamptons... I feel it is iconic in a way that makes me want to hug my son and thank him for showing the initiative to join his parents' fight for his future. @ows @occupythehamptons
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It is important to be friendly and considerate to these families
Personally, I see all of these 99% signs. The problem is, I don't feel 99% of the people agree with you. I live in the South. Down here, this does not get a lot of attention, no large groups camping out, sitting in, "occupying", etc. Even in the department I work in, no one there seems to support it when come across the radio or TV in the break room. NY, Boston, DC, LA, etc seem to be the only real "occupy" locations. Some cities down here are considering removing the handful of people camping out on city property. So no, I don't think you speak for the 99%. Maybe 40%.
Uspatriot5000 - It's not that 99% of people support it. It's that 99% of the population are controlled by the 1% of rich people and their deals. I haven't met one person in the north Georgia suburbs who hasn't been affected in one way or another by the outsourcing, foreclosures, inflated prices due to speculation. Whether or not they support OWS - they are still being affected by our economy.
I'm all for this movement, but personally wouldn't bring kids there for a sleepover. Too cold. I don't have kids yet but if I did I would definitely bring them during the daytime to teach them about freedom of expression in the fine country that we live in. #occupywallst should be a family affair.
What is going to be really funny is if the parents who have endangered their children by bringing them to the den of thieves and drug users insist that the protesters quiet down so their children can rest. It will be funny because they have no problem destroying the lives of the children who live in the surrounding area with their filth and their noise and their stench. I hope the drummers drum all night long and keep the little hippie kiddies awake so the "parents" know what local parents have been going through.
Somebody from the NYTimes slept (or tried to) at Zuccotti Park. Here's is the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/nyregion/overnight-at-zuccotti-park-protesters-seek-sleep.html
IMHO, anybody who took a child to sleep over in this type of environment is a fool.
Dirt baggers, bring your parents show them what you've learned in school show them how Obama has ruined any future you might have.
My Mother voted for our President. As did her Korean War, Purple Heart recipient BF. As did my siblings and our children. So go vote for your John Birch Society, Koch Bros. funded astroturfing jack booted, goose steeping propagandists. My Mother is proud. She told me yesterday.
Occupy Wall Street on K Street, Washington DC See photos and more http://bit.ly/qD4TVQ
Thanks.
I dont think you all should block traffic. Play by the rules and stay peaceful- the public will stay behind you if you do. Your approval rating is over 60%! Thats amazing! Keep on doing what you are doing and making your voices heard!
That picture with the kid in the leather coat is shopped. I totally support OWS, but choppery is not necessary.
Save the future for all of us!
I recommend the following book as the start of a manifesto for OWC: “The Price of Civilization: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity” Written by Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs
http://www.npr.org/2011/10/18/141421746/income-disparity-and-the-price-of-civilization
http://www.amazon.com/Price-Civilization-Reawakening-Prosperity-ebook/dp/B004KPM1FS
Yes. Read it and you will applaud how much he has zeroed in on the real problems. And the real solutions.
I don't think blocking traffic is a good idea. Doing what we are doing now is a good idea! Occupying Space and huge demonstrations....
My 12-year-old daughter, Zora, and I traveled from California to participate in the Occupations of Wall Street and Washington DC in the first weeks. We would LOVE to be sleeping out with you tomorrow night. You can explore our ongoing video blog about our Occupy adventures starting here: http://www.thisisthis.com/category/journey/. Regards to all, Mark and Zora
I think it is an excellent idea. The point I see being made is that the movement is inclusive. The 99%? The media has struck some some serious blows by focusing on fringe element. They have been particularly focused, in my observation since the 15th. In recent days, they seem to have reverted to black out mode. Families should be involved in this. This discussion needs to take place and the media is trying very hard to drown that discussion out. The best way to deal with that is to force them back to the discussion.
waingro909 - the media for the most part is ignoring or vilifying this movement. Whether they turn to truth instead of pandering to their corporate sponsors or reporting the "truth" their target audiences want to hear, this family night hopefully will encourage more people to join the protest against corporate greed and political payoff.
If the main media ignores us we have Facebook, Twitter, Cell phones, and shopping malls. It's going after the vote. We use these communication outlets to find people and encourage them. We've got to work hard. Believe me the 1%'s army is working hard, SHCCCC
You want change in this country. Get out and vote. It sound to simply but we have the lowest voter turn out than any other country. I really do not care who you vote for that is up to you, but get out and vote this time. Make your voice be heard. You don't like the way our government is being run than vote some one in that will make a change. This tea party group was voted in by a very small amount of voters out there and look at all the problems they have brought this country. Vote them out of office, put people in their that will make our county work. I support this movement and feel the pain of not having change. But when it comes down to it we need to make it Occupy the vote. Show them what we really think, have them lose their jobs for a change. We are a great people with a great future all we have to do is step out and take it. You want our children to have a great future teach them they do count and that their voice can be heard.
omg...where have you been for the past 11 yrs. Haven't you realized yet, that our votes have not been counting. In S.C. they have already passed a law in order to eradicate an entire district from voting...a collegetown with young people.
The voting system is being rigged everyday.
Wake Up. We got another Democracy and its called The Peoples Right to Peacefully Assemble...First Amendment. Its time for our voices to be heard. We Will Not Be Silenced.
implying voting does anything whatsoever. lol
lmfao the sad thing is that people are still uneducated about our own voting system! ELECTORAL COLLEGE... LOOK IT UP PLEASE...your vote most certainly doesn't count....
Agreed. Many folks completly forget about the Electorial College. In 2000,Bush did not win the popular vote,Gore did. The Electorial College overrode the popular vote and put Bush in office. These elected officials were bought and paid by wallstreet and wanted that puppet president in office. Hence, the mess this country is drowning in today!
heck ya mimi !!! tell it like it is <3
The purpose of the Electoral College is so that people who live in less populated areas get a voice. Is it right that the population of New York City can dictate through federal election what Montana,, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming do? It is a fair system, but you just cannot see beyond the word "democracy".
You got it. I used to be a get out the vote zealout as a journalist for over 10 years, but it's a joke. Your vote does not matter. And it won't until you get the money out of politics. As long as the corporations are still allowed to financially influence a politician or who has enough money to win, you haven't solved the problem and it doesn' t matter who you put there because they can and will be bought again. Greed is a powerful motivator.
Exactly
Yes everyone please lets educate the masses about our voting system and how rigged and corrupt it actually is. Many people DO NOT know. It is our job to enlighten them !!
Well if you don't vote your right it is a joke. Like it or not this county is run by a government and voting is change. But if you sit home and let other people vote and you don't who is making sure the systems dose not work. Just saying!
No one says they are not going to vote,Rosie. We are just REALISTIC enough to know that our votes have NOT counted. I continue to exercise one of the few rights that I have left to me....before the greedy bastards in power 'try" to take that away.
And to add to my comments above, I vote in every election and use the power of the media to encourage others, but until money is out of politics, it doesn't matter.
So true.
What about a Quorum? Can we have a Quorum call? I used to write in names on ballots that didn't include candidates I could get behind. But now I've learned that even write in candidates must be registered. It's just the late ones that aren't on the ballot. It also causes officials to hand count them and probably puts my entire ballot at risk. A smarter thing would be to leave those spots blank. The idea is that the difference between the number of ballots cast and the number of votes cast might cause some to ponder "why?". Please vote. And please, always, be aware of attempts to rig elections. It's not conspiracy theory. It's become standard practice. One way to stop it is to impeach those remaining Justices who went partisan. There are petitions. All we can do is exactly what we are doing. Everything possible.
Rosie, I understand what you're saying. However, unfortunately, both parties have been tainted with corporate payoffs and corruption. An example of it right now is the bi-partisan bill proposed by John McCain (R) and Kay Hagan (D) for a tax holiday for corporations. They can bring some of the trillions of dollars into the country at a lower tax rate. Think tanks on both the right and the left say as in the tax holiday under Bush in 2004, the corporations will find loopholes, not pay any taxes, create few, if any, American jobs. It will cost taxpayers approximately $10 million to implement. Google it!
I vote, but I have a problem with 2 party politics. If I find a candidate I like, I vote for them. That's rare though and most independents don't make it into office except on the local level. I don't enjoy choosing one devil over another.
Look at who you vote with and decide who your allies are. Calculate who/what would give your vision a chance as well as who/what would end it. Nobody's perfect and none of us get everything. I'm upset w/ Pres. Obama sometimes and there is a big difference between voting for someone or voting against a common foe. I will not hand Victory to my enemies.
So well said JoyV.
bring lots of baby wipes from the dollar stores. for cleaning up
bring lots of baby wipes from the dollar stores. for cleaning up
Why are you inundating children with this type of thing? Your kids should be enjoying their childhood, not protesting captialism.
A place with a bunch of other kids, arts and crafts, songs, new friends and things to do? how is that inundating a child? On another note how can this said child be enjoying their childhood if they are never with their own parents because they are too busy working 5 part time jobs to make ends meet? A strong. connected family is something of great value and is very important. think of this on a deeper level....
Thank you
You make a very good point. However because of the police brutality, the children should be left home.
agreed
What is OWS turning into a party? What the hell is going on?
lol no this is what the article above said "At the Family Sleepover, families and children will find arts and crafts, a children’s music sing along, a pizza party, and a bed time story."
agree
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future republicans
BAD IDEA! Parents keep your children safe. They have no concept of what OWS is about. Sounds like OWS is turning into a party!
I wish some of you would actually get facts (even visit Liberty Square) before you make judgments. It was a real party down there last night when I sat at the info desk as a volunteer (I'm 57, have my own apt, work, bathe, veteran) and it was windy and freezing. Woo - hoo!!!
Thank you for volunteering and Thanks for serving. Keep putting out the facts.
Some kids don't, some do. Some parents use OWS as a way to teach their kids hands on.
OWS, I support your movement 100%. I show-up in DC periodically for the protest. However I draw the line when it comes to young children at the protest or sleeping over. The situation has gotten ugly on several occasions with the NYPD police goons brutally abusing the protestors. It is very sad to see these people harmed. It would be horrible to see a child hurt. Parents get yourselves a babysitter or stay home. Do not bring the children to overnight sleepovers. It does NOT look good. Please don't do this.
Thank you MiMi. Sorry I had no idea my post would come out in bold print.
I agree with not getting the children involved by sleeping in a park overnight. Geesh, they do not have any concept about what OWS is about. Why is this happening?
Children learn from what their parents do and it can be used as a teaching tool. It depends on the age of the child for whether they have a concept about what OWS is and this would be a way to learn about it. -and camping trips with children are fun!
My family lives too far away and cannot afford to go to NYC, but we have a local Occupy group that I participate in with my daughter. My daughter is 2 so does not understand it, but I start small with her and have watered down conversations about OWS (and the rest of the world.) ie. I give her the lesson of many sticks together are harder to break than 1.
This is what all of you should be doing...
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310637_2401946404850_1136777814_3897571_1123034735_n.jpg
www.proudtobeonepercent.com
And I thought that kids were only used as shields in the middle east....
Pools of vomit and plastic bottles filled with urine. Very nice. Bring your kids. Teach them all the skills they will need to be homeless, alcoholic vagrants someday! http://www.dnainfo.com/20111019/downtown/occupy-wall-street-divided-over-cleanup-efforts
the old revolutionary war was fought in the woods. your rich jew houses are next. then they will be shitting in your front yard and your mouth. go home jew and take all the other thieves with you
You poor thing.
http://bigjournalism.com/abreitbart/2011/10/20/source-abc-reporters-life-allegedly-threatened-at-occupy-oakland-we-shoot-white-bitches-like-you-around-here/
Bring the kiddies parents! http://www.breitbart.tv/occupytoronto-this-man-was-in-my-tent-sniffing-my-girlfriends-feet/
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2011/10/awful-woman-who-was-raped-at-obama-endorsed-occupy-cleveland-protest-was-mentally-disabled-video/
Flu hits NYC http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2011/01/doctors_urge_shots_as_flu_seas.html
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100109958/the-1960s-radicalism-of-occupy-wall-street-will-help-elect-a-republican-in-2012/
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/it_nyc_lam_sterdam_bmE4vlV5aDUWhBRv9IbaiK#ixzz1aOpgW13B
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2011/10/figures-far-left-ows-praying-man-is-wanted-by-police-for-indecent-exposure-video/
GREAT idea! Yoy guys are geniuses!!!
Why on earth would people want to take their kids down there. You have had topless women holding signs. Criminals stealing stuff from your fellow demonstrators. Sounds like a lovely place I would take my son to. NOT!
nah just let him watch the useless slut brittany spears and ju bach on tv singing about drugs and killing biches thats what society has come to
lol Not all of society. We don't have cable in our home. So no Brittany
The press delights in finding the less savory people (most not with OWS but the park is open) and focusing on them. I fill in at the info desk in the evenings (after work and dinner at my apartment) and it is frustrating to those of us who sit there when the media won't walk the extra five feet to the real source of what this movement is about but would rather find someone who isn't even there for OWS but will readily get an interview, or their picture in a publication, or attention, or one woman last night was selling buttons for $5 each (profiting off something she isn't even a part of).
As long as we get our "news" form a defense contractor, this will not change. As long as those who oppose us control the message, this will go on. As long as the rich can pay their minions to come here, not in support, but in derision, there's gonna be ugliness in w/ the beauty.
Still wouldn't want my kid there.
Again, your choice and you every right to it.
and that is your choice and right.
Ditto. This is such a BAD idea.
Maybe your kid can meet an upstanding protester like this! http://www.komonews.com/news/local/132064518.html (protester exposes himself to kids at occupy site)
Occupy Wall St. has no leverage to force change and until we get some nothing will change. If OWS blocks traffic it will stop business as usual and give OWS leverage to force change.
Over thirty six million children go to bed hungry every night in America. This is a crisis. Over 50 million people in America are living below the poverty line. This is a crisis. 46 million Americans are collecting food stamps. There is no way you can survive on food stamps. This is a crisis
Occupy Wall St. has quickly become like the democratic party, promising all kinds of change but OWS like the democratic party blinked in the face of the authoritarian rule imposed by the 1% percent through their puppet political regimes. OWS has become just a camp out. Not even a Hooverville.
Now that Occupy Wall St. has 501 C3 status and over 300,000 in donations it will become a reasonably well funded open air theatre group that will not cross the line that the 1% had their political stooges draw in front of them for fear of losing that 501 C3 status. Just like all the other ineffective liberal orgs in America. OWS will go up to the line but won't cross it. Too bad.
It is really sad to watch another organized protest movement like the peace movement against the war on Iraq castrate itself for political status before it even has a chance to debate tactics amongst itself.
The Union Movement broke the law to win the living wage. The Civil Rights Movement broke the law to knock down the worst and most obvious aspects of the color barrier. The Peace Movement broke the law to get the American public to turn against the Vietnam war. The Anti-Nuke Movement broke the law to force the US and Soviet Union into nuclear weapons negotiations.
In the face of this most consequential economic emergency what does Occupy Wall St. do? Organize a camp out.
Rosa Parks broke the law and so can you. Block Traffic Now! Guidelines for Non-Violent Civil Disobedient Traffic Blocking. http://occupywallst.org/forum/guidelines-for-non-violent-civil-disobedient-traff/
This movement has been openly contemplating the best way to assert power. In my opinion, blocking traffic may not be the best way to do that. Refusing to participate in the system and finding ways to circumvent it are much more creative. These are things that everyday people can make a part of their lives. Without the direct participation in this plutocracy by the 99%, the system itself simply does not exist. I'm talking about things like worker-owned businesses. I'm talking about not banking at Chase anymore, not borrowing money, using credit cards, not watching television..cutting consumption to a minimum...etc..etc... What to do with all that free time that you suddenly have? I dunno?....maybe talk to your neighbors and start taking responsibility for your own destiny and that of your children.
Privately withdrawing to a distance from government and media as "creative protest" is precisely what the oligarchy is happy for you and me to do. Dissociating from the economic and social system is not a real option; nor does it create any friction. We should seek to associate more with those institutions, and make demands to them directly. There is a thread of opinion running here and in every protest movement that says the same thing: "take responsibility for yourself; you can change yourself only." Meditate instead of watching television." and so on. This is the official philosophy today of political passivity. Look out for it; you'll see it a lot in the days ahead.
This an emergency and your talking about slow walking change that has been attempted since the sixties. The back to the earth movement failed because the billionaires moved into their communities and built mansions and drove the property prices sky high, driving up property taxes on the rest thanks to corrupt local politicians that want to collect higher taxes. I used to crack a joke here on Martha's Vineyard "Man the billionaires ruin every community they move into,"
None of that changes the fact that as long as the 99% continue to participate in this system...it will live on. Blocking traffic, getting arrested and then going home and making your credit card payments changes NOTHING
waingro909 - First of all to set the record straight for everyone, OWS does not condone blocking traffic, nor any violent nor unlawful acts. I agree with you that the other side to this movement would be to contribute personal adjustments in our spending, consumption, etc. That was what removing money from the big banks was about. While it may not hurt the big banks much, if we support local credit unions it shifts power eventually. Also, try to buy locally grown as much as possible. Most towns and cities (NYC has several) have local farmers markets in which to buy and support local businesses and farmers. I am not sure of their exact addresses but there are websites which list still made in America products. Buy from them. Quit recreational shopping (those credit cards are a total ripoff) and spend more time with your family, friends, volunteering, relaxing. This will all contribute to change.
The 1% are ahead of the 99% in planning for change. The 1% started organizing troops (corporations) in the 70's. Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell wrote a "Manifesto" report at the request of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. SCJOTUS Lewis Powell's ideas of change are happening as we speak. Google and read the original Manifesto. It's shocking and scary to me anyway. SHCCCC
Lloyd
why push the envelope ?
I'm sure if we educate the people
they will see that Laws that are unjust must be brought down
Pushing the envelope is how humans learn from each other. If you don't have the stomach for it don't block the traffic. I am sure there are plenty who do.
I think you are all occupying the wrong location. DC is the richest city in country. There is where all of your money is going. http://rt.com/usa/news/dc-wealth-rich-america-339/
but the point is, where the money comes from, not where its going.
That, and people are occupying DC.
D.C. yes. But poooolice are clamping down. SHCCCC
All the movements you mention had specific goals. If we were force an issue now, like stopping traffic, how does the opposition comply to end the action? There needs to be something to define victory, without which, one needs beware an unwise tactic.
The politicians in congress know exactly what legislation to pass to make the public halt their construction of guillotines. We have had a bill in congress to return America to a precinct counted paper ballot for all elections since 2008. There is another bill tabled or a single payer healthcare as well there are hundreds of bills like these that represent what the majority of Americans want. Hell, legalizing Cannabis just went over 50% in public support. They know what to do. It is up to us to give them the courage to do it but if we behave like cowards so will they.
We can't be vague either though Lloyd, or so will they. I agree completely with what your saying about escalating the action. But until there is something where it can be said, "You do this or we'll do this..." or "We will be doing this until you do that..." we will just be giving them the opportunity to crush us without us having real public sentiment on our side.Then this unique and special moment will be lost. Some definitive reaction needs to be required of them. That said, nothing has ever been achieved without risk and suffering. The Unions lost lives in the street to attain what everyone takes for granted today. The causes for todays protest are myriad, but most can't wrap their minds around that, so their focus needs to be trained on something, or things, specific. Any of the things you mentioned, or what I feel would most comprehensively effective, fully publicly financed elections at all levels.
All I hear is fear in your words and I wouldn't follow you anywhere not even in minor protest. There is no time in history when social movements have not sacrificed to get economic justice. If you are afraid go home.
I shouldn't bother responding to this but I will anyway. I'm not sure if I'm failing to explain clearly or your not inclined to hear an argument against your simplistic idea. I have spent a lifetime in the union movement ( now retired ) as a shop floor level leader and have more than my share of experience, and risk of life and freedom, shedding and drawing blood in the street for the cause. There is no fear here. Well, perhaps fear that this moment will be lost. You sound like an inexperienced and pompous neophyte. Have you ever left home? That said, I'll sum up as simply as I can. Don't do stupid shit that leads to failure. This kind of thing is about balls AND brains. Think every tactic through to it's end before you add it to your strategy so as not to fail. And have a definitive goal. The occupiers will tire, the audience will tire, and the opposition will win if the cause just scrambles about aimlessly for much longer. Mark my words.
I belong to the Union based party in Canada the NDP and have put it on the line so many times I've lost count. In 1987 I conducted a 60 day hunger strike and non-violent civil disobedience to protest the resumption of Uranium mining in BC that brought down the government of British Columbia. We won that issue. I have risked my neck for Carpenters Union local 40. If you want proof of my credentials do your research.
Traffic Blocking by the forgotten, forces the forgetful to pay attention to the needs of the forgotten. 30 million unemployed. On a percentile basis twice as many unemployed in Blacks and Latinos. 50 million being served at food banks. Grow up this is an emergency.
I agree this is an emergency, hence my fear we will lose the opportunity to address it effectively. We disagree, obviously, on a tactical level. With a nod towards the concept that this kind of communication tends to be easily misconstrued in tone and subtlety, I would like to think our similar experience and shared passion would allow us to disagree constructively without one of us being a bloviating ass.
I'm all for traffic blocking or any disruptive action you want once there is a reasonably specific ultimatum to deliver.
The ultimatum is economic justice and we all know what that means. Money in our pockets after we pay our bills. Money enough to take a vacation every year. Money enough to put a down payment on a house. Money enough to send our kids to college if they want to go. Everything else will get sorted out with a strong working class.
This list of demands I wrote up are my vision of a post revolution world:
Proposed List Of Demands For Occupy Wall St Movement! http://occupywallst.org/forum/proposed-list-of-demands-for-occupy-wall-st-moveme/
oh, you mean like our unending wars in the middle east?
As an unwise tactic? No, I mean like blocking traffic, or any action that will force a conclusion of some kind by law enforcement. However, ending those wars could be a goal, or my fav, publicly financed elections, from which all other good would radiate.
What are you talking about? On which planet do you reside most of the time? Where are you getting the idea that civil and constitutional and environmental and labor rights movements "broke the law"? If that is the case, why haven't your compatriots filed suit?
Well, for one the people of the civil rights movement themselves have written on "why they broke the law": http://people.hofstra.edu/alan_j_singer/294%20Course%20Pack/x10.%20Civil%20Rights/120.pdf
People just like to justify certain laws that are broken. Just like all of the illegals. They are breaking the law by how they got here and how they continue to live here. They should all be rounded up and deported back to their countries as criminals. Then, there would be plenty of jobs. Those that go through the proper process to come the this country should always be welcome.
Except that every time labor gets a leg up, they open the borders. Or go to exploit others elsewhere. Because they can.
What about innocent children? SHCCCC
like you or anyone you know would work the jobs they are working. Give me a break, its just like abortion. Telling other people how to live their lives cause your bored with yours.
I was raised working a cattle farm. I am well aware of the work that goes into farming, etc. I have not problem doing that work if that was the only job I could find.
That is a lie about 36 million children going to bed hungry. As I understand it the questioning goes something like this; "do you ever feel hungry when you go to bed?" I believe 100% of the population would answer yes to this question. You can ask this of an obese child and they will say they go to bed hungry. Show me an American child who is malnourished and I will agree there is a problem, but it is not that way in the US. Let me try my own sampling question. Have you ever been tired after waking up? The result will be that 100% do not get enough sleep.
"Over thirty six million children go to bed hungry every night in America."
That is an absurd statistic. Please learn to question these types of things. They are put out by agenda-driven organizations.
Just all government numbers that are designed to hide the incompetence of elected politicians like the unemployment numbers. You take the government numbers and double them + and you will have numbers closer to the reality of independent deduced numbers.
The government numbers are based on asking about missed meals and don't count the damage caused by cheap Walmart type food that the poor and unemployed are consigned to eat which are spreading malnutrition across the nation which is showing up in school children struggling with school work.
My number of 62 million children is a "government number". Might as well double the whole thing, so rather than 300 Million people in the US, there are actually 600 million people (per Lloyd's law of paranoia). Amazing that no one noticed.
I am amazed that anyone can believe such things
The hard survey census numbers are lower than reality but not as bad as unemployment numbers and poverty numbers. If statistical sampling were to have been allowed to be implemented the US population would be more like 350 million but the prospect of increasing the amount of congressman from California and Northeastern states is why conservatives fought it.
Let's get back to the point: There are not thirty six million going to bed hungry. In fact, there are almost no children in the US who are hungry, unless they are suffering from parental neglect.
Why don't just admit your a conservative and don't want take responsibility for conservative policies that create wide spread poverty.
So you are saying that 36 million children go to bed hungry every night? Just trying to establish one single, solitary fact in this entire bizzaro world web site.
I recommend all of you give reality a try: You might find you like it there
Follow up: Their are 62 million children (under 14) in the US. You are saying that half of them "go to be hungry every night". Given this, one wonders how many other things that you sincerely believe are so utterly wrong.
Think about it.