Forum Post: Why Isn’t the Occupy Movement Rallying Around Rocky Anderson's 2012 Presidential Campaign?
Posted 11 years ago on Sept. 8, 2012, 8:10 p.m. EST by Shubee
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This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I see that Ralph Nader has endorsed Rocky Anderson for President in 2012. http://www.voterocky.org/ralph_nader_cbs
It's more important to unrally around Obama and Romney.
"Unrallying around Obama and Mitt the Twitt " includes promoting someone else. If we merely say "don't vote for him and don't for for the other guy either" people are just left scratching their heads.
Lemmings scratch their heads no matter what they hear.
Probably the most important thing we can do during election time. Fight the propaganda.
For more information about my experience, commitments, and positions, please see http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/ob83a/iama_us_presidential_candidate_for_2012_rocky/ ; http://www.voterocky.org/meet_rocky ; and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Anderson . Don't just believe what people say during a campaign; determine what they've done during their lives to pursue social, economic, and environmental justice. Thanks - Rocky
People are wondering how are things going in justice party for beyond 2012, even at state and local level, are candidates being sought for governors, and state level races.
Also, I've heard that because you aren't registered in enough states, and it may then not bpossible to reach 270 electoral votes, that maybe there vote to Jill Stein would be more productive.
Are you banned in msm? I want to see more. I got excited and sent contribution to campaign when you were on Cenk's show.
I did the above research sites, and am impressed by your record of service. Thank you for speaking the truth, to the corrupt politicians, and justices.
How are you commemerating the anniversary of OWS?
I am worried about the infighting of OWS, evident here in this thread.
Shubee asked us why OWS is not rallying around Rocky Anderson for Pres. in 2012, and the people replying here didn't even seem to read Rocky' website. For example the critics here say "he must provide SOLUTIONS not just pose abstract ideas" such as for corporate welfare. Well, here is his solution > http://www.voterocky.org/corporate_welfare
The website is full of those answers, and they appear to be right up the OWS alley.
I am thinking that OWS is not rallying around Rocky because the mainstream media is not mentioning him. Heck, this is the first I have heard of Rocky and I read mostly Alt News so they are not mentioning him either. Of course, I am in Canada so maybe I missed something? IS Rocky on the news down there?
Perhaps Shubee has started something - America still has a couple months to learn about Rocky Anderson. I need to read more before I would endorse him as being appropriate for OWS, but lets get this conversation on a more positive footing okay?
The "common man" in USA has no clue of Rocky either, like in Canada, as he has not been on mainstream news much, except maybe on appearance on MSNBC Rachel Maddow Show, or A couple appearances on The Young Turks, and on Fox "O'Reiley" once, he is an invisible man.
This is because we do not have true freedom of speech, anymore. Let alone Democracy.
Speech is a regulated commodity with a pricetag.
The first amendment is dead, and corporations are citizens united against truth.
There was a myth that "anyone" could run for president. Not anymore. Only one of the corporate candidates need apply.
MSM tells us what to believe and think, and they frame the argument.
OWS now appears to have such cynicism, and skepticism, because "working within the system, would be ultimately futile.", that they have tied their own hands, and are on an alternate reality of education for a future prosperous society that shall magically be installed by fairies in some distant time.
We are divided.
At least, supporting one who is in support of the OWS movement, would be something that ought not be controversial, especially if he is putting himself on the line politically.
Rocky and OWS will not get mainstream media play: because although they tell the truth, there are some political realities, such as the history and "evolution" of the current political system, which is currently controlled here by 2 parties, and the rich.
If OWS can't accept reality of politics, if OWS can't unite to support a candidate, or take one stand on a position, how will others accept ows views as plausible and reasonable.
I personally think it has something to do with Adbusters: we can't take an official political position, because ???
55 Days to Election.
Oh, shit, hon.............this isn't infighting. Not even close. I posted his solutions on this thread. It isn't a secret.
I am relieved it is not infighting... shall we call it "unconstructive criticism" when they say he doesn't have solutions [even though you posted them] ?
I am they. You may speak to me directly. Let's make sure that we have this right: campaign finance reform
How, precisely, is he going to do that? Step by step. What are the obstacles that he knows that he is going to face and how, step by step, will he achieve this goal by overcoming the known obstacles.
tax reform- He is a progressive tax man. Good. Unfortunately, we have had some very recent obstacles. So, tell me, step by step, how it is that you are going to achieve this goal and make known where the limitations are and how it is, precisely, that you are going to achieve this goal with those known obstacles present.
We are all adults here. You can call it anything you want. I call the solutions presented " the art of bullshit". I am beyond the need for a rallying cry. Don't spend a paragraph or more telling me how you (general you) are mo' better than the R and D while not telling me much at all.
Voting for a third party is extremely important this election. Its not so much wether or not they win but that they take percentage of the vote away from the two corrupt partys and there by the legitimacy to lead.
I wholeheartedly agree if we’re talking about the Green or Justice Party.
I would be very happy with either of those :)
I'm happy to see people voting for any non-corrupt candidate.
The most important thing anyone can do is stand FOR something. Rocky Anderson stands FOR the good of Main Street, NOT Wall Street. He is not bought. He has integrity. His whole adult life has been dedicated to fighting for those less privileged, upholding Constitutional law. He has the knowledge, intelligence and the experience to turn this country around. I will be writing him in on my ballot this General Election. Even if he doesn't win, I know that my vote sends a clear message to Washington that I no longer trust the duopoly and I am not supporting them.
I applaud your wisdom and encourage others to see the importance of voting anti-establishment. However, I believe that I will vote for Jill Stein for President (Green Party) because Stein is more open and detailed about her beliefs while Rocky Anderson is more reserved. I prefer the power of truth over the more typical Presidential qualities. Plus, the Green Party is on the ballot in 33 states whereas the Justice Party is on the ballot in only 14 states (the last time I checked).
http://occupywallst.org/forum/why-isnt-the-occupy-movement-rallying-around-jill-/
Rocky came to Tampa for the RNC. Here is part of an interview he did on a local show...
http://s3.amazonaws.com/wmnf/news_story_soundclips/1102/Rocky_Anderson_-_Presidential.mp3
That really doesn't answer my question about the reluctance of the occupy movement to stand with an unquestionably intelligent messenger that has a respectable understanding of the fundamental issues and a legitimate Presidential campaign. Do occupiers just want to cry in the streets? Rocky Anderson certainly has my write-in vote here in Texas.
I will vote Rocky. I have noticed way too many people on this website shoot down the idea of a Rocky Anderson votebecause they say it will hurt obama. I say good, obama has not proven himself as a progressive. I actually think of obama as a conservative.
PLenty of people are doing things in elections. But there is no need to make an official statement on endorsing one person, because the group is so diverse.
Some want Obama. Some want Stein. Some want Ron Paul. Some want Gary Johnson. And some want Rocky, myself included.
Obama is a paid shill for the masters of mankind. Ron Paul's message serves Paul Ryan and the Reichpublicans. Occupiers need to learn some fundamental facts.
http://www.everythingimportant.org/SDA/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2302
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
It would be like a college campus endorsing a candidate.
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Holy shit are you kidding me?
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Rocky Anderson represents the justice party.
I think that's true in most states. Here in New Mexico, he is the candidate for the Independent party. It was just a lot easier to do it that way rather than do all the work to create a new party in the state. He might be running in other states from a different party as well, but I'm not sure. I know he's also running a write-in campaign in some states.
he claims to be conservative
he's started his own party "the justice party"
Really? Where did he say that?
I don't see him that way, except conservative in the sense of prudent. He had been a lifelong Dem until he quit the party a year ago. I would say he is what the Dem's used to be a long, long time ago.
Rocky sounds great to me.
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On what issues do the Justice Party and the Green Party differ?
That's a good question. I imagine that the Green Party Candidate for President is a smart, highly qualified woman of conscience but I haven't seen any detailed presentations by her.
Another question on my mind is in what states are these parties running candidates for governor and senator? Apart from being a general or a vice-president, these two positions are the traditional stepping stones to the presidency. How serious can a party be about winning the presidency or even just making a local difference if it's not grooming its own future presidental candidates for local state and federal office?
Campaigning allowed now?
I'm on a campaign to ask all sorts of questions. What's wrong with that?
I ain't said it's wrong. I think it's fine.!
Only aksin'!
Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
this ows messenger is not allowed on msm
and people have right to know of alternatives to being brainwashed
and traditional duopoly pawns.
Rocky only accepts $100. donations. That is good for me or I would give more. His voice is speaks for us on most issues.
I only campaign so that his message and that of OWS can be heard on all fronts.
Besides, he admits he can't win, it is too stacked against 3rd parties, now. Maybe in future, especially if republicans continue to trade in their brains and consciences when the buy into GOP
I'm not against this thread or pushing politics/campaigning. Jes Aksin'
Das all.
The same Ralph Nader that gave us George W Bush?
Because Rocky is a little too far to the right? There are issues that need to be addressed.
What are the neglected issues that need to be addressed? Are you sure that Rocky Anderson has neglected them?
As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies.
As one people, united, we acknowledge the reality: that the future of the human race requires the cooperation of its members; that our system must protect our rights, and upon corruption of that system, it is up to the individuals to protect their own rights, and those of their neighbors; that a democratic government derives its just power from the people, but corporations do not seek consent to extract wealth from the people and the Earth; and that no true democracy is attainable when the process is determined by economic power. We come to you at a time when corporations, which place profit over people, self-interest over justice, and oppression over equality, run our governments. We have peaceably assembled here, as is our right, to let these facts be known.
They have taken our houses through an illegal foreclosure process, despite not having the original mortgage.
They have taken bailouts from taxpayers with impunity, and continue to give Executives exorbitant bonuses.
They have perpetuated inequality and discrimination in the workplace based on age, the color of one’s skin, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
They have poisoned the food supply through negligence, and undermined the farming system through monopolization.
They have profited off of the torture, confinement, and cruel treatment of countless animals, and actively hide these practices.
They have continuously sought to strip employees of the right to negotiate for better pay and safer working conditions.
They have held students hostage with tens of thousands of dollars of debt on education, which is itself a human right.
They have consistently outsourced labor and used that outsourcing as leverage to cut workers’ healthcare and pay.
They have influenced the courts to achieve the same rights as people, with none of the culpability or responsibility.
They have spent millions of dollars on legal teams that look for ways to get them out of contracts in regards to health insurance.
They have sold our privacy as a commodity.
They have used the military and police force to prevent freedom of the press.
They have deliberately declined to recall faulty products endangering lives in pursuit of profit.
They determine economic policy, despite the catastrophic failures their policies have produced and continue to produce.
They have donated large sums of money to politicians, who are responsible for regulating them.
They continue to block alternate forms of energy to keep us dependent on oil.
They continue to block generic forms of medicine that could save people’s lives or provide relief in order to protect investments that have already turned a substantial profit.
They have purposely covered up oil spills, accidents, faulty bookkeeping, and inactive ingredients in pursuit of profit.
They purposefully keep people misinformed and fearful through their control of the media.
They have accepted private contracts to murder prisoners even when presented with serious doubts about their guilt.
They have perpetuated colonialism at home and abroad.
They have participated in the torture and murder of innocent civilians overseas.
They continue to create weapons of mass destruction in order to receive government contracts.*
Let's be clear here. I give two shits about how Mr. Anderson feels about any of these issues. He needs to provide solutions. He needs to acknowledge where his power would be limited. He sounds like he is for sale as well.
I agree with your claims of mass injustice and I believe that I have heard Rocky Anderson denounce the same major injustices that you list. I am very sympathetic to your position. So where is the injustice in the justice party? Where does Rocky Anderson sound like he is for sale? I think of Ralph Nader as a man of great integrity. If there is any truth to your repudiation of Rocky Anderson, then why has Ralph Nader endorsed Rocky Anderson for President in 2012? Have you listened to the Nader video in the opening post?
Sorry, Shubee. I didn't buy Wheaties because Bruce Jenner was on the box either. He was a stand up guy.
The point of this discussion thread is the question: Why Isn’t the Occupy Movement Rallying Around Rocky Anderson's 2012 Presidential Campaign?
If you don't really have an answer, then don't pretend that you do.
You just don't like what I have to say. Don't pretend that you actually want an answer. You don't. You simply want to plug Rocky Anderson.
Actually, another posted got me to look at the Green Party candidate for President, Jill Stein, and I believe that I should vote for her. I love her passion for democracy and the truth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obQ51NP4DZc
And even worse than all the above, they have charged some new untold trillions to the people, with absolutely no benefit to them whatsoever.
Here are Rocky's proposed solutions:
http://www.voterocky.org/solutions
Rocky Anderson would end corporate welfare by implementing campaign finance reform and tax reform. The former would stem the influence of corporate donors over politicians, while the latter would end legislated corporate welfare detrimental to individual American taxpayers. If you tug on an economic problem, you will find that it is connected to the greater political system in which corporations essentially bribe politicians by way of campaign contributions. Campaign finance reform will reduce the influence of corporations over the subsidies and tax breaks that directly benefit them to the disadvantage of the American taxpayer.
Not only would this reform decrease corporate welfare, it would also increase revenues by eliminating unnecessary and ineffective monetary incentives to corporations, helping to alleviate the national debt.
Many corporate subsidies result in environmental degradation, further adding to taxpayers’ financial obligations. Rocky believes that companies should pay a royalty charge on mineral extraction from federal land, which could then be used to fund the restoration of public lands. Logging companies should be required to construct and maintain roads and other infrastructure needed to extract timber from public lands. They should also be charged a royalty fee that would cover habitat restoration and replanting. Taxpayers must also be compensated fairly for federal grazing rights. The current fee per acre is nearly the same as it was in 1934.
We have a systemic problem that succeeds in most politicians. Rocky knows the American people, including Anderson himself, want and deserve more. He believes that some politicians would prefer to work in a just and fair environment, where the playing field is even and where they can thrive and make a positive difference for their country. It’s time for politicians to start working for all Americans, not just a select wealthy few.
Can you see what information is missing here?
Do enlighten me.
Why don't you take a stab at it?
For sale? WTF? The man limits campaign contributions to $100.
There is an entire art devoted to reading between the lines of anyone who is up for election. They signal to entire groups of people what moves they are going to make and what direction they are heading. Enough, I say.
Tell me how you are going to solve it and acknowledge what your limitations are. Don't talk about issues in the abstract. I don't give a damn about how he feels the last 12 years went. Frankly, it's pretty short-sighted. When we allow those up for election to provide information in vague terms then we allow them to offer token words of appeasement for the election itself.
You've hit the nail on the head. As a people, "we allow" candidates to get away with these things. We don't have to.
As a rule, MSM frames the questions and, thus, the answers. I think that over time these questions and answers have been acceptable. Why?
Most of us hold each other to a much higher standard. We do. We want to know where you (general) got your information and a demonstration in how you arrived at your conclusion and a step by step approach to solving any issue. We have no problem calling each other out on this and we can do it all day long. I do not understand why it is that we do not demand much more from our elected officials or candidates.
When and where have people ever demanded much more? Switzerland perhaps? It seems to me that if people are going to seriously demand something of others, they have to first demand it of themselves to actually be demanding. If people don't make demands that determine whether or not a politician will receive votes, what other incentive does a politician have other than following the monied commands of the corporate powers?
We have no problem making those demands of each other. I fail to see why it is that candidates are a special group off limits.
But we do have problems making demands of each other. Be it religious, political, or other forms of groups, there are always a mass of individuals who are undemanding as to not cause waves. Seldom if ever is a group composed of a majority of people who will insist upon adequately addressing every issue of importance to them if the general mood pushes away from such issues.
If our conversations are regulated to taking place in the media, then I do agree with you. But, these aren't the conversations that we have with each other. These sure as hell aren't the conversations taking place at our dining room tables.
Informal conversations at the dinner table or elsewhere that we have with each other aren't the formal conversations held by official groups. The conversations held by groups are subject to group dynamics that alter how people interact with the conversations. Group dynamics changes everything.
How unfortunate that you deem it informal. Like I said, we demand this from each other. I have no idea what your family is like. Mine will make you get up and back up where your arguments are from.
We change everything.
I am going to tell you a little secret. Your "official groups" are often conducted by a good portion of people that will stab you in the back but dress well on Sunday.
How is that a secret?
Lol. I know, right?
Girl Friday, Welcome Back to the discussions.
Post your concerns to Rocky: He appears to at least wish to dialog with the common citizens, might possibly get addressed here.
http://www.voterocky.org/contact?page=2
Rocky Anderson commented 24 days ago · Flag Someone asked about my support of Occupy. I’ve been enthusiastically supportive of the Occupy movement from the very beginning. See http://www.voterocky.org/videos We will never see an end to the corrupt plutocracy — to the incredible disparity in wealth and income — to the deprivation of essential healthcare for millions of people — until we all rise up in opposition and make it clear that we won’t stand for it any more, and that those on the side of the oligarchy will pay a heavy political price. Rocky Anderson commented 24 days ago · Flag About civil disobedience, Bill: I have engaged in civil disobedience, but not to grandstand during a political campaign. For instance, I joined with James Hansen, Bill McKibben, Bobby Kennedy, Jr., and thousands of others in marching on, and shutting down, a coal-burning power plant in D.C. http://www.highroadforhumanrights.org/node/118?postid=36
My political activism isn’t limited to my political campaigns — I’ve been doing it in many ways, sometimes with tremendous notoriety, for many years.
I was the only major-city mayor calling for George Bush’s impeachment. I led demonstrations, debated Sean Hannity (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59U_5TpA04Y), pushed for a House Judiciary Committee Hearing on abuses of power by the Bush administration, then testified at that hearing (http://www.highroadforhumanrights.org/node/85?postid=36 ).
Please review http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Anderson and http://www.highroadforhumanrights.org/node/36 — and compare my record of successful political activism with the other candidates. Rocky Anderson commented 24 days ago · Flag I don’t know how to get my name changed here. My real name is Ross, but I’ve never gone by that name. This is Rocky — and I’ll continue to monitor this section and respond to comments. Thanks! Rocky Anderson commented 24 days ago · Flag I just checked these comments and found there have not been timely (or any) responses. Someone was supposed to be responding on a daily basis. I wrongly assumed it was being done. I’m very disappointed about this — and regret this has happened (or, more correctly, not happened). I can assure you all that it won’t happen any more — because I’ll personally read the comments and respond to them. On almost all the issues raised, there are papers and/or videos on our web site responsive to the questions. For instance, on fracking, see http://www.voterocky.org/fracking. On healthcare, please see http://www.voterocky.org/healthcare_video and http://www.voterocky.org/healthcare_solution . Bill, you have Sally’s direct contact information. That’s the best means of reaching her. Jack, no one has been more critical about the influence of AIPAC than I. And I’ve expressed many times my outrage at the obsequiousness of Obama and Romney regarding AIPAC and Israel. Obama even repeated the lie about Ahmadinejad supposedly saying he wanted to wipe Israel off the map during his last appearance before AIPAC. Shameful. Rocky Anderson commented 24 days ago · Flag Some people have asked about my position on Israel and Palestine. I’ve laid it out clearly at http://www.voterocky.org/israel_palestine_conflict. If you have any more specific questions, please let me know.
Tell it like it is GF.
And what are you reading between Rocky's lines?
promises read between lines can be denied later
Yep!
Skip the election. Go in the street and protest.
I don't skip elections. I can do both.
Agreed! Gotta be heard everywhere!
Antithetical.
You will be fine in time.
If one truly wants to protest against the system, then one cannot legitimize it with a vote. If you vote, then you accept the system as is. You should embrace the OWS way and fight to bring the system down to its knees. The system is broke and corrupted beyond repair. Voting is an illusion that you have power. It is a waste of your time, only protesting can make a difference.
Stop right there. Don't waste my time or yours.
Listening to ideas that differ from your own are never a waste of time. We must be open to the opinions of others if we wish to grow and change for the better. You're part of OWS now. It's time to grow.
'Cept that it isn't new.
You be open to the opinions of others. I have already given many of them entirely too much air time.
Query-if we open our minds too far do our brains fall out? Yep.
Ostriches may hide their heads in the sand, but their butts can still be shot.
Good. That is what I am counting on.
Opt-Out has never worked. But Hey I would not mind if you opted out of this forum.
Voting does not work in a corrupted and busted system, that's why OWS exists in the first place.
You should not wish that I opt out of this forum. I do not wish that you leave. All voices must be heard. All voices have a place. Censorship never leads to truth. You banning Odin did not help OWS. It only hurt it.
Opting out alone is not the solution, but opting out to protest is.
Sorry - there you go with your floating in space no connection to reality again. You are a voice of defeatism and do nothing ( opt out ). No one will miss you.
Opting out to protest is not doing nothing. It's called protesting. It's called fighting the broken system because we don't believe in it. It's called OWS. Try it sometime. Get out of bed and head to the streets. Protest for your right as a citizen to taste equality and justice.
Like I said you have no clue as to potentials or do you(?) and you are just trying to limit potentials - so go away.
OH Welcome Back GF - very well said - Can you post this as an open letter to government and The People? I would love to send it out to government and put it out on social media for the public to read and share.
I think that it has been tweeted and retweeted. :D
The more the better I always say. Especially when it is good. {:-])
Nice to read again, & valuable for everyone to be reminded.
So much is wrong, So much work to do, This will take years to correct.
Why?
because he cannot win and therefore can do nothing for America
however if you write him in you will feel good
and david & charlie will feel good
Of course Rocky Anderson can’t win. Likewise, the occupy movement can’t defeat the masters of mankind. The .1% have clearly revealed themselves as murderous thieves without morals or conscience and thus it is only prudent to assume that the greatest enemies of world peace have no fear of crushing any number of individuals that stand in their way of total world control.
Logically therefore, the fundamental objective of the occupy movement has to be focused on exalting moral truth and in exposing the lies and evil intent of the masters of mankind and to alert the world to the greatest globally significant deceptions that seduce and control. http://everythingimportant.org/
exalting moral truth - and that will make you feel good?
will it help tax the 1% and hire the 99%
will it help to decimate welfare and social security
will it create more tensions with Iran
will it help increase the PIC
will it continue to stop torture
and that will make you feel good?
exalting moral truth - and that will make you feel good?
I don't know for sure if it will help but I can guarantee voting in either romny or obama will only help the corporations, not us.
tell that to the GM employees or the ex-employees fired by bain
Or I could tell the bankers considering obama hasn't even slapped their wrists.
It is doing what God requires and also maximizes all that the occupy movement can truly achieve.
I think the people are just resigned to go along with the system
80% polled want to sever the money link to politics
Thats not going along
Thats giving the government back to the people
the government funds programs
that's a political money link
poll desires do not express drive to change
"Why Isn’t the Occupy Movement Rallying Around Rocky Anderson's 2012 Presidential Campaign?"
Too much work.
Then why not vote for Jill Stein, the Green Party Presidential Candidate?
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Ralph Nader? the man who brought us George Bush? now wants to give us Romney, imagine that!
Nader the traitor has crawled under a rock,
It’s the only place safe from the things that he wrot.
As millennia approached us, we had one last shot,
To keep the planet we’re on from getting, too damn hot.
But Nader thought better his name should be heard.
And Gore was left standing with only his word.
you still preaching that crap?
You ever think if Gore just took up some of the values Nader had that he could have gotten more votes?
Don't leave out the voter fraud either. Or money in politics. Or even the bullshit that is the electoral college. There is more to every election than Nader.
You should stop looking at things with such an ignorant view point.
If government officials want more people to vote for them... they should just represent them better.
I always like the guy telling the truth that "corporations and banks run the government."
actions matter