I am going to ask all who participate in civil disobedience on S17 to think about the following:
1. We claim to represent the 99 percent in suffering horrific unemployment, limited work opportunity, escalating income inequality and student loan debt with limited opportunity for work etc.
2. When we had wide-spread support in 2011 as measured by large numbers and very positive press coverage, our message was focused: we made it clear that we were angry about money in politics, untenable income inequality, and the unemployment of many while a few flourish.
3. Since then, support has suffered as Occupy has become associated with fights with cops, diffuse anger and a less focused message.
4. If we are to win, we need the support of the clerk in Youngstown, the single mother facing foreclosure in Denver and the union postal worker who faces losing his job.
5. What do these images convey? They say to me that these men are criminals. Otherwise, why would they be hiding behind a mask? Are they felons? Do they plan to commit crimes? Will these crimes be violent?
It is probable that none of the following is true, and that these activists are emulating anarchists in Greece. But think about the message that the masks convey: We are dangerous, we are frightening.
And perhaps most important: we are not anything like most members of the 99 percent.
Some may say my concerns are trivial. But mass movements need support to win. We can not effect change in this society through small cadre actions.
Please on Sept. 17, go out with love in your hearts, a focused message and a consciousness about what we need to do to win support from the people who need us most.
The anniversary of the Occupy Wall St is coming up and in preparation the NYPD has installed concrete blocks around the Zuccotti park. These props, among many others, are being produced as part of planned Sept 17th actions.
we made it clear that we were angry about money in politics, untenable income inequality, and the unemployment of many while a few flourish.
(Source: occupywallstreet, via oldenough2burmom)
