I'm pretty sure that, in the not so distant future, politicians will begin to feel the heat of OWS.

[boston bean]

Poll question: I'm pretty sure that, in the not so distant future, politicians will begin to feel the heat of OWS.

Do you agree?

And

Would you like to see it happen?

[Little Star]

1. I think they are already feeling a little bit of warmth. n/t

[MindandSoul]

2. I sure hope so! And those of us who cannot participate should keep the

heat going through e-mails and blogs!

There are too many Right wing bloggers who are belittleling the movement and making disparaging comment (i.e. the flea party).

[jwirr]

16. Agreed - all we have to tell them in the email is that we are the 99%.

They will get the message. And we should do it to rethugs and Democrats alike as well as the WH. Not as a threat but as a message that we support them.

[Telly Savalas]

3. There's no choice for "maybe, but it would be nice to see happen"

Politicians won't feel any heat unless they know their chances of being reelected are threatened. OWS won't contribute to such a threat unless candidates sympathetic to their goals run for office next year.

I know that the romantic notion that change can't be found in the ballot box is popular in some circles, but the simple fact of the matter is that the status quo will largely remain intact so long as laws are being made by the types of folks currently inhabiting Capitol Hill. These people need to be replaced by leaders who will represent a true improvement, and hopefully OWS can be a catalyst for this.

Banking regulations, foreign policy, and tax laws aren't made in the streets. They're made in marble buildings in Washington, DC. We need to fill these buildings with people that properly represent the 99%. I'm not saying OWS needs to be doing anything differently. I'm just saying that my hope is that they raise awareness sufficiently to encourage people to stop voting for people that oppose their interests.

[boston bean]

4. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think focusing on politicians and policy is the next natural step.

And I for one would like to see a two pronged strategy. Politicians and Wall Street $$.

[Telly Savalas]

14. I think it is too. But I'm not certain that step will be taken successfully.

It's up against the combination of big money, bad US journalistic standards, a climate of political stupidity, and a host of other factors that maintain the status quo.

Not trying to be a wet blanket here. We just need to recognize that this is an uphill battle, and to exercise patience when appropriate.

But all else aside, the first step to fixing the problems in this country is to fight apathy, and if nothing else OWS is achieving successes on that front.

[boston bean]

15. good point. I think it's really important for people to realize this movement is in its infancy.

Any step forward is a huge victory. They who control our lives will go gently into that goodnight.

OWS is a start and more than we've had in a generation or two. I hope it continues to grow.

[LWolf]

5. I would like to see every politician

who does not immediately "occupy" Congress, the oval office, or various state offices on our behalf, and remain in occupation until we've accomplished every single goal, voted out. No quarter.

[ChandlerJr]

6. Not until they focus on DC with some big numbers

Too spread out, decentralized for any real effect.

[Quixote1818]

7. I am wondering if the exodus from the big banks is going to cause them

to put pressure on the politicians to make something happen. It's the loss of money that speaks the loudest.

[boston bean]

8. That is a good thought. Critical mass has to be reached. We are not there yet,

and maybe I'm too hopeful, but do think we will get there.

[Mimosa]

9. I have one concern.

Based on the power structure tactics to derail the antiwar protests during the late 1960s, the OWS people need to be watchful for infiltrators who will try to incite violent acts.

The FBI was involved in such actions back then.

[boston bean]

10. Yes, you're right. That should be a big concern. With the phones and videos

people can take now a day, I think that helps some, no?

[Mimosa]

11. Yes.

But remember that cyper snitch guy (forgot his name) claimed he was attending OWS too. From his own website (it may be scrubbed by now) it looked as though he was soliciting domestic Black Ops work. *scary*

Ah ha, I actually remembered his name was Ryan. Thomas Ryan. I don't want to link to his site from D.U.

http://gawker.com/5850054

[boston bean]

12. yep, everyone must stay vigilant! It is a concern, that's for sure!

I guess with the new technology, they also have new ways to pervert the message.

[Gin]

13. wait until the super duper committee comes out with the SS cuts

and Medicare cuts....the OWS has taken the lid off a big bottle of rage in the middle class...

the next round from congress will be the straw that breaks the camels back..(IMHO)

[workinclasszero]

17. There will be a huge explosion of rage on that day!

Any fuckin pol of ANY party that backs that shit is HISTORY!