Reply #7: Some good insights, observations, and suggestions in the article, but...

[Zorra]

But, as the author wrote about the occupation, he's just not that into it. I quote him directly here, "I’m just not that into it".

The entire piece was critical, and did not acknowledge the many positive and productive results of the occupations up to this point.

Subtly encouraging apathy while ignoring the positive effects of the occupation is not constructive. The "I'll just wait and see what happens" mindset is a breach of solidarity once a phenomenon like this gains momentum.

One blatantly obvious positive effect of the occupation is made clear by the author's very action in writing about the occupation in his article. He would not have written the article if he had not been made aware of the occupation due to the actions of the occupiers. The actions of the occupiers caused he author to think about the situation. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the occupation is causing a large number of others to become aware of, {i]to think about the situation.

This in itself a is huge victory for the occupiers (and We the People), and this despite a much commented upon consistent media blackout. It is a victory for hope, and possible change, as well.
:applause:

The basic tactics of occupation, non-violent civil disobedience and non-cooperation are extremely valuable in the birth stages of a movement. A major intent of this struggle right now is to increase awareness of the reasons for the occupation en masse, and attract more participants and support, as well as to form a bond of unity and solidarity in spirit and purpose among individuals and sub-groups. I agree with the author that it needs to eventually go to another level, but no other level would be attainable without what has already been gained.

Another intent is to make the PTB fully understand that they are on very shaky ground. One issue I have with the article is it's inference that the people that work on Wall St. don't give a fuck. I realize that the author has been there, and I haven't. But I strongly suspect that it is false bravado if it appears that Wall St is unconcerned. It's pretty much a sure bet that they do. They are clearly the enemy here. If things get seriously out of control, there will be piss in their Gucci's before they realize their socks are wet. I'm guessing the majority of cops have no great love for them and would rather see some of them dragged into the street rather than shoot down the working folks that Wall St. preys upon. Despite the actions of a few bad cops, it is reasonable to speculate that most NYPD cops, being union, feel some kinship with the protesters or their cause. The self-described "Masters of the Universe" can't feel all that secure, unless they are really stupid.

So, IMO, "Bastille" is a word that should be foremost in the minds of the Wall St. cabal, simply because large groups of people become unpredictable very quickly under the right circumstances, especially when threatened and trapped.

Another issue I have with the article is the inference of vandalism/violence as a tactic.

Violence would turn us into black hats overnight in the eyes of the general public. Video recoding equipment should be used at all times to help identify planted PTB agitators hired to commit acts of violence and vandalism, like the ones that infiltrated the Seattle protest in 1999.

Anyway, the occupation of the big city nearest me is coming up soon.

I plan to be there, and I plan to be sleeping in the park for awhile, and would be doing so even if I lived in a penthouse crosstown somewhere.

Solidarity.

I'm totally into it. Plus I love pizza.

peace