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Edited on Tue Nov-15-11 06:24 AM by Are_grits_groceries
The calls for OWS to choose leaders and make demands is growing. Once again, the PTB don't know how to deal with a different type of protest or group structure. They want the protesters to conform to a pattern they are used to. It would be much easier to try to coopt the protests and their message if this happens.
IMHO the protests are succeeding by changing the economic message to inequality instead of deficit reduction. The budgets do need to be restructured,but not at the expense of all social programs, basic services, safety nets, and creation of jobs. It's wrong to refuse to consider any tax increases on anyone and at the same push for more tax cuts for those who need them least.
Creating more jobs and keeping the basic structure of government sound will do a great deal to strengthen the economy. Unless and until all of the people begin to feel economically safe, the economy will continue to teeter and remain a problem. It doesn't hurt the 1% for it to remain unstable as you can see by the massive bonuses they still receive and the power they still wield.
OWS keeps these alternative ideas alive and in the discussion. The movement needs to keep growing horizontally not vertically. One of the few things that the protesters have to counter the power of the police and the establishment is numbers. Just the sheer number of people involved can help keep harsh action at bay, or bring it to light, and/or spread the message to all corners.
One of the best and most remarkable features of OWS is the geographical and general reach. As long as the basic message stays the same, it defies the norm and occurs in all areas of the country. It also brings together disparate elements such as different political parties and different classes. People who don't normally protest or even think about it have begun to consider the message because they are getting seriously pinched.
One general effort the protests do need to make is a counter push against the growing meme by the authorities to label them as crime waves. That label will ruin the protet and scare off people. Those problems are not confined to OWS alone. They occur in varying degrees in every neighborhood or even venue where a lot of people gather.
Keep the 'chaos.' Keep it controlled and keep it out of reach of the PTB no matter who they are.
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