Occupy Wall Street

[strawberrythief]

I don't think the Occupy movement is really just about the role of business in government...

Probably not. Maybe just anti-corporate sentiment in general. I am interested to see what it turns into though. I do hope that it isn't hijacked by the far far left like the Tea Party has been by the far far right. I don't think that how we see the Tea Party is currently is how it was intended. That's at least what I like to hope - because who wants America to be full of a bunch of extremist nut jobs?

[denise]

I hope this movement starts all across the country. It is also teachers and such who are sick, and tired of Wall Street and big business who will not pay taxes. I am also! Michael Moore is on it this too. The rich have gotten away with too much for too long!

[Flower Lady]

The Tea Party stuff isn't about promoting radical right-wing politics (like having abortion as a centerpiece or something), but more about making people who are closer to the center believe what the Tea Party represents is what you believe and want.

Which has been part of the catalyst for this movement, I think. Perhaps there have been more people driven to the left because of the Tea Party?

[Cap'n Ken]

Apparently the "movement" includes opposition to using drone aircraft in wars. And a tactic to advance that is attempting to rush into the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. It did not end well; they're lucky it didn't end with a lot more human damage. You don't go and threaten things like Smithsonian collections.

I'm pretty sure if this "movement" is going to go anywhere there will need to be a little better focus and tactical thought.

[James]

I think it is a general, "We're not going to take it anymore ..." movement. Primarily from the left of center. As with the TP, folks will bring any old gripe out of the closet for a good protest, but the main point that appears to be coming across is dissatisfaction with wealth inequality and the perceived reasons for that inequality.

[Cap'n Ken]

Good God this is painful to watch

Occupy Atlanta Silences Civil Rights Hero John Lewis!

Between the ridiculous hippie notion that everything that happens needs to be endlessly debated (hey, if you just told Lewis he could talk for two minutes, that would have taken about one fifth the time it took you to debate whether he should be allowed to speak) and the soul-deadening repeating of every line (when you have a megaphone, guys, you don't need to do that), if this "movement" were to decide they should come up with some kind of cohesive message I don't think they would get there before about 2055.

[ManBearPig]

Good God this is painful to watch

Occupy Atlanta Silences Civil Rights Hero John Lewis!

Between the ridiculous hippie notion that everything that happens needs to be endlessly debated (hey, if you just told Lewis he could talk for two minutes, that would have taken about one fifth the time it took you to debate whether he should be allowed to speak) and the soul-deadening repeating of every line (when you have a megaphone, guys, you don't need to do that), if this "movement" were to decide they should come up with some kind of cohesive message I don't think they would get there before about 2055.

I could only make it to three minutes.  You are correct, that was very, very painful.  I hope my soul recovers.

[insan0]

Good God this is painful to watch

Occupy Atlanta Silences Civil Rights Hero John Lewis!

Between the ridiculous hippie notion that everything that happens needs to be endlessly debated (hey, if you just told Lewis he could talk for two minutes, that would have taken about one fifth the time it took you to debate whether he should be allowed to speak) and the soul-deadening repeating of every line (when you have a megaphone, guys, you don't need to do that), if this "movement" were to decide they should come up with some kind of cohesive message I don't think they would get there before about 2055.

I could only make it to three minutes.  You are correct, that was very, very painful.  I hope my soul recovers.

Truly painful!  The hypnotic repeating of every 4-6 syllables from the megaphone reached profound absurdity levels towards the end  when the crowd repeated 'Mic check' several times.  And the leaders advocacy of decision by consensus not only prevented Lewis from speaking because 1 person didn't want it, it amounts to tacit approval of the gridlock that currently exists.

[barbecuesteve]

I'm told this manner of speech is employed to spread the words beyond the original speaker because they are prohibited from using megaphones without a permit.

But I too found it intolerable to watch. I didn't even stick around for the juicy part. *shrug*

[Tvshooter]

I'm told this manner of speech is employed to spread the words beyond the original speaker because they are prohibited from using megaphones without a permit.

But I too found it intolerable to watch. I didn't even stick around for the juicy part. *shrug*

But they used it anyway.....      

[Cap'n Ken]

I'm told this manner of speech is employed to spread the words beyond the original speaker because they are prohibited from using megaphones without a permit.

But I too found it intolerable to watch. I didn't even stick around for the juicy part. *shrug*

But they used it anyway.....    

I've read that in New York that manner of nails-in-your-brain speech is, indeed, used because they are prevented from using voice amplification devices. But as so deftly noted ... these people have a megaphone.

Maybe that more than anything shows the people gathering in Atlanta and elsewhere to be only mimicking the New York "movement". They have no idea why they're there, they just know to show up and say everything the guy up front says?

[meltco]

That video reminds me of this:

The Greater Good

[meltco]

Here's a good summation of the motives of the movement (not so sure those have been communicated very well by the Atlanta branch): http://current.com/shows/countdown/videos/special-comment-keith-reads-first-collective-statement-of-occupy-wall-street

[Mudd]

I find it impossible to believe that anyone on Wall Street (or Midtown, where most of the investment banks are now centered) could care give a shit about this movement. It's a complete waste of time.

My nephew, a 21-year old from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is going to Wall Street to protest. I told him "have fun and I hope you meet some fun people"...

[DrPhilPhreak4Jesus69420]

I'll agree that clip seems a little silly.  But I do appreciate what they are trying to do.  It's not a cohesive movement yet and it might never be.  At this point I think, it's only purpose is to voice frustration, raise awareness and build some solidarity.
IMHO, the right decision was made to turn him aside.