Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mosaic

(1,451 posts)
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 04:16 PM Feb 2012

Occupy Movement Regroups, Preparing for Its Next Phase

Far from dissipating, groups around the country say they are preparing for a new phase of larger marches and strikes this spring that they hope will rebuild momentum and cast an even brighter glare on inequality and corporate greed. But this transition is filled with potential pitfalls and uncertainties: without the visible camps or clear goals, can Occupy become a lasting force for change? Will disruptive protests do more to galvanize or alienate the public?

Though still loosely organized, the movement is putting down roots in many cities. Activists in Chicago and Des Moines have rented offices, a significant change for groups accustomed to holding open-air assemblies or huddling in tents in bad weather.

On any night in New York City, which remains a hub of the movement, a dozen working groups on issues like “food justice” and “arts and culture” meet in a Wall Street atrium, and “general assemblies” have formed in 14 neighborhoods. Around the country, small demonstrations — often focused on banks and ending foreclosure evictions — take place almost daily.

If the movement has not produced public leaders, some visible faces have emerged.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/us/occupy-movement-regroups-laying-plans-for-the-next-phase.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&hp

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Deep13

(39,154 posts)
1. The idea should be to replace the status quo power structure...
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 05:17 PM
Feb 2012

...with a human community. We are not challenging power or overthrowing it or reforming it. We are replacing it because we are the nation and when the existing power elites no longer serve the people, they have to be dissolved. And that dissolution is not confined to what we artificially classify as public or governmental. Obviously, the wealthy interests behind the throne are at least as much our targets as their governmental puppets.

me b zola

(19,053 posts)
2. Thrilled to hear about the May Day general strike--we will be participating
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 06:36 PM
Feb 2012

The article, though, states that the unions are declining to participate in a general strike, but I believe that is because it is illegal for unions to join a general strike.

wiggs

(7,817 posts)
3. "The movement is putting down roots in many cities". Interesting project that
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 10:17 PM
Feb 2012

is a "spin-off" or way of "regrouping" that is not disruptive but is illuminating and powerful and is a way the Oakland protests have put down roots through photography/art. It's an echo of earlier protests...but a more palatable one that I bet a lot of people can find appropriate.

reposted from photography

Visit http://insideoutoccupyoakland.wordpress.com/ and read the statements under the portraits

or visit the kickstarter version:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/insideoutoccupy/inside-out-occupy-oakland

2ndAmForComputers

(3,527 posts)
4. Well, well, well. It seems Monday, April 30, I will start to show the symptoms of a bad cold.
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 10:20 PM
Feb 2012

Which I will have caught Sunday.

 

unkachuck

(6,295 posts)
6. "...they are preparing for a new phase of larger marches and strikes..."
Sun Feb 12, 2012, 11:22 PM
Feb 2012

....bless them all....

....one thing should be clear to everyone, we will never be able to de-corrupt or reform this country through the existing two parties....

....the Republican party should have been declared an illegal terrorist group years ago and the Democrats have demonstrated they're incapable of systemic reform....

....if things are to change, something completely new is needed....

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Occupy Movement Regroups,...