I posted this quote in another thread, but I want to put it here too because I think it's important and was wise beyond its years.
“I apprehend no danger to our country from a foreign foe . . . Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence, I must confess that I do apprehend some danger. I fear that they may place too implicit a confidence in their public servants, and fail properly to scrutinize their conduct; that in this way they may be made the dupes of designing men, and become the instruments of their own undoing. Make them intelligent, and they will be vigilant; give them the means of detecting the wrong, and they will apply the remedy.”
― Daniel Webster
What I see in the protest isn't a large group of whiners looking for free handouts. Perhaps there are those in the group whom are like that, but I think the overall has a valid point. Finally we see a large scale group of people stand up and say "NO! I do not want to be made the dupe! I will not become the instrument of my own undoing! This is my Republic damned it, and I'm going to have my say!" Stand up and critique, come forward and dissent! We have closed our eyes for too long towards the concerns of the government. We HAVE placed too much implicit faith in our public servants and we are paying the price. But if you feel that this Republic is worth the fight, if you believe that it's worth keeping, then you HAVE to do SOMETHING. You can no longer sit back watching reality TV and believing that nothing that happens outside has an impact on you. We as a People must teach government who is in charge.
For too long we have allowed them their way. We let them go, and look at what it has brought us. Wars in every region of the globe, expansive state building and interventionism, a corporate capitalist model which crushes economic mobility and free market principles, a failing economy, huge unemployment. And when the **** hit the fan, who did government help out? Us? No, it was the very corporations and banks and hedge funders who caused the problem. The "real" leaders of the government. I'm not the smartest man out there, I'm simply a man who loves his freedom and aim to keep it. I want more protest and more dissent, it warms my heart to see people take a stand. I may not agree with it, but so long as we can protest and dissent, so long as our voices can be heard, so long as we educate ourselves towards the concerns of government and move to protect ourselves from its overreaching grasp, we can remain free. You don't stay free by sitting on your ass, it takes continual energy to keep and maintain, infinite input from day to day, week to week, year to year, decade to decade.
This is a Republic, if you can keep it.
Actually, I suspect more along the lines of tresspassing, obstruction of traffic, vandalism, destruction of property, and actual assault ..... etc.
I do not see those as lines drawn against excesses in freedom of speech. To put it as you did is too noble IMMHO.
Except that this group is not protesting government. Not trying to show government "who is in charge". This group actually advocates larger government. This group advocates a larger government that will redistribute more wealth .......... from others to them. Their claim about corporations and "the rich" having too much money or influence is only so as to raise already highly progressive tax rates even higher. They do not advoacate the repeal of all the Bush Tax Cuts, but only those on the high end.
The Tea Party is the group taking government back. Tangible and measureable results were scene in Nov 2010. These OWS folks are all phoney baloney astro-turf free-loaders. I suggest they find work.
They cleaned the park last night rather than face eviction due to health concerns. I actually think that is kind of cute.
It also shows that they are more than the mindless mob that many here want to portray them as.
Its actually kind of funny that there are two contradictory memes coming out of the conservative media stream.
One that they are an irrelevant mob of ignorant kids who want handouts.
And a second where its a secret astroturf operation to a) get Obama re-elected or b) destroy our government and install communism in its place or c) insert nefarious left wing plot of choice.
I'm sure cognitive dissonance is resulting in profits for the makers of Motrin.
Agreed!someone should create a poll on this question!
Agreed!
I pick b!
TDS, aren't you like a reformist socialist or some such crap?
Im a democratic socialist....
What are you Khayembii Communique? What kind of "crap" are you?
A plaza /Park is absolutely private property...and you bet...every bit as much someones property as your moms house...and so you WOULD be upset if the occupiers squatted in your mothers house and **** wherever they felt like. Well...you are a LOUSY anarchist...but nice to know you value your mothers investment.
Both equal private property. That anarchy thing is a hoot, aint it?
Someone should create a poll on this question!
Oh yeah, that's right!
Lost track of that one!
You obviously have it well in hand!
Its the FLEA Party movement
Freeloading Liberals endorsing anarchy
what we need is some bug spray
Yet I managed to create the poll with my other one.
Sooo Turtle protesting is now endorsing anarchy???
Hmmmmmm
:lamo
Here: Community Reinvestment Act Notice Pdf
Let me summarize, the power of multiple organizations, including the Justice Department were allowed more lattitude in determining that "racist" practices that didn't happen did happen regardless of data otherwise and the threat of loss of accreditation as well as endless investigations were present. The banks did in fact start issuing sub-prime loans and once the derivatives became profitable the new industry was created on the bubble. So yes, it was in fact a major government failing.
The Libbos wanted everyone to own a house.
Its actually kind of funny that there are two contradictory memes coming out of the conservative media stream.
One that they are an irrelevant mob of ignorant kids who want handouts.
And a second where its a secret astroturf operation to a) get Obama re-elected or b) destroy our government and install communism in its place or c) insert nefarious left wing plot of choice.
I'm sure cognitive dissonance is resulting in profits for the makers of Motrin.
Why would you reprint my challenge to the statement of apdst and then give us a link which provides no proof of the claim?
And apdst - still waiting for you to prove your claim
Because your challenge is actually a history of how it got corrupted, it's all there. The only thing you need to add is the abuses that happened because of it.Why would you reprint my challenge to the statement of apdst and then give us a link which provides no proof of the claim?
And apdst - still waiting for you to prove your claim