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Occupy Portland is a nonviolent movement for accountability in the United States government. At 12PM on October 6th, 2011 we will assemble at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, North Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza, at The Pavilion in Portland, OR where Saturday Market touches the river, just south of the Burnside Bridge. If you are coming from the MAX, get off at Skidmore fountain and walk east to the Waterfront. We will be near the fountain.
We will gather in solidarity with the ongoing protest in New York City, Occupy Wall Street, and the growing number of cities whose people will no longer sit back watching corporate and special interests run their government. We are citizens of the United States, and this country is ours. We will take it back.
It is no longer enough to vote and to participate in the political system because our political system has been altered drastically from its intended and proper function. Currently, we are allowed to pick from a few candidates whose campaigns are funded more and more by large organizations, corporations, and special interests. The success of their campaigns depends largely on how the corporate mass media presents them. When our elected officials enter office they then pander to the small groups responsible for their election. Even good men and women cannot make real improvements that benefit the American people.
We are one city in a growing national movement of people who no longer feel that their government works in their best interest. We will assemble on October 6th to demonstrate peaceful, substantive democracy and work for real change.
Our government is divided. We, the people, are united.
Hey! Im a recent transplant from portland to new York. I’m down a t #occupywallstreet every day or every other as my life allows. I’m exited to hear your starting up and want to say yaaaaayaya. This national movement against corporate plutocracy could end up being one of the most important things that happens this year and if we really get it together even this decade. Portland is ripe with the sentiment that corporate culture, corporate values, and corporate greed needs to be overthrown! Do your part and show up, camp out, talk alot, and represent the 99% of Americans against the shadow government of the 1%.
In solidarity. Tomhmm
Thanks for looking in on us Tom and thanks for standing strong with those at #occupywallstreet You all inspire us!!! We will come in force and represent PDX style!
I sort of dislike the language in this announcement. It makes it seem like the enemy are rich people, the wealthiest 1% of Americans even. Rich people are not immediately the enemy, and the enemy include more than just the top 1% wealthiest. The issue isn’t wealth, it’s corruption. I’ve taken ‘we are the 99 percent’ not to specifically relate to wealth, but to mean generally, those of us who are no longer being represented by our government.
Hey Johny, feel free to get involved, we’re all just regular, imperfect people. We’re not getting paid for this, it is a labor of love. If you feel like something should be worded differently then please, by all means lend a hand!
I’m only good at nit picking
Being a native of portland for 56 years this brings light and hope to a dark time in our history.I will be there will my children. I want theme to see that the spark has finally been struck.We have a job to do in this country and it is time to stop the corp take over of america.It is time to lift the hoodies off your heads and take back what your fathers and grandfathers worked them selfs to death for.I have been waiting and watching new york I knew the media black out was over when the today show had it this morning Bring music ligts camera action it has to be big it has to cross all age group all levels of folks Almost everyone has been affected
6
Glad to have you on board and in the proper spirit of forging a better world for our children!!!! Please if you have any interest in helping we could use it! Many hands make light work. See “Needs of the Occupiers” and then post in a relevant committee group under “Organize and Discuss” to get started.
The Jefferson quote is offending to me. “The continent their father’s conquered” is referring to the near decimation of the Native American people. Know what I mean?
I hear ya, I’m Shoshoni Indian myself. But I do feel like the overall message sticks. If you don’t like it, then get involved and propose a change. I’m not against that idea, we’re all in this struggle together and none of us are perfect.
Ok. I suggest you place a “…” after “their children wake-up homeless”. Then continue on with “The issuing power, etc.” I don’t believe I am Native American, however, I often wish I was.
Much appreciated for the information and share!
Nancy
We changed the wording of the introduction. Please continue with the constructive comments!
I think it is very well-written. Tom would be/is proud.
I actually liked the first one better – it was more defiant, although I agree that the quote from Thomas Jefferson wasn’t necessary.
I’m so glad I heard of this site, although I can’t recall how. Anyways, who started this? Who are you affiliated with? Have you done protests in Portland before? You all do know that cops here are some of the most brutal in the country, right? That they negotiated as part of their contract that they couldn’t be screened for steroids? Not trying to scare anyone, I want this to be peaceful, but what has peace got us over the last 10 years? It got us more violence and more wars! Power will concede nothing without force! Just be prepared is all I’m saying. Truth and Justice for all!
We’re just regular Portland citizens from many walks of life banding together to make this happen. We draw our inspiration from the ongoing wallstreet occupation. Please also visit OccupyTogether.org they have lists to the more than 40 planned Occupy movements all over the country!
Get involved, this is about we the people!
Excellent points. Passivity hasn’t gotten us much lately, only maced faces, dislocated shoulders and busted heads. Most police forces in America now are militarized and their responses and reactions are typically way out of proportion to peaceful protests. Not advocating violence either, just perhaps a little more aggression and less peace signs. Fascists and nazis aren’t moved by singing kumbaya to them.
IMHO, Police departments have been gearing up for a revolt from the American public for quite a while because they knew this financial crisis was going to hit. They’ve even been training our soldiers which I’m fairly certain is illegal. It’s pretty freaky but if we don’t do something now, never is close by.
Shouldn’t we be camped in front of the banks or city hall? Won’t the park rather get us ignored?
We have to be legally allowed to occupy a space is the main issue. Our daily marches through the city will keep us in-view. Not to mention the waterfront has great visibility for people’s drive home and to work.
No ignoring us in Portland, be sure of that! I’d like to suggest camping on Federal land as others have suggested, it limits the ability to evict as long as we’re clear it’s a political protest. The Terry Schrunk Plaza was the location of a long standing protest after 9/11.
Agreed. A lot of events take place in the Waterfront Park, so they’ve become pretty easy to ignore…we need to find federal property. This is Portland. No doubt we’ll get attention from fellow activists, but we can’t make it so easy for the feds to shrug us off. We need to occupy their property and ruffle some feathers.
you can legally camp on Federal land for 10 days for free, then you have to move along for about 5 days, then you can come back for another 10 days. It’ll be hard for anyone to figure out whose been there for 10 days and who hasn’t.
A couple good reads for people new to the idea of Peaceful Solidarity with OccupyWallStreet:
http://dissenter.firedoglake.com/2011/09/27/why-establishment-media-the-power-elite-loathe-occupy-wall-street/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracey-e-vitchers/occupyingnot-riotingwall-_b_980003.html
We will determine exactly where to occupy once we gather in General Assembly. This is an exercise in real democracy. The only things for certain are the meeting time, the location and our methods of protest.
Reading over the new statement again, I’m having some difficulties with it. I was going to state my objections, but I’ll just submit a new draft tomorrow and see what folks think after I’ve had some time to mull it over. What we say here is important – it’s the primary message being relayed to anyone interested in the occupation.
8-Point Plan for Restoring the Republic:
1. End the FED.
2. Reverse Citizens United.
3. Repeal PATRIOT Act.
4. Expose 9/11 Truth.
5. End Profit Wars.
6. Refund Taxpayer Trillions.
7. Imprison the Kleptocrats.
8. Single Term Limits.
Very good list. I would just add: if you or anyone have any investments via the financial markets, take them out. Deny Wall Street further business and take away any money of yours they’re already using (e.g. 401Ks). We know that capitalists will never voluntarily do the right thing unless compelled by law to do so. We know that’s one task where the Obama administration has fallen far short. But another way to drive a strong message home to a capitalist is to take business away from him! That would include ending support for financial planners and brokers. They always win no matter if traders/investors win or lose. They don’t call them BROKErs for nothing!
By the way, by ‘capitalist’ I mean the Wall Street insider thieves at the financial and commodity exchanges, brokers, banksters and behemoth corporations that pay little or no taxes and take our jobs to China, NOT local small businesses. OK off my soapbox now. See y’all at the demonstrations!
That has a feelgood quality to it, but at this point, people have very limited choice regarding their 401(k) investments. This is NOT a proposal we can take to the 99%. What we truly need is to nationalize the big banks and financial institutions to make them more like public utilities which SUPPORT the real economy instead of destroying it.
I find credit unions are a very good alternative.
I agree. I think Thom Hartman said yesterday, close down your bank accounts and join a credit union. As far as everything I read, credit unions came out of this crisis unscathed as they didn’t blow their money on speculation and gambling in the stock market.
Big banks ate little banks, as long as your money is in a big bank you are feeding the machine.
Remember we vote with our dollar. Used to be back in the 60s and 70s we’d just boycott companies. Grocery stores put yellow tape along isles of sugar announcing the boycott. It was extremely effective.
Why aren’t we doing this????
Galen, I think we do have a choice with regard to 401Ks and other retirement instruments. They can be withdrawn, though with a possible penalty. Nationalizing the banks is a great ultimate goal and I agree with working toward that, but it requires a lot of steps (objectives) along the way. Taking our money out of banks (and retirement accounts that are subject to financial market risks) is something we the 99% can do NOW. Darren is also right on – credit unions are the excellent obvious alternative to banks. But by all means break up any financial institution that threatens to take our economy hostage. Right now we’re subordinate to Wall Street and we have to reverse that state of affairs.
Great outline! Also recommend http://occupywallst.org/forum/proposed-list-of-demands-please-help-editadd-so-th/ over at the OWS site
In Solidarity!
Add REFORM TARIFFS!! Which is far more important than a few things on this list at this date and time.
Perhaps you could go after AUDIT the Fed for beginners. Once done the criminal information found might undo it alone.
Which kleptocrats?
Single term limits for who?
Expose 9/11 truth?
You need to be more specific and prioritize your list.
Occupy NY has a brilliant list of demands. You should at least look at it.
I set up a twitter page @occupypdx and email address
I will retweet and post any media that is sent to these.
Thank you! Follow @OccupyOregon anf RT from there.
Also a google+ page for occupypdx
Brad please send the draft to
[...] The Movement Starts October 6 in PortlandArticle by admin on September 28th, 2011 at 12:32 pmABOUT OCCUPY PORTLAND, OROccupy Portland is a nonviolent movement for accountability in the United States government. [...]
Any idea for how long it will last?
I can’t be there at 12 noon, but might make it by 2 or 3 pm.
The overall protest? Oct 6th, all day every day. This is in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, so we go as long as they do, if not longer! Obviously you aren’t required to, and you can even come a couple times. But support is welcome in whatever form you choose.
Leonard, we will be in Portland, occupying public space indefinitely. All info about locations, times and logistics will be updated on this website in real time.
Are there minutes to the meeting somewhere? I’m twittering this to the world and find it a challenge to find updated info.
Anyone have a chance to read the draft I sent? Any thoughts?
Consensus Not Really Reached on the Permit at Tonight’s GA
At tonight’s General Assembly, democracy was a little lacking. After a general outline/proposal was presented (with little debate and no process of approval), folks broke up into smaller work groups. One of these groups ended up focusing on whether or not to get a permit. At the beginning of this group discussion, a police office was given the floor, then stayed for the whole discussion. He asked folks to get a permit, saying that it would help them protect us (from ourselves?!?). The process was confusing, and it was never made clear what kind of decision making we were using. Some spoke of consensus, but then other folks were seconding proposals and voting. At one point, one of the facilitators said something about how “consensus does not mean everyone agrees”. Many people raised objections to applying for a permit. One objection I had was that we debated all of this with the police officer present. Shouldn’t we have had a space where we could openly discuss the pros and cons without fear of being identified as a troublemaker by Officer Friendly, or giving away too much information about our plans? Other people raised concerns about the smaller group making such an important decision. This concern was dismissed by the facilitator, who argued that the smaller group had been tasked with making this decision. The facilitator also abused their role by arguing for a Gandhian, non-adversarial approach (but how is an occupation not adversarial?)
Anyway, when it came time to make the decision, it became even more confusing. What I understood was that we had not decided on the permit, but that we were going to forward whatever recommendations we came up with to the larger group. Folks did seem to agree to that, but I don’t recall folks ever clearly agreeing to what that recommendation would be. But even if people did agree to seek a permit, I don’t think it ever made it back to the larger group for confirmation.
My advice: be MUCH clearer about the decision making process you are using. Consensus, modified consensus, majority voting, whatever. Also, I think that the facilitators need to put their opinions aside, focus on facilitating the process, and not abuse their leadership role by advocating for one position or another, as we saw tonight.
The issue of whether or not to apply for a permit is a big deal, one that deserved a much more transparent (and I would argue, officer-free) process. I also think it should have been brought in the larger group, even if true consensus would have been to hard to reach.
Sorry to be such a party pooper, but I think these are important issues, and democratic movements need to have stronger foundations in this area.
On the postive side, I was very impressed with the enthusiasm on display, and the large number of people in attendance. I’m now confident that there will be a good showing on Thursday.
(I would love it if someone re-posted this to the Facebook page)
this was the first time i read this explaination. i agree the permit decisin is a big one and should be decided by the aproved method of decision making by the group as a whole. whatever that may be. i stand with the resulting decision.
catherine valenzuela
I understand your frustration – but please – please – let’s all try to let such things go. It’s very difficult to organize a lot of people and to get everyone’s approval about all the details. If we can at least agree to be non-violent and agree that the current state of this country is unacceptable – that we must stop government/corporate abuse – then let’s go forward as a cohesive group. No group process will be perfect – so please – let’s make this happen. It’s in-fighting that weakens us.
I used a lot of your page to make the site for Eugene. Just thought you should know. And thanks.
Just to clarify this bit of information about JP Morgan/Chase donating the 4.6 million to the NYCP Foundation since it also has been posted on a lot of sites in the last 24 hours. The donation was not made in response or fear to the occupy wallstreet protests. It was made back in early june / late may of this year for the NYCP Foundation’s 40th anniversary.
http://cityarts.info/2011/06/14/new-york%E2%80%99s-finest/
This is not to ignore the fact that foundations are beheld to their large contributers and do their best to sustain profitable relationships this was not a RECENT ‘buy-off’ of the police force to quell protests.
This about sums it up for me: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/6201833302_60a1bca903_z.jpg
See you Wednesday.
Thursday is the start of the protest.
US MARINES have pledged to “March with Protestors in NYC”, in their “dress blues” to “guard & protect the people and the constitution of the united states of america against all enemies….” YES!! SEMPRE FI!! HooRah!! Has anyone contacted the Marines in PDX???…. Someone needs to send an invitation! [last reports show Navy, Army, Coast Guard forces joining the Marines!]
Occupy Wallstreet Update! The Marines are Coming to PROTECT the Protesters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp-eapYpL8c
This is Fantastic!
‘The Fed’ (Federal Reserve Bank) just recently handed over $2.2,000,000,000,000 (Trln!) of OUR MONEY to mostly Foreign Banks! Wall Street Traders spend over $1.3,000,000,000,000 PER DAY!! The Koch Roaches have increased their Personal Wealth from $30,000,000,000 (Bln) to $50,000,000,000 in the last 9 years.
How much has Your income increased?
We will fight for Everyone’s Rights, even those who scream & yell & call US names…because Democracy & Justice is either for ALL of US or None of US!
And some people are due for some Justice they’ve managed to evade for too long! ~*’)
Hey indie journalist here in Portland. I will be there taking pictures running twitter and helping do my part with communications. Does anyone know how I can get in contact with the Communications Committee? Twitter #pdxrisemedia Facebook.com/pdxrisemedia
I am an active member within the communications committee, but I would suggest checking out the Organize and Discuss page for specifics. If you have detailed questions you can email me at . Thanks for getting behind the movement!
We are #occupypdx on Twitter and , tag us!
Hey, how about holding demo that us working stiffs can attend?
It starts Oct. 6th, and continues everyday, every week, and every month. You can come on the weekends
Hi, OP! I am so pleased to see you guys planning all this. While I am not available to “occupy” full time, is there a place for volunteers who would like to join you for the weekends, help with cooking or cleaning (I know how to scrub pots and pans at the very least) or pack things off to the dryers for you all? (I’m sure it’ll be very cold and wet down by the river.) I am especially impressed by everyone who has the nerve to occupy full time and, lacking that myself, would like to know other ways that I can help.
There are quite likely millions of people in America who are in complete sympathy with the intentions of the various protests being held in conjunction with Occupy Wall Street. Unfortunately, many of us are living a good distance from the gatherings and cannot directly participate. My energy and support is with you all the way. I want you to know that this movement is bringing real hope and possibilities for meaningful democratic change to our economic and political systems. Stand strong! The cause is just. The time is now.
Ah, but there IS a way to support them. In fact, I can offer SEVERAL great ways to do it;
1 – Look up locally owned businesses that deliver food and get some food and water delivered to the occupiers. $40 worth of cheapo pizza goes a long way!
2 – Get the word out about the movement, don’t let mainstream media confuse the truth about it with friends/families/peers
3 – Everyday, hashtag your twitter/facebook.. show support and solidarity.
4 – Move your bank account to a credit union.
This is going to last as long as it takes. We’ll all see you there at some point
That would be great! Get on that guys!
Whiffies fried pies are going to make an #OccuPie special! Support your local Cartlandia!
Member of SAG and AFTRA (currently serving on the board). I would be willing and able to deliver a speech regarding (among other topics), ‘Union decline’.
If you would like to include 10 minutes from an insider and Portland Native, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Duane Hanson
http://www.duanehansonactor.com
I am in full support of this!
“We need a revolution every 200 years, because all governments become Stale and Corrupt after 200 years.”
-Benjamin Franklin
If you have posters or fliers I am a master private distributor and I would LOVE to help get the word out more
Everyone also needs to be sure to bring helmets (bike helmets work) sunglasses, bandanas, something to protect yourselves from the undoubtedly aggressive police response.
Please, be safe and stay strong
Occupy the Nation
Occupy the World
We already do
I mentioned the same thing regarding protection on the indy site…with no response. Maybe people think because it’s going to be a “non-violent” protest/occupation nothing will happen. I for one don’t believe it…someone’s going to get gassed, someone going to get hit with a beanbag, etc etc. Has anyone discussed protection of women, children, & the elderly, or disabled?
How about making it so us wage slaves that work 8-5 can attend ? Saturday would be better for a bigger show here, you have lots of support amongst workers at my place of employment. Stop the greed!
This is an occupation, it’s ongoing!
It will DEFINITELY be on the weekend too.
Thank you. My following comments are intended to only encourage legal practices regarding activities of Occupy Portland: While the following website encourages each person to bring a small food provision, check for legality of food preparation if any is desired while on sight.
You may not be able to carry enough food for your entire visit. I hope someone is checking for legality of bringing food service trucks near the meeting place or travel route of the event. I hope this would be legal as it would help people to concentrate on the event more than locating food. If you know some local food truck vendors, you may want to ask them to check on the legality of selling food near the event.
Should you locate such vendors interested in the event, please direct them to the following website, time, and while noting the location, they will want to check with their local authorities regarding how close to the event they can legally vend food. If vending is not allowed right on-site of the gathering/travel route, the vendors may want to find out how close they can legally vend and they may want to notify Occupy Portland of the location where they will be vending:
https://occupyportland.org/ Notice from
above website provides time, place, purpose information
Occupy Portland is a nonviolent movement for accountability in the United States government. At 12PM on October 6th, 2011 we will assemble at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, North Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza, at The Pavilion in Portland, OR where Saturday Market touches the river, just south of the Burnside Bridge. If you are coming from the MAX, get off at Skidmore fountain and walk east to the Waterfront. We will be near the fountain.
Okay, lets do it again Saturday.
They aren’t leaving, show up with you get off work! Anytime is a good time for the First Amendment!
I’ll be there is some fashion or another.
Please correct the address on the website–1020 SW Naito is NOT Ankeny plaza but much farther south — I told a bunch of people the wrong location to assemble because of that address.
the occupy together site made the same mistake I did and say the gathering spot is morrison & naito.
PLEASE GET ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that the right address? I went to what my google map told me was 1020 Southwest Naito Parkway on the 2nd GA and no one was there. Can we put more detailed location info (maybe embed a map) on the top of the site?
Finally ! Thank you.
I think this is great!!! I AM A PEACEFUL PERSON, KEEP IN MIND!!!
I believe that my vote should count!!! I am an American!!! I am starting to think, our country should be divided. Put the 1% in Virginia and lets take over the rest of the country!!! We may not have the greatest houses or maybe not even electricity? We’ll probably have to farm our own land and ride horses, but that is real to me!!! I think the people that want a new government, need to forget the old one and make their own and rise up and start a new country!!! I don’t know what we should call it. Haven’t got that far yet!!!
I live in Virginia now and it IS THE MOST CONSERVATIVE STATE I have ever been in and am moving back to Portland at the beginning of November!!! Hi CH!!! LOL!!!
I am glad I came here! I see a whole different world!!! I am originally from NJ and lived on the Oregon coast for 9 years and Portland almost 1 and now am ready to come back. This state sucks so bad!!! Except the unemployment rate is on 6.1% not 9.1% like Portland, but I am going to fight to get a job and be a slave until I fight to not be a slave. I am up for it and I am not going to live off the government!!! I RESENT OUR GOVERNMENT!!! I THINK WE ALL DO? I don’t like resentments, but enough is enough!!! My face hurts from all the slaps!!!
We can adjust to the horses and farming and candles!!! We are strong, because we have to be in this place that we live!
Oh yeah, I wish you all the best and I wish I could be there!!! I will be soon!!! GET TO IT!!! AND REMEMBER, BE “PEACEFUL” please? Let’s show our government what “GOOD” people are!
You are only a victom if you think like one. Don’t buy the hype and think for yourself.
I am standing with you in the breach….we must work together to regain our hard fought freedoms….freedom from hunger is deserved by our people, but we must have work in order to eat and feed our families…this country is like it was in the
Middle Ages as: living in castles living off the sweat labor of the peasants….It is not fair!
I agree with Matt. MOVE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO A CREDIT UNION!
While I support this and the many other “Occupy…” protests, I was put off by the apparent censorship on the topic of “drugs.” I also know this is not the time to get bogged down in the minusha of any particular issue so I’ll just request clarification that the Portland group is or is not open to future discussion of US drug policy and it’s impact on civil society? Whatever, I am in total solidarity with “Get the Money Out” and will do what little I can to help local efforts… see ya soon.
Floyd
A note from the Morale Team and Occupy Portland Organizers regarding posts on this page, the forum, the facebook group or any other gathering place virtual or otherwise in Occupy Portland’s name: Occupy Portland WILL NOT tolerate calls to violence, drugs or illegal activity (property destruction etc). Please find a different place to debate those topics, and if you become aware of any topics of this matter PLEASE let us know so we can take the proper actions against instigators. Thank you so much!
If you are not allowing a discussion of the War on Drugs you are censoring a big part of this country’s problem.
I was going to attend until I read you will not tolerate any discussion of this kind.
You have just lost thousands….
Let the revolution begin… do you all realize that this is exactly what the t-party is all about?
Who is responsible for the website? On Twitter, #OWSAtlanta is asking for help setting up their .org to have this same format and options.
Can anyone help?
#occupypdx #solidarity
The Bilderberg Group are the main clowns that have turned our White House into the Bankhouse. Being rich in America is a feeling of pride and success not Greed and control. Thank You for starting this movement and proving that the land of the Free and the home of the Brave is something that will never be taken lightly by anyone or anything that thinks money has more power. These extremely rich and greedy people have been hiding in their rat hole assuming we would never notice that a new President never makes life better for the middle class American. I’LL BE There!
Has anyone followed the money for all our financing? Are we as big a bunch of dupes as the tea party? Is this a true grass roots movement or social engineering to placate the masses?
Has anybody asked this question? The subversion of information may go deeper than we think it does.
It would be great if the Occupy movement and No Labels joined forces
http://nolabels.org/statement-purpose
The Challenges of the Times
Today, our country confronts enormous challenges. The economy is not generating enough financially viable jobs. It is weighed down by massive and mounting public debts and a runaway deficit. Health and retirement costs are growing too fast. Our schools are failing many of our children. We can’t seem to break our addiction to foreign oil. And the list goes on.
The United States cannot afford to take its preeminence in the world for granted any longer. Once the world’s most enterprising, inventive, and adaptive country, our nation’s continued progress is in peril. While our people are as dynamic, hard-working, and ingenious as ever, our political system is clearly broken, just when we need it the most. Our political discourse increasingly offers up cynical, petty partisanship at the expense of practical solutions to the challenges facing our national well-being. But, we’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve come together to overcome them – and we’ll do it again.
Throughout the history of our nation, Americans have come together in times of crisis. It happened during WWII, the Cold War, and in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We have always found that same spirit of national solidarity to address the broad range of challenges facing America. We are united by our shared purpose and our common interests – and our longstanding values.
The Opportunity of Shared Purpose
No Labels does not believe we need to search for better values or principles. The solution is even simpler: we must return to the essence of our beliefs. Most Americans in the vital center of our still great country believe that:
Americans are entitled to a government and a political system that works – driven by shared purpose and common sense.
Americans deserve a government that makes the necessary choices to rein in runaway deficits, secure Social Security and Medicare, and put our country on a viable, sound path going forward.Americans support a government that works to spur employment and economic opportunity by encouraging free and open markets, tempered by sensible regulation.
Americans want a government that empowers people with the tools for success – from a world-class education to affordable healthcare – provided that it does so in a fiscally prudent way.
America should be free from discrimination and should embrace the principle of equal opportunity.
America must be strong and safe, ready and able to protect itself in a world of multiple dangers and uncertainties.
The No Labels movement was born out of support for these shared goals, and we are committed to helping our nation remain true to these values that we all profess in an environment, which encourages fact-based discussions.
We are not labels – we are people.
We must put our labels aside,
And put the issues and what’s best for the nation first.
A promising future awaits us. Just as citizen movements have played an important role in America since its inception, it is time for another movement, one based on No Labels and the merit of ideas. Thanks to the technological innovation available today, we can break down the old hierarchies of power and influence. True Democracy is possible today because we can tether together online, share our concerns and ideas, and exert enormous influence. Today, we join together and connect with one another, and we can make all our voices heard as our Founding Fathers intended.
We can overthrow the tyranny of hyper-partisanship that dominates our political culture today. We can break down the institutions of power that are corroding our system. We can do this because we have the power of numbers. All we have to do is join together.
We have shared values and common purpose. The times are challenging and they call for national renewal. We don’t need labels; we need leaders, everywhere, throughout society, who will discuss issues based upon their merits.
We need YOU.
I will be at Waterfront Park to support the movement but I think an un-permitted march through downtown is a mistake. Disrupting traffic and peoples ability to move around can only cause anger and resentment. I won’t be marching.
Why provoke the police because you refuse to get a permit? I don’t understand your thinking but I would like you to understand why that is a grave mistake.
I’m guessing most of you are under 25 years old. So listen up.
This movement is about and for ALL OF US. If you want me to come to the march, don’t set me up with breaking the law before I even get out of my car. I am a 52 year old woman who was planning on bringing my two teen age kids.
If you do not abide by your own “peaceful” rules, then you are asking for trouble before trouble even begins.
Why the heck would you even consider having a march illegally which sends a loud message to the powers that be that we are just a bunch of pissed off belligerent kids. No permit is starting off on the wrong foot. No reissuing a permit or refusing to give us a permit is reason to march without one. This is like saying “screw you” before they even had a chance to screw us.
Don’t you want my support and the other thousands of people like me? You should because there are more older people in numbers than you who have already been through the war on the middle class longer than you have. Respect us and we will come and give you the support you need.
Don’t set us up like this. Now I am reconsidering even coming. I still can’t believe you didn’t even try to get a permit. This is pretty fundamental shit guys and it is not starting off on a peaceful foot. It is counter to the ideals of this movement.
Don’t tell me this is a peaceful movement, then provoke the police with not AT LEAST TRYING to get a permit. That’s not peaceful, that’s stupid.
You haven’t lived until you’ve had a psychopathic officer try to rip your arms out of their sockets for NO REASON WHAT-SO-EVER, then face a felony charge, and falsified police reports where the only crime that was committed was being beaten up by a cop who just happened to be in a bad mood.
My attorney was the of the most famous in the country at one time and he said to me privately, “Every time I hear of a cop being shot, he probably deserved it. They are the biggest lairs on the planet.” This is a guy who in the 45 years he practiced law said he NEVER ONCE saw a police report that wasn’t falsified.
Not all cops are bad, but you don’t have the luxury of knowing who is who when you get out there. That cop that told you guys to get a permit sounded at least sane and perhaps was trying to be helpful. You at least got a warning you have not yet heeded. Why?
Get it together guys and more of us will come.
Right on! This is about ending greed and the insane influence of criminals in our economy! Right? Left? I don’t care. We don’t mind people working hard and making it. What we can’t stand are idlers standing on the backs of the hard workers, making it filthy stinking rich in casino games that have the power to crash our entire economic system. They’ve done it before. It’s history. Stop the Greed! People Before Profit! Support local business and farmers! F*ck the corporations, don’t give them one penny!
WE the people in order to form a more perfect governing..did NOT form this present one!
WE are so ready to see a ‘Reformation’in AmeriKa back to basics…and sanity…and hopefully our way of presentation for the Good of the People’ here in Oregon and the great Northwest territory.
Anyone with updates feel free to post them as well at your local http://OregonShout.com News and Views-Above all enjoy your journey
Is that 12 noon or midnight? Just making sure people hit the right place at the right time. the reason i am confused it because 12:01pm is early after noon and 12:01am is just after midnight and 12pm is confusing.
Costco is raising their membership fees 10%. Link Below. The interesting part of this article is:
“Costco’s fee hike comes amid rising profits. In fiscal year 2010, Costco made $76 billion in net sales, compared to $87 billion in 2011 — which makes a 14 percent increase in profit.”
http://www.10news.com/news/29401545/detail.html
I was there today and hope to continue to support the movement. Please stay peaceful.
Laugh the global inherited rich out of control of our society and into rooms at the Hague.
Real rule-of-law needs to be reinstated and many in the FIRE industries prosecuted agressively.
Private ownership of places and things is a big problem going forward as the top one tenth of one percent own most everything in the world. If the concept is not reworked the current distribution, at least, needs to be.
I look forward to having conversations with fellow 99%ers about these and other issues they think are important.
I’ve posted 18 photos from your event at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Check them out on the blog. http://www.squarepeople.blogspot.com.
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for all you speargrass lovers
I feel really sad that you kids are making a joke out of this. You are acting nothing like occupy wall street. It shows on your facebook page fighting about such childish things..Smoking no smoking and people are loosing their homes looking for hope they go there and see a bunch of idiots fighting about dumb shit..Get a clue kids do it right or get out..You are making a joke out of the movement..Go study the occupy wallstreet facebook page and see how mature that looks compared to yours..Those people are fighting for the right thing..So WAKE UP GROW UP LEARN AND LISTEN..THIS IS NOT A PARTY KIDS………
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