Comments on: Saturday, Oct. 15th March

By: Edward

Edward — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:22:50 +0000

Joy writes “Money could be better spent at home, but don’t forget about the human capital involved in war and don’t forget that the men and women serving oversees, no matter how much you disagree with the war itself, are also part of the 99%.”

Our nation has a civilian commander in chief for a good reason. Jefferson, Adams, Washington, Hamilton, Franklin etc. understood that Ceasar conquered Rome only after engaging in long protracted wars against the Barbarians. Good judgment in times of war requires a broad perspective. You have already admitted in your post that these wars are relevant to the current economic decline of our population. So I don’t get what you are writing Joy. Don’t protest the war cause you might upset some U.S. soldiers?

By: naima

naima — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 07:01:00 +0000

That’s exactly what we are doing.

By: naima

naima — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:57:07 +0000

If you’re looking for intelligent dialogue that more properly represents the movement you wish to experience all you have to do is seek it out. That’s what I did, and I found hope. I found faith in the movement and the strength to move forward, a channel through which I could share my ideas for real action, and an opportunity to meet some incredibly insightful people. A massive social movement takes time and a lot of work; it doesn’t just fall into your lap. All the members of that camp are representatives of those who exist in our society; that’s what is truly democratic about it. To deny that diversity is to deny the meaning of the 99%. This movement has only begun; it will only become more energized and organized with time.

By: seriousblk

seriousblk — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 02:35:43 +0000

I have also seen this as a problem, and have been very disappointed in our local “movement” myself. It’s rather unfortunate, however, that not nearly enough of the “older people” seem willing to take real risks or give give up any part of their daily lives for what we all are fighting for. Hopefully, I see that change tomorrow. This movement is too important to just drop it. Do you have any constructive suggestions for turning this problem around besides the “just get out” demand?

By: Edward

Edward — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 02:20:11 +0000

Let us show the world we are taking back our government from war profiteers. We need not repeat history. The English were slaughtered in Afghanistan in 1842 and other nations have followed the same well worn path. We are quickly sinking into the same hole. It is truly senseless. On Oct. 15th, 2011 let us march towards the EXIT of Afghanistan. We have more important nation building to do!

By: Kemblepdx

Kemblepdx — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 01:41:03 +0000

Saturday October 15th, is the Forgive Student Loan Debt National Day of Action where I’m asking anyone and everyone concerned with the issue of exorbitant student loan debt to join up with their local #Occupy protests happening all across the country and to make your voices heard!

To find your local #Occupy protests, please click here:

http://www.occupywallstreetevents.com

By: Ryan Georgioff

Ryan Georgioff — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:15:25 +0000

Do you get that we are fighting wars for the sake of multinational CORPORATIONS? You topple them, you clean house in govt, and the wars stop.

By: lucas

lucas — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:07:47 +0000

it’s “shemanski park.” come on.

By: OccupyPDXfood

OccupyPDXfood — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:01:42 +0000

I would appreciate it if you would tell those shooting up and drinking to leave.

By: Joy

Joy — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:51:57 +0000

I have some minor objections to the message joining the occupy movement and the anti-war/militarism movement sends. I agree with both movements and can see certain areas where they overlap. I think drawing attention to financial reality of war and the alarming defense budget we maintain makes perfect sense. However, assuming that one must be a pacifist in order to align themselves with the occupy movement is going to alienate a lot of potential supporters. As lovely as it may sound, 99% of the people are not anti-war. Even within the occupy movement, there are lot of veterans and active duty military. Many of them have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan and found themselves, like millions of others, jobless and broke. They have been denied benefits, had their homes foreclosed and been forced to fight for many of the basis social services that have been promised to them. While some may well agree that it is high time for the current wars to end, some of them may also not be ready to trade in their fatigues for a tye-dye and march up main street singing, Pete Seeger’s “bring’em home.” Furthermore, while relevant and true, the motto, “end the wars – bring our $$ home,” sounds extremely callous and dehumanizing. Wars are expensive. Money could be better spent at home, but don’t forget about the human capital involved in war and don’t forget that the men and women serving oversees, no matter how much you disagree with the war itself, are also part of the 99%.