Occupy Movement

[dagr8tim]

What's everyone's take on this whole occupy movement? I'm sympathetic, but don't know if it will change anything in the long run.

[bigjim350]

Im not sympathetic at all. They need to get the **** off the street and get a job.

[dagr8tim]

Im not sympathetic at all. They need to get the **** off the street and get a job.

Personally High Schools and Colleges have been selling the idea that everyone needs to go to college. This has been in full force for atleast 15 years. I know it was beginning when I graduated high school in 1995.

We now have a large portion of highly educated and deeply in debt people who cannot find jobs because the market has been over saturated.

That's not even touching on the fact that there are many of us who pay more in income tax a year than some multinational companies. Or the fact that alot of us are still pissed off over "Too Big to Fail".

I've got a nice job, and a household income that's atleast double the national average. I've worked hard to get where I am, but I can understand where these people are coming from.

[Joliet Johnny]

I dont think they will achieve anything positive. Back when I was in high school my history teacher said that if we wanted to accomplish something for example getting rid of the toll roads everyone would have to park their car and refuse to move. I think the same applies here I bet all the people doing this dont add up to 1% of the population. The media will just find some way to paint them as slackers, nutballs or terrorists and if their movement gets any traction the watch for the National Guard. Just my 2cents

[dagr8tim]

I think it wasn't going anywhere until the actions of the NYPD macing detained protesters randomly and generally being abusive.

I've got my popcorn ready no matter which way it goes.

[bigjim350]

I dont think they will achieve anything positive. Back when I was in high school my history teacher said that if we wanted to accomplish something for example getting rid of the toll roads everyone would have to park their car and refuse to move. I think the same applies here I bet all the people doing this dont add up to 1% of the population. The media will just find some way to paint them as slackers, nutballs or terrorists and if their movement gets any traction the watch for the National Guard. Just my 2cents

Umm don't get rid of the toll roads. I work for the toll road......

[Joliet Johnny]

Umm don't get rid of the toll roads. I work for the toll road......

sorry man thats the example my old HS teacher used back in 1999 lol

[jccatt]

1999 hey my XJ was born then. Are you guys talking about the corporate protests we are hearing about?

[DETOURS]

It's been 'hushed' by the media for weeks.......it did'nt go away, it's getting bigger........
It's about jobs, big buisness and 'bought' politicians..........I'm happy to see people stand up for themselves.

[dagr8tim]

It's been 'hushed' by the media for weeks.......it did'nt go away, it's getting bigger........
It's about jobs, big buisness and 'bought' politicians..........I'm happy to see people stand up for themselves.

That's a good way to describe it. I tend to use the following quote:
"I see all this potential, and I see it squandered. God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables – slaves with white collars. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need. We're the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our great war is a spiritual war. Our great depression is our lives. We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars, but we won't. We're slowly learning that fact. And we're very, very pissed off."

I think this is the natural progression that has been building for atleast 10 years. If this movement fizzles out, it won't make the feelings behind it go away. There will be another one sooner or later.

[DETOURS]

It's an old school demonstration by humans, the way it used to be done, I'm sure some would rather see an 'on-line' protest........

Wallstreet owns Washington, well known for sometime now.....people are sick of it. There are very few elected officials in Washington who are'nt 'well-off', they have no clue about us working folks, no clue.

[Mudderoy]

What's everyone's take on this whole occupy movement? I'm sympathetic, but don't know if it will change anything in the long run.

First off I'll preface this with I really haven't paid much attention to it. I don't know the full story, however based on my knee jerk reaction this is just a bunch of bitches whining about facing a world full of goodies they can't afford. The cold hard fact of life is, and should be, you need to work hard for what you can or cannot buy. What they are talking about here is simply wealth redistribution. We have a bunch of grasshoppers that are pissed because winter is coming and they don't have anything to survive, so they are banding together to force the ants to share with them.

Now I have NO problem with people sharing and helping out others. I think it is the right and Christian thing to do, however it isn't government's roll to redistribute this wealth. It should be up to each individuals heart.

There is another kind of wealth redistribution, it's called looting. What these people are doing is basically trying to do legal looting.

Get a job, gain some self worth, take pride in yourself and your country and work your way up. Is it hard? Sure it is, if it wasn't Cher could do it. Oh wait she did!

[dagr8tim]

It's an old school demonstration by humans, the way it used to be done, I'm sure some would rather see an 'on-line' protest........

Wallstreet owns Washington, well known for sometime now.....people are sick of it. There are very few elected officials in Washington who are'nt 'well-off', they have no clue about us working folks, no clue.

Bingo, the occupy Columbus (Ohio) group is having something at the State House on Monday. I plan to be there if for no other reason than to watch.



Get a job, gain some self worth, take pride in yourself and your country and work your way up. Is it hard? Sure it is, if it wasn't Cher could do it. Oh wait she did!

I agree with you too a point. I'm an IT professional, and my first 3 years in the industry was doing outsourced tech support for ISP's. The pay was crappy, the customers treated you bad, the management treated you worse because turn over was so high. I felt it was paying my dues.

But there are alot of grasshopers who tried to get ready for winter with their own little storehouse, only to have it ripped away by an ant who already had more than that could possibly eat in a lifetime. I'm not against the acquisition of wealth, but at some point when do you have more than you could possibly ever need.

[DETOURS]

First off I'll preface this with I really haven't paid much attention to it. I don't know the full story, however based on my knee jerk reaction this is just a bunch of bitches whining about facing a world full of goodies they can't afford. The cold hard fact of life is, and should be, you need to work hard for what you can or cannot buy. What they are talking about here is simply wealth redistribution. We have a bunch of grasshoppers that are pissed because winter is coming and they don't have anything to survive, so they are banding together to force the ants to share with them.

Now I have NO problem with people sharing and helping out others. I think it is the right and Christian thing to do, however it isn't government's roll to redistribute this wealth. It should be up to each individuals heart.

There is another kind of wealth redistribution, it's called looting. What these people are doing is basically trying to do legal looting.

Get a job, gain some self worth, take pride in yourself and your country and work your way up. Is it hard? Sure it is, if it wasn't Cher could do it. Oh wait she did!

Huh........I must be watching/listening to the wrong news channel....my bad.

[DETOURS]

dagr8tim........My father inlaw is an IT Professional in the Boston area, he's been out of work for 3 years.........he's far from lazy, he now cuts grass and does handy man work between the on going interviewing......not lazy, not looking for hand outs, wealth redistribution......just wants to work and make his mortgage payment on time...

[dagr8tim]

dagr8tim........My father inlaw is an IT Professional in the Boston area, he's been out of work for 3 years.........he's far from lazy, he now cuts grass and does handy man work between the on going interviewing......not lazy, not looking for hand outs, wealth redistribution......just wants to work and make his mortgage payment on time...

I completely understand. In addition to the 'whinny college kids', this movement has alot of people who just want a fair chance to earn their fair slice of the pie.

[Mudderoy]

Moved to the political forum.

[dagr8tim]

Moved to the political forum.

Thanks, I was going to suggest this in my last post and forgot.

I originally didn't intend on this topic to be a deep political discussion, but I guess it was bound to happen.

[Mudderoy]

rofl

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SSKmwJ_lsSQ/To3y45RsSzI/AAAAAAAAZ_Y/nAWCw_bpYDM/evilcorp.jpg

[cantab27]

OK James asked (Aussie James) someone explain to us folks down here... is it something to do with them protesters getting arrested on the brooklyn bridge the other day...don't watch much news unless its the sports news........cheers

[LizardRunner]

Unless they protest by getting out and voting against the encumbents, nothing will really change. Just another method of showing appathy when real action needs to be taken at the polls.

[Mudderoy]

Unless they protest by getting out and voting against the encumbents, nothing will really change. Just another method of showing appathy when real action needs to be taken at the polls.

lol yeah I wonder how many will protest for a month, probably while collecting unemployment, then skip voting.

[KH96XJ]

From what I have seen from the occupy wallstreet website the premis of what they are wanting is great, a separation of money from politics, not that it will ever happen. However, this is not what I've been hearing about on their forums, the media or signs I've seen at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank in passing.

I don't agree with those saying its the 1% with their greed that have ruined the nation and think that they have some right to any wealth the rich gained.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWsx1X8PV_A

[07Negative]

I've got much to say about OWS. Thoughts will be all over the place.
What mass media covers on this movement is absolutely horrible. It points out all the negatives. They interview 13 year old kids. WTF do they know about anything? Whereas ppl like myself. Been self employed and employed by others. I have 2 degrees and I'm not a criminal. Nor am I substance abuser.
I'm against corporations b/c of how much they get away with. GE not paying a single dime in capital gains and even getting a tax credit? That alone goes against the Constitution. But it is NOT Constitutional to pay income tax, but yet we pay so much of it. Where's the IRS when it comes to auditing the government and it's spendings? Government reports losses like a business.
A great documentry to watch is, "America: Freedom to Facsim." It contains facts. Some of which will piss you off.
Something that hit close to home for me was 2 of my friends families lost their homes to banks. Not b.c mortgage wasn't paid. Both families gainfully employed. Their loan was held at a bank which went under. Load was sold to a off shore bank. Bank foreclosed on them.
I went to UC Berkeley. I'm use to protesters. I typically can't stand them. But I'm for the OWS under it's declared statements from the website. I'm not for socialist demands. Which media loves to broadcast. Corporate media is another problem of itself. So I can understand naive remarks ppl make. Such as, "freeloader hippies. Get a job."
My dislikes of OWS. Why not protest at IRS buildings or the White House? I've never banked at any of the large 6. Been with a credit union for almost 20 years. Why has everyone been sleeping for so long? And so many people? My gripe is with people. Stupid and lazy. Dickin around before taking care of what matters. I smoke a joint too. But not before I know my business is taken care of and I feel informed to make responsible choices.
Voting for a president won't do shit. You have to change congress. President for the most part is a puppet bought by banks. Look at any president and see where his campaign money has come from.
And like the picture posted. There's so much irony in it. It contains just as hypocrisy as our politics.

[07Negative]

As for violent behavior on behalf of police. It's b.s. Seattle police pepper sprayed a 84 year old woman. A little much dont you think? The parks ppl camp out at. All paid for by property taxes and donations. The people pay for parks. Protesters should also clean it up if they make the mess. Local government is not doing well at being proactive. Just reactive. Nothing new there.

[Mudderoy]

And now for some humor...

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy-jupiter.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i15/Kolder86/cookie1.png

http://www.verumserum.com/media/2011/10/I-am-the-2-percent-500x666.jpg

[Firemanray]

I've got no problem with the rich. I make my living off of providing goods and services to the rich. I have clients that are billionairs and clients that just bust 6 figures every year. I don't envy them and I don't expect them to provide me with anything more than fair payment for my services. Without the rich there would be no economy. There have been rich and poor people on this planet as far back as written history goes. Everytime someone gets the bright idea to "equalize" the wealth it all falls apart.

I've stated it before, I believe the failure of our system rests squarely on the shoulders of the government, sticking thier nose and regulation in places it don't belong and failing to regulate the things it should. Voting never seems to change anything, as a local radio personality puts it "we have a two party one headed system".

[Mudderoy]

I think we all remember the story of the ant and the grasshopper. Where would the ant be if they had to share the fruits of their labor with the grasshoppers that did little or nothing to prepare for the winter?

:smiley-laughing021:

Pretty sure you'd have a BUNCH of grasshoppers doing absolutely nothing of any value to themselves or anyone else. Well until all the ants died or moved.

[4.3LXJ]

It is mostly a case of you have something and I want it. I read locally that the tea party has gone away and been replaced by Occupy. I don't think that is the case, it is just that they are getting priority in the news. I saw a humorous pic of the Occupy protest in some city where it pointed out all the stuff the protestors had purchased from large corporations.

[msmoorenburg]

So here is Houston its a Big Joke. I took a stroll by and this shows the respect they have. This was the 3rd one i've seen this way


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y299/msmoorenburg/Resampled952011-11-219512-51-2795516.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

In Grass Valley, CA they are blocking intersections and getting away with it.

[07Negative]

I know someone up in G.V that hit a protester with her car. Funniest shit I'd ever heard her say.
I participated in the general strike march and the first night tear gas and rubber bullets were shot. It was interesting. I'm not going to camp out. I live a few miles from downtown. No point to me.
It's sad the media puts the faces of the worst examples of OWS on the front pages of it's coverage. Since my time in California. I've come to the conclusion that it has a heavy concentration of laziness and ignorance. People with so much false information thinking its accurate. Even for a state with so many educational institutions.
One can't argue things don't need to change. And sure. The wealthy do play a role in supporting economy. But the stock market is not of any real importance. It's made out to seem we "Need" it. It effects peoples spending habits and negative reports instill fear into the public. But media does that in general anyhow. Not that I have a alternative answer. But I do know any kind of change will be a shock. And rightfully so. We only know one way.
But as I always say. "Opinions are like ass holes. Everyones got one and they all stink."
So instead. I like to post facts. In hopes that it challenges some to think. Opposed to believing a single media source or living by naive opinions without having the ability to reason or apply logic.
1)http://video.msnbc.msn.com/up-with-chris-hayes/45366471#45366471

Now this is interesting. You have to question shit like this.
2)http://www.campusbasement.com/undecided/fda/articles/3916/food-and-drug-administration-declares-pepper-spray-a-vegetable

This is plain smart
3)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JlxbKtBkGM&feature=share

I'm from Iowa. Grew up on a 250 acre organic family farm. One thing I do not like. Is having someone like the USDA and FDA tell me I can not grow and share food I grow. So of course I'll knock on public enemy number one, Monsanto. And the farmer bill is nothing but bullshit.
4)http://www.monsantosucks.com/Newsnviews/revolvedoor.htm

This could be debated on both sides. But I see way too many negatives with this.
5)http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/10/18/romney-accelerate-foreclosures-to-allow-investors-to-buy-up-homes/

Not sure how many people are aware of how press works. But here's something to look over.
6)http://la.indymedia.org/news/2003/04/47530.php

I can't stand Obama. Hope and Change are great slogans. But full of crap as well. Uganda, Libya, The way he talks about freedom and the Constitution. I want to pimp slap him every time I hear him contradicts himself.

Some might ask what does all this crap have to do with Wall St or OWS? But these are examples of what OWS is about. The greed and the wealthy playing too much of a role in our politics. I'm always lookin to see how I will or have benefited from lobbyist. I have yet to see any. Even being a NRA supporter. I haven't seen anything happen here in Cali at the least. And yes I have and am heavily looking into leaving. Just not sure where yet.

But again. I do find the irony rather funny when some of these yo-yo's are talkin crap about corporations. All while they are wearing the made in China crap they produce. But again. People are to partically to blame. They buy the shit. Hell I have a few things made in China. But I've yet to find a pair of underwear made in America. Next to impossible to find modern day electronics made any where else other than China. I know of some. But way too far out of 99& of the populations budgets.
One thing I can say about California is that there is a selection of made in America items. Such as textiles, shoes, socks, furniture. And of course there are items we use on a daily basis still made in America. Such as cookware, culinary knives, furniture, clothes, shoes (very few), bedding, power tools.
So that's kind of my rant on things.
The war on drugs is partially stupid. Especially on cannabis. But again, that's my opinion. And I'm not a fan of methamphetamine's. Psilocybin and cannabis have never killed anyone I know or me for that matter. Like cigarettes and booze have.
Oh and if you are in a state that support the use of medicinal cannabis. The feds are taking away your right to firearms. Good job Obama!

[Mudderoy]

Protesting is very American, and should be applauded, however if you break the law then you are going to jail. If you don't go that is resisting arrest.

Legal protesting is different. Of course many of the protesters of the past want to get arrested simply for the publicity.

I don't think anyone wants to get shot with a rubber bullet for publicity, but we all need to look very closely as to why such force was used. You cannot just say they are protesting leave them alone!

Murders, rape, drug use, you cannot ignore. At some point you have to encore the laws.

[XJ Rat]

I agree society has been 'trained' that a college degree is needed. The degree sure helps getting your foot in the door then it is up to you.
I have been layed off. At the time I lived just south of Philadelphia in PA. It took me 3 months to the day to find another engineering job. I was fortunate, one of the gentlemen I worked with has a B.S., and Masters in Mechanical Engineering + he has a PE. It took him 4 years to find another job.

As to the movement, why are they a bunch of slobs? I am sure everyone has seen the parks/streets they occupy, plain filthy when they leave. Why? Could it be that lazy is as lazy does? If the camps are any type of example, then it is no wonder these slobs do not have a job. In contrast, after a tea party rally, the area is clean. Why? Just making an observation.

[4.3LXJ]

Lots of people don't like Wall Street. However few people realize it does fill an important role. There is a reason there are stock exchanges other places in the world besides ours. A company can issue stocks to raise capital. To sell it, it is sold on the stock exchange. Thus a new company can be launched. It is a clearing house. In addition, anyone with a retirement fund has at least some portion of it invested in stocks, which grow much faster than the local savings account. That is all done through a clearing house that we know as the stock exchange, which is regulated heavily. That doesn't mean it is perfect. Instead of blaming Wall Street, lets dig a little deeper into the policy of Congress that said "everyone can own a house". They pushed all this down many banks throats by lowering standards for loans and investment and promising to bail them out if it went sour. Meanwhile we blame it all on Bush, who if you check the record went to Congress twice and said you cannot do that. It all boils down to irresponsibility and very short term thinking on the part of people who should know better.

[msmoorenburg]

Its getting Hot on the block in Houston

http://www.click2houston.com/news/Shots-fired-near-Occupy-Houston-protests/-/1735978/4804006/-/3bc1l2/-/index.html

[07Negative]

More to add on behalf of OWS.
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mohwrs3yp7o

2) http://www.cynicaltimes.org/articles/lobbyists-draw-bead-on-occupy-wall-street

[Mudderoy]

Lots of people don't like Wall Street. However few people realize it does fill an important role. There is a reason there are stock exchanges other places in the world besides ours. A company can issue stocks to raise capital. To sell it, it is sold on the stock exchange. Thus a new company can be launched. It is a clearing house. In addition, anyone with a retirement fund has at least some portion of it invested in stocks, which grow much faster than the local savings account. That is all done through a clearing house that we know as the stock exchange, which is regulated heavily. That doesn't mean it is perfect. Instead of blaming Wall Street, lets dig a little deeper into the policy of Congress that said "everyone can own a house". They pushed all this down many banks throats by lowering standards for loans and investment and promising to bail them out if it went sour. Meanwhile we blame it all on Bush, who if you check the record went to Congress twice and said you cannot do that. It all boils down to irresponsibility and very short term thinking on the part of people who should know better.

There is a basic loss of logical thinking in many liberal leaders. Either they are stupid, or they are only concerned with the next election. Barney Frank, who just announced he wouldn't be running for re-election, was in the middle of the collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack.

You cannot give loans to people that cannot afford to pay them back!

I really don't think liberals are stupid, so they were just trying to buy votes. Something you have to do when the voters are more right of center than left. :patriot:

[4.3LXJ]

Obama had close ties to the same agencies.

[07Negative]

Obama's homies
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cid=N00009638
& http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/07/top-senate-recipients-of-fanni.html
It's not just the lefties. It's the Righties too.
Bush's homies
http://www.knowthecandidates.org/ktc/bushcontributors.htm

[OrangeXJ]

It's a shame that this country is headed toward more people voting for a living than working for a living. :bang: