Dissenters! We need you!
I keep reading grumbling from people who believe that Occupy Oakland took a wrong turn on 11/19/2011.
Just to be clear, there was no breaking of windows on 11/19 or violence. Some are saying that somehow the actions on the 19th gave Occupy Oakland and the City of Oakland a bad name that will scare business away from Oakland at the very least.
I am an Oakland resident. This is my home. I haven’t noticed businesses clamoring to come to Oakland even before Occupy Oakland. Heck, there were no venture capitalists chomping at the bit to set up shop even before the Oscar Grant riots.
No, the 1% abandoned Oakland long ago. They use it as a port and that’s about it.
Jerry Brown tried to revitalize/gentrify Jack London Square and Downtown. Most shops have vacated Jack London Square. That started at the beginning of the current economic downturn in 2008. Downtown never really experienced the grand renaissance that was envisioned for it. None of that had or has to do with Occupy Oakland.
Do you really think that Occupy Oakland has damaged Oakland’s reputation after decades of bad press over senseless daily violence? Please think about it. Unfortunately, senseless violence has been the norm in much of Oakland for decades.
What we have here is a class issue. The Bay Area is one of the most classist metropolitan areas in the country. Oakland is seen as a town of peasants. Even Berkeley has a better reputation and perceptual standing than Oakland even though the gap between rich and poor there is worse. I work in Berkeley and I’m quite familiar with the demographics of both cities.
No, the 1% live and invest in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, the Peninsula, and Marin. You don’t see 1% activities in the East Bay until you get to Lamorinda and some of the upper parts of Oakland above Highway 13. We who live below Highway 13 are left to fend for ourselves. They abandoned us long ago. Most of it is classism and some of it is racism.
We shouldn’t be splitting up over petty differences in our movement. That’s what the 1% wants. That’s how they’ve maintained control for decades. They pit us against one another using class, race, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, etc. to divide and control us.
If we allow ourselves to fracture and abandon Occupy Oakland to a handful with only one point of view, then they’ve won. That’s what all of this repression has been about… The tear gas, the flash grenades, the riot police out in staggering displays of force, etc. are being used to try to goad us into a fight and they’ve somewhat succeeded with Occupy Oakland. Make no mistake. This is exactly what the 1% wants. They want us to turn on each other.
The actions of 11/19 weren’t violent or destructive. OK, a police fence went down. Is that really a big deal? Honestly? There was a lot of noise. There was some discomfort. Then it was all gone in the morning.
We need to keep up the noise. No destruction or violence is needed. We need to be loud or we fade away into our factions to grovel at the feet of our corporate masters hoping to be thrown bones and scraps. That’s what it’s been like for at least three decades. The 1% wants that meekness and divisiveness to come back into the midst of the 99% so they can maintain their place as our masters and continue to hoard all the resources.
So, I implore you, especially if you disagree with the current strategies of Occupy Oakland, please, please, please come get involved and speak up at the General Assemblies. If enough dissenters show up and speak then tactics will have to change.
If we abandon Occupy Oakland, then we deserve what we get. We will have no voice and the movement may die in disgrace. The same thing happens when we don’t vote. When we don’t vote then we have no voice. If you remove your voice, you have no grounds to complain about the course of events that follow.
If you get involved and bring other dissenters in with you, you can transform this movement. It’s still just beginning and now is the opportunity to get involved to guide the movement in its necessary evolution.
Camping won’t work forever. That’s obvious. Without the dissenters, only the campers remain and the movement withers because there will be no evolution. We need fresh voices with fresh ideas.
Sometimes, lately, I wish I didn’t have the responsibility of working with the under-served already. For me to abandon them in order to be completely immersed in Occupy Oakland would be irresponsible and unethical. I get involved as much as I can at Occupy Oakland by showing up when actions are taking place.
I hope others like you dissenters show up to the best of your ability too. Occupy Oakland needs you. We need your different ideas and visions. This movement must evolve. That’s clear. How it evolves and how it needs to evolve is yet to be determined.
I know I’m not going to give up just because I don’t agree with everything the movement is doing. I’m going to continue to participate as I am able, where I am able, and when I am able. I owe it to myself. I owe it to the people I serve. I owe it to my family and friends. I owe it to my community. And, I owe it to my country.
Please come join us and stay.
Need help fleshing out your ideas? How about help with making them passable as well as community friendly? How about coming up with amendments to them that you can live with and that might pass should the original fail to get 90 percent. I know who can help 😉
Well the camps are gone now actually, so I assume that you will be submitting a proposal for protest shifts at Schwab?
Those are a lot of proposals, but if you want to influence OO, you should stick them on the queue.
Ha, welcome to Oakland! Where did you think you were protesting? Alabama?
I am not convinced that I should abandon OO. What mission should we adopt according to you and how would we achieve your mission?
OWS-510 egos took over, there is no “i” in occupy.
I went down and took pictures of the OWS-510 on Saturday Nov 12th. The camp was run down and the mood was not positive. Prior to the “General Strike” (which was neither general nor a strike) I was honestly going to bring supplies and gear to yall, code red on that.
Even my own father a 71 year old, white male, Catholic, Republican (since I dropped from my mom’s legs) said to me today “I support reform of wall street, but I think the tent camping is a waste of efforts and resources.” My dad didn’t even vote for Clinton and he supports Wall Street reform! He hates tofu and he supports reform! Why can’t you people get it right and focus? If people want 24/7 action we should have “protest shifts” outside Charles Swhwab in SF and Wells Fargo. Instead we’ll extend Burning Man into Christmas.
Wall Street hopes you all stay in tents all winter, nothing would make them happier. Tough love from one LEFTIST to the masses. Keep breaking my heart.
Wow is the OO movement really worse than the elites that are destroying our country? Is it really worse than all those residents who sit idly by watching our country drive itself off a cliff? I understand constructive criticism, but let’s try to get some perspective here, folks.
Simcha,
Thanks for your response.Questioning my “vast majority” comment is appropriate. I should have added that local polls show that most folks are opposed to occupations, I believe because OG Plaza deteriorated beyond the point of acceptance.
Regarding your repeated comments about getting support for ideas at GAs, I won’t repeat my comments about the limiting format of GAs. I am, however, pushing to change the format in other ways (although, I’m not optimistic about any needed changes because of the 90% rule). Absent that (as I said), the same myopic decisions will likely be made e.g. the West Oakland occupation.
I didn’t say, and I don’t believe, the 19th/Telegraph takeover was a “disaster,” rather it fits a pattern of counterproductive decisions, made, I believe, because of a rigidity in thinking, e.g. “we approved occupations, therefore we will, no matter what.” Well, the landscape has changed: local folks oppose encampments and authorities are in coordinated kick-out mode. The movement needs to adjust to changing circumstances. On this and other issues, it so far refuses to do so.
I agree: “Movements need time to mature and to coalesce.” Yet, other Occupys: Wall St, SF, Cal, and others oppose destructive behavior, oppose drug use in encampments, etc. OO on the other hand, refuses to do so, I believe because OO has attracted, to its, and the movement’s, detriment the most extremist (i.e. the most unrealistic and therefore counterproductive) elements of the left, who’s own personal baggage deeply influences their world views.
We’ll see what happens. Thanks
Keith
Listen you dumbshit, you people are the ineffectual complainers. Just because you sling that line around about being part of the solution doesn’t make you a saint. Those who do not offer you solutions for free, whether they have any to offer or not, are not costing the city millions of dollars. When YOU have a solution, then take it to the streets … not before.
look michelle66, which obviously isn’t your real name, all i did was hit reply to your message. i didn’t intend for it to go to your email, but if it did, that’s better than airing a personal argument out on this board for everyone to see. you put your own email into the system when you registered on this site. it sure as hell didn’t stop you from responding with an unfriendly email of your own.
being disabled does not limit you to putting in work into the movement. i’ve seen people of all abilities and all physical challenges participating in some way – NOT CONSTANTLY COMPLAINING. i’ve seen folks in wheelchairs, folks with crutches and canes, i’ve seen developmentally challenged people, and i’ve seen those with visual impairments, and those who disclosed having autism at the GAs and at actions. get in where you fit in. you can make things better even from home, by using your internet access to contribute useful info to the website. you can make flyers and media. there is SOMETHING you can do, believe it or not.
you didn’t like my tone? well think about that the next time you send a missive complaining once again about the movement without making any solutions or trying to be a part of the solution.
Occupy Oakland does not welcome dissent or critical thought within its ranks, which is why capable people are leaving, denouncing and even opposing what remains of this menace to our lovely city.
If we do NOT abandon Occupy Oakland, we deserve what we get, which may be martial law. Since you people who support it have no mission and no means of achieving success, you should disband before you get the 99% hurt.
Go home and occupy that for a while.
Your tone was mean and nasty. I quit all the Occupy Oakland groups after I got that email, I am done. I have made it clear that I am physically disabled and unable to come down to the GA, although I have watched on livestream. I felt threatened because you sent that email to me as a private message and did not sign your real name rather than posting a reply in public, hence, your email creeped me out and feel threatened. I get my hands and feet plenty dirty, you don’t know me and you don’t know what I do, and I don’t have to defend myself or my opinions to you or anyone else. Clearly you think so highly of yourself that you think you are entitled to send nasty emails to women you don’t know under an alias. It felt threatening and for you and “Tlahtolli” to basically tell me that I don’t have a right to feel the way I do and say so in such a demeaning way (“there’s no need to get your knickers all tied up just because he said some things in a mean way”) is a shitty thing to do to someone. I am deleting my account here, I no longer support OO. Do NOT email me again.
michelle: I’m sorry that you felt threatened, but there isn’t anything in a_small_voice’s message that could be construed as a threat. I mean, granted, he is a potty mouth, but there’s no need to get your knickers all tied up just because he said some things in a mean way. This *is* the Internet after all, and there *are* trolls lurking about. Not that a_small_voice or you are trolls.
Just saying…
i am the one who made a comment to michelle about being negative.
michelle: there was NO THREAT in my message. i will say it again: what work, michelle66, are you even putting into this movement? all you do is wag your finger, say “i told you so” and nay-say at every turn. you pride yourself on shit disturbing on the Facebook threads and on this board. if you feel threatened that i am disagreeing with you, that’s too bad. instead of being disagreeable about every little thing, you need to put some solutions into play. i’m tired of people who sit back and complain and play the armchair quarterback without getting their little pinky toe dirty. it’s bullshit.
OK, I’m not sure who sent you a threatening email. I know I didn’t. My screen name is “Simcha” and my email has my screen name in it.
If you got a threatening email, please report it to the proper authorities. No one should be harrassed here or anywhere else.
My sincere apologies to you if you feel that anything that I wrote here was unwelcoming or insulting to you. That hasn’t been my intention.
My intention is to gather dissenters together and to ask them to become very involved in Occupy Oakland. Frankly, I believe that Occupy Oakland needs your ideas.
I’ve acknowledged that I can’t make it to most General Assembly meetings because of work. Currently I’m sick. I caught a bad cold marching on 11/19. And I’m leaving out of town and won’t be back until this coming Saturday. When I come back I hope I can be well enough to get more involved. And I don’t want to be the only one who has ideas that might be different from where Occupy Oakland has been headed. I’d like to have some of you there with me when I can make it.
I have already said that I have participated in some of the marches and actions. Also I have said I advocate non-violence. I think violence plays into the hands of the 1%.
And I’m horrified if you were threatened by anyone. That should never happen, ever.
I agree with a good portion of your post and I think you have excellent ideas. Please bring this to a General Assembly. Better yet, bring your suggestions to all General Assemblies until they all get discussed.
And, I still see no evidence that the “vast majority” of the public thought badly of 11/19. There was no vandalism and no breaking of windows. The officer with whom I was speaking told me, and I quote, “We expected to lose the fence.” The police weren’t concerned at all about the fence, which was the only thing that was dismantled on 11/19. I’m not sure where you get the idea that the “vast majority” have turned against Occupy Oakland. I was there. There was a giant crowd marching with us and people stuck in traffic were cheering us on.
Yes there was dissent. And guess what? Those of us who dissented didn’t show up to the General Assembly to vote against the proposal to occupy that vacant lot. Perhaps if dissenters would have shown up it woudn’t have happened. (I don’t believe it was the best idea to occupy that lot. But I don’t think it’s the disaster that some people are making it out to be.)
And I think I clearly stated in my original post that camping won’t continue to work so we need to come up with something else. Hence, the invitation that I sent out for those who dissent to show up and guide the movement.
And, I can plainly see that other branches of the Occupy movement do network. Check out Twitter. No, it’s not very organized yet.
And that’s my point in all of this. Movements need time to mature and to coalesce. We need diverse voices in this movement. Occupy Oakland needs people like you in order to have the broadest range of ideas from which to choose.
And, since this is a group effort, I understand that the group as a whole may not agree with me sometimes. And sometimes the group will do things with which I don’t agree. Just because a group sometimes does things I don’t like doesn’t mean I have to take my toys away and go home. I can choose to stay and work for the change I feel needs to happen.
The original post is a great example of the tunnel vision, lack of broader strategic focus, lack of common sense, and lack of critical self-analysis that pervades OO, and is causing participants to drop out, regular folks to oppose it, and is hurting the broader movement
The post’s key question: “The actions of 11/19 (19th/Telegraph takeover) weren’t violent or destructive. OK, a police fence went down. Is that really a big deal?” Of course it’s a big deal: there was no upside to the takeover and it was opposed by a vast majority of the public, which hurt OO and the broader movement.
Yet, more than 90% of GA attendees approved the action, which indicates they exist in a fantasy bubble, and are either clueless or disinterested about the concerns of ordinary people and the critical need to win their support to grow the movement.
The post also says: “We shouldn’t be splitting up over petty differences in our movement.” Again, that completely misses the point: this difference is the most critical factor in whether OO strengthens the movement or hurts it.
OO is fast losing support and hurting the movement with tactics opposed by the majority of the public. A CBS 5 poll, on 11/4 showed 64% supported OO. On 11/15, support dropped to 47% support. After 11/19 and today’s West Oakland occupation, support will drop further.
The post rightly advocates working out differences, but that can’t happen with the current GA format: 30 second pro and con sound bites are completely inadequate and the 90% approval criteria means that a small group can block anything.
OO needs to create the space for in-depth discussions and analysis, and must assess every action and statement in terms of whether it helps build OO and the movement or hurts it, before decisions are made.
On the plus side, perhaps OO is maturing because recent marches and evictions have been peaceful. If this is a trend, then that’s encouraging. Yet, once stamped with a negative reputation, it’s much harder to change it than it is to get a reputation in the first place.
What now?
1. Adopt a resolution that growing the movement is a top priority goal and assess all actions with regards to whether it helps achieve that goal or not.
2. Restructure GA meetings to allow for in-depth discussion and analysis of key issues. For example, instead of open forum and proposals, devote one or more meetings to a debate about issues like destructive behavior, scrap the 30 second sound bite, post the agenda at least a day in advance (and don’t do committee report backs at every meeting. it’s mostly the same old stuff, do them once a week).
3. Establish a strategic planning committee (to discuss and bring forward to the GA for further in-depth discussion ideas like those below and others).
• Adopt a position opposing destructive behavior on the grounds that not doing so results in people opposing the movement.
• Identify, support, and facilitate striking at corporate bottom lines, e.g. ongoing account closings at corporate banks, boycott British Petroleum, Chevron, and Shell gas stations (there are no good oil companies but target the worst), boycott Verizon, etc.
• Rethink 24/7 encampments. They were essential in getting Occupy on everyone’s radar, but now the authorities are in kick-out mode, we can’t hold the ground, and the public opposes them. Occupations are a tactic, they shouldn’t be a goal.
• Work with housing justice advocates to have former owners re-occupy their foreclosed homes. The public will strongly support this as long as there’s no destructive behavior.
• Announce once-a-week (or more often) support _______ (a specific) local business day, which encourages OO supporters to patronize that business and have folks say they’re OO participants.
• Do outreach to suburbs to encourage actions. A few weeks ago, mainly white, middle-aged, middle class folks in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Rafael, and Palo Alto protested at corporate banks. If this happens more often support for the movement will grow tremendously, because the public can more easily relate to suburbanites.
• Network with other Occupy’s about actions like these.
If OO is to make a positive contribution to the movement, it needs to make major readjustments in its mindset and tactics. Otherwise, it will continue to spiral downwards and hurt the movement.
I’m physically unable to attend GA due to physical disability, I do however watch them on livestream, there is shouting down and chaos, it is not inviting.
I just got this email in my inbox: I don’t appreciate feeling threatened. The title of this discussion is Dissenters we need you…I post my opinion and get this crap from “little voice”, so I guess you don’t really need us.
you are a very, very negative force on the web pages relating to the movement. i would channel all of your dissatisfaction into getting actively involved in actions that make things better. i’m critical of things that go on as well, but i’m getting tired of how you sit back and say “i told you so” to every. fucking. thing. what work are you putting in? seriously.”
You have to keep on them. The moderators, the committees. Make it personal and keep the movement that way you want to see it.
I agree with the idea that this person should become involved so she can make Occupy Oakland into a movement that acts in ways that she sees as positive. The GA is really not the mob many see it as. I’m always surprised about how many bright and thoughtful people who show up. Also, this idea that there are different levels of just how much of a citizen of Oakland one can be strikes me as odd.
and this…is why you fail.
I agree that #OO has veered off course from the rest of the Occupy Movement… and not in a good direction.
It is disheartening, to say the least.
The violence was on the General Strike Day. Yes, #OO still has a reputation as being violent, especially since we have not, as a group, disavowed the use of violent tactics.
The reason #OO is not more balanced is because many people are turned off by this. If you want more people to join, be open to hearing other points of view without attacking them, and maybe they will feel more welcome.
I echo Simchas’ response. If you have been social activist since 1995, why don’t you contribute something to our cause rather than just complain about it?
I’m sorry, but I see no positive movement in OO as of today, same old, same old. A VERY small percentage control things. The money is STILL in Wells Fargo and another stupid PR move, claiming permission to camp was granted at 18th and Linden, when that was not true. OO has nothing to do with OWS anymore, so why would the general population want to be part of a group that can’t even move money out of a HUGE bank and pass even the most basic commitment to non-violence?
And yet it’s hard not to talk about the police when you are an Oaklander. What happened on 10/25 was inexcusable and did nothing but inflame anti-police passions. It’s hard to blame people in Occupy Oakland for their sense of outrage at the OPD.
And we have to get through this stage. And there are signs that we are moving through this. On 11/19 I and others in the march were talking with police officers. We were having real conversations with the police officers. The police officers I talked to were quite friendly and reasonable. They even supported us in principle even if they didn’t support all of the activities of the movement. So, I saw glimmers of progress in regards to the movement’s relations with the police.
It’s never too late. I know that’s a cliché and I squirm inside while writing it. And it’s still true. It’s never too late to change the course of a movement. If we get involved and show up to make a real presence then we may be able to guide the movement into an evolution that would yield non-violence. Yes, violence plays into the hands of the 1%. They comment, “See, they destroy their own cities. They don’t even have respect for their own homes.” Newt Gingrich calls us “dirty hippies.” I don’t know about you but I like soap and water. I shower at least once per day. I have a job. I pay taxes. I vote. And I have been involved in Occupy Oakland actions including 11/19. I saw all kinds of people at the march. I even saw a woman from the march chastising a marcher who was flipping off police at Grand and Lake Park. The rest of the marchers were supporting her. This guy was wearing a Fawkes mask. He stopped taunting the police and continued marching because he saw that the crowd wasn’t with him.
So on 11/19 there were indications that there is a non-violent energy still present in Occupy Oakland. It would be nice if those of us who believe in non-violence would show up more often to guide the decision making processes on future actions. I’m talking to myself too. I should be there more often
And how was 11/19 violent? I was there. I saw no violence. I did see the dismantling of a police fence. Then I and others in the march were having actual conversations with police officers. The police officers I was talking to were pleasant and reasonable. I wasn’t alone in talking to the police. There were groups of people gathered around and having real conversations with the police officers. Yes there was the occasional marcher who flipped off the police officer even while we were talking to him. But it seemed that most people there were trying to engage the police officers in a peaceful conversation. And in the morning there were no arrests when the camp was cleared.
So, I ask again. Where was the violence?
That’s why we need you to continue to show up. If more people show up and voice their opinions then things will have to change. I haven’t seen children being shouted down and belittled but if this is true, then that is all the more reason to get in there at the General Assemblies and other events and make your voice heard. It’s not like anyone can tape your mouth shut.
About Facebook. That is sad if it is true. If there is one thing this movement should be upholding it should be free speech.. I did notice that even here I’ve had a comment “moderated” and I’m not sure why.
Again, speaking out here and in person will help the movement evolve. Again, I wish that the time of General Assemblies could be changed to 7:00pm so that more of us who work 9ish to 5ish could make it to these meetings. The answer I got on another thread was ironically, “Well show up and make a proposal.” (paraphrased) Granted the poster explained that most of the business doesn’t start taking place until about 7:00pm so I guess it would still be possible for those of us who work during the day to make it by then to make proposals.
If more of us show up, it will be more difficult to shout us down. If dissenters show up in a significant way, then it will shift the discussion because the majority would be shifted. Think about it.
Hmmm, who are the “true” residents of Oakland? I’ve lived in Oakland in East Lake a.k.a. Funk Town for almost ten years. I make an effort to buy locally. I get involved in my community. I vote here. I hope that qualifies.
And I haven’t seen any evidence that only 25% of Oakland residents support Occupy Oakland. When marching on 11/19 the people in cars who were inconvenienced by us as we blocked traffic were smiling, shaking our hands, honking in support, and yelling words of encouragement.
Are you trying to say that you are a “respectable activist?” Please explain what this means. I’m going to be charitable for now and assume that you mean that “respectable activists” are experienced activists who can impart wisdom on new activists. If my assumption is correct and this is you then it is incumbent on you to show up and guide the movement. You are exactly who I would want to contribute your ideas at General Assemblies and to the actions of Occupy Oakland.
I am a public school teacher in my 6th year, I have never voted Republican and have been involved in the Social Justice Mov’t since 1995. I have also been critical of Occupy Oakland since they decided to attack the city of Oakland instead of the banks. While the other Occupy Mov’ts are focused on the crimes of the financial system Occupy Oakland seems more hung up on having a permanent street party/tent city.
Is Occupy Oakland a political mov’t looking to change the system or a cultural mov’t just wanting to be hot messes in public?
Why do those in Occupy Oakland think that even 25% of the TRUE RESIDENTS of OAKLAND support them?
Why does Occupy Oakland continue to cost the city thousands while letting the real corporate criminals off the hook?
How does urinating and defecating in public influence those with their hands on the levers of power in Washington DC or Wall Street?
Why does the Black Block get to continually hijack legitimate political mov’ts?
Why do you think any of us respectable activists would get involved in Occupy Oakland? It’s embarrassing to say the least.
Do you honestly think I want to get yelled at by a bunch of Star Hawk wanna bees at the General Assembly?
Still, I support those in the Occupy Oakland Mov’t who are really down for true financial reform.
^^^^^^^ right on!!!!!!!!!!! ^^^^^^^^
I know this isn’t going to be a very popular comment with those involved with OO, but it’s one that most residents of Oakland feel.
Oakland needs more police.
Oakland was one of the hardest hit cities by the sub prime crisis. Banks gave out money to anyone and everyone in an attempt to make a profit during the housing boom. And when the stack of cards fell, home values in Oakland crashed, homes became empty, lived in by squatters. And crime flourished.
Crime creates poverty and poverty creates crime. The city of Oakland had become too dependent on the revenues from taxing home owners. When this revenue fell, they cut many services, including public safety. OPD has dropped from 800 officers to 600 officers, when they really need over 1000. Gangs have thrived, open air drug markets are booming, police calls to report guns go unanswered, and the people of Oakland do not feel safe.
Crime and lack of public safety is one way that the 1% keep the people of Oakland down. And the bank mess is the way they have gotten us there.
Occupy Oakland needs to support the drive to increase public safety funding, just as much as they support increasing the funding to public schools. Without public safety, without the police, we will continue to drop deeper into poverty, and into crime, and the 1% will just look down on us from above, all safe and cozy in the safe areas they live in.
I just posted this on the OO facebook group, I won’t be on there much longer, because it is a perfect example of how OO keeps getting it wrong and alienating MANY people.
Occupy Oakland has next to nothing to do with Occupy Wall Street anymore, if it ever did at all. OO seems to be about fighting the police, racial issues (I’m mixed race so don’t bother to go there with me) and pushing personal agendas.
LESS THAN 1% OF THE MEMBERS OF THIS PAGE ARE ALLOWED TO POST ANYTHING. There is supposedly some rule about what kinds of posts are supposed to be on this FB page, yet that LESS THAN 1% are permitted to post whatever they want, whenever they want, and post things from individuals without verifying whether or not they are true, i.e; the “march against charter schools”, that was really a rant at a meeting and someone spouting their personal opinions out of the (now “lost”!) sound truck. People who ask questions are banned or attacked. Children are shouted down and belittled. The “proposals” are rambling and barely coherent, there is still a stubborn and short-sighted refusal to commit to non-violence, a statement that OO will “NEVER talk to the police”, and there is a party atmosphere/attitude here when many of the 99% are struggling to survive this financial crisis and the money OWS gave OO still sits in Wells Fargo, making money for Welks Fargo. What it looks like is people are rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic and this boat is going down. You have squandered your support and the opportunity to do something for a city that is in desperate financial crisis and closing schools and libraries. That is MY rant and believe that I am not alone in thinking these things, because I am part of the 99%.
One other note…. I saw that the U.S. Veterans for Peace were not with us on Saturday. Maybe that’s because…. they’re for Peace! We are alienating our best allies and killing this movement in Oakland.
If only… but I think it’s probably too late. I have been going to GAs for 2 weeks now, ever since I heard that we had been unable to pass any condemnation of the vandalism to local businesses after the march on the port. I could tell that a small group were trying to lay claim to the actions of those who took the port, to make it seem that as if by #OO’s GA not saying anything about the after-events, they were all part of the same thing. But most of us who took the port do not condone those actions, and we feel the failure of the GA to take a stance is a sign of weakness and another affirmation of #OO’s immature macho sub-culture that prevents any other group from speaking with sense. This shit is ridiculous — how do you build a mass movement and a militant movement at the same time? Honestly I doubt the intelligence of a lot of the people who keep preventing a vote like the one last night from passing. I do not march with people who are pro-violence. I told myself I would stick around long enough to actually take part in an anti-violence vote. The proposal last night wasn’t perfect, but 30% support? Clearly all the sane people have already started giving up on this thing. We had a golden, once in a lifetime chance, and we fucked it up. At least we can learn lessons. I’ve urged all Occupy groups to adopt non-violence resolutions prior to any oganizing. Quite simply, without a stance of peacefulness, Occupy Oakland cannot even claim 1st Amendment protections. Much less can we inspire others the way the students at UC Davis did this last week. Imagine the contrast between their bravery and our just looking like hoods attacking the fences and then having a dance party. Occupy Oakland is in a lot of ways for a lot of participants just a neverending block party, not a protest The rest of the Occupy Wall Street movement should distance itself from Occupy Oakland.
I think that our language needs to be more careful. I was confused by our GA last night, and embarrassed in front of the Elders Council! Screaming “Fuck The Police!” on a wired mic is not how we should be repping Oakland, and if we want our local communities to join us, we must be transparent and clear with them. It’s easy for white people to yell in a cop’s face; a person of color would be shot. Many ppl in my community have relatives who are Oakland/Alameda police.It was a job they could take. So to have people screaming about having ZERO dialogue w/police is couterproductive, IMHO.
I have skin-privelege as a white Oakland resident. I do not get profiled. But my community does. SO, how to reach out to that community without looking lke wahoos? We cannot co-opt the struggles of others in order to get their approval, we must get out there and meet ppl where they really are. Comittees that are largely white will have NO effect on the voters and communities of Oakland, and that’s just real. We need to have these difficult dialogues and figure out how to move fwd. We need solutions. I realize I just griped for a bit. But truly, Im not leaving OccupyOakland GA, and I want to see it change, to include all people of Oakland, not just encampments. THIS IS NOT TO SAY WE DONT NEED CAMPS, OR THAT THE CAMPERS HAVE NO VALIDITY. Quite the opposite. We all need eachother. But we need training.There are decades of un-tapped activists who have done this before, right here in Oakland, who won’t talk to us b/c they don’t like what they see happening. How to change that?
I love you all, with all my heart.
Hi Simcha.
Just to let you know, you are speaking to me. I have not been an active participant because I perceive (admittedly from a distance) that the Oakland movement is too much about ‘the people vs. the police’. Rebecca Solnit said it very well: “If you want to address a larger issue, getting overly entangled with local police is a great way to lose focus and support.” http://www.zcommunications.org/throwing-out-the-master-s-tools-and-building-a-better-house-by-rebecca-solnit
“The police” is a phrase we shouldn’t be using. Collectively demonizing a group of people is a right-wing tactic. Let’s not use it.
I just joined this site and will begin my participation with this. Keep talking, I’m listening.
– Brian