Prevent the undermining of OO and the movement

The significant amount of discussion about destructive behavior clearly indicates that it’s a critical issue; many of us believe it’s the most critical issue.

Yet, I believe the discussion isn’t focused sharply enough on the most important point::

Significantly growing the movement is critical to its success and destructive behavior results in large numbers of people viewing the movement negatively, not getting involved in or dropping out of it, and opposing it (Occupy is losing support: two weeks ago polls showed significantly more support than opposition; a recent poll indicates more opposition than support). Therefore it’s the biggest threat and should be addressed by OO. This includes taking a position against it, having discussions between supporters and opponents of destructive actions, people non-violently intervening at actions, paying for the damages to local businesses, etc. Even with all that, destructive actions will still happen, but hopefully they would be minimized so that the movement isn’t undermined.

Currently, theOaklanddiscussion is too focused on and gets bogged down in philosophical issues (moral justifications for and against destructive behavior, definitions of this and that, etc).

Although, it will be difficult for any proposal opposing (or supporting) destructive behavior to be approved because 90% approval, or 80% after amended, is required, there appears to be enough interest to continue trying. Perhaps the best chance is a proposal that’s simple, short, and sharply focused on the rationale described above to try and contain the discussion to a pragmatic, rather than philosophical, focus.

Although this may be too late because the City is planning to evict the campers again and a vacant building will be taken over on Saturday, which almost certainly will result in more physical aggression on both sides and more people turning against us, I submit this draft proposal for input and further discussion.

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Title: Prevent the Undermining of Occupy Oakland and the Movement

Preamble

To be successful, the broader Occupy movement must increase its numbers significantly beyond those who currently support it and are involved.

Success means reversing current trends so that ordinary people are better fed, housed, cared for, educated, and employed. Success ultimately means dismantling plutocracy and cannibalistic capitalism, and building a system based on participatory democracy and economics that is humane, equitable, and ecologically sustainable.

This proposal is offered with the hope that it’s judged while putting aside whether the tactic of destructive behavior is morally right or wrong, but rather is judged on the statement that destructive behavior results in large numbers of people viewing the movement negatively, not getting involved in or dropping out of it, and opposing it. This is already happening: public support for Occupy is decreasing. Therefore, destructive behavior is single biggest threat to the movement and should be addressed.

The forces opposed to Occupy are well-aware that inciting destructive behavior is the best way to divide the movement, turn the general public against it, and undermine it. That’s why they’ve inserted provocateurs.

Even if Occupy Oakland takes a position against destructive behavior and encourages ongoing dialogue between supporters and opponents of such behavior, and even if opponents of such behavior intervene non-violently at actions, destructive behavior will still happen. The purpose of addressing this issue is to try and minimize it so that it doesn’t result in OO being undermined and doesn’t undermine the greater Occupy movement.

Proposal

OO should:

1. Take a position opposing destructive behavior, which includes damaging property, throwing or shooting objects, and lighting fires.
2. Conduct trainings and discussions about civil disobedience without instigating or being provoked to commit destructive actions.
3. Use its funds, if affordable, to reimburse local businesses that suffer property damage.
4. Develop and implement a plan to increase business in the downtown core. 
5. Develop and implement an outreach plan to local authorities, local businesses, and the media about these actions.

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I’m interested in folks input and whether there’s interest in getting this proposal, or something like it, heard at the GA (if there still is a GA) in the coming days. Thanks