Viva la Revolution! Viva la Revolution! We need a GENERAL STRIKE!

[originalpckelly]

I have pondered recently actions we could take to turn this nation around. At First, I thought we could have a simple agreement with the Republicans to impeach the President, and not use it in the 2006 campaigns. The teeth of the agreement would be a hefty fine.

Then I thought we could amend the US Constitution to add the Roman principle of power sharing, or collegiality.

The I tried to come up with a direct-democracy Constitution. (Though I post this solution before the other on this forum.)

All of that is not going to happen, because it relies upon cooperation with other side, and I don't think they are too interested in doing the right thing. That is when I remembered what France's young people did to oppose a new law: a general strike.

This would work because almost half of America is made of Democrats.

Imagine half of the country staying home and not working. That would have massive consequences. The Republicans would have to listen to Democrats.

We need to find out the following:
1. Is it a good idea?
2. What should the demands should be?
3. How would we organize it and get the word out?

[mdmc]

1. rockin the status quo has never been the dems strong suit

:shrug:

[originalpckelly]

2. Advice for our party:

Get up off your asses and get out into the streets.

[mdmc]

4. i'll be in the streets this weekend

:patriot:

[katinmn]

44. May 1 is it! Anti-war groups are joining immigrants in a strike

Join in!

No better time like the present.

Immigrants & Peace Activists UNITE!
(from CodePink)

A broad-based and powerful peace and social justice movement is on the move! Millions of people poured into the streets a few weeks ago across America to protest the criminalization of undocumented immigrants, now at greater risk than ever before of detention and deportation. Imagine as a US citizen you are told that your undocumented parents might be incarcerated and deported. Recent bills have been introduced in both the House and the Senate aimed at creating a new enemy in America -- hardworking immigrants. And they could be your relatives.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would, if passed into law: 1) expand the grounds of deportation; 2) use domestic military bases for immigration detention; 3) legalize the indefinite detention of non-citizens; 4) authorize local officers to enforce federal immigration laws; 5) erect a border fence; 6) enable Homeland Security agents to expel suspected foreigners indiscriminately; and 7) create a national identification system for all workers, among other measures. Recent passage of House Bill, H.R. 4437 criminalizes anyone providing assistance to undocumented immigrants.

No matter where you stand on U.S. immigration policy, what is currently being promoted by some of our elected officials is undeniably counter to the values of justice and equality. And it is exactly those values that we hold dear when we strive for a peaceful foreign policy. In order to promote its war policies based on fear and violence, the U.S. government relies on portraying immigrants of color, whether they be Iraqi, Afghani, Mexican or Salvadorian, as a security risk, and implying that their lives and rights are less valuable than those of U.S. citizens. If we wish to create a diverse movement for peace, we must confront both the foreign and domestic policies that create divisions between those who would be our sisters and brothers, and make peace with the millions of immigrants trying to eke out a life within the U.S. borders.

Recognizing these connections, leaders from diverse ethnic communities, labor, religious groups and anti-war groups have been standing together to call on Congress to respect the rights of immigrants. Now, in an unprecedented show of common ground, immigrants' rights activists will march together with the anti-war movement on April 29 in New York. On May 1 we will join actions for immigration reform and justice all over the country. Please join us! You can also click here to see what events are happening in your area, including the general boycott of work, school and shops.

We look forward to standing with our brothers and sisters in the immigrant community to work for policies that respect our values of fairness; provide a clear path to earned citizenship; make immigration safe, legal, and orderly; unite families; and ensure workplace and civil rights protections for everyone.

Click here to read Global Exchange's 10 reasons to support Immigrant rights.

Si Se Puede!
Allison, Dana, Farida, Gael, Jodie, Medea, Meredith, Nancy, Rae and Tiffany

[Sarah Ibarruri]

3. This country does not allow general strikes.

This country does not allow the freedoms that would ensure a good lifestyle for the majority. It fires people and makes sure this country has few if any worker protection laws. It destroys unions. It kills all chances to have health care. It destroys a living wage. It destroys free thinking. It shoves evangelical christianity down everyone's throats, including the weird morality that goes with it. Much, much more. If you really examine these things, it becomes clear that this is the same sick, warped cowboy/manifest destiny/robber baron style of thinking this country started out with. It's still with us, like a wart that just won't go away.

[originalpckelly]

5. Tyranny is an illusion...

We are 1/2 of the power in the United States.

1/2 of the country may just have to be a little under the weather.

I think the only cure for our disease is a little Democracy.

I think the only cure for our disease are the Resignations of the following:
1. The President
2. The Vice President
3. Any of their staff.

The truth is that we have always had 1/2 of the power in this country.

We can never loose that, unless we allow it to happen.

[acmejack]

10. Democracy itself is an illusion, there are about eighteen families

which effectively control this Country. Start taking a look at the Kochs, Scaifes, Waltons, Bushes, Fords, Rockefellers, Kennedys, Forbes, etc.

They own this Country, we just live here...

[originalpckelly]

12. No, they have never really controlled it...

The stuff about natural truths in the Declaration of Independence is not just BS. It reflects the reality.

The Republic is a natural truth, we will always live in a Republic.

The fact is this:
Millions of people are much more powerful than a few.

In fact the only way the few can gain any power is by the institutions of artificial systems upon the people.

The only reason they have any power is because of money.

Money is completely artificial, in fact there is nothing backing up money, but a general agreement amongst people to value it.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

51. You're right. And our laws don't prohibit that type of aristrocacy.

Our laws allow a handful of gigantic fish to control our nation. Workers have no protection. The mega-rich don't pay their share of taxes. Only the rich may run for office. Even monopoly laws are useless here.

[struggle4progress]

24. There's a limit to how many people can be jailed or fired ..

.. before things get out of hand ...

[originalpckelly]

26. To Cop a Line For V: People should not be afraid of their government...

The government should be afraid of its people.

We should never fear the government because that is equal to fearing ourselves. This nation's government, when not controlled by tyrants, is a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

[Tanyah]

6. Camp out

We need to camp out in DC and stay until we get what we want.

[originalpckelly]

8. Right on! Right on! Sick day, sick day! Strike, strike! (n/t)

[originalpckelly]

7. America is a little sick...

We are sick and tired of corporations dictating our live to us.

We are sick and tired of the corrupt government.

We are sick and tired of being heard but not listened to.

We are sick and tired of this awful President.

We are too sick and tired to come into work, until these things are resolved.

[teknomanzer]

9. If there was an organized general strike...

I would be out there.

Man, we need something BIG for this country. A kind of reverse 9/11. Something so much louder, and powerful than planes colliding into buildings. Something the purpose of which is not to strike fear, or foment hatred in the people, but rather empowers them - sets them free.

[originalpckelly]

11. Yes, we can do it!!!!!!

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[teknomanzer]

14. Got to do more than just demonstrate...

You know what would be great...

You know how 9/11 was all about tearing things down... destruction... devestation... and fear.

This is crazy, but what if every one with a hammer, a saw and some hardware, just drove down to NOLA to restore that city. A sort of "In your face" to the slow response of the government. We should do something like that. We should rebuild... that would be a reverse 9/11.

Nuts yeah... but something like that would be incredible.

[originalpckelly]

16. That is such a good idea...

We could have a sick day and people all around the country would try to make it NOLA to re-build the city.

Others in the range of DC could sit out in the streets and bring the city to a halt.

In other parts of the country we organize rallies.

We would do this during the work week. This would be similar to a General Strike, only it would be a general sick day.

[originalpckelly]

13. The demands:

1. The Resignation of President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and their advisers and Secretaries.
2. The passage of REAL LOBBYING REFORM.
3. A real plan to get America out of Iraq.

Add to the list as you feel necessary.

[partylessinOhio]

15. I feel a strike is a good idea.

For those who do not work, elderly or disabled, they could join in by striking in other ways. They could avoid shopping, dining, movies, beauty shops and doctor offices. The more people joining in, the greater the impact.

Face it we are not getting our outrage noticed just sitting passively. We need to be heard and heeded.

[originalpckelly]

17. Your absolutely right...

The President hears the criticism, but never listens to it. If we had a real impact upon the nation's economy don't you know he would do what we say.

[originalpckelly]

18. Kick! And Viva la Revolution! Viva la Revolution! (n/t)

[Brian Stevens]

19. hmmmm

Are you saying to go violent? That is a big step and it takes a lot of courage and it is life risking.

[originalpckelly]

20. No way a velvet revolution!

No violence allowed, we are not Republicans.

What are you nuts?
That is against the law and morally wrong.

We all need to be sick on the same day or days, until our demands are met.

[originalpckelly]

21. Kick & Revolution! (n/t)

[Radio_Guy]

22. Isn't there a strike Monday

Aren't all immigrants striking Monday? Let's join them and take the day off.

[originalpckelly]

23. Well, solidarity with their cause is just a start...

but all Americans should set a day to call in sick. We need to organize a special day, to not steal the immigrants thunder.

[struggle4progress]

25. Has anyone been following Nepal?

[Gman]

27. We didn't do it in 1981

We damn sure won't pull it off now.

[originalpckelly]

28. Who were you, air traffic controllers?

Most Americans don't work for the government.

We have the internet.

We must do this to save our nation.

Laziness now, will mean no tomorrow.

[Gman]

45. "We" refers to the American workers

My note refers to a national strike in sympathy with the air traffic controllers. If we didn't strike then, when we still had a little gumption left to do it, we're not gonna pull it off now. That was 25 years ago.

[originalpckelly]

29. Kick & Revolution! (n/t)

[originalpckelly]

30. Kick for the night crew. (n/t)

[Lone_Wolf]

31. I think you are on the right track...

Changes are made only when the Elites are tangibly affected by something. A general strike would work because it cuts into their almighty GDP. Our only other recourse outside of violence is massive civil disobedience. I also think we need a different tactic regarding protests. As they stand now, protests don't accomplish much because the Elites are able to avoid them If we held protests outside their gated communities, their children's private schools, or their places of work or leisure, then we'd start seeing change.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

32. Good lord. I thought for a second you were looking for me...

The substance of your post is why I chose this user name. in 2003 ;)

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!!!

[katinmn]

46. I thought you were getting called out, too!

:-)

Looks like you are getting your wish!

5 congressmembers arrested...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1048234&mesg_id=1048234

This should get a few new people off their asses!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1047785

And this beautiful news...
Immigrants & Peace Activists UNITE!
A broad-based and powerful peace and social justice movement is on the move! Millions of people poured into the streets a few weeks ago across America to protest the criminalization of undocumented immigrants, now at greater risk than ever before of detention and deportation. Imagine as a US citizen you are told that your undocumented parents might be incarcerated and deported. Recent bills have been introduced in both the House and the Senate aimed at creating a new enemy in America -- hardworking immigrants. And they could be your relatives.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would, if passed into law: 1) expand the grounds of deportation; 2) use domestic military bases for immigration detention; 3) legalize the indefinite detention of non-citizens; 4) authorize local officers to enforce federal immigration laws; 5) erect a border fence; 6) enable Homeland Security agents to expel suspected foreigners indiscriminately; and 7) create a national identification system for all workers, among other measures. Recent passage of House Bill, H.R. 4437 criminalizes anyone providing assistance to undocumented immigrants.

No matter where you stand on U.S. immigration policy, what is currently being promoted by some of our elected officials is undeniably counter to the values of justice and equality. And it is exactly those values that we hold dear when we strive for a peaceful foreign policy. In order to promote its war policies based on fear and violence, the U.S. government relies on portraying immigrants of color, whether they be Iraqi, Afghani, Mexican or Salvadorian, as a security risk, and implying that their lives and rights are less valuable than those of U.S. citizens. If we wish to create a diverse movement for peace, we must confront both the foreign and domestic policies that create divisions between those who would be our sisters and brothers, and make peace with the millions of immigrants trying to eke out a life within the U.S. borders.

Recognizing these connections, leaders from diverse ethnic communities, labor, religious groups and anti-war groups have been standing together to call on Congress to respect the rights of immigrants. Now, in an unprecedented show of common ground, immigrants' rights activists will march together with the anti-war movement on April 29 in New York. On May 1 we will join actions for immigration reform and justice all over the country. Please join us! You can also click here to see what events are happening in your area, including the general boycott of work, school and shops.

We look forward to standing with our brothers and sisters in the immigrant community to work for policies that respect our values of fairness; provide a clear path to earned citizenship; make immigration safe, legal, and orderly; unite families; and ensure workplace and civil rights protections for everyone.

Click here to read Global Exchange's 10 reasons to support Immigrant rights.

Si Se Puede!
Allison, Dana, Farida, Gael, Jodie, Medea, Meredith, Nancy, Rae and Tiffany

[Viva_La_Revolution]

47. I'll be darned if I ain't

feeling pretty hopeful at this point. :)

:bounce:

[Zorra]

33. Sign me up. n/t

[originalpckelly]

34. The early strategy:

1. We will strike on a date to be determined.

2. We will use mailing lists to get the strike going.

3. We will may give a warning to the other side, but it is only to give them a chance to give in before they get hurt.

4. We will have to create a striker database, which will allow us to know how many people are going to strike. This could be a simple number tally or something more sophisticated.

5. Upon a yet to be determined critical mass, we will put out a press release with the date of the "sick and tired of BushCo" day.

6. We will instruct people to call in sick to work. We will encourage workers and the unemployed to stop shopping as well.

7. We will organize protests in every major city. Basically, crowd control and the permits.

8. (a) We will conveniently all get sick and tired on the day. We will also happen to be at the rally as well, as a therapeutic treatment.

(b) We will help people who can make it to New Orleans build houses and do other charitable work.

(c) We will organize people in the Washington, D.C. area to protest in the streets. We might even try to completely fill the streets with protesters.

9. We will assess the economic effect to the best of our ability.

10. If the damage is not sufficient to have our demands met, we will organize a large multi-week boycott, daily protests, and more days of conveniently being sick.

[LoZoccolo]

42. Oh this is nice.

4. We will have to create a striker database, which will allow us to know how many people are going to strike. This could be a simple number tally or something more sophisticated.

I would never ever put my name in a database saying I was going to go on a general strike.

[originalpckelly]

48. Well we really just need like a simple counter on a website....

I completely understand why I and everyone else don't want that kind of database. Sorry I even said that. Yikes! Where was my head?

[katinmn]

50. Good list

But part of me believes that enough of us will reach the tipping point one day and we'll all just say "Let's stop this bullshit."

I don't want to worry about permits or asking permission to strike. If we ask for offical okays, they can say no, shut us down, put us behind fences or in pens (which they are getting ready, BTW).

[LoZoccolo]

35. What have you done for the 2006 elections, if you don't mind me asking?

I'm sure that your local Democratic Party office could find you some things to do that wouldn't be as difficult to organize as a general strike.

[originalpckelly]

36. Still have the illusion the Pukes aren't going to fix this election?

Why should they play by the rules at this juncture when they haven't done it before?

Oh, so now they are going to start playing by the rules, I get you.

What happened in Florida? I don't think that was too fair.

What happened in Ohio? I guess that was just a little mistake, right?

Why would they start playing by the rules for Congressional elections, when it could have powerful consequences for the President?

[LoZoccolo]

39. These ideas are irrational and dangerous.

You cite two examples, one of which has any credibility with me (Florida), as an excuse for not doing anything anywhere. That doesn't make sense.

By the same logic, nefarious electoral actions in Chicago by Democrats years ago should have had us winning every election in every state past that, and the Republicans should have never put together their - quite successful - movement since the 1970s because they wouldn't have won any elections beyond that. We know what happened with that.

You may also wonder why allegations of fraud in Ohio don't really have credibility with me; it's because when I used to ask about them people would say things like "if you don't see it you're blind". There very well may have been something going on, but the people responsible for making sure I know that didn't want to do their job beyond insulting those of us who didn't see it yet.

Are you even going to vote?

[LoZoccolo]

41. Also...

I've said before that in general, DUers are seldom doers. Walking a precinct or doing grunt work for their local party organization, they won't do, but if it involves ditching work (or pretending that they will some day), they'll be for it.

[originalpckelly]

49. I understand...

1. Here is a link to Wikipedia about the Ohio Election Controversy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_U.S._Election_voting_controversies%2C_Ohio

2. I understand that you would be skeptical, but I think you made a great point; staying home from work isn't that hard to do. Even if people don't protest or do anything else, I think they are just dying for an excuse to get out of work. We might as well channel that into something good for our country.

3. I need to prepare a longer response explaining the longer term strategy this is a part of. My strategy, if it works, will prevent internal civil strife.

[sandnsea]

37. Tomorrow is Dean's National Canvass Day

And from what I can tell, people aren't signing up for it. That would have been visible and effective. The Democratic Agenda on every door in America. I guess walking door to door to door, with no media and no music and no signs and, uhm - no attention - is just too booorring.

Protests are fine and I hope people do join in the May 1 rallies. But it doesn't replace the monotonous work of knocking on doors, phone banking, registering, etc. That's what we should really be doing.

[originalpckelly]

38. Maybe we could combine both...

We all take a sick day, and go kindly house to house and explain ourselves.

What about that?

And then the money we save from not shopping on the day of the strike can go to the various Democratic campaign funds.

Democrats who live near or can get to D.C. hold a massive rally. Democrats who live near the gulf coast can go down and help rebuild the houses and other structures.

[sandnsea]

40. Sounds good to me

My point was that we actually have a day where we're supposed to all be getting active, tomorrow. Events are planned, but there need to be more people to carry them out and make it a real success.

http://www.democrats.org/a/party/a_50_state_strategy/50_state_canvass/

[mondo joe]

43. I think you have the cart before the horse.

To suggest a general strike and THEN ask what the demands shuold be strikes me as backward.

You need a strong groundswell around some issue that leads to action.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

52. The majority of people need to show up at work in order to eat.

Some can't even miss 1 day of work or they and their kids don't get to eat. How's anyone going to miss work to do a general strike? If anyone in this country gets fired, they're replaced asap with someone else who's hungry and living day-to-day.