OCCUPY THE VOTING BOOTH.

[cliffordu]

Just sayin'.

[brooklynite]

1. If you mean engage in the political process, it's about time.

[lunatica]

2. yeah, if you want to recall Scott Walker or vote for Elizabeth Warren

But just to keep our present corrupt government going because we're too naive to get it, maybe not such a good idea.

I think we should Occupy our own brain for a change. Let's start getting real.

[badtoworse]

3. Recommended!

One of the few ideas I've seen about OWS that might actually accomplish something.

OWS needs to follow the Tea Party model. They organized, they fielded candidates and they had a succinct, well defined platform. For better or for worse, they were very influential during the debt ceiling fiasco.

Camping in public parks and crapping in the streets isn't going to win public support or accomplish anything meaningful.

[progressoid]

5. Yup. n/t

[Bluenorthwest]

14. That's funny, because OWS is seen more favorably than

the government, Corporations and the Tea Party. Why would anyone 'follow the model' of a group that is less popular than their own? Can you explain that specifically?

[badtoworse]

20. Says who?

Data from some push poll? Did anyone ever poll the neighbors around an OWS camp? If Zuccotti Park is any example the neighbors were livid and were ready to confront OWS and throw them out, if the cops didn't evict them first.

The only polls that matter are the ones they take on election day. The Tea Party can point to elections they've won and impact on setting public policy. Other than the mess they've made, what can OWS point to?

I want to see the economic pie cut up more fairly and I also want a bigger pie. OWS is never going to get there with the deplorable tactics they're using. If they really do have the support you think they do, why aren't they organizing politically? Other than through violent revolution, that is the only way change will happen.

Personally, I believe OWS is greatly overestimating the support they have. I would say it's a mile wide, but only an inch deep.

[TheWraith]

23. One, that's rapidly not becoming the case.

OWS is experiencing the same drop-off the Tea Party did after people's initial infatuation stage with the Tea Party wore off.

Second, like it or not, the Tea Party was successful in pushing their agenda, even if you didn't like it.

[Skidmore]

4. Absolutely and use it to Occupy Congress.

Vote out congress people who do not engage with the voter. AND preserve the VOTE while you are at it.

[Freddie Stubbs]

6. This is why the Tea Party movement was sucessful

They didn't just protest. They became politically active and campaigned for candidates.

[TBF]

7. I have no problem with participating in their charade -

but if we really want to get things done we'll continue occupying the parks and move into the streets.

No offense, because at least POTUS isn't bat shit crazy like his opponents, but we aren't getting any economic benefit for the 99% through the voting booth. Sure we can vote but it shouldn't be our #1 priority. Just my 2 cents.

This will be more clear when POTUS gets re-elected and austerity starts in earnest. Would republicans do better? No, they will be the same or worse ... and that is why we gotta stick to our methods.

[pwb]

8. I'm in

[SidDithers]

9. K&R...nt

Sid

[yodermon]

10. occupy the DNC, i say.

spite the Democrats: vote them into power.

[HappyMe]

11. Always. nt

[lonestarnot]

12. I am pretty disgusted this a.m. I'll be fine by Nov 2012.

[KurtNYC]

13. and take your pick of candidates from the 1% for the 1%

keep the illusion of democracy alive!

[Bluenorthwest]

15. It is telling that some think activism = not voting...

I assume that is because they are used to just voting, and they incorrectly see it as a binary choice, either vote or demonstrate, when that is a lazy and detached way to approach citizenship.
I think activists are voters, sadly the reverse in not always as true as it should be.

[HappyMe]

16. You have hit the nail on the head.

There are countries out there that fought long and hard to get the right to vote.

Women here fought long & hard to be able to vote.

[Bluenorthwest]

19. One of my political priorities is marriage equality

to get that done, same as with DADT, it takes activism of all kinds, large checkbooks, supporting candidates, people getting arrested, voting, the entire spectrum of political activity. Those who push 'just shut up and vote' are just wrong. It is not a choice, one thing or the other, we do not lose our right to vote by making use of other methods.

[TBF]

17. I always vote - including my straight dem ticket in 2010 (here in TX where that did diddly squat) -

but it is not my main focus. Besides having capitalism which works against us, another reason the 1% has been able to screw us so badly is lack of education/apathy. So I focus on educating.

[TheWraith]

22. Problem is, that's exactly what some people think OWS should be.

Not about voting, not voting, not political. Which is a guaranteed way to make sure a movement accomplishes absolutely nothing.

[flamingdem]

18. k 'n r to that! nt

[TheWraith]

21. Kicked and recommended.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: a non-political movement with political goals is a contradiction in terms.