Could OCCUPY evolve into the "99%" Movement?

[CJCRANE]

Most of us on DU know that "OCCUPY" is both a tactic and a group name for the global movement and local groups.

Most of us also know what their main themes and aims are.

But there have been some on DU that decry the name "Occupy" and the tactic of occupying public places. There are also some who say that the aims of Occupy are not clear.

So...my suggestion is to call the overall movement "the 99% Movement".

A possible slogan is: "Economic justice for the 99%"
An extended version: "Representation for the other 99% of us, not just the super-rich 1%".

In this way you can still have the Occupations and local groups representing the 99%.

But for those who are unable or unwilling to Occupy, they can represent the 99% in other ways, with a 99% bumpersticker, a 99% banner in a march or a button etc etc.

What do you think DU?

[Kalidurga]

1. I think it is already evolving...

the movement is very new so it is hard to say what direction it will finally take. But, I believe most are in it for the long haul. Many groups are digging in and there are out reach working groups in most if not all of the Occupy sites. Rallies at the Minneapolis site typically bring a few hundred or more people. It doesn't sound like a lot and it isn't, but the core group has made a lot of headway here already. For example they have already gotten a bank to extend a move out date for a woman who is caring for her very sick father a two week extension which she says really reduced the stress of the situation. They have gotten the bank to negotiate with one home owner that is in foreclosure. I wish I knew more, but I am not able to go to the Plaza as much as I would like or watch the livestream.

[robinlynne]

2. already happening. Anyone who says aims are not clear is either not listening

or lying.

[CJCRANE]

3. I agree..

but I was trying to think of ways to make the message so clear that it's almost impossible to say that.

Plus to think of ways for people to get inlvoved and identify with the movement, so that however you help out, even if in a small way, you can call yourself a proud 99%er.

[JDPriestly]

4. Just relax. That's what the movement is about.

It's not planned. It's not strategy. It is the democratic process. We do need no stinking leaders. The good ones all get shot anyway. So forget it.

[CJCRANE]

7. I understand that.

Just thinking aloud. People are free to take up or ignore or modify the ideas.

It's probably more relevant to DU and the blogosphere than the actual real world. It's just that I had a few debates with a couple of DUers about this. They said they support the aims of OWS but they don't support the tactics. I gave them a hard time about it. Next time I'll just tell them "call yourself a 99%er" instead and help out in other ways. Then they have no excuse.

[robinlynne]

9. Someone sent me a link to where you can get 99% buttons. Like the one I

wear. would you like me to find that?

Where is your local occupy? We take food and water, blankets; there are so many needs there. outside support is a big part of the movement. most of us are not there in person, but are there as support.

[CJCRANE]

10. Feel to free to post the link

or point me in the right direction, it's always useful to know.

I'm also interested in free charts, posters and banners you can print out, if you or any other DUers know a good source for them.

[robinlynne]

11. 99% buttons. not free. link below:

I got those great 99% buttons from our friend Carl Bunin who is Detroit. These are union buttons and the price is right. Please use the link below if you want to order your own. Those of you who got them ( I gave away 100 this weekend) know they are high quality buttons I would like Carl to get lapel pins so if you are interested let both of us know. It is a big investment for Carl so he would need to know there is demand. I think they would make awesome holiday gifts.


order page

http://peacebuttons.info/orderpp.htm#99percentbutton

[CJCRANE]

13. Thanks, they're really good.

It could be worth posting the link in the DU Marketplace forum too.

[valerief]

5. You don't have to occupy to be a supporter of the occupiers. Wall St. let down America.

The core name of the movement s/b Occupy Wall St.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

6. I AM 99% AND I VOTE

:nopity: :spank:

[robinlynne]

12. How's that working for you? ( for America)

[Bragi]

8. Yes, Occupy is a tactic, while the 99% is the movement...

And while I have no objection to new slogans, I think the current one -- "We are the 99%" -- is more than perfectly fine. An ad agency for the 1% couldn't say it better.