Hello,

The following is a list of observances and advice I have made about OWS(Occupy). It would be advantageous to consider everything said. I'm only going to state this post once. It's not in my interest to have an ongoing debate on this post. I simply don't have the time, so this is a one shot deal for me. The debate is between those that agree and disagree. Do with it what you will. My only concern is that this is a moment in history where the 'iron is hot', and moments like this get lost if focus and organization are not taken advantage of.

Observations:

Appearances Appearance is important. It always has been always will be to some extent consciously or subconsciously. The man with the tie vs. the man with the long beard and dirty clothes. We all make decisions based on this and nobody is immune. The outside world (the ones watching from a distance on T.V. or Online) may have a different interpretation of what is going on than you who are the supposed "OWSers".

Reasons

1) There is no doubt that "Mainstream" or "Corporate" Media skews the APPEARANCE of individuals who resist a certain status quo in society. This is almost a guarantee with any story of mass collectives organizing.

2) The 'appearance' is factual and based on a pattern of evidence.

I have found it to be more of the latter. There are many anecdotal reports of OWS being a fair representation of American culture in political and economic ideology. However I have noticed that the "leadership" consists of many "Leftist" notables and figureheads. Such as Michael Moore, Van Jones, Cornell West, Chris Hedges...all self proclaimed "Socialists" and very influential in OWS.

Infiltration, the power vacuum From the onset OWS(Occupy)billed itself as a leaderless, non-hierarchical movement. Motivated from the "Arab Spring" uprisings most notably Egypt. A side effect of any "revolution" means that a vacuum of power begs to be filled. This is a fact of history. The outgoing power base gets replaced with something better, something equal, or something worse. This fact should have been discussed before wildly and blindly attempting a change of an entire structure which consists of VERY powerful and ruthless interests. Self discipline IS/WAS not taken to pay close attention who align themselves as 'friends of the cause'. This is revolution 101, so to speak. You did not follow this rule.

exclusion and inclusion, populist ideals:

For any revolutionary act to take effect in a Democratic/Republic such as the U.S. there needs to be true consensus for those involved and potential sympathizers to the cause. Many across U.S. feel angry about the current political and economic situation, yet we all have a different idea of "who dunnit" and "how do we fix it". Was it the "STATE", was it the "CORPORATION", is it "Capitalism". Is our solution more Statism, Socialism, more Capitalism, etc. Everyone has a different take on it.

Fact, the U.S. has been working under the guise of Capitalism for our entire existence. The average population does not truly know what a "Socialist" model of economics looks like personally, nor do they care. Other are simply afraid to mention the word. Others are put off by the word "Capitalism", and know equally as much about IT. Yet our system is still based on the Capitalist means of production.

Economic Disagreements

Yet, many fallacies exist that "Capitalism" is the culprit to begin with, or that more specifically the "Free Market" is what this is. Both have their merit. But the question is routinely asked if the "STATE", co-mingling with and allowing Corporate interests to commit acts of thievery and fraud, is "Capitalism" at all. Words such as "Crony-Capitalism", "Corporatism", "Fascism" have a place in Websters. Words like "Keynesian" and "Free Market" principles to be considered in a rational and inclusive disucssion.

In comparison, many have a knee jerk reaction to the word "Socialism". Are we speaking of Marxism, Syndicalism, Social Democracy, Communism? Most of America is not familiar with these terms. Yet you ask who won "Dancing with the Stars", you'll get a definite answer.

Expectations

The previous are examples of the kinds of arguments made pre and post "occupation". Yet no goal of economic change were discussed by the so-called "99%". If 99% of the population is supposed to support OWS, how can we conclude this given the fact that America is a majority "Capitalist" nation, and that Socialism is yet still an unknown and mysterious mode of economy to the general populace? And how can a 'fringe' element expect a majority to join in a collective of that nature? I.E. You didn't have the numbers or the consensus of the nation.

Common evil and common good

This is revolution 101 also. Pay close attention.

Uprisings and revolutions REQUIRE a common good to become a populist idea or movement. "An idea whose time has come" so to speak. Being that America is not in agreement to begin with, this goal is hard to come by.

BUT there was/is a few commonalities here as far as the perception of a "Common Evil".

1) The Bankers, Banks, i.e. private Corporate Interests. (Goldman, Lehman, Citigroup, JP Morgan) Specifically the Federal Reserve

2) The Government, the "STATE", Congress, public officials, corruption within.

One side, the so-called "Left", sees the Corporations as the target and cause of the chaos.
The other side, the so-called "Right" sees this as a STATE/ Government created problem.

The obvious fact is that BOTH are correct. Yet, the OWS(Occupy) has mainly chosen to attack what it sees as the base of it all, Corporations and "Wall Street". How can the "State" and our politicians be ignored and not be held to account. In other words, you are missing part of the equation. But I will get to that later.

Revolutionary TACTICS

Revolution is not a game. Some revolutions come by overnight. Examples being the fall of the Soviet Union, Berlin Wall, Egypt more recently. They are usually the result of good timing or built up pressure coming to a head which a seeming overnight event takes place and 'change' is made.

With OWS though, the goals were not stated or formulated early on. How can one expect an intelligent rational populace to join such an idea? People want to know exactly WHAT they're joining or supporting. American culture especially is a very inquisitive reluctant one compared to developing nations. We are also a very apprehensive and suspect culture. You DID/DO not know your audience.

OWS got bogged down in intellectual masturbation rather than a common goal, action, end game, solution....WITH consensus. Revolutions do not happen by thought or theory. Those are childish games that lead to nothing more than noise and chants. Wasted efforts.

OWS is by default a 'leaderless' movement with no stated focused goals or grievances. Such a thing cannot succeed. Such a thing could not even know what 'success' is once it gained it. In fact OWS members and groups split it's energy into many different directions causing inherent disorganization.

CONTINUED:

Examples of Pet Grievances

1)"A job is a right". Fallacy. That is an opinion. A job is a commodity, not a resource. It is created by the individual(s) or by the State. It is not a guarantee. There is no possible way of guaranteeing something that depends on MAN to create it.

2)"I have a right to higher education". Again, this is an opinion not based on anything Constitutional or legal. This is a suggestion. There is no basis in any science, politics, charters, anthropology, sociology, etc. that says this is an inherent human or civil right.

3)“More Money For Schools” This is a an ongoing debate which has no direct relation to Wall Street, Government Corruption, etc. This is a favorite by those involved in “Education” with lengthy ongoing debates about the sustainability and success of “more money” as a solution to begin with. Another pet issue which wastes time and focus.
4)“Forgive my school loans”. Another notable demand widely seen at OWS gatherings and on television and video. There are many in this country that ask why you should be afforded this luxury. Who pays for your remorse for a contractual obligation YOU signed on to and now wish to be absolved? Where you lied to? Is fraud involved? Or do you realize you involved yourself in usury with the very kind of people that you are protesting? Creditors? Banks? Private institutions? As the Bankers took gambles and now demand public money to bail them out, do YOU also wish to be a afforded a 'bailout'? Again, on who's money?

These are some examples of what AMERICA sees, and people worldwide see. This is the APPEARANCE to the outside, what makes most people reluctant. It appears as if self entitled people are protesting much richer, much more powerful, self entitled people. Mostly, these are opinions, not immediately provable and highly debate. NOTE: My opinions above are to illustrate a point, not to initiate debate.

THE SOLUTION “SALVAGING AN IDEA”:

These solutions might sound harsh or absolute to an OWS member or supporter, but it is my strong and sincere opinion that the following is a sound tactical format for all future OWS actions or grassroots actions in general.

1)Be inclusive. Arguments and stances from either a “Left” or “Right” paradigm in either direction distract and alienate. OWS has done a good job of establishing that the two party system is broken, yet argues slanted to classically “Left” issues. For instance, there are many “Tea Party” members and Libertarians which have the same grievances (Wall Street, Banks, Corruption, Wars, etc.) The allowance of certain OWS members in full view of the media to define it as some “answer to the Tea Party” was a mistake that cost OWS a lot of potential support. Gain alliances not enemies.
2)Split into two factions of concentration. Those that are the angriest at Corporations/Banks and those that are angriest at Government/Politicians. People will work harder to address the problems they strongly believe in. Since the two can and SHOULD be agreed on, this is a sound approach since two groups won't feel overwhelmed and energy will be concentrated.
3)Disallow ALL connection to drug use, wild behavior, “characters”, attention seekers, egocentric types within OWS gatherings. Some people will use any mass gathering as a platform for attention or “friendship”. There is no gain in letting such people within any serious movement.
4)Constantly promote Non-Violence. OWS has been very good at this and should continue. All violence no matter what level of frustration should be shut down and distanced. Make “them” (the State) play the violence hand. “The whole world is watching”.
5)Quiet all arguments that take away from the immediate goals. Getting into philosophical debates about Modes of Economics or ideology only distracts from action and are arguments for a later date. Philosophizing creates “analysis paralysis”, it's not action.
6)Have STATED goals. People do not want to join a group that has no intended goal. This should be obvious, but it's importance seems to be well overlooked. The goals should be focused with large impact. Example being “Move your money to Credit Unions”. For those who want to cripple Banks, this is a worthy action and takes little effort with many advantages to a 'consumer'.
7)Address the POLITICIANS. Those in “Ivory Towers” of whatever Corporate interest be it Banks or Corporations, will not come down from their positions because you are angry with them. They have Anonymity, cover, loopholes, power, and do not answer to the public. Elected Representatives do. Compile lists of those on BOTH sides which have and continue to enable the fraud by the private interests or have engaged in conflicts of interests. Attention on the “law makers' is crucial.

CONTINUED:

8)Refrain from arguments/debates stemming from political partisanship or party loyalty. There are no “sides” to corruption. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that our nation's problems have been created by both Republicans and Democrats over the decades, and presently, to a focal point of the present day. Keep the debate framed within Banking, Corporatism, Corruption, banter on 'sides' is irrelevant.
9)Do NOT let any Mainstream or Corporate media choose media darlings from OWS to 'speak' for OWS.
10)Do NOT align with political pundits, authors, public personalities, or anyone of note, who SPEAK for or CLAIM OWS(Occupy). This is a COSTLY mistake and opens OWS(Occupy) up to Co-Opting and branding. Your famous “friend” may not be your friend at all. Let the famous do what they do, as you have a goal to reach. OWS(Occupy) should need no fame for it to grow. OWS(Occupy) is “famous”on it's own. It needs no face behind it, even if that face seems well intended, it's a risk.
11)Always be mindful of who the 'leadership' or influential people within OWS(Occupy) are. Take note of all philosophies being over represented, even if it is your own. Take note of “steering” or shutting down of dissenting opinions.
12))Call attention to any paid protestors, those in connection with PACs, foundations, or “professional” activists or groups within a group.
13)All placards and signs should have messages RELATING to the stated goals(assuming a concise small list is agreed upon). Media reports, videos, photos will be focused on those signs. If OWS(Occupy) appears to be a cornucopia of random grievances, people won't know what they would be supporting and anyone on 'the fence' may feel turned off by the lack of continuity.
14)Continuously educate those around you using factual data, not opinions.
15)Be disciplined with your goals.
16)Cultivate support of POPULAR opinions.

I feel that these suggestions have merit according to what I have studied for the last 11 years of my life of intense political, economic, social, and historical study. Edits for punctuation, grammar, spelling, or structure are welcome. Revision or deletion is your choice, but I would prefer it keep the original intent and language if you choose to redistribute this essay.

I believe that you will be more successful in your endeavors if you follow it.

Yours in Liberty!

K

Nice post and good lay out. Looks like you have spent some time on this. But I find life more interesting when the "Rules" are not followed and our own ones are made on the journey