Joe Shlabotnik
Joe Shlabotnik's JournalBeautiful post(s).
I agree with your sentiments, but I too can only speak for myself with absolute certainty. I'd wager though, that 189 members of this group probably have your back, and the balance of the 626 rec's, referenced above, aren't too far behind. However, I'm sure you are aware that some will Never be on board. Some will view it as too risky. Some are happy with the status quo, or least not deeply concerned, maybe some are complacent. Some are complicit.
I discovered and passively read DU since the early 2000's, because of my disbelief, distrust and extreme aversion to modern conservatism as a front for authoritarianism, license for corruption and exploitation. Last August, I began to read about an idea of pitching tents on Wall street, and thought, "what a great idea", "this is years past due", "what if this took off". I finally joined DU last September, and started posting because I believe that the potential for Occupy to succeed lies largely with Democrats, who are the heirs of the legacy of progressives like FDR, LBJ, MLK, and RFK. But invoking their names without embracing their values is disingenuous and dishonorable, and sadly some flaunt this pedigree all the while rationalizing their complicity with the status quo.
It may not be a smooth ride around here in the coming months. But change comes from within, and the persistent industry of small drops of water eventually form the tidal wave of progress.
"Few will have the greatness to bend history; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation ... It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is thus shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." -RFK
I deeply respect the sense of duty and moral conviction
that Ray Lewis demonstrated last fall during OWS, drawing sharp contrast to the NYPD thugs. I sincerely hope he stays safe, and receives all the publicity he wants. A guy like this is dangerous to the status quo because he's a bridge between Occupy and a large segment of the "I don't get it" crowd.
I'm so sad to read this.
The loss of Kucinich is a loss for idealists and dreamers. So what.....? Well, there is government,.... and then there is leadership. Kucinich was a leader, not a defender of the status quo, but an inspiration to what a county and people should aspire to.
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Gender: MaleHome country: Canada
Current location: Rust Belt Ontario
Member since: Fri Sep 23, 2011, 09:36 PM
Number of posts: 5,604
