Let Justice Flow ......

[H2O Man]

24. Very interesting, thoughtful response!

Thanks for this -- although I must admit that, when I first read it, I was a little confused: had I just woke up to DU circa 2003, when the discussions on this forum were at this level so frequently that DU:GD was essential for sharing insights with like-minded people? (Those who were here then know exactly what I mean!)

Perhaps the most interesting of the points you raise -- by no coincidence, my favorite -- sheds light on the concept of "power." Your post reminds me of one of the long letters that Rubin "Hurricane" Carter wrote to me in 1979, about that same concept. The word "power," he noted, came from the Latin root "posse," meaning "to be able ..."

The 1% is convinced they have "power," and are capable of controlling others. In fact, while they may have the self-discipline to earn a university degree, and be in a position that impacts a wide circle around them, they have not harnessed the true power-potential. Rather, they are both channeling, and being channeled, by destructive energy. And that is distinct from the cleansing destructive power of nature.....

True power for an individual can only come by the self-discipline that makes mastering one's self possible. And then being able to navigate the natural world, of which humanity is simply one part. Thus, in the context that goes with your comments, that discipline involves -- no, requires -- not only that non-cooperation with the current political malignancy that is poisoning our nation, but preparing to anticipate the very serious dangers that will arise rapidly, when the system shits the bed. And preparing to move forward, in a direction that benefits humanity.

I think that the Occupy Movement represents the updated Poor People's Campaign that King was planning in late 1967 and early '68. King's Poor People's Campaign was recognized, at the time, as a great threat to the comfort of the 1%, and the ability of their machine to run. The machine was not running smoothly, by any means, and King's plan was revolutionary. It was non-violent, patriotic, and held the promise of real change in how the nation functioned. Call it "mere speculation" on my part, but I think the 1% see Occupy in that same light.

It can be difficult to identify the best territory between participating in the machine, versus simply withdrawing from the larger society. Now, I respect individuals and groups that function in that margin -- the hermits and the people of communes, etc. But a large-scale transition to a different cultural reality will include all the pain and suffering of a birthing experience, even under the best of circumstance. We need people who understand a lot of the sub-systems that are required for survival.

I really hope that you keep going with this conversation, and that others add their thoughts, as well.