Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Joe Shlabotnik

(5,604 posts)
6. Beautiful post(s).
Wed Mar 21, 2012, 02:10 AM
Mar 2012

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

It seems like "Crickets" here...but the people who founded this site are probably busy... KoKo Mar 2012 #1
i hear ya, KoKo Zorra Mar 2012 #13
You are wonderful - TBF Mar 2012 #2
Thanks, TBF, but Zorra Mar 2012 #12
I've taken this info over to the socialist progressives group - TBF Mar 2012 #14
Update: Occupy Tacoma has voted to have a May 1 event rhett o rick Apr 2012 #25
I think it was thoughtful and well-written. Leopolds Ghost Mar 2012 #3
The DU consensus seems pretty clear pinboy3niner Mar 2012 #4
Wow - didn't realize the number was that high. TBF Mar 2012 #5
Support is great here, but honest criticism should be welcome. rhett o rick Apr 2012 #24
Thanks. Agreed. Operative word here is, Zorra Apr 2012 #26
I'm glad you think so. Zorra Mar 2012 #11
Beautiful post(s). Joe Shlabotnik Mar 2012 #6
Thanks so much, Joe. Leopolds Ghost Mar 2012 #8
Beautiful post, thank you Joe. sabrina 1 Mar 2012 #9
Thank you, beautiful post backatcha. Zorra Mar 2012 #10
I love that RFK quote also. sabrina 1 Mar 2012 #16
Posters like the one you were arguing with UnrepentantLiberal Mar 2012 #7
That was an excellent and beautifully written, heartfelt post. sabrina 1 Mar 2012 #15
Thanks, Sabrina1. Zorra Mar 2012 #17
I wish I would have found you sooner... BB_Troll Mar 2012 #18
You don't need leaders if you have momentum! ellisonz Mar 2012 #20
"how long can this movement last without a leader or set of leaders that will unite us even more?" Zorra Mar 2012 #21
Great Post unionworks Mar 2012 #19
So glad Zorra Mar 2012 #22
You did great, Zorra pinboy3niner Mar 2012 #23
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Occupy Underground»Please, if anyone has the...»Reply #6