-Without the commons, it is very difficult to come together and gain the momentum of purpose and unity required for change.
-The intent is for everyone to become a leader, for everyone to have an equal voice. We have spent far too long waiting for THEM to solve the problems affecting us, waiting for THEM to get it together, that most of us have forgotten what it's like to self-determine to the extent required to make it work, especially together at a national level. That is also where the "participatory" aspect activates: some may simply never rise to their own best ability and that's okay.
-Leaders would either be dead or in jail, period. Remember the FBI uncovering (and doing nothing) about a Texas plot to assassinate OWS leaders if deemed neccessary? And how many of us they jailed? I watched a few persons in local Occupy get singled out by the cops again and again and again as they desperately searched for leaders.
-You are missing that the GAs, the leaderless aspect, that many aspects of OWS across the nation and world were emergent. There were no votes across all of the encampments on these issues. They simply occurred as being natural and right.
-The cops beat us up and sent the 1%/government's message to stay home and shut up. Most people don't want to face that, which is why it works.
-A populist uprising requires the population's participation.
-Again, so much is wrong and requires change that our single message is that very much is wrong and must be changed; join us and work towards it because together we can and will succeed. The issues we face are myriad. There is no simple soundbite to please those who require a simple soundbite. Perhaps more skill is required in this area in regard to outreach (I myself am unskilled) but the nationally-perceived call to work inspired and attracted so many incredibly bright people it was stunning and inspiring. Which again is why we require "commons" to gather and organize and toss around concepts for extrapolation.
-Free healthcare is an absolute anomaly and must not be taken as a national or international given. A single injury or disease can destroy many families who now live from paycheck to paycheck.
-We ARE successful in having instilled the message of income inequality, fairness, money out of politics, corporate influence of our country, and the human rights of living wages, health care, housing, education, and more. Note people striking across the country for these things and against these things in ever-increasing waves. It's beginning again. Enough of the population are sick of "it" and are willing to begin standing up to demand and create something better. All previous uprisings and protests give permission and models to them.
-This is not over. 
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