Should the Occupy Movement stay active during the winter months?

[kentuck]

This is a serious question.

No doubt, it will be very tough. But there are people that are ready to keep it going. But should they?

Would it be better to use the winter months to organize and to educate and to inform and come back stronger in the spring? This would not be a retreat or surrender. It would be an ultimatum to those in power to get it together. If government cannot work, then we will replace that government. That would be the message and it would give the occupation the time to organize into a political movement.


Because if we do not have political power, we have no power. We would have the spring, the summer, and the fall to change the political system. If the politicians did not change, they would be on our list to be removed next November.

This is only an idea, but we must take into account the logistical realities.

[Brickbat]

1. Why not? People who don't want to be out in the cold could do the organizing, educating and

informing, while people who are hardy can do the occupying.

[kentuck]

There are people willing to keep it going.

I don't think it is going away, either way?

[Brickbat]

4. Right. So, let them do their thing, and keep up the push for political work as well.

[kentuck]

6. It would be an opportune time to point out....

the serious homeless problem we have in this country.

[Brickbat]

8. Knock yourself out.

No better time than the present.

[dtexdem]

7. Because if it's not there in the winter, ...

it likely won't be come the spring and summer.

You don't turn a movement on and off with a switch.

[Brickbat]

10. I was saying "Why not stay out in the winter?"

I think it would be stupid to stop.

[kentuck]

11. You may have a point.

I think that is something we will all have to consider. Focus is very important.

[ixion]

2. Yes, it should.

Although it doesn't always have to be outside.

[kentuck]

3. True.

There are a lot of vacant buildings in just about every city.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

5. "But should they?"

:thumbsdown:

[SheilaT]

12. Yes, yes, yes.

What they are protesting to draw attention to will not stop or go away if they stop during the winter. Indeed, if they do stop it will just embolden those who say the OWS people are unfocussed and don't know what they want and all that crap.

[gratuitous]

9. In one sense, it doesn't matter

If the Occupiers are there in harsh weather, they'll be dismissed for being kooks too dumb to come in from the cold. If they give up the occupation for the winter, they'll be dismissed as fair-weather hippies, more interested in their personal comfort than in the alleged ills of society. Jesus called it back in the gospels: When John the Baptist spread the message of societal reform, the powers that be dismissed him as a crazy guy out in the desert, observing a personal discipline that was too far out for anyone to relate to. When Jesus came along with the same message, the powers that be dismissed him as a glutton and a drunkard, because he didn't follow the same strict discipline of John.

There will always be nit-picking detractors of any movement designed to change the status quo.

[kentuck]

13. We shall see.

I'm sure they will have the homeless to keep it alive? Where else are they going to go?

[lovemydog]

14. yes

and I'm offering blankets and other support to our local one

[yella_dawg]

15. Political upheaval isn't a seasonal activity.

[kentuck]

16. These comments are very encouraging...

I hope they reflect the reality of the entire movement.

[alfredo]

17. Our local occupy has taken steps to deal with the cold. They're tough as nails.

[Fire Walk With Me]

18. Igloos with =adequate ventilation=.

[riderinthestorm]

19. Yes! I've suggested elsewhere that we need to organize an economic hit plan around Christmas

For the winter climes where sitting outside for days at a time is dangerous in the freezing cold, and everywhere else, I suggest we organize a major economic hit plan that encourages everyone to avoid the corporate scumbags.

1. Make your own gifts instead of buying them
2. Buy them from local artisans at farmers's markets or craft sales
3. Shop local stores instead of the Big Box stores. Don't give big Corp any more of our dollars.

We need to keep encouraging people to move their money from the Big Banksters as well.

I'd also love to see an Occupy movement built around New Year's Eve. It's a blockbuster party, many people are out for the night, creating Occupy movements for just that one highly visible night would be dramatic.

Anyone else have any ideas to keep this movement alive til spring??

[jwirr]

23. This may not be any help but I remember classes we called "the

free university" back in the 60s. Classes in anything one wanted to talk about for free. How about continuing their classes for the communities in churches, libraries, colleges - wherever they can get inside.

My concern regarding winter is not so much if it needs to keep going - yes it does. But I live in Northern Minnesota - Occupy Duluth is going to be damn cold. Way below zero and then add the wind chill and snow that is often wet. We are told not to stay out doors in this weather only small periods at a time. I worry about the people who are going to be out there. Plus if I am not mistaken they are camping right beside Lake Superior and when the wind out of the east comes off that lake it is even colder. If the ice freezes maybe they can use ice fishing houses.

Hopefully there will be warming houses, warm clothes and bedding, winter ready tents, hot food and plenty of supporters.

[Withywindle]

20. Yes, definitely.

Of course, that means something different for Occupy Miami than it does for Occupy Minneapolis! But the movement needs continuity, and I think it sends a strong message of determination. This is not a fad. This is not a flash in the pan. This is not something that The Powers That Be can simply wait out.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

21. As long as they have warm clothing to wear.

Plus good tents and sleeping bags.

[Scuba]

22. My sister's ready...

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