We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Monday, October 24, 2011

Not Just a Protest, But a Little Utopia

Click here to access article by Ben Case from Inter Press Service (IPS).

In my opinion a better title for this excellent article would be "Not Just a Protest, OWS is creating a New Society". Because that is the essence and the power of what is occurring at the various OWSs throughout the world. They are in the process of creating new mechanisms for a genuine democracy. They are creating a new communication structure which can undermine the ruling class media which functions to indoctrinate people in their values and perspectives and to filter out any ideas that challenge their rule. These accomplishments are highly dangerous to the existing order because it can be addictive to people in a very positive way:
More than a month old, OWS feels like a town of its own, one governed intentionally by institutions and actions based on empathetic, egalitarian principles. As a protest, the occupation tactic is successful because of its constant presence and as a base for organising actions.

But at least as important to participants is the opportunity the occupied space provides to organise a microcosm of the society they want to live in. As the movement continues to grow, it is clear that this new society resonates with many people disaffected with the failures of society at large.
[my emphasis]

"We're dismantling capitalism and building something better right here,"....