We demand results
The editorial in Tuesday’s Technician, “Organize the Occupation” mistakes a leaderless and inclusive movement for unorganized, “misdirected” and “wasting [of] people’s time”. While the occupy movement has plenty of moments of confusion and disorder, it is founded on a strong democratic process of consensus building.
Every day at Occupy Raleigh, there are two daily meetings at 12:00 and 6:30 pm. These general assemblies are forums for protestors to voice their concerns and organize our activities. Our actions and goals are then directed by the consensus of the participants. We are not leaderless; rather we are all leaders. This movement could not exist without the tireless effort of its members to organize and work together.
Further, the anonymous author claims “many of those protesting are not able to define what they want.” While we don’t have a single list of demands, we have a shared sense of outrage at the current state of the country. We don’t have simple policy demands because policy changes are not enough. We will not be satisfied until the standard of living for the 99 percent has greatly improved. To some that means better health care and more jobs. To others it means more funding for education and an end to the wars. Many of us believe we need new leaders less beholden to corporate power and new laws to keep money out of politics. “What are our demands?” We demand results.
The true Occupiers
“Organize Yourself,” as if copying straight from right wing sources such as Fox News or Rush Limbaugh, claims increasing poverty and the poor job market are unconnected to the prosperity and wealth of the one percent. Then he berates Occupy protesters for not trying hard enough to get a job. As a full time graduate student and job-holder, I want to thank Witham for the advice about being more self-motivated and using the internet to find opportunities. The truth is many protestors are employed, students or both.
The accusation that Occupy protestors are jobless, “whiny” and “cacophonous” is a base and baseless moral attack. Occupy protestors are not standing in the rain tonight, risking arrest, and devoting countless hours in the midst of busy lives, to make their lives easier by looking for a handout. These are principled, brave, hardworking people looking to better the country not only for themselves, but for others and for the future. Witham , if you think I’m looking for a handout, come out to the capitol at 3 a.m . and we’ll talk about it.
Clark Goldentyer
Graduate student in mathematics
