redwog
30th October 2011, 04:37
Whilst I live in a different hemisphere, there does seem like there is an imminent non-political challenge for ows (and other more northern occupations) namely the winter.
I am not sure how advanced discussions are in dealing with that challenge but there is no doubt some that will wish to continue in the cold, and others who will want to end the camp(s).
I offer a suggestion for debate and discussion, which I preface by acknowledging I am far removed from the ins and outs and follow this manifestation of the struggle remotely.
My suggestions is that there is an agreed date to end the occupations and move to a consolidation and building phase which leads to a national assembly and a large central rally (supported by local ones) in 2 or 3 months time. The National Assembly may result in a new wave of occupation in the spring or new and even more effective strategies.
The months would give some time for political reflection for all those involved and to take stock of the sheer magnitude of their actions. (something that I imagine is a bit difficult whilst in the cut and thrust).
It will also allow the opportunity for the touring of speakers and the consolidation of networks, the birth of new organisations and development of both local and national plans to push forward the struggle. It will also give many an opportunity to write, debate and sort out some of the politics i.e the question of non-violence as strategic or principled; how should the movement relate to the state and so forth.
I foresee a national assembly being a week long conference featuring delegations from all of the occupy groups, unions or what have you. There can be skill sharing, story sharing and information from a range of perspective involved in the movement. There can be some broad aims and strategies agreed to by the national assembly which can then frame the next phase.
I am not advocating demands per se, these may or may not develop as an organic feature of what people are doing.
Such a conference would take 2 months to organise and build for and would help to maintain momentum if the maintenance of occupations are seen as untenable.
I hope that some fruitful debate can be sparked in the thread, and I'd be interested in knowing if similar debates are already taking place or if groups and/or individuals are already advocating to the plan for the winter.
I am not sure how advanced discussions are in dealing with that challenge but there is no doubt some that will wish to continue in the cold, and others who will want to end the camp(s).
I offer a suggestion for debate and discussion, which I preface by acknowledging I am far removed from the ins and outs and follow this manifestation of the struggle remotely.
My suggestions is that there is an agreed date to end the occupations and move to a consolidation and building phase which leads to a national assembly and a large central rally (supported by local ones) in 2 or 3 months time. The National Assembly may result in a new wave of occupation in the spring or new and even more effective strategies.
The months would give some time for political reflection for all those involved and to take stock of the sheer magnitude of their actions. (something that I imagine is a bit difficult whilst in the cut and thrust).
It will also allow the opportunity for the touring of speakers and the consolidation of networks, the birth of new organisations and development of both local and national plans to push forward the struggle. It will also give many an opportunity to write, debate and sort out some of the politics i.e the question of non-violence as strategic or principled; how should the movement relate to the state and so forth.
I foresee a national assembly being a week long conference featuring delegations from all of the occupy groups, unions or what have you. There can be skill sharing, story sharing and information from a range of perspective involved in the movement. There can be some broad aims and strategies agreed to by the national assembly which can then frame the next phase.
I am not advocating demands per se, these may or may not develop as an organic feature of what people are doing.
Such a conference would take 2 months to organise and build for and would help to maintain momentum if the maintenance of occupations are seen as untenable.
I hope that some fruitful debate can be sparked in the thread, and I'd be interested in knowing if similar debates are already taking place or if groups and/or individuals are already advocating to the plan for the winter.