Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: I'm taking a leave of absence; here's why

« on: December 05, 2011, 12:06:12 pm »

One violent person, of action or language, can bring down a movement like this one.  The cameras will focus on that person and that action of violence and the power of non-violent protest is lost.  There needs to be a commitment to presenting non-violence at every GA, and with every new person who arrives on the scene.  People who cannot abide by this should be asked to leave.  this presentation could take different forms....for example...at GA:  "Let's all take a moment of silence to look within, acknowledge your anger, hurt, sorrow.....and then transmute this in the fire of love.  Feel the love for all beings, the need for all beings--even the ones creating problems in the world, for they are teachers.  Breathe in their sorrow, their fear...breathe out love to them.  Breathe in your own sorrow, fear, anger....breathe out love....etc...(Tonglen Buddhist meditation).....Before you open your eyes take a moment to re-commit yourself to non-violent language and action.  Know that even the one you are protesting against is your brother or sister.  Know that the only way to true peace in yourself or the world is through Love."
That was just an example, but non-violence could be set as an intention in this way or others at each GA.  Like a "morning prayer and pledge of allegiance" in my elementary school days. 
I cannot be at another GA for a while, so would appreciate someone taking this there if it calls to you.
Lj   (tall older woman who sat up all night with you the third night and just could not get arrested!)

2

General Discussion / Re: Occuchoir song proposal

« on: December 05, 2011, 08:28:09 am »

This is great! 

3

General Discussion / Re: I'm taking a leave of absence; here's why

« on: December 05, 2011, 08:27:20 am »

I am not camping but I have been a supporter with supplies and presence at GA's and some marches, and I agree with your sentiments.  Even as an "outsider" of sorts, I can feel the tension and see the changes.  I agree with the person who commented that it is a part of any group dynamics and that I have also seen the group handle some problems and conflicts well.  Some changes resulted earlier from problems.  I agree with you totally about not being violent in any way...language or actions.  And that is the only way the movement will succeed.  It is also the only way I will continue to support it.  I think this should be discussed at EVERY GA so that any new person is informed.  It should be discussed in specific terms so everyone knows what it means to be non-violent (i.e. we don't yell or call names at all...to anyone...we don't stick our cameras in the face of a Kroger security guard just doing his job...good grief, that was so embarrassing.  He wasn't harassing us.)   And we obey traffic laws about crossing streets so when we are marching in support of a community we don't create problems for it.  Perhaps this idea should be submitted as a proposal?  Let me know what you think.  I will not be back this week, but will submit it when back or if someone else more involved wants to do so, feel free. 
I was also not in favor of the people who broke into the state building and claimed it for the homeless. I think all direct action ideas that involve breaking laws should be discussed at GA first....don't give me the "this cannot wait" excuse....that could have waited.  I am having a big problem with the media attention on the people who are behaving in ways that in my opinion do not further the movement and ignoring the people who are maintaining non-violent protest. 
And I know of 8 people who have left the movement for this reason.  I am still here for now, but really looking for a way to help things evolve in a stronger way.  What about a meditation space there?  Talks on non-violence and a focus on creating the new and positive rather than a focus on complaining?  We have made our point that something is wrong and must change.  Now we start to make a positive difference? 

4

General Discussion / Re: Peaceful UC-Davis Protesters Pepper Sprayed

« on: November 22, 2011, 08:45:26 pm »

I wouldn't want to see my children pepper sprayed even if they were breaking a law by sitting on their own campus.   The cops could have arrested them without spraying them.  Our State Troopers were able to do that with the adults on the Plaza.  It was bullying intended to make the students run away.  I am so proud of how they responded. 

5

Introductions / Re: Hi I'm Bill1 (old guy with felt hat)

« on: November 22, 2011, 08:40:08 pm »

Welcome Bill!  I'm ready to start the movement with you!
Lj

6

Occupy Nashville Chat / Re: Thanksgiving pot luck!

« on: November 20, 2011, 11:22:05 am »

Signed up on facebook.  thanks!  Will spread the word!
Lj  (Winifred on facebook)

7

War Room / Re: Can anyone explain the "End the Fed" issue to me?

« on: November 20, 2011, 10:50:58 am »

Go to youtube and watch "Thrive--the movie" or pay 5.00 and watch it at the "thrivemovement.com" website....They go into detail about the Federal Reserve and a lot of other pertinent information to this movement. 

8

Occupy Nashville Chat / Re: Thanksgiving pot luck!

« on: November 16, 2011, 09:27:53 pm »

I'm in!  And yes, let's make it an "Occupy Thanksgiving" that celebrates a new way of being in oneness--unlike the settlers who stole land and destroyed the Native Americans who helped them. I will make pecan pies!
Lj

9

General Discussion / Re: Need direction for event planning

« on: November 16, 2011, 09:23:41 pm »

Hey Trinity!
I have been away for a bit and just got your message.  Let's meet with outreach and check into this and get back with each other.  I talked to someone who was trying to organize a squaredance on the plaza and I think that would be great fun! 
Lj

10

Introductions / Re: Hi, My name is Sheila.....and I am the 99%

« on: November 08, 2011, 07:26:19 am »

Hi Sheila!  Welcome!  See you on livestream! 
Lj

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General Discussion / Re: Greetings from Birmingham

« on: November 05, 2011, 04:54:30 pm »

Hi Birmingham!  Way to go!   You have my support!

12

General Discussion / Re: "Freedom Ride 2012" to NGA in Philly Jul 4th 2012

« on: November 05, 2011, 04:53:24 pm »

I think this is a wonderful idea and we have in Nashville several of the people who were college students then who saved the Freedom Ride when it was faltering and kept it going. 
Lj

13

Introductions / Re: Hello All

« on: November 04, 2011, 02:17:41 pm »

Hi Johnny!  Glad to meet you! 
Lj

14

Introductions / Re: That Guy Alex

« on: November 04, 2011, 02:16:04 pm »

Hi Alex!  Nice to meet you!  Thanks for the great job you are doing!
Lj

15

General Discussion / Need direction for event planning

« on: November 04, 2011, 08:35:53 am »

Does anyone know who I should talk to about planning a spiral dance on the Plaza for 11-11-11?  Is there an "Events" committee separate from "Direct Action"?   And who do I talk to about forming a group of lightworkers to maintain a spiritual vibe, offer support, lead meditations, etc...?  Thanks for any direction,
Lj