Happy Face

Usually it's the most inspiring people that are fighting losing battles in their own time. Discarding principles and perpetuating the status quo is the easy option and majority position.

Carlos Slim is more than twice as wealthy as Scrooge McDuck

There's been half a million in donations to the Occupy Wall Street shebang like, so it's a bit more than a tent....and even if it was just the odd tent, Brian Haw was recognised as Most Inspiring Political Figure for sitting in a tent.

I think that's part of the problem they're protesting.

I did not know that Silvio Berlusconi was wealthier than Rupert Murdoch.

Zoom in here.... http://xkcd.com/980/huge/#x=-6432&y=-6192&z=2

The Obama government are currently negotiating a deal for blanket immunity from prosectution for the banks. Why would they do any different, given Wall Street are their biggest financial supporters? I have this weird opinion that a democratically elected government should serve democracy. Key word there being "should". Protesting the government to punish and regulate the banks is like protesting for Llambias to sort out Ashley. I'm not saying you're wrong, the thought that the world's most powerful democratic government is to corrupt to even bother protesting against is very sad, though. So what's the answer then? The Cantona method - withdraw all your money? As Brewster would say "none of the above". No ideas then? I'm the one supporting what the occupy people are doing as something proactive. It's up to those belittling it to suggest something better.

The Obama government are currently negotiating a deal for blanket immunity from prosectution for the banks. Why would they do any different, given Wall Street are their biggest financial supporters? I have this weird opinion that a democratically elected government should serve democracy. Key word there being "should". Protesting the government to punish and regulate the banks is like protesting for Llambias to sort out Ashley. I'm not saying you're wrong, the thought that the world's most powerful democratic government is to corrupt to even bother protesting against is very sad, though. So what's the answer then? The Cantona method - withdraw all your money? As Brewster would say "none of the above".

The Obama government are currently negotiating a deal for blanket immunity from prosectution for the banks. Why would they do any different, given Wall Street are their biggest financial supporters? I have this weird opinion that a democratically elected government should serve democracy. Key word there being "should". Protesting the government to punish and regulate the banks is like protesting for Llambias to sort out Ashley.

Linda Katehi

The Obama government are currently negotiating a deal for blanket immunity from prosectution for the banks. Why would they do any different, given Wall Street are their biggest financial supporters?

And what they are doing now is more likely to work? How will anyone hear about them if the media are sewn up? I'm struggling to get my head round the whole concept. Surely a movement with such wide support would be able to enlist great thinkers and do-ers to put some kind of practical proposal in place. They aren't doing anything but complaining, so it won't "work" in any terms other than embarrassing those in power. In the absence of a watchdog media keeping the government on their toes, it's to their credit imo. Most people sit at home watching telly and playing on the internet complaining about EXACTLY what these people are complaining about. As the powers that be get more embarrassed we're seeing more violent methods to silence the truth of the matter....which can only strengthen the movement.

If we're talking the st Paul's lot, that clearly isn't the case. I've actually been down there and interviewed them mate. These are not currently employed - or arguably employable - people. I just dont see how a bunch of crusties camped in tents in a church square with no united voice or message will change anything. Unless they mobilise and form a political movement they're unlikely to be viewed as anything except an eye sore. The lack of a coherent political message or a clear understanding of the issues at hand will almost certainly prevent that happening. That said, I think the US police actions against the occupy movement there was a disgrace. You don't often see that level of police brutality here. David Craig interviews Newcastle fans outside the club shop too. I'd hate to think they were representative though.

And what if no-one seeking power agrees with them? We have a nifty system call elections, if these views represent 99% of the population then fielding candidates to further their cause shouldn't be too difficult and the outcome of the election a foregone conclusion. Saying 'it's up to politicians to sort out' is hardly going to break the stranglehold of this 1% elite, is it? That's the problem exactly. Elections offer only the illusion of choice. It's very difficult to get someone representing the 99% into the White House when the self-interested 1% have the media, government and wall street sewn up, breaking that stranglehold with an ill-informed electorate is nigh on impossible, especially if you engage in the democratic process that has been so polluted by money and interest groups.

The fact they weren't protesting 2 years ago, and the fact that (as I've already pointed out) half of them are in full time employment suggests not in my view. Think it's pretty clear you've made your mind up about them though. I only bumped the thread because the pepper spraying is a disgrace, whether the peaceful protesters are employed, informed, organised, on message or not.

Not their job though. Think it's pretty clear they want more equal distribution of income, bank reform, and a reduction of the influence of corporations on politics. How that is achieved is down to individuals that seek power.

According to a survey of Zuccotti Park protesters by the Baruch College School of Public Affairs published on October 19, of 1,619 web respondents, 1/3 were older than 35, half were employed full-time, 13% were unemployed and 13% earned over $75,000. http://www.fastcompa...hics-statistics there's no way that survey is based on the scruffs sat outside st pauls. No, it's Zuccotti, but learned economists like Paul Krugman, Joseph Stiglitz, Jeff Madrick, Ravi Batra and Richard Wolff approve the demonstrations and their sentiment, not just crusties.

According to a survey of Zuccotti Park protesters by the Baruch College School of Public Affairs published on October 19, of 1,619 web respondents, 1/3 were older than 35, half were employed full-time, 13% were unemployed and 13% earned over $75,000. http://www.fastcompany.com/1789018/occupy-wall-street-demographics-statistics

Peaceful protesters sat with their heads down and their arms in their laps maced in the face You'd think it would be enought to tip freedom loving yanks over the edge, but if they embrace the assassination of fellow citizens without trial, this will be small tatties.

That just about covers it.

The campaign by Newcastle United fans to keep the 119-year name of their St James’ Park ground has enlisted an unlikely new supporter - Jayne-Anne Gadhia, the boss of the club’s new sponsor. The Virgin Money chief executive last week unveiled a £747m takeover of Newcastle sponsor Northern Rock. The club’s stadium has been renamed the Sports Direct Arena by Mike Ashley, Newcastle United’s owner and founder of the sports retail chain, in preparation for a sale of the naming rights. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Ms Gadhia says: “To be honest, I think it should be called St James’ Park.” Asked whether it might be renamed the Virgin Money Arena, she said: “I don’t think that would be right for Newcastle. “St James’ Park is part of the heritage of Newcastle and it’s important to local people, so for me it should be called St James’ Park.” Northern Rock’s Newcastle sponsorship runs to the end of this season. Ms Gadhia said she would be talking to Newcastle United about Virgin Money might do after that.

Europe [and the UK] was far better off before we imported all these assorted spongers from all over the world and had a lower population. Looks to me like the wealth is transferring to the richest, not the poorest. But I only have facts to back that up, not real world experience.

"God it's like Barbara Fucking Walters in here!"