John Mulkins's Posts - Occupy Cafe2024-03-28T14:08:14ZJohn Mulkinshttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/JohnMulkinshttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1554122456?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.occupycafe.org/profiles/blog/feed?user=10qupdittkxrk&xn_auth=noGoals, process, togetherness.tag:www.occupycafe.org,2011-12-23:6451976:BlogPost:188552011-12-23T05:30:00.000ZJohn Mulkinshttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/JohnMulkins
<p>Just off the cuff here...a few comments. I am remembering how the right took this country over, beginning in the 50's. It's taken them 60 years to basically dominate our politics. Through ideologically driven issues like the right to own a gun, abortion, gay marriage, terrorism, deregulation, freedom and liberty, immigration and debt ceilings, they have played on the emotions of Americans and manipulated the debate. It's always about patriotism and God.<br></br> <br></br> My point is that what…</p>
<p>Just off the cuff here...a few comments. I am remembering how the right took this country over, beginning in the 50's. It's taken them 60 years to basically dominate our politics. Through ideologically driven issues like the right to own a gun, abortion, gay marriage, terrorism, deregulation, freedom and liberty, immigration and debt ceilings, they have played on the emotions of Americans and manipulated the debate. It's always about patriotism and God.<br/> <br/> My point is that what we have today is the result of a very intentional plan. The 1% are firmly in control, while the other 99% are sedated by the still faint glimmer of the American Dream, weekend football, QVC, and the propaganda in our media. Our elections have been numbed down to the point of irrelevance. Policy-making goes on behind closed doors and Corporations are the only "persons" being represented in Congress.<br/> <br/> Anyway, most Americans I know are really still feeling hopeless. They can't own their own futures anymore and they certainly cannot own the courage to defeat the Military Industrial Complex, they are either too busy or too distracted. If it's not Fox News, it's Burning Man, the later which I happen to think is really cool. But is it more important than standing up to the corruption of power? Is it more important than ending a war or a planetary meltdown?<br/> <br/> Not too many of us can devote more than a few hours a week to political action, there is hardly enough time for us all to keep up with the errands, friendships, and other responsibilities living brings us. I get it. Many of my good progressive educated, caring and informed friends can't so much as think about coming out to an Occupy. Life is just that complicated for them, or they are just too comfortable. Their faith in political action is either nonexistent or very badly broken. Not many people believe things can change, even though they all agree things must.<br/> <br/> Have they become disenfranchised because all those online petitions they signed never went anywhere? Are they lacking motivation because they have demonstrated against all the wars a dozen times now and we are still not able to end the senseless killing? How can we get the vast majority of people to stand up and actually demand to own their future, actually demand to have a government Of the People? Do we have to wait until climate disruptions and economic disparity become the norm rather than a temporary set back, or until things get even worse? I really hope not.<br/> <br/> Look. The ONLY thing that power respects is power. The only way we can demonstrate OUR power is by coming together. It's not by acting out our various little cheer leading sessions. Those are important, but without an endgame, what's really the point? Most of what we have done is basic theater. Dressing up like wind turbines may make a few headlines, but to those really in power it's not much more than a little 2-bit circus. They'll take the small hits, even if it's an 8 million-dollar loss from the Port of Oakland because we shut it down for a day or two. As long as we never organize into one giant movement, they have nothing to fear, and the odds of that are "almost priceless".<br/> <br/> What we need is not more educating on the woes of our society or the conditions, which are threatening our future. We need to build partners, we need to be focused on a way to channel all the energy into a singular and unbeatable movement. An endgame is what it's all about, and I believe that should be about forming a truly representational democracy in America. After all, it's what we are supposed to have, and I think most people are unhappy that we do not have one. Perhaps if we did, We the People could have an honest discussion about our true differences, and our vastly more important similarities. Perhaps if we did that, our media would be actually informing us and enriching our lives with great stuff. Maybe if We the People ruled, our elections would begin to mean something and Policy would be made in the open.<br/> <br/> Many People ask me, how can a People's Congress get anything done? With no legal authority how can it be helpful to simply "hold" a People's Congress? This is usually where I recognize that this person has lost his or her ability to imagine and dream. It takes a willingness to embrace the possibility of actually changing the way our lives are being governed. We must first believe that we can and WILL own our futures. That is what we all should be working to improve and strengthen our belief in ourselves. It's been under attack for decades, so it's nothing to be ashamed of. We simply have to remember that our belief in the power to change things has been robbed from us, deliberately and with malice. It's time to take that back and use it.<br/> <br/> The People's Congress is a way to "demonstrate" our collective ability to govern, to legislate clear and effective law, to by representational, and to be worthy of a truly representational democracy. Until we have that, all bets are off. We need to own the reigns of government, and we will need all hands on deck to make that possible. It's all about setting goals, developing a process, and embracing togetherness. Once we demonstrate that we have the capability of self-determination, We the People can begin the process of taking back the power from corporations and delivering it into the hands of the People. We can do this because the Constitution does give "We the People" the authority to rule. With the guidance of several well-informed Constitutional Scholars and experts from around the world, the People of America can make this happen. All it takes is for us to be willing to focus on a singular event which is large enough to become the focus of media attention for at least a few weeks. Peaceful, celebratory, focused, positive, and deliberate. A well-choreographed display of the American People at work, engaged in direct democracy. <br/> <br/> The power of any action is in its core value and belief. When we gather on the Mall to hold our own People's Congress we are sending exactly the right message to the country and world. We need a comprehensive set of solutions now, not simply the reversal of Citizens United. We the People need to regain control of our own government. In the end, that is what we are all trying to accomplish! So, let's stop beating around the bush. Let's figure out an endgame and make some plans before the next election has come and gone without us.<br/></p>Unity: Building the Movement, Envisioning an Endgame.tag:www.occupycafe.org,2011-12-22:6451976:BlogPost:190172011-12-22T05:23:57.000ZJohn Mulkinshttp://www.occupycafe.org/profile/JohnMulkins
<div><span class="il">A</span> few weeks ago, I attended <span class="il">a</span> planning group for the East Bay Social Forum. I want to thank Laura Wells for her leadership on this event. I think this effort is important and I encourage everyone to consider participating. There are <em>two dates</em> currently on the calendar: Jan 2, and Jan 28. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Please save the dates and plan to attend if you are in the Bay Area. </em></span><br></br> <br></br> There are…</div>
<div><span class="il">A</span> few weeks ago, I attended <span class="il">a</span> planning group for the East Bay Social Forum. I want to thank Laura Wells for her leadership on this event. I think this effort is important and I encourage everyone to consider participating. There are <em>two dates</em> currently on the calendar: Jan 2, and Jan 28. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Please save the dates and plan to attend if you are in the Bay Area. </em></span><br/> <br/> There are several events and projects being planned nationally, which I find very exciting if not also <span class="il">a</span> little disconcerting. However, I want to share with you my thoughts about developing <span class="il">a</span> meaningful endgame. There is <span class="il">a</span> confluence <span class="il">of</span> ideas, energy, aspirations and desire which like the many tributaries <span class="il">of</span> <span class="il">a</span> great watershed, are flowing towards the same ocean. I am including several key individuals in this e-mail/newsletter because I am aware that we are all working towards the same solution.<br/> <br/> I am hopeful because I know every effort to organize will contribute to bringing ideas and people together into <span class="il">a</span> more focused and coherent <span class="il">movement</span>. My sense is that multiple events are necessary and productive. Although multiple events may not individually have the full impact we are collectively hoping for, they are nonetheless important. The recent action to surround the White House for the sake <span class="il">of</span> the Tar Sands Project is <span class="il">a</span> good example. That said, the Tar Sands Project is not DOA...yet!<br/> <br/> I am concerned because these events, taking place in different parts <span class="il">of</span> the country and on different days, may distract us from developing <span class="il">a</span> more effective endgame. If there is no focus on <span class="il">a</span> singular event representing the various facets <span class="il">of</span> the <span class="il">movement</span>, <span class="il">a</span> very important opportunity may be lost. <em>Any real success should be measured in terms <span class="il">of</span> how well we organize these movements into one expression and set <span class="il">of</span> solutions</em>. Our power will inevitably be judged by our numbers. Calling the country to Washington D.C. for <span class="il">a</span> national occupation <span class="il">of</span> the Capitol is, in my opinion, the correct beginning. How we organize that occupation will be pivotal.<br/> <br/> This occupation must be large enough to confront the existing structures <span class="il">of</span> power: the Military Industrial Complex, the National Security State, Wall Street, K Street, the Supreme Court, the Media, and the bankrupted two-party political system. We need to control the debate going into the election and we need to clarify the message in <span class="il">a</span> way which will resonate with <span class="il">a</span> vast majority <span class="il">of</span> Americans. <br/> <br/> Unity is everyone's goal, yet there are still many parallel actions emerging without <span class="il">a</span> common goal between the disparate groups in the <span class="il">movement</span>. I have been advocating Americans hold our own "People's Congress" since January <span class="il">of</span> 2011 for <span class="il">a</span> number <span class="il">of</span> reasons. The Congress is not representing "We the People”, and it is currently besieged by the lowest approval ratings in it’s history. We need to demonstrate our ability to self govern. We need to declare our independence from corporations, and we need <span class="il">a</span> framework which can accommodate <span class="il">a</span> representative body <span class="il">of</span> the American People, one which is familiar to every American.<br/> <br/> Rocky Anderson has established the Justice Party; Ben Manski is now working with Jill Stein, who is running for president on the <u><em><span style="color: #008000;">Green Party</span></em></u> ticket. Margaret Flowers, David Swanson and Kevin Zeese are calling for an <a href="http://peoplescongress.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=0f795b9c3ddf2c011404aef3c&id=6d7acd9129&e=5f39a2f820" style="color: #0f457c; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Occupation <span class="il">of</span> Washington D.C. in March</a>. Joe Lombardo and <a href="http://peoplescongress.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=0f795b9c3ddf2c011404aef3c&id=4ec11cd334&e=5f39a2f820" style="color: #0f457c; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">UNAC are calling for <span class="il">a</span> conference in Stamford CT in late March</a> followed by <span class="il">a</span> demonstration against the <a href="http://peoplescongress.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0f795b9c3ddf2c011404aef3c&id=d6efb7073d&e=5f39a2f820" style="color: #0f457c; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">NATO/G8 summits in Chicago in May</a>. There are multiple efforts across the country to continue the momentum <span class="il">of</span> the Occupy <span class="il">Movement</span>. There are plans to <a href="http://peoplescongress.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0f795b9c3ddf2c011404aef3c&id=7e71928ecc&e=5f39a2f820" style="color: #0f457c; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Occupy the Courts on Jan 20</a>, <span class="il">a</span> <a href="http://peoplescongress.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=0f795b9c3ddf2c011404aef3c&id=e6c918d164&e=5f39a2f820" style="color: #0f457c; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Continental Congress</a> in July and another call for <span class="il">a</span> National Assembly, and the <a href="http://peoplescongress.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0f795b9c3ddf2c011404aef3c&id=3c624e21ab&e=5f39a2f820" style="color: #0f457c; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Harmony Festival in California</a>. <br/> <br/> It is obvious that together these movements could become very formidable, large and strong enough to actually change the direction <span class="il">of</span> this country. It will take millions <span class="il">of</span> people and much more focus than ever before to actually secure that change, and we cannot underestimate how challenging it will be to unite <span class="il">a</span> vast majority <span class="il">of</span> Americans. For that reason, we all need to be very clear about momentum and potential being lost as we work along these very parallel paths. At some point our paths must converge to be effective and they must yield towards the greater good <span class="il">of</span> the Nation.<br/> <br/> At this moment it is vital that we all work together and communicate effectively with everyone involved. I believe this <span class="il">movement</span> has indeed come <span class="il">of</span> <span class="il">age</span>. It is within all our hearts and mental capacity to do so, and I am certain we will succeed if we commit to working together. It will require all <span class="il">of</span> us to bend <span class="il">a</span> little, to join hands and to be ever more inclusive. It will require all the vision and focus we can muster to align the governance <span class="il">of</span> this great country with the needs <span class="il">of</span> the 99% who built it. We will succeed, our biosphere depends on our success.<br/> <br/> My only focus is in co-developing <span class="il">a</span> neutral and robust framework for all movements <span class="il">of</span> social justice to unite under. We all need to think big; we are essentially working for the same changes. Together with the inclusion <span class="il">of</span> the Occupy <span class="il">Movement</span>, we would be <span class="il">a</span> formidable political force, even <span class="il">a</span> very substantial base for <span class="il">a</span> viable third party (in the future) such as the one Rocky Anderson has proposed. <br/> <br/> Holding our own People's Congress would be <span class="il">a</span> very compelling event for the country for several reasons:<br/> </div>
<ul>
<li>It would be impossible for the networks to avoid coverage 24/7. </li>
<li>"We the People," can demonstrate our ability to govern and to solve America's problems. </li>
<li>We can declare the sovereignty <span class="il">of</span> the people over our government.</li>
<li>We can occupy the Capital grounds for two weeks and demand that Congress listen to the voice <span class="il">of</span> The People.</li>
<li>Important steps can be taken to begin the process <span class="il">of</span> dismantling the corruption in government and to bring meaningful reform to the system <span class="il">of</span> governance.</li>
<li>We can set the agenda for the national election and clarify our message for the entire nation.</li>
</ul>
<div>The planning group meeting in Stamford CT this March, is <span class="il">a</span> good indication that movements are coming together. I hope to attend this event and to share in this fantastic opportunity, and I am thrilled to be <span class="il">a</span> small part in the process. While we all continue to work on <span class="il">a</span> set <span class="il">of</span> very important steps towards real change, let us also begin to plan for one historic gathering as <span class="il">a</span> united <span class="il">movement</span> before the opportunity passes us by.<br/> <br/> It perhaps goes without saying, but I know 2012 will be <span class="il">a</span> great year!<br/> <br/> Happy New Year to you all!<br/> <br/> John Mulkins<br/> The People's Congress</div>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Times New Roman; color: #134f5c; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It is the intention <span class="il">of</span> the People’s Congress</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman; color: #134f5c; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">to secure change in accordance</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman; color: #134f5c; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">with the will <span class="il">of</span> the People and the principles established by our Constitution. We must end the systemic dysfunction <span class="il">of</span> our current laws by demanding and securing the Common Sense remedies required to rebalance the wheels <span class="il">of</span> our Democracy.<br/> <a href="http://peoplescongress.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0f795b9c3ddf2c011404aef3c&id=03421b636b&e=5f39a2f820" style="color: #0f457c; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uctkwty1p1k</a></span></p>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.15em 2px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; display: block; text-align: center;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Abolish Corporate Governance</b></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.15em 2px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; display: block; text-align: center;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Election Reform.</b></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.15em 2px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; display: block; text-align: center;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Media Reform.</b></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.15em 2px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; display: block; text-align: center;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Transparency in Government Policy-Making.</b></li>
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