This is video of Michael Moore's acceptance speech, given at San Jose State University, of the John Steinbeck Award. Mike's talking revolution here. Non-violent of course.

Michael Moore speaking at San Jose State, 10/15/10. (frame: Student Video/YouTube)

'In the Souls of the People'

By Michael Moore, Michael Moore's Blogs

16 October 10

This is video of Michael Moore's acceptance speech, given at San Jose State University, of the John Steinbeck Award. Mike's talking revolution here. Non-violent of course.

Part 1

Part 2

Comments

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+43 # ng 2010-10-16 21:34

The 2-party system is failing us. An adjustment is required. There is not much time... act now. Demand publicly funded elections. (non-violently)

+14 # Kal 2010-10-17 05:17

The only way this can happen is with the complicity of those who profit from private funding.

You are asking these people to be more forthright in the way they ask for bribes and that is a nonstarter.

Our current political culture is dependent on large scale donations accumulated by the industries who wish to pass legislation that favors them and harms the public. Such legislation is almost impossible without it being sold surrepetitiousl y on the open market in every legislature in this nation.

Both parties take money to damage the nation in favor of the over-privileged in teh belief that such harm will be corrected in the future by some magical entity who will not be bribed to do this sort of harm.

+2 # Mick 2010-10-17 10:43

While Obama possibly will still have some majorities, need to legislate publicly funded elections, though, it's asking the fox to guard the chickens, hey, as someone else points out in different words. Perhaps what the big wig corporations, a la Kochs, Fox, and the inherited wealth, Prescott Bushes etc. have set up, may just get out of their control. Firing up the "common man" via fake common man/woman politicos may just backfire.

+9 # Mollie מאָלי סטײַמער 2010-10-16 21:52

Brilliant talk.

Ma Joad said it well:
"Rich fellas come up an' they die, an' their kids ain't no good an' they die out. But we keep a'comin'. We're the people that live. They can't wipe us out; they can't lick us. We'll go on forever, Pa, 'cause we're the people."

So did Muley: "There ain't nobody gonna push me of my land! My grandpa took up this land 70 years ago, my pa was born here, we were all born on it. And some of of us was killed on it! ...and some of us died on it. That's what make it our'n, bein' born on it,...and workin' on it,...and and dying' on it! And not no piece of paper with the writin' on it!"

+12 # Abdullahi Edward Tom 2010-10-16 22:05

can I get a text version of this

+1 # Diana Orendi 2010-10-17 04:24

A Edward Tom: You can get the text version of Mollie's quotation when you buy "Grapes of Wrath," a fantastic book.

+2 # Grace Lengler 2010-10-21 20:35

I believe he meant, "Where can I get a text copy of this marvelous, intelligent speech, given by Michael Moore?" I would like to know this, too, although I haven't looked on his website yet.

+16 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-16 23:20

Michael Moore rightly articulates that, hopes to the contrary in 2008, in 2010 it is obvious that our country no longer belongs to us. It belongs to the corporate elites. Make no mistake about it, the truth that we do not want to face goes even beyond this. The cherished notion that ours is a government of the people, by the people and for the people is just plain dead. We would be best served to first of all acknowledge this and accept the sober assessment that the 2% who own us, OWN US. We are NOT in control. We do NOT have the power to work within the system that WE DO NOT OWN to do anything about it. A revolution is in order if things are to change and while Michael Moore does not elaborate on the forms this might or ought to take, it is beyond that time when we need to begin to think about this. I have some suggestions to consider:
1. Massive tax revolt: taxation without representation contributed to our first revolution. We need to bring this alive.
(continued)

+17 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-16 23:30

2.) Massive resistance to participation in the current political system. We must acknowledge that with recent Supreme Court decisions, the government goes to the highest bidders. 98% cannot compete when it is dollars and not votes that count. We must strip the status quo of the veneer that the vote actually counts since we have no control even, over who gets to run and whose voice gets to be heard.
3.)Ironically, massive efforts committed to NOT using credit to every extent that we can and doing cash business as much as possible.
4.) On existing debt: paying on principle seperately and then paying interest no greater than what the banks pay us on savings accounts and refusing to pay any further than this. If we all do this, can they confiscate everything and put everyone in jail?
5.) For every minute of your life wasted in argumentation and negotiation with your creditors, charge themm! Send them a bill for your time! Deduct the value of your time from the debt you owe them!

+16 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-16 23:42

6.) Jury nullification: refuse to find guilty any who are accused by financial institutions of any kind or of revenew collection branches of the government.
7.) If bankrupted for reasons not of your making, especially if due to lay off by corporations still in business, refuse to move if foreclosed, refuse to pay student loans and refuse to pay taxes.
8.) Don't buy what you don't need...ever!
9.) Massive boycotting of particularly disreputable enterprises.
10.) If homeless, make a practice of squatting anywhere you can.
11.) Mass protests: Let's quit being mamby pamby. Stage die in's in major metropolitan street intersections, freeway exchanges and so forth. Stage massive die in's at polling places in November to protest the death of meaningful democracy in America. If you do vote, where ever possible vote for a write in candidate and make sure it is someone like Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jesus Christ or other some such. Vote for Alfred E. Newman, King Solomon!

+3 # DaveW. 2010-10-17 07:50

Daniel, Brother, your heart's in the right place but the things you're advocating "ain't gonna happen." Not anytime soon. 1)Tax revolt sounds good as long as we remember that taxes ARE NECESSARY and that progressive system that collects more from the elite is the way to go. 2)Massive resistance to participation in current political system implies "massive cooperation" which I don't see happening just yet. Things gotta worse before that happens. 3)Massive effort not to use credit cards is EXCELLENT idea for everybody that can do it. Unfortunately, that's how many people survive. 4)Separate principle paying and reduced interest paying sounds good. How about we all just REFUSE to pay credit card bill? Again, massive cooperation needed. 5)Charging creditors will be like charging Doctors for amount of time you spend in waiting room. About as effective as "flipping off the sun" on a hot day. 6)This is non-sequitur. Some people DO bilk financial institutions and revenue collection by government isn't ALL bad.

+4 # JeffR 2010-10-17 11:18

On the charging doctors for waiting time bit... I did that.

I'm with Kaiser Medical. About 20 years ago I had an appointment for a specific time. Was kept waiting 75 minutes. When I got back to my office I prepared an invoice for $125 on one of my store's preprinted invoice forms and sent it in. Months passed. I got a telephone call from Kaiser Accounts Payable asking what the bill was for. I told the lady. She laughed. I explained that my time was just as valuable as theirs. The department did not appear to be busy; I had not been given any reason for the delay. I had not dropped in unannounced; I accepted an appointment for a time convenient to them. I had been kept waiting an unreasonable amount of time. I asked if under these circumstances it was not entirely reasonable to expect to be compensated for my time. oO answer.

I did not get paid, but I have never again been kept waiting more than 5 minutes for any appointment at any department at Kaiser.

0 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-18 20:03

Sure, you are "correct", but being "correct" isn't working and we have to start somewhere. I'm just tossing out ideas for starters. While I admire you greatly, I would argue that bold and audacious action is necessary no matter how far fetched...and in as loud a manner as possible by as many as posible. The status quo does not work and it isn't going to ever work. I rather like tax revolt simply because I believe that if I have no say in how it is spent, and I don't, and especially if how it is spent is destructive to me and society in general, I am going to vigorously oppose ALL taxes until this is rectified. I have no quarrel with taxation and I believe in progressive taxation. I would voluntarily pay double what I am liable for if it were spent on the common good, but it simply is not. It is an extortion I am forced to pay. Worse, my liability is disporportionat e to the too often dubious benefits. As for massive cooperation, no sincere revolutionary EVER found that too daunting to desist.

+4 # DaveW. 2010-10-17 08:07

7) Americans are profligate spenders given the opportunity. SOME people go bankrupt because they had "champagne tastes on a beer budget." Refusals to pay loans can end up putting you into years of financial peril. Tax evaders often end up in jail unless they've got millions to pay overpriced shysters. Most of us don't. 8)Don't buy what you don't need...ever! Remember that when you buy your next Snickers bar or that new Laptop you'll be posting on. It's good advice...taken within reason. 9) Massive boycotting of particularly disreputable services. Who decides what's "disreputable?" Boycotts can be effective however. How about we start at Wal-Mart and use Credit Unions instead of banks? 10) I live in lower middle class neighborhood and have owned my home for many years. "Investors" scooped up lots of homes in area a few years back. Now we basically have "squatter" aka "cranksters and gangsters" who don't pay rent for months at a stretch. You want them living next to you? Homeless camps better idea.

+5 # DaveW. 2010-10-17 08:17

11) We won't have to "stage" massive "die in's" soon. We'll be doing the real thing.Unfortunately, as we both know historically, people generally "have to die" before meaningful reformation takes place. Writing in the names you mentioned is again a defiant but ultimately futile gesture. A guy I blog with near my home told me to vote for my cat! At the end of the day my cat we'll be eating his Friskies and I'll have some dirtbag dictating his bullshit politacal jargon to me. All the others you mentioned are dead. Unless we want to join them, we better figure out some "live ones" to restore some sanity in what is increasingly becoming an insane country.

0 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-18 20:16

Ahh...DaveW, where to begin...where to begin? At the end of the day too few are discoursing on these things at all. What does it take?!

Still, revolution or decay and corruption to our ultimate demise seems to be our only options. I've lost sight of any middle ground. I just don't see it. There is no functional status quo. To do nothing seems to be as lethal in the long run as pursuing futile rebellion. Must I go quietly into that good night? I don't even know how, without submitting to delusion. I can't even begin to tell you how unimpressed I am with the potential risks of rebellion. I'm far more impressed with the potential risks of acquiessence. I'm just trying to figure out how to transform the existential dilemmas each single individual faces into a collective engagement of the pressing existential dilemmas we all face together, whether we like it or not.

This is precisely why I've gone back to graduate school. Trust me; I'm working on it. All we can do is try.

+9 # Hors-D-whores 2010-10-17 00:52

Michael, Michael, Michael!! Much praise and thanks for being such a champion of the people. We can use about 100 in the Senate and 435 in the House just like him, wise and compassionate.

+5 # gabriel lori 2010-10-17 02:50

Mike is a grand person to put up with the powefull forces of evil,he is the superman of the day..to fight evil wherever it may be...stand up to the powers of the corporations and crporate money!!!Yes we need moore like you!!!Keep up the fine work you are doing,we need you!!

+1 # Joan Fistick 2010-10-17 02:52

Is there am appointive position which would enable this individual to do what needs doing without being completely stymied by corporate and banking interests for a time specific to effective halving of unemployment (or other specific paliative goal)? We need him as more than a cheer leader.

+13 # Michael Carmichael 2010-10-17 04:44

Michigan is always a Steinbeckian microcosm for Michael Moore, an auteur as sympathetic with the soul of America as some of our great literary masters. Congratulations to the Steinbeck Foundation for bestowing their highest award on a truly Steinbeckian progressive.

+5 # Barry De Jasu 2010-10-17 06:14

As we go into the 2010 midterm elections we must realize that most of our elected officials no longer have the the stomach to defend and represent "We the people". We are constantly told that they are doing the best that they can. Our Democratic Party has become the "good cop" to the republican "bad cop" in the succeeding corporate effort to wrest total control of our government from "the people" and their Constitution. Mr. Moore is so right to say that we must say "no more". No longer will we sit quietly while the corporate greed for money and thirst for power plows us down. We must non-violently let those, who it seems by any means possible wish to own this country and the world, that we no longer are willing to go along quietly. That , like the French who have called a national strike to defend worker rights, we will defend all our rights.

+2 # Pall 2010-10-17 06:50

Can there be a season of youthful, intelligent energy, trained and organized, to protect the citizens financial rights throughout the states? A 2010 version of the young heros of the southern voter registration movement!

+7 # GaryS 2010-10-17 09:06

People need to shake off their false sense of security and complain that the water has gotten too hot.

We can't wait for "young people".
The ones we need live in France.
We can't wait for them to reinstate the draft.

It doesn't have to be a repeat of history.

Good people of all ages must walk out the door and physically sit or stand somewhere that your masters don't want you.

+3 # Julianne 2010-10-17 09:54

When you have 10 minutes, please watch this Michael Moore speech. It's very relevant and important.

(But don't quit your job and start marching in the streets quite yet ;)

+4 # C. Holden 2010-10-17 13:39

Your list for economic revolution should include organizing for a Stop Payment Day, probably early january, say january 6th, 2011. Talk to your friends, tell your neighbors. If you are mad as hell, do not make any payments on mortgage, health insurance, or credit cards for 30 days following January 6. The court system can not take us all on, the jails can not hold us. This will literally freeze the financial system (health insurance is a financial system) and demonstrate the power of the people. If only 20% of US consummers do this, it will freeze the system. If 40% do it, we can re-write the laws for our protection, instead of their gain. This is not republican or democrate, this is consummers saying enough! Talk it up, and do it. Push Back !

-1 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-18 20:19

Quoting

Your list for economic revolution should include organizing for a Stop Payment Day, probably early january, say january 6th, 2011. Talk to your friends, tell your neighbors. If you are mad as hell, do not make any payments on mortgage, health insurance, or credit cards for 30 days following January 6. The court system can not take us all on, the jails can not hold us. This will literally freeze the financial system (health insurance is a financial system) and demonstrate the power of the people. If only 20% of US consummers do this, it will freeze the system. If 40% do it, we can re-write the laws for our protection, instead of their gain. This is not republican or democrate, this is consummers saying enough! Talk it up, and do it. Push Back !

Bless you kindred spirit!

+5 # heraldmage 2010-10-17 13:43

First the only thing boycotting the vote accomplishes is the opponent winning.

Second the quote below is as relevant & inspiring today as it was 234 years ago:

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." The Declaration of Independence July 1776

It's time again for a change

This time lets make sure our elected official represent the people not clones of the nobility as they were in 1789.

-1 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-18 20:30

heraldmage, I think the elections are a lost cause in that it now is dollars and not votes that matter. However, I would NEVER advocate boycotting participation in our governance. Far, far from it.

I admire your post. Thank you. You have precisely quoted and captured Jefferson's advocacy of revolution applicable to today. When governance goes to the highest bidder, in fact, and voting is just a manipulated formality for lending legitimacy to a totally corrupted system of governance, let's not pretend that by voting alone we have any chance of diverting the rapidly growing despotism of our current government. I simply cannot bring myself to believe that by voting in November I am doing anything to ensure that our elected officials represent the people, no matter who I vote for, and not clones of the nobility as they were in 1789.
I think it's time for a new Declaration of Independence. I think it's time for a new revolution. Don't you?

+4 # fredboy 2010-10-17 15:51

When America shifts from "we" to all about "me," the process changes. And the "me" types, the tiny sector of viciously selfish gluttons, get their wish: They turn all of our eyes on them. And once the lies and treachery are realized, great hatred is fueled.

And as two or three percent of us flaunt their wealth, and profit from our suffering, another realization occurs: It is quite dangerous to piss off 300 million people.

The viciously selfish among us want totally free, unregulated business. And diminished protection for the populace--in the courts, in the auto showrooms and grocery shelves, and in the streets. The paradox is once such a nightmare is unleashed we will all have the opportunity to take action.

This election is more than a national IQ test. It's about the future, and the actions and reactions that will shape, shame, or sever the very spirit of our nation.

+2 # moby doug 2010-10-17 21:43

The angriest people on the street right now seem to be Teabaggers, many of them dependent on Social Security and Medicare even as they shriek about "socialized government." Ironically, they're ignorant tools, repeating GOP talking points fed to them by Hannity, O'Reilly, Beck.... They're advancing the financial interests of the upper 1%. Meanwhile the Roberts Court gives the corporations the power to make unlimited "contributions" to buy the government of their choice. And every dollar spent on a voter increases the likelihood, by 4%, that the voter will vote the way of the contributor. So between the vastly increased wealth (thanks to tax breaks for the rich and increasingly regressive taxation) of the upper 1%, and the elections-for-sale, we have a Dollarocracy, not a Democracy. Or a Kleptocracy, if you prefer. With the corporate-controlled (Faux News) media and deteriorating public schools, don't expect a well-informed citizenry and sensible campaign reform in the foreseeable future...

+1 # genierae 2010-10-18 10:52

Please email Michael Moore at Mike@MichaelMoo re.com, and urge him to be the leader of a non-violent movement to bring this country back to sanity. He would be the ideal leader, because he is very well-known, he is very much loved, and he has the connections to make it happen.

My suggestion: Put one million people on the mall in D.C., and keep them there indefinitely. This would be a tent city, with different people moving in and out, but there would be a large number there at all times. We could call this a tent-in. Yes I know, it would take a lot of serious work to do this, but with Michael in charge, it could be done. And he would be sure to keep us energized. I faintly remember reading about something like this that was done in the past, can somebody enlighten me?

+1 # karenvista 2010-10-18 19:40

genierae, You must be talking about the Bonus Army and the Bonus March in 1932. Unfortunately, I think we would get the same outcome they got. See this from Wikipedia: The March was led by Walter W. Waters, a former Army sergeant and included up to 43,000 former servicemembers and their families who had been impoverished due to the Depression. The veterans were encouraged in their demand for immediate cash-payment redemption of their previously issued service certificates (similar to bonds) by retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler, one of the most popular military figures of the time. (my comment>He was approached by the corporatists of his day to lead a coup against FDR, but he reported it to Congress instead.)

0 # karenvista 2010-10-18 19:42

On July 28, U.S. Attorney General William D. Mitchell ordered the veterans removed from all government property. Washington police met with resistance, shots were fired and two veterans were killed. President Hoover then ordered the army to clear out the veterans. The infantry and cavalry were supported by six tanks, and commanded by Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur. Major, later President, Dwight D. Eisenhower was his liaison with Washington police, and Major George Patton led the cavalry. The Bonus Army, their wives and children were driven out with fixed bayonets and adamsite gas, an arsenical vomiting agent, and their shelters and belongings burned. Two more of the veterans, and an unknown number of babies and children, died (accounts range from one to "a number" of casualties). Sorry, I edited a little, hope it makes sense.

0 # genierae 2010-10-20 13:31

What a tragic ending! To think that so-called heroes, such as Patton, MacArthur, and Eisenhower, were a part of this is sickening, and I wonder if this brutal episode is mentioned in their biographies? In this country, those who find the courage to protest must prepare for the worst. Thanks for the info!

-1 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-18 20:39

Off hand I don't recall genierae, but I will gladly participate. My email to Michael Moore is as good as sent! I preach revolution often but concede that some of history's most effective revolutions were non-violent. I like your idea though I suspect Michael Moore would rather be a commentator than a participant. I suppose it all depends on his willingness to risk the possibility of martyrdom. But then great leaders historically have had to face and endure exactly this to relative frequency. His moral and ethical credentials are certainly impecable and his leadership potential seems so apparent. Very nice idea! Movement politics has to start somewhere and who better to lead than he?

0 # genierae 2010-10-20 13:35

Thanks Daniel, I know that there are millions of people around this country that would be glad to join a movement, but our leader must be someone who is well known, in order to attract media attention. Michael Moore has the star power, and the heart to lead us, and he is trusted as no one else is.

0 # BILL IZATT 2010-10-18 21:13

the definition of an honest politican-once they are bought they stay bought.

+1 # Beca 2010-10-19 04:58

Indeed, "we" the people need a non-violent revolution, one that will take money out of the coffers of the corporate cartel. Economic revolution against the corporate cartel is our only card--our votes no longer count for anything since we are voting for two corporatist parties, and in this great non-Democracy, real democracy does not exist-hence, third party candidates get shoved to the back alley where nobody can vote for them.
We still hold the power, we are just too complacent, lazy and spoiled to use it! Economic power! The only reason the corporate cartel is so wealthy, is because we keep buying all the garbage they sell!! We have to stop that!!
M. Fletcher, you have good points, however, I say we start with some suggestions that might be less "scary" for most people, and way more doable for most.
1.Stop buying crap you don't NEED
Continued...
Continued:

+1 # Beca 2010-10-19 05:09

continuing...1. Stop buying crap from the Wallmarts and other big monopolies--they are responsible for the death of our real small businesses!
2. Support only your local businesses, local trades people, local farms, local shops.
3. Recycle your clothes and other home items with friends and relatives--I haven't bought a stitch of clothing in over 12 years--still get "new" clothes by recycling with friends and relatives.
4. If you can, grow your own vegetables-they are healthier anyway!
5. Don't run out to buy a new car every year-if you can still drive it, keep it. My car is a 1992, still drives and gets me to where I need to go, still passes inspection.
6. When you can, use public transportation instead of your car. Better yet, if you are able, walk or use the bike to get to places short distances from your home.
7. Don't buy any new gadget, appliance or electronic item unless what you have is completely unfixable.
Continued....

+1 # Beca 2010-10-19 05:16

Continuing....
8. Stop Watching Commercial TV (aka Network TV, aks Corporate TV): All its content, from the shows, news farces and commercials are designed to brainwash you into being good little consumers, while lulling you deeper into your couch as you become too lazy and complacent to lift a finger as our country get chewed up by the Corporate cartel. STOP WATCHING COMMERCIAL TV!! There are plenty of good things to watch on public TV. MINDTV in my area has four channels and it hosts a number of great public networks with great shows, REAL news (unedited to fit the corporate narrative), etc.
Once you are off the toxic commercial TV, your mind will begin to slowly repair and you will notice things around you you haven't noticed in a long time! Commerical TV is meant to be toxic, meant to be an assault on all your senses--that way it keeps you so off balance, that you are primed to be brainwashed.
We do hold the power of our purse, lets use it now!

0 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-20 00:55

Bless you Beca. Speak up more often! I will ponder your words carefully.

I am fond of your (dis)regard for television. I actually threw mine out almost two years ago. Over 80,000 pages of reading later I realize how cheated I'd been by television. I'm not knocking non-commercial television actually, but in order to overcome our own collective ignorance we need to read more in order to become a better informed electorate. TV was supposed to do that and this was spoken of frequently in it's early days, but ye gad! It's like a cancer that eats brain cells!
I like your suggestions, but Beca, when people do start doing courageous and scarey things on behalf of your best interests, honor them even if you can't join them.

0 # retired salt 2010-10-19 05:16

Michael, you have no idea how many of us wish you did have the answer, but no cure lies waiting - in the short term or maybe eveh the long term. Our country has been raped and and plundered. I'm not a big fan of Suze Orman, but as I was flipping channels recently, she gave her assessment of our plight. As has been said by so many here, (to paraphrase her) the wealth lies in the hands of the top 1-2% and they are getting richer. The poor are getting poorer, and the middle class is diminishing at an astonishing rate. The rich don't care, the poor realize they're helpless, and the middle class are caught up in a quagmire that seems hopeless, disparaging. I am barely middle class. What these symptoms indicate is we are becoming a Mexico - or some other 3rd world country with no middle class. The more pronounced these symptoms become, the less of America there is. The middle class has fought its way back from the depression only to be handed another stacked deck of cards. Greed compels it all.

0 # Beca 2010-10-19 05:24

@genierae: What you might be recalling is exactly that, however it did not happen here in the U.S., that happened in Mexico after the 2006 (I believe that was the yr)Presidential elections. Over a million people camped out in front of the Presidential Palace aka white house, as they demanded a recount of the ballots. They did get their recount, there was no violence by the protesters or the police, and they were allowed to camp out and disrupt life, businesses, traffic etc. for nearly three months. That would have NEVER been allowed to happen in this "wonderful" so called "Free" country of ours ( U.S.)by the way! Here,after a few hours, the national guard would be called and everybody would either get arrested, shot or both. Our "free" country would never allow any form of large scale dissent, ever! We are too controlled for that. All the so called "Freedoms" our media and politicos speak of all the time don't apply to "we" the people.

0 # Beca 2010-10-19 05:35

By the way, any movement to encourage people to "stop payment" on any of their bills will fall flat on its face. Americans are way too scared of everything to ever engage in a massive effort to do such thing, I know, I tried organizing something like this--but it would have been only a threat of stop payment-and nobody wanted to join, they were too scared--"what if my credit" "what if I get sick", "what if this..." the "what if's" were endless. As I've said before, the American people are brainwashed to be good little consumers, lulled into submission by the crap we watch and eat.
An economic revolution needs to start with something people aren't scared to participate in, something that is pretty much doable if you are pissed enough, and has minimal negative consequences for the people. Boycotting all large retailers is a start.
Have a "No new stuff" week, month and so forth. Remember, Wall Street Economy is NOT same as Main Street Economy!

0 # Daniel Fletcher 2010-10-20 01:12

Beca, I get it. I'm not ready to throw in the towel. When being the good little consumer who goes along and cooperates with the daily rape that comes with being your average American get's painful enough to enough people, something is going to give. There has to be some threshold of suffering beyond which people in large numbers are going to simply say "enough" and will be receptive to revolt. Our present willingness to suffer is a great testimony to the success of those who've brainwashed us, but how long will that succeed? It isn't that people are being merely hurt these days. There are good, hard working people all around me who are being destroyed and they damn well know it. The elites and the government that they happen to own cannot indefinatly succeed at convincing them that their suffering is somehow their fault, that it was somehow brought about by their own laziness or worthlessness. That isn't true. People are starting to die because of this. Desperation breeds courage. Revolution.

0 # genierae 2010-10-20 13:52

Beca: I remember the protest in Mexico, I was so happy for them! They protested with such joy, they were not afraid at all. But if I remember rightly, there was much suspicion that the recount was rigged, and the conservative won over the liberal that the people were for. It was very distressing...One thing we must all accept. If we join a movement, we must do it with our whole hearts. We must be ready to put our lives on the line, because that's the only way we can win. And winning is possible. There are many more of us than there are of them.

+1 # retired salt 2010-10-19 05:49

Why is it that so many (married) people who make WAY less than $250K annually think they comprise that 1-2% of the wealhtiest when it comes the health care reform? Why are they against something that will ultimately HELP them? Most people in my neighborhood think Obama is only about helping the middle class - and he could. He IS. Yet they are the ones who will benefit. The rich don't need a health care plan - they can pay cash for ANY medical procedure they will ever need. As business owners, the wealthy are so greedy that they don't even have the compassion to consider or care about some kind of health care package they might have to pay for their employees. It's a moral issue. But they lack morals when it comes to their wallets. We could save billions from our deficit by ending this needless war in Afghanistan. Let the Afghans solve their own political, religious, and economic problems. WE CAN'T! But too many military industrial investors love the return on assets they get from all these wars.

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