Occupied Media: Interview With Larry Mishel

Our most recent Occupied Media virtual teach-in is with EPI economist Larry Mishel. EPI is celebrating its 25th year fighting for the 99%. EPI was recently recognized by the Washington Post and Paul Krugman. Krugman had this to say about EPI and Larry Mishel:

At this point EPI is the single best source for analysis of labor issues, one of the best sources of macroeconomic analysis, and in general a bastion of humane clarity. The institute’s success demonstrates just how powerful it is when you combine intellectual integrity with commitment, when you make a point of doing the math right, but also never forget that you stand for something....

Put it this way: I’ve had a number of meetings with senior officials along with other progressive economists, and I always feel that of the group, Larry Mishel is talking the most sense — and, whaddya know, agreeing with me.

I was really struck with his clear commitment to making a more decent, more equal society (he ended the interview by saying we had to do another one).

Occupied Media: Interview With Larry Mishel

#OccupyMissoula - Police Dropping Off Drunken, Hostile People

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EMAIL - Campaign Continuing Until Monday, 11/28/11

Primary Recipients - 

• Mayor John Engen: mayorstaff@ci.missoula.mt.us
• Chief of Police Mark Muir: PDwebmail@ci.missoula.mt.us

With cc to local paper - 

• Missoulian: newsdesk@missoulian.com

Send any message you wish or you can copy and paste this:

Subject: Do Not Harass Occupy Missoula

Dear Mayor Engen and Police Chief Muir:

On November 19, 2011, a woman who was extremely drunk and belligerent was dropped off at the Occupy Missoula occupation by Officer Kasey Williams of the Missoula Police Department, Badge #348. This extremely intoxicated individual headed directly into the occupation and was immediately belligerent and threatening. This is a tactic of harassment that has been used by several cities. It is unsafe for the intoxicated person as well as the occupiers and should not be tolerated.

*   *   *

So, here's the story...

I had heard from several of the 24/7 occupiers at Occupy Missoula that the police have dropped off drunken, belligerent people at the occupation. I happened to be there when just that happened. A woman who was extremely drunk and was belligerent was dropped off by Officer Kasey Williams of the Missoula Police Department, Badge #348. She headed directly into the occupation and was belligerent and threatening. This very small occupation was forced to handle this on their own (which, by the way, they did very well).

As soon as I left I called Sgt. Jerry Odlin to speak to him about it. I informed him of the situation and informed him that the occupation has rules prohibiting intoxication. He denied that anything had been done to create disruption at the Occupy Missoula occupation.

For those of you who may not have seen the post regarding the authorities' backhanded eviction attempt of Occupy Missoula - here's that link.  Occupy Missoula is still in dire need of funds and supplies to re-establish and Winterize the occupation - list here.

#OccupyMissoula - Police Dropping Off Drunken, Hostile People

#OccupyMissoula Update

Hey everyone - can barely keep my eyes open, but wanted to thank everyone who has helped. When I got involved last Sunday, the camp had been evicted. We formed a legal team and got the supposed arrest threats straightened out and then turned to getting the camp Winterized. I pretty much put out a call for help to friends, family and the internet at large. Bottom line, we're almost there and I really can't thank everyone enough.

So, the really good news - we got this tent today:

We still owes $275 for it - the seller agreed to take payments).

At this point, we need:

~ At least 2 coleman fuel lanterns, and bulk coleman fuel
~ chairs
~ Warm things to place on the ground. Throw rugs are great.
~ Good blankets

In addition to this, we need people to help out prepaying our accounts for propane at Axmen, and our food account at the Good Food Store. You can call these businesses and donate to the Occupation. Call the Good Food Store, (406) 541-3663 and Axmen at (406) 728-7020 and tell them you want to help out OccupyMissoula and add some funds to our prepaid accounts.

If you wish to make a donation please email me at taryn dot hart at gmail dot com and we can arrange the logistics of any donation.

Right now we have lost our full-time finance person and are in the process of transition. In the meantime, I am taking all donations for Winterizing the occupation.

Cash payments can go to my Pay Pal, which is at taryn.hart@gmail.com. Supplies can be sent to:

Occupy Missoula
c/o Taryn Hart
10355 Highway 12
Lolo, Montana 59847

#OccupyMissoula Update

OMG - Pepper Spray Video

OMG - Pepper Spray Video

#OccupyMissoula and Blogging Update

Hey everyone - so, we're starting from ground zero in Missoula, but at least we held on. I haven't been able to blog at all and that will probably continue through, at least, Sunday. Groobiecat filled in the live blog yesterday (thanks Groob).

We have raised $425 and have been told that many supplies are being sent. We did get Occupy Missoula placed on the OWS donation page so, hopefully that helps. Also, I'm working on getting a liason lined up between Occupy Missoula and Firedoglake's Occupy Supply, which should definitely help get some much needed supplies to the occupation - unfortunately I couldn't get anyone lined up in time for today's training so, that lifeline will have to wait until at least Tuesday's training.

So, bottom line we still could really use donations to get the camp Winterized. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks to everyone for their very generous support.

Taryn

#OccupyMissoula and Blogging Update

#N17 Global Day of Action - #OWS

Glued to the live stream -

Watch live streaming video from globalrevolution at livestream.com

#N17 Global Day of Action - #OWS

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/17/11

8:48 AM: Occupy Wall Street's Day of Action
Live Updates / Live Streaming





11:00: LRAD apparently used on protestors while singing national anthem...

(Source: We are the other 99% live blog)

11:05 AM: New post by Glenn Greenwald: OWS Inspired Activism

"It was only a matter of time before a coordinated police crackdown was imposed to end the Occupy encampments. Law enforcement officials and policy-makers in America know full well that serious protests — and more — are inevitable given the economic tumult and suffering the U.S. has seen over the last three years (and will continue to see for the foreseeable future). A country cannot radically reduce quality-of-life expectations, devote itself to the interests of its super-rich, and all but eliminate its middle class without triggering sustained citizen fury."

11:30 AM: AdBusters Blog Post: Renewing Occupy resolve--and entering a new phase

"This assault has stiffened our resolve. Now begins the second, visceral, canny, militant phase of our nonviolent march to real democracy. We regroup, lick our wounds and begin our counterattack..."

11:38 AM: Taibblog post: Woman Gets Jail For Food-Stamp Fraud; Wall Street Fraudsters Get Bailouts

"Had a quick piece of news I wanted to call attention to, in light of the recent developments at Zuccotti Park. For all of those who say the protesters have it wrong, and don’t really have a cause worth causing public unrest over, consider this story, sent to me by a friend on the Hill. Last week, a federal judge in Mississippi sentenced a mother of two named Anita McLemore to three years in federal prison for lying on a government application in order to obtain food stamps."

12:10 PM: @LucyKafanov Twitpic

12:35 PM: Kevin Gosztola post: 84 Year Old Woman Tells Story of Being Pepper Sprayed, Saved by Veteran at Occupy Seattle Protest




2:28 PM: Videographer reports assault by undercover cop (from OWS Web site).


3:41 PM: Not what democracy looks like:

4:38: In spite of the violence, think it's safe to say that the theme of the day is: Re-energized and inspired.

Inspiring Words from Redditor Aniadrift "Sorry for gushing, but I feel the need to right now. When the mass evictions started happening, I was filled with a sense of despair. Now that I see this, that despair has been replaced with inspiration. My heart bursts with it. I want you people to know, all of you who have been in the streets fighting, that you have given me hope for the country that I never thought I would have before." (OWS Web site)

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/17/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/16/11

9:15 AM: Apparently, all the crackdowns were coordinated with the help from--surprise!--the FBI, Homeland Security, and other federal agencies. According to the Examiner's piece Occupy Crackdowns Coordinated with Federal Officials: 

"Over the past ten days, more than a dozen cities have moved to evict "Occupy" protesters from city parks and other public spaces. As was the case in last night's move in New York City, each of the police actions shares a number of characteristics. And according to one Justice official, each of those actions was coordinated with help from Homeland Security, the FBI and other federal police agencies."

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/16/11

Open Letter to Friends of the #OWS Movement: Occupy Missoula needs IMMEDIATE HELP!

FOR DONATIONS, PLEASE SEE UPDATES BELOW


Open Letter to Friends of the #OWS Movement:

RE: Occupy Missoula needs IMMEDIATE HELP!

Before I even introduce myself, let me express solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Oakland and all occupations currently under attack.

I am a member of Occupy Missoua - a very small, little-known occupation in Missoula, Montana. Over this past weekend we were subject to an eviction attempt by Missoula County that very nearly succeeded.

We are encamped at the Missoula County Courthouse. For Veteran's Day, Occupy Missoula agreed to de-camp so that a Veteran's Day celebration could be held at the Courthouse. We did this in good faith and in an attempt to be good neighbors.

Following Veteran's Day, we began re-encamping and were told by County officials that we could have use of a small gazebo, but nothing else. Members of our logistics working group were told on Sunday that if we re-established a full occupation we would be arrested. There were also insinuations that our encampment would be raided due to "health violations." An emergency GA was held on Sunday night and the occupation retreated to the Gazebo. The front page of our local newspaper labeled us quitters.

However, over the next two days, we lawyered up - thanks to the generous help of several attorneys in the Missoula community. This afternoon, a member of our legal team met with a County official and the County completely retreated. We won! We defended our encampment from an attempt to kill it.

And here's the funny thing: Prior to this underhanded attempted eviction, we were having very serious thoughts of decamping for Winter - we have almost no money, we have few tents, we have only one very small, partially functioning heater. But this duplicitous attempted eviction united us in a way that is impossible to describe and at tonight's GA we unanimously decided to re-encamp. We have no idea how we are going to make it, but we took what can only be characterized as a leap of faith. I've never been prouder to be a part of something in my life.

But we're in Montana and the weather is already a challenge. So we need immediate help - money, tents, food, Winter clothing, heaters, generators, anything at all you can provide would mean the world to us. (SEE UPDATE BELOW)

If you wish to make a donation please email me at taryn dot hart at gmail dot com and we can arrange the logistics of any donation.

Your in Solidarity -

Taryn Hart
Occupy Missoula

Update: Right now we have lost our full-time finance person and are in the process of transition. In the meantime, I am taking all donations - Occupy Missoula will verify receit.

Cash payments can go to my Pay Pal, which is at taryn.hart@gmail.com. Supplies can be sent to:

Occupy Missoula
c/o Taryn Hart
10355 Highway 12
Lolo, Montana 59847

UPDATE 2 (11/20/11): Right now, our goals are: 1) to raise $275 to pay remaining amount owing on huge tent (Yay!); 2) get one month's worth of food and propane paid for. To donate to the food account you can call the Good Food Store at (406) 541-3663. To donate propane you can call the Axmen at (406) 728-7020. Have a credit card ready and tell them you'd like to donate to the account; 3) Get a small amount of cash to have on hand at the site ($200).

Open Letter to Friends of the #OWS Movement: Occupy Missoula needs IMMEDIATE HELP!

November 15, 2011

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day (Maybe my favorite sign of all time)

There is No Alternative - Taxing the Rich Edition

So, here's the thing: The cat's out of the bag - the 1% in this country have laid claim to more than three decades of steady growth and now have an obscene amount of the nation's wealth. One offshoot of this grave injustice is that the elite and their lackeys have to spend a huge amount of time trying to convince everyone there is no alternative. They don't usually defend the arrangement itself (you're envious for even thinking about that), but rather focus on policy proposals that would threaten the status quo.

There is No Alternative - Taxing the Rich Edition

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/14/11

November 14, 2011

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/14/11

#InternationalBowieDay

In honor of the fact that it's International Bowie Day (and because I happen to be interviewing Sarah Jaffe tomorrow, who blogs at OhYouPrettyThings.net and tweets at @seasonothebitch), here is David Bowie, Oh! You Pretty Things:

#InternationalBowieDay

The Matrix, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and #OWS

So, in the context of OWS, reform and government generally, a friend of mine brought up the speech in the Matrix about human beings being like a virus, destroying everything in their path:



Without getting into an interpretation of the Matrix - which actually I'm kind of dwelling on - I have some initial thoughts.

The Matrix, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and #OWS

Hippie Crap Saves the World

Here's the note from my Mom:

I don’t save many articles—maybe 2 a decade, or something. Anyway, what Matt Taibbi wrote about changing his mind on OWS became one of those. And that reminded me of one I saved almost a decade ago—Hippie Crap Saves the World. It was written in 2003, but it’s really, really, really applicable to today. I’d have posted it up, but I don’t know how to make two pages of it, and it’s long.

Anyway, here it is. Please, PLEASE, consider posting it. It’s fucking brilliant.

Article over the fold...

Hippie Crap Saves the World

Occupied Media: Interview With Dean Baker

I'm extremely pleased to present the most recent Occupied Media installment, our interview with economist Dean Baker. Dean Baker is co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C. He is the author of several books, including, most recently, The End of Loser Liberalism: Making Markets Progressive. He regularly blogs at Beat the Press, which features commentary on economic reporting.

We discuss Dr. Baker's diagnosis and prescriptions for the economy. Unlike most of the econ folks I've spoken with, Dr. Baker expressed specific concern with our trade imbalances and argues making the dollar more competitive is important for recovery from our short-term economic crisis. Additionally, Dr. Baker has some really interesting ideas for tackling the housing crisis, including giving foreclosed upon homeowners the right to rent their former home for a significant period of time - an interesting solution that would give homeowners in default much-needed leverage in their negotiations with lenders.

Occupied Media: Interview With Dean Baker

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/13/11

November 13, 2011

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/13/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/12/11

November 12, 2011

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/12/11

Too Cool for Jazz Hands

A friend of mine recently pointed out that, apparently, some people are put off by the jazz hands used in the consensus process. I was a little taken aback - I mean with everything wrong with this country and the world, there are people who are dismissive of the first real attempt to do anything about it in years by jazz hands?

Too Cool for Jazz Hands

Live Blogging #OWS- 11/11/11

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day (In honor of Veteran's Day)

Live Blogging #OWS- 11/11/11

Best "We the People" Petition EVER

So, the White House developed a project called "We the People" where citizens can create a petition and then, if they get 5K signatures the White House would ... well, they really wouldn't do much of anything. In response to this bullshit project, a clever fellow citizen has created the best petition ever:

Best "We the People" Petition EVER

Keynes and the Holy Trilogy* (Repost)

The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.
~ John Maynard Keynes

You must unlearn what you have learned.
~ Yoda

[W]e’re living in a Dark Age of macroeconomics.
~ Paul Krugman

[T]he Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.
~ Obi-Wan Kenobe

* All unidentified or unlinked quotes herein are from Paul Krugman, "How Did Economists Get It So Wrong?" Additionally, even when not directly quoted, significant portions of the following essay are paraphrased from Professor Krugman's article.

Keynes and the Holy Trilogy* (Repost)

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/10/11

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/10/11

Occupied Media: Interview With NEDAP's Josh Zinner

Occupied Media's next installment in its #OWS interview and teach-in series is with attorney and co-director of NEDAP, Josh Zinner. Josh witnessed the effects of the endemic mortgage fraud as it ripped through New York's communities; he does an amazing job describing the mechanics of the scam and how we got where we are today. We also discuss whether there should be criminal prosecutions - a resounding yes from Josh on that issue (the people, like Josh, who watched this fraud as it was happening are particularly adamant that the crooks who crashed the world economy and devastated communities should not escape criminal prosecution). Josh also shared his thoughts on the financial-sector reforms that are necessary to keep us from repeating this nightmare. Finally, we pull back from the housing and financial sector issues to discuss, in general terms, what needs to be done to fix our wrecked economy.

Occupied Media: Interview With NEDAP's Josh Zinner

I'm Back! - Live Blogging #OWS - 11/9/11

November 9, 2011

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day (I thought it fit with yesterday's elections - I really am hopeful that Wisconsin and OWS are turning the political tides)

I'm Back! - Live Blogging #OWS - 11/9/11

11/8/11 - Minimal blogging, day 2

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day

11/8/11 - Minimal blogging, day 2

11/7/11 - No Minimal blogging today

Hey everyone, I need to take a break from the blog to get something else done. Should be back tomorrow. In the meantime, check out my most recent essay.

And here's the new Chris Hedges.

Update: Here's an Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day (and I might get to a few updates through the day, but it will be LIGHT).

11/7/11 - No Minimal blogging today

No War But the Class War: Is Political Realignment Possible?

Have you ever suddenly realized that several ideas that have been rolling through your mind are connected? People who regularly write and think about ideas live for such aha moments. In fact, I think Aldous Huxley had such experiences in mind when he cleverly described “[a]n intellectual” as “a person who has discovered something more interesting than sex.” Although I certainly won’t claim to be in that rarefied ether, I did recently have a minor moment of clarity with respect to three ideas about OWS that have been preoccupying me (ha, preoccupying).

The first comes from a recent interview with Larry Mishel of EPI - who is brilliant and charming and very deserving of all of the praise he’s been getting lately (the interview is currently being edited and will be posted soon). Anyway, during the interview, Larry (we’re on a first name basis) said something that I immediately knew was correct, but that I hadn’t heard articulated: He said that he used to think of our system as broken, but it’s not; it’s functioning exactly how it is supposed to function. The 1% haven’t broken our government; they’ve captured it. And having captured it, they’ve designed it to work for their benefit and against the interests of the 99%.*

As soon as I heard this, I knew it was correct and that it has all kinds of implications (which I’m just starting to think through). But before I get to what I think the primary implication is, there’s a second idea, which is based on something Digby said. But because she said it in the context of a larger debate, it requires a bit of set up.

No War But the Class War: Is Political Realignment Possible?

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/6/11

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day (seems to be the theme of the day)

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/6/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/5/11

Occupy Wall Street Sign of the Day

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/5/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/4/11

10:14 AM: Income inequality denialiam had been popping up before OWS, but since OWS, it's picking up speed. Kudos to Jonathan Chait for calling it what it is - bullshit!

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/4/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/3/11

11:00 AM: NYC - Protesters being arrested at sit-in at Goldman Sachs (and I heard on twitter that Chris Hedges is among arrestees).

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/3/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/2/11

10:44 AM: November 2, 2011 - Oakland general strike. There are people at rally saying longshoreman support OWS and Port of Oakland is shut down, but then we're getting word from port that it's not - so, not sure what to make of it yet.

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/2/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/1/11

12:50 PM: Looks like there are police crackdowns in Tulsa.

Live Blogging #OWS - 11/1/11

Live Blogging #OWS - 10/31/11

4:03 AM:

MMFlint Michael Moore
by OccupyRichmond
Overnight police raids taking place at OccupyRichmond OccupyNashville OccupyLongBeach. Why do I feel the hidden hand of Homeland Security?

4:46 AM: Iceland panel...



11:36 AM: I'm scheduled to do an interview this afternoon. So, probably won't be posting until late afternoon. Should have lots to catch up on later this afternoon and evening.

3:47 PM: Income inequality really is growing.

4:05 PM: NYPD's new strategy...

4:15 PM: Elementary school joining Oakland general strike.

As is Oakland's largest union (SEIU)...

4:20 PM: I love that America's last general strike was in Oakland....

4:41 PM: Michael Moore for my Mom.

Michael Moore Speaks at Occupy Oakland, October 28, 2011 from John Hamilton on Vimeo.

4:47 PM: Amy Goodman on alternative media and social change.



5:46 PM: New Chris Hedges!

5:50 PM: Glenn Greenwald on Chris Hayes.



6:01 PM: Behind on this, but there were arrests both at Occupy Portland and Occupy Richmond. And apparently Occupy Richmond's possessions were destroyed.

6:33 PM: This really HAS to work. We have no choice. The 1% and their lackeys will take everything from us and will create a neo-feudal underclass.

8:06 PM: Salon's new Declaration of Independence (lots of good ideas).

8:10 PM: Nashville update (ACLU brings suit on behalf of protesters).

8:14 PM: 50 Cent supports OWS.

8:51 PM: Occupy Fresno faces eviction.

David_EHG David Harris-Gershon
by OccupyToronto
#OccupyFresno faces eviction tonight. Call John Navarette, tell him not to evict (559) 600-1710. Follow @OccupyFresno for info. #Solidarity

8:53 PM: Good news from Nashville.

9:45 PM: Knitters for the 99%.

Live Blogging #OWS - 10/31/11

Occupied Media: Interview With John Quiggin (10/22/11)

I'm extremely pleased to present the most recent Occupied Media installment, our interview with economist John Quiggin. Professor Quiggin usually does his professoring at the University of Queensland, but is currently a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins Univeristy. He blogs at the widely-read Crooked Timber and also on his own blog, johnquiggin.com. He is the author of Zombie Economics, which was named one of the top thirty business books of 2010 and surely can spawn untold sequels.

Professor Quiggin and I discuss the current economic crisis as well as his preferred policies to get us out of this God-awful mess. Among other matters, we discussed criminal prosecutions (which he's against), financial transaction tax (which he's for) and how we can keep this economic system from crashing all the damn time (he doesn't know). I think it comes across how much I enjoyed talking with Professor Quiggin and I'm sure everyone will find him to be as charming as I did.



Thanks, as always, to everyone with the Occupy Missoula Communications Working Group and a huge thanks to video editor Paul Shockey who took days fixing the sound on this video.

It is Occupied Media's sincere hope that other occupations and/or supporters of OWS will contribute videos to the Occupied Media project - interviews, teach-ins, how-to videos, music videos and so on (really anything in a video format). Please direct all inquiries and video submissions to:

OccupiedMedia@gmail.com

OR

Plutocracyfiles@gmail.com

Correction: During the interview with Professor Quiggin, I referred to freshwater economists John Cochrane and Robert Barro as supporting a "Treasury View," "crowding out" argument. I meant John Cochrane and Eugene Fama; Robert Barro is a freshwater economist and he has made some ridiculous arguments since the economy crashed, but he did not make a "Treasury View," "crowding out" argument.

Occupied Media: Interview With John Quiggin (10/22/11)

Live Blogging #OWS - 10/30/11

10:35 AM: Started the morning with this...

OccupyTampa Occupy Tampa
by OccupyEngland
Occupy Tampa is being raided.....Occupiers at curtis hixon park need access to trucks and storage Immediately!!!!

11:15 AM: Denver craziness.

An article about protests is India.

11:20 AM: 38 arrests reported in Austin - no injuries reported.

Here is an article re: Austin.

11:30 AM: NY is calling for Winter supplies.

11:46 AM: Naomi Wolf just tweeted this.

Naomi Wolf
GREAT quote reposted and very apt: "Whoever can protest against the injustices of his family but refrains from doing so, should be punished for the crimes of his family.

Whoever can protest against the injustices of the people of his community, but refrains from doing so, should be punished for the crimes of his community.

Whoever is able to protest against the injustices of the entire world but refrains from doing so, should be punished for the crimes of the whole world."

-Talmud

1:07 PM: John Lennon's message to OWS.

More John Lennon stuff showing up on the twitter...



1:24 PM: Photos from Denver.

1:41 PM: Great piece on EPI - I will be interviewing Larry Mishel of EPI next week.

1:42 PM: Mother Jones on the Price of Plutocracy.

1:52 PM: Glenn Greenwald on the importance of the protests.

1:53 PM: Dean Baker (who I'm interviewing on Friday) on how to make the free market work for the 99%.

2:08 PM: A follower has requested I suggest the 20-hour work week as a solution to our current jobs crisis. He provided this link for everyone's consideration. Thanks for reading!.

3:02 PM: Laurie Penny (who tweets as PennyRed - and has done some of the best twitter coverage, IMO) was invited to participate in a debate where she, as a representative of the youth, was on a team with David Willetts, who has blamed our current financial woes on the baby boomers. This definitely falls in the "WTF were they thinking?" category and ranks up there with Stephen Colbert's appearance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner - yes, it's that brutal and it's that good:

It is not the baby boomers who have stolen our future, Mr Willetts. It's you. You, and your government. And we will not forget it in a hurry. Phrasing this robbery in terms of generational conflict is a clever piece of misdirection... but not quite clever enough. As we speak, the streets of this country are full of angry people who are not fooled for a second by this muddled rhetoric about generational conflict. This is class conflict, and it is being waged by the wealthy against everyone else with the full support of a cabinet of millionaires....

I know that I was invited here to back up your case, but Mr Willetts, ladies and gentlemen, what did you expect? How could you possibly ask me, having seen my friends, my family and my contemporaries have their futures stolen and their life choices decimated by policy decisions which you have personally overseen, not to call it like it is?...

I hope that leaving him to back up his absurd arguments on his own will help him, in some small way, to understand one of the few remaining lessons it may be useful for him to learn. Mr Willetts, you are more alone than you think. You, and your government, and governments like it across the world, are losing the argument, just as you will lose this debate....

Right now, as we sit here in this beautiful hall, in this prestigious talk which most of you have paid to attend, students who were involved in a peaceful protest against Mr Willetts' savage university reforms in June are going through the courts. Tomorrow, they may be sent to jail, for no other reason than daring to speak out against the bartering off of British higher education by a political class so drenched in self-deceit that it really thinks posturing about generational conflict will fool us. We are not fooled.

Oh man, I don't think they'll invite her back. I fraking love her!

3:04 PM: Angela Davis shows up at OWS.

5:22 PM: Occupy Denver (appropriately entitled, Holy Shit!):



6:06 PM: This is 1K plus people (I think with OccupySF).

8:47 PM: This says "confirmed report," but so far it's just a tweet as far as I can tell:

_f0rsaken Original Forsaken ✔
by OccupyOregon
#OccupyDenver | confirmed report: one police officer with tears in eyes said "I can't do this anymore" and walked away from line standoff.

10:43 PM: Great piece re: Denver.

10:51 PM: Fuck yeah!

Live Blogging #OWS - 10/30/11