Subscribe to Common Dreams News Updates
Most Popular This Week
Popular content
Today's Top News
The 2nd US Social Forum: ReBuilding and ReDefining the USA
Eleven score and three years ago 55 delegates -- mostly lawyers, merchants, planters and slaveowners, representing their personal and regional interests, but calling themselves “We, the people of the United States” -- met in the State House in Philadelphia (where the Declaration of Independence had been signed 11 years earlier) to write the Constitution for the new U.S. government.
Over the intervening years Americans of many different political persuasions have questioned whether these Founding Fathers should be revered as great sages. But as we enter the 21st century and the age of globalization, it is widely recognized that the representative democracy they devised in the 18th century falls far short of the governance we need. Not only is it unable to regulate derivatives on Wall Street and reduce foreclosures and unemployment lines on Main Street. It is proving itself powerless to save life on Earth from extinction by global warming. Before the eyes of the world it is demonstrating its impotence in the Gulf of Mexico and in the mountains of Afghanistan.
That is why a few weeks ago, for five days from June 22-26, tens of thousands of Americans, youngsters and oldsters, the descendants of slaves and of slaveowners, of Natives, settlers and immigrants – European , African, Hispanic, Asian, Arab - came together at the 2nd USSF in Detroit to declare that Another World is Possible! Another U.S. is Necessary and Another Detroit is Happening.
We/They gathered to witness History and to make History. We/They participated in over a thousand workshops, organized by hundreds of grassroots groups from all over the country. Just glancing at the titles of some of these workshops gives a sense of how profoundly the world has changed and why so many thousands of Americans are seizing this time of crisis to exercise the power within ourselves to create our country anew, building boldly but thoughtfully on new, more democratic and more humanizing values of Cooperation, Community, Participation and Carin.
For example, The Crisis and Opportunity for Cooperative Finance and Credit Unions; Faith, Labor and Community Alliances; Toward New Freshwater Action and Community-led Water Management; Protecting Community Rights and Resources, Community Bike Coops, Direct Action Strategies for Climate Justice and Community Resilience; Shaping, Building and Moving beyond War to Meeting Human Needs andAspirations, Participatory Democracy and Organizing the Commons; Food Sovereignty: a Building Block for Peopleís Sovereignty; Depletion and abundance: Living abundantly with less impact on our Earth, Learning from the Four Directions: Decolonizing your Mind; Training Doctors of Science and Conscience; Using Hip Hop to Promote Higher Education; Alternative Media: Zine Power; Education for Emancipation and Transformation; Green Jobs from the Bottom Up; Growing a Gift economy: Seeding an Economy o f Generosity and Caring; Participatory Budgeting; Weaving Urban Fabrics: Spaces and Strategies for Building Social Justice Networks in the City; NOWTOPIA: How Pirate Programmers, Outlaw Bicyclists and Vacant Lot Gardeners are Inventing the Future Today; We/ Theywere inspired by the multi-generational and multicultural diversity, the mutually respectful dialogues, the thoughtful conversations, the poetry, the songs, the music and the dancing.
We/They were encouraged by the truly popular democratic 21st century movement now emerging in many different parts of our country from the ground up.
We/They are grateful to the people of Detroit not only for their hospitality but for their refusal to be driven to despair by the devastation of de- industrialization. Witnessing the resilience with which they have made a way out of no way, planting community gardens to grow their own food and waging campaigns to bring the neighbor back into the hood, to turn war zones into peace zones and to create a City of Hope, our faith in our own selves was renewed.
We/They thank the Detroit planning committee and anchor organizations for the patient and endless work, and the many skills and cooperative spirit without which this huge and historic gathering could never have been organized.
- Posted in
24 Comments so far
Show AllA property owning white man's oligarchy sure wasn't a democracy.
AD
But a testimonial to our penchant for self-imposed ignorance, we cling tenaciously to the illusion that is the "only" form of democracy. Evidenced by the "Teabaggers," Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and the cadre of Neanderthalic Republicans in the Senate and the House.
A property owning white man's oligarchy sure wasn't a democracy.
AD
Why do the USSF websites not include bios or an accounting of funding? Did I just miss these?
What I can glean from the sites, the USSF is organized as if a government funded research project for and by intellectual elites, academicians. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if funded by grants, government or otherwise, then the mission and action is determined by the funding stream and its criterion rather than by any grass roots agenda. Thus, this information should be plain and obvious to all, not buried deeply in hard to find and hard to access sources.
The USSF is part of the WSF. From Wikipedia:
"The World Social Forum is a self-conscious effort to develop an alternative future that can be supported by the variety of participants as demonstrated by the charter: "Reinventing Democracy". This "reinvention has been described as "the radical transformation of the existing class, gender and racialized relations of power that prohibit the full functioning of democracy."
Aside from not easily finding the charter for the USSF, there is little text to be found on what a reinvented full-functioning democracy is exactly? Is this a representative democracy, a socialist democracy, a pure democracy, or what?
Do not get me wrong here. I believe in the conceptual ideas the USSF and the WSF seem to espouse. But I am leery of insidious wolves in sheep's clothing. We do not need more elites deciding for us what the world should look like.
We do need capable intelligent informed folks working to foster social evolution, but it must be done with full disclosure. We do not need more questionably funded NGOs politicizing the social condition.
I'd be far more comfortable with the USSF and WSF if their funding sources were openly and fully disclosed, as well as the mission, charters, memos of understanding, planning notes, minutes and bios being easily accessed and plainly stated - as contrasted to the obvious "marketed" information available.
I don't want to hear how great and well-meaning these forums are (allegedly) according to someone else. I want to be able to scrutinize their inner workings, to see and know them in all their naked glory for my own sanctification.
"I want to be able to scrutinize their inner workings, to see and know them in all their naked glory for my own sanctification."
Then stop by Central Church at Grand Circus Park in Detroit. Especially come and look Maureen Taylor (Co-Chair Local USSF Organizing Committee; Central: Local Organizing Center) in the eye (for as long as you can) talking your tepid sociology...then sit back and prepare for what will turn into a much appreciated lambasting on street sociology as it relates to the corporate mind-set onslaught. I guarantee you won't regret it, and the world better off for it.
Can't quite decide what you think needs lambasted or what you deem to be "street sociology" but I assure you the "tepid sociology" characterization is errant. Proper consideration of the foundation I laid for my conclusion that you quoted would make clear that there is nothing you offer, or a personal discussion with Maureen Taylor could offer that would sufficiently address the transparency concerns for the greater audience I expressed. I have no doubt Maureen is a well-informed intellectual and almost everyone would likely benefit from a "lambasting" such as you suggest. But the significant observation here is your seeming supposition for that emerging from an intellectual elitism as opposed to being rooted in a grounded realism.
Sociology is a broad and nebulous concept, and how that relates to redefining democracy and social forums claiming to be grass roots oriented requires more precision and better plain speak than this.
Not really a need for lambasting, it's a statement on a personal style; but regardless if Maureen could keep her temper to a simmer or not, you'd receive much of the plain speak, along with a socio-geographical tour(corporate mind-set there, street crede there, and look around, this is how the two are meeting...) if you have the time, that I think you're pointing toward; which to me is important, as that's the point I was getting at with the other post here providing a brief description of the ongoing action with Chase Bank: there was a rich level of human communication and action going on that Common Dreams chose to cover from only an intellectual elite perspective(though with all due respect to Grace Boggs, she definately gets her feet in the dirt with Detroit Summer et al; she's actually a gem stone of a mix betwee intellectual talenet and organic reality; one of many anyone might benefit from running into on a journey to Detroit).
Appreciate the qualification, and I did like your other post as well. Chase and quite a few other banks certainly need to be brought to task and I applaud all that take on that battle.
There is very little as important and necessary at this moment as for people, not politicians, to organize, to devise a viable social agenda and to redress a number of important issues regarding the common welfare. But my considered experience and education requires me to maintain a cautious optimism. Thus my concern for absolute transparency from those claiming such a grass roots foundation and altruistic agenda, especially when clearly structured as a soft money elite academic research effort. There is more to USSF and WSF than meets the eye. Addressing that concern has little to do with Maureen's style or whatever she may personally be able to offer. It has to do with the greater organization, funding, presentation and marketing.
For the record, I find that I can always learn something from others but I may not need as much edification as you suppose.
"...I may not need as much edification as you suppose."
From your writing here I can agree with that statement, and from your writing here I hope your language talents are being utilized and integrated with some form of direct altruistic grass roots activity. One of the reasons I responded to your post and the other critical of Activists is that especially in Detroit there is organization and representation of the people Nick Turse speaks of in his recent post at CD regarding "Real War". That representation has not reached the executive office yet, but it is thoroughly engrained within the city council. And with people such the lead writer here, Grace Boggs, spearheading various grass roots efforts in the Detroit Area; an area that houses the highest number of exchange students from around the world and that holds enclaves of populations from around the world, makes it as fertile ground as any, as it seemingly has been since the glaciers carved it's geography and Native American moccasins smoothed it's paths of communication, for the culturing of a dignified global humanity. Most of the activity is driven by basic survival needs as opposed to altruism, but, sometimes literally, naked humanity can easily be seen in Detroit, as well as why there is a need, in order to have resources utilized optimally for all concerned, of input from local populations on how resources from their local of any nature are organized.
Part of a dignified global humanity, with input from local populations, will come when people have the self-esteem and skills to be transparent with confidence; a very difficult challenge. So, not as a "have to" or "should be", but as a cautiously optimistic "could be", have you started to cultivate Marshall Rosenberg (of NVC fame) like communication skills? They are very helpful for nurturing the environment so people can indeed be open and clear with their feelings and needs and the kind of actions that might meet them.
"...have you started to cultivate Marshall Rosenberg (of NVC fame) like communication skills?"
Thank you for the source.
Spoiled, lazy, emasculated American political "activists" should take a page from the French, the Venezuelans and the Mexicans (among many others around the globe). When they get fucked, they react a little differently.
Take Mexicans for example:
Government fucks over your union leadership.
Americans: Go to court, throw money at Democratic politicians. Get fucked by the Democrats not as hard.
Mexicans: General mine strike, occupy steel mills, engage in pitched battles with police.
===============
Government raises taxes on poor vendors
Americans: Vote Republican and bitch.
Mexicans: Riot. Assault police trying to shut down your stand for non-payment of taxes. Set police cruisers on fire.
============
Government slashes teacher pay
Americans: Maybe, maybe strike until the government says you gotta go back. Community offers little support.
Mexicans: Engage in a militant strike in open defiance of the government. When police attack, community defends the picketers and sets buildings on fire.
============
Government treats your ethnic group like shit
Americans: Complain and vote Democrat
Mexicans: Launch an armed rebellion
===============
Government signs NAFTA
Americans: Majority says "duhhhhh" at the time, except for followers of Ross Perot and union members who's mis-leaders dutifully tell them to vote for Clinton anyways.
Mexicans: Form an armed, clandestine group. Announce to the world your existence on the day NAFTA is signed by taking over the state capital and seizing radio stations.
==========
Right-wingers steal national election
Americans: "Opposition" candidate quickly concedes. Supporters whine on internet forums and prepare for next election.
Mexicans: Opposition candidate declares victory. Supporters occupy the capital and declare a general strike. Opposition candidate declares current government illegitimate, vows to set-up a parallel government.
mcoyote, I don't dispute or take issue with your point.
But since you're obviously well-informed, I would've appreciated another category for these examples: outcome.
I can and should do my own damn homework, of course, but my guess is that the question of what each approach avails will surface in the minds of readers.
It's obvious that the Amerikan approach of mewling piteously on the doorstep (or in the Veal Pen) doesn't improve the status quo. But although I absolutely loathe so-called "pragmatic" critiques, there has to be some-- urk!-- practical advantage or reward for taking the riskier, radical approach.
Otherwise it's just masturbation! ;)
I'm kidding, I'm kidding-- but I'm interested in the implications of what superficially reads like a difference in temperament or taste, i.e. mild vs. spicy.
You can't always get what you want, but in the examples you've listed, is it indeed the case that if you try sometimes-- well, you just might find you get what you need?
Look at the Greeks - the average person there has more spine and spunk than the lot of us here.
The only thing "emasculated" on this topic is the Common Dreams editorial board on Submissions pertaining to the events at the USSF in Detroit. A personal accounting submitted covered the march and direct civil disobedience action taken against Chase Bank by a coalition lead by FLOC (Farm Labor Organizing Committee) and a local Pastors Organization, energized by local activist group MECAWI, representing the Moratorium Now movement. FLOC was represented by Baldamer(sp?) Velazquez, whom along with Ed Rowe of the Pastors, risked arrest as they entered Chase facilities to deliver a letter of demands to be addressed or a sit in would result. The action resulted in an agreement for Executives of Chase to meet with the Pastors Organization to discuss a 2 year moratorium on home foreclosures, as carried out by a majority of States during the 1920-30's. FLOC's demands resulted in an ongoing action of organizing a divestment of accounts in Chase Bank until Labor Day, and if, on Labor Day, Chase Bank has not met the demand of having a member of the Chase Executive Board meet for 5 minutes with a person who lives in one of Reynolds America' a tobacco labor camps ( a circumstance Activist Reverend Nelson Johnson of Greensboro NC calls a "semi-slave" state), then the process of divestment will commence.
One of the highlights for me was the enthusiastic participation of UAW International President Bob King and Union Members during the gathering, march and direct action. It was for me a very encouraging gathering of people that had not come together in the streets of Detroit for the ten+ years I've been an Activist. UAW Labor, Immigrant Labor, Families Fighting To Stay In Their Homes...I didn't get to participate in as much of the USSF in Detroit as I wanted to, but this action along was the greatest democratic thrill I've experienced since 50,000 US Citizens assembled on the hills of the Washington Monument, and setting our sights and voices on the US Capitol, in unison called and responded "What do you want?"..."Peace!"..."When do you want it?"..."Now!"....and proceeded to march...and I ask you...whose going to turn around the march for a dignified humanity? Nobody's going to turn it around. It was in fine display in Detroit during the USSF, and it's in fine display every day if you know how to look for it...and you know how to stand up for it. It would be especially pleasing if CD Editors would do a little better at editorializing about the actions for it.
*****
Chase was targeted due to it's large holding of tobacco harvesting organizer Reynolds America, and because of Chases large holding in foreclosed and foreclosing properties, where one of Chase's biggest current profit activities is collecting insurance payouts on vandalized foreclosed and abandoned homes.
One question: Who has the more stable society?
The crime and violence rate is decreasing in the U.S. If the Mexican has reliable statistics, he may see that the crime and violence are dramatically increasing in most of Mexico.
Which society do you want to live in? A peaceful here or a violent there?
The US is not stable. Korea, for example, has a much lower crime rate. Virtually every OECD nation likely does, and are better educated, less stressed and happier.
The US will be catching down with Mexico and other nations as the economic mailaise extends indefinitely.
"Those who would give up freedom for fleeting security deserve neither freedom nor security." - Ben Franklin (Quote may not be exact.)
Can you protest where you wish? No. Mexicans do. Who is freer?
Can you fly where you wish? 1,000,000 can't. Who is freer?
Can the president name you an enemy combatant, at his discretion, and detain you indefinitely? Who is freer.
Etc.
Egypt of the Pharaohs was a very stable society too, as was feudal Europe for about a 1000 years. For those few at the top of a society stability is indeed a positive thing, but for those at the bottom, not so. An unjust peace is simply the calm before the next inevitable conflict, and therefore, is no peace at all.
Look out. This is what happens when you shake and stir hip hop inside a 94 year old cranium:
"...thoughtfully on new, more democratic and more humanizing values of Cooperation, Community, Participation and Carin.
For example, The Crisis and Opportunity for Cooperative Finance and Credit Unions; Faith, Labor and Community Alliances; Toward New Freshwater Action and Community-led Water Management; Protecting Community Rights and Resources, Community Bike Coops, Direct Action Strategies for Climate Justice and Community Resilience; Shaping, Building and Moving beyond War to Meeting Human Needs andAspirations, Participatory Democracy and Organizing the Commons; Food Sovereignty: a Building Block for Peopleís Sovereignty; Depletion and abundance: Living abundantly with less impact on our Earth, Learning from the Four Directions: Decolonizing your Mind; Training Doctors of Science and Conscience; Using Hip Hop to Promote Higher Education; Alternative Media: Zine Power; Education for Emancipation and Transformation; Green Jobs from the Bottom Up; Growing a Gift economy: Seeding an Economy o f Generosity and Caring; Participatory Budgeting; Weaving Urban Fabrics: Spaces and Strategies for Building Social Justice Networks in the City; NOWTOPIA: How Pirate Programmers, Outlaw Bicyclists and Vacant Lot Gardeners are Inventing the Future Today; We/ Theywere inspired by the multi-generational and multicultural diversity, the mutually respectful dialogues, the thoughtful conversations, the poetry, the songs, the music and the dancing.
We/They were encouraged"
"We/They were inspired by the multi-generational and multicultural diversity, the mutually respectful dialogues, the thoughtful conversations, the poetry, the songs, the music and the dancing.'
Beautiful. Nice. Cool. Wow.
Now what?
Step outside and begin talking to your neighbors. Find the common ground and claim it.
Cheers
Ok, Mr. and Mrs. Socialist, give us some change by making Harry Reid state that he will send any Bill passed by the Senate with a majority plus one to the House for passage or to the White House for finale signatures.
The Constitution states that bills shall be passed by "majority" vote. It says nothing about 60 votes being necessary to move a bill as passed to the White House or lower house.
The solutions will not come from the top down, so what Harry Reid does or doesn't do matters not much. To wit:
1. Those in gov't are rarely ever independent of the money. No conspiracy theory, simple fact. Lobbyists are everywhere and have far more voice as long as people are not willing to stand and take action via their very active vote and civilly disobedient protest. and corporations are people, so... forget it.
2. Gov'ts must chase the growth agenda as it is the only venue via which they can impose taxes for "services" we neither need nor want if we stand together as neighbors and create resilient, self-reliant communities. Key resources are finite. The future *will* different, and it will not include the fantasy of never-ending growth. We can decrease energy usage 50 - 70% just with behavioral and DIY changes. Gov't doesn't want to hear that. If you aren't consuming, you aren't American.
3. Since gov'ts cannot pursue a non-growth paradigm, they can not lead us to the future.
Dem/Rep? Irrelevant.
Cheers
Don't look at me. I am just a dumb stupid Indian who is only passing through your world of whatever it is? Will Mayor McCheese and Ronald McDonald ever catch the Hamburgler.
Will Homer go more than three days at the nuke plant without an accident? Maybe we can discuss all these things a Moe's Tavern if your buying?
Maybe Homer, Lenny, Carl and Barney will be there. Maybe Mr. Burns will wander in and we can watch them go, Eeeek.
I am just passing through your Simpson's world.
Vote Quimby.
Life is good. What an experience! It's always best to forgive.
Unfortunately for the people of Detroit, they committed another grievous error last year. They elected another business person to run the affairs of the city. What is it with the American people, electing people who first run their businesses into the ground and then want to do the same for our local, state and federal governments? They get on TV before the election and tell the people about all these great ideas they have, that will turn the city around in no time. How they will deregulate everything. They will privatize the bus service, privatize the schools, privatize the city's electrical service. Privatize the water and sewage system. Privatize the city's trash collection and snow removal. Come on folks, we have seen this crap before with Ronald Reagan, the Bush's, Clinton, Bloomberg, Richard Daly and scores of Republican Mayors and Governors. It doesn't work that way. Government is meant to be a watchdog against the evils of business, such as cronyism, greed and the accumulation of personal and corporate power. Take a look around, Fascism is the melding of corporations and governments, it didn't do Italy any good and it isn't going to do anything good for America! Business people, like businesses are a necessary evil. They should be kept at arms lenght and watched with a wary eye!