WG/Strategies/Ideas/AG1/Statement

DRAFT: A Message From Occupy Boston Present: Statement of PurposeWe the people who have occupied Dewey Square, under the name Occupy Boston, have done so in order to maintain a place, where all voices are welcome for the open discussion of ideas, grievances, and potential solutions to the problems apparent in our society. We are and will be holding general assemblies where proposals may be brought to the group as a whole, to be consented to. We have and will continue to occupy this space for the purpose of DEMOCRACY.

Past: Statement of OccupationToday the United States is confronted by a toxic mix of financial, social, and environmental catastrophes that demand a thorough and immediate solution. The common root of these disasters is the domination of our social, economic, and political lives by the interests of a financially prosperous minority. The actions of this 1% threaten our lives, the lives of all the Earth’s creatures, our livelihoods, our liberty, our shared humanity, and our common future.

In response, we, the General Assembly of Occupy Boston have abandoned usual democratic channels and chosen instead direct democracy. The corrupt order amidst which we live demands a profound collective response. Occupy Boston is that response. Because, the problems of economic inequality, unemployment, and crushing debt, are all symptomatic of the larger corrupting influence money has had on our political and social lives, Because, this influence has impeded progress toward a more just and sustainable society, has perpetuated crisis at home, war abroad and perverts democratic action, Because, the pursuit of the elites has had an even more devastating effect on the more vulnerable and less empowered members of our community as well as on the ecosystems upon which our species depends, Because, this financial minority also own or control, directly or indirectly, the media and legal apparatus: we have retaken the commons and resurrected direct democracy.

Be it resolved that we, the General Assembly of Occupy Boston, acting in solidarity with occupations across America and with peoples' movements worldwide, do hereby declare our opposition to all systems of power that function to maintain oppressive and undemocratic systems. We declare that a better world is possible, and that it is our right and responsibility to begin creating it.

Future: Mission Statement Our mission is to give birth to a just and compassionate body politic that will tread lightly upon the Earth. Our mission will be accomplished when these goals are met:

1. The US has a sustainable peace time economy. 2. The voices of the 99% are heard and acted upon. 3. All the Earth’s ecosystems are healthy. 4. In allocating resources, the US government priorities the needs of the environment and the 99% who are not wealthy.