User talk:Mcktimo

Governance for the People

user:CWalsh323 Oct 14, 2011 12:12 pm

Below is a proposed statement of purpose that seeks to explain what we are (a collaborative effort to establish democratic governance) and subtly dispel myths that we are partisan. I strongly believe that the priority of the movement should be establishing a just form of government, and that resolution of our differences with the rest of the 100% comes when we have legitimate, functioning structures for resolving those questions (i.e. a democracy!):

We have convened in public spaces across the nation because we believe that the interests of 99% of Americans are not reflected in the halls of power. We believe that money buys results in government and that those who govern are not serving the interests of the public.

Those who Occupy have many different ideas about what should be done to put us back on track, and that diversity of ideas and passions is a source of strength. We invite all Americans to bring their wisdom and their voices to our encampments as we discuss how to reform a government that has lost the faith of the people and how to repair an economic system that pays off only for the top 1%.

We the people are sovereign, and we will have a government that reflects that fundamental truth.

re: Governance for the People

user:mcktimo Oct 16, 2011 6:47 pm

Nicely put. There is no need to all get under one banner. I agree that the 'diversity of ideas and passions is a source of strength.'

re: Governance for the People

user:MikeKiss Monday, 5:03 pm

YES. Please no specific policy proposals yet.

re: Governance for the People

user:sterna12 Tuesday, 8:51 am

This is a great Statement of Purpose. Short, sweet, and to the point. Now is not the time for specific demands, we need to first all get behind one succinct statement of purpose.

One question: Is this a mission statement for Occupy Boston individually or for the national or even international Occupy movement?

I believe it is just supposed to be for Occupy Boston. Perhaps we need to rephrase "We have convened in public spaces across the nation because we believe..." to "We have convened in public spaces across Boston in solidarity with the international occupy movement because we believe..."

re: Governance for the People

user:MikeKiss Tuesday, 9:04 am

I like the feel, but I don't think we should limit it to Americans. We are global now :D

re: Governance for the People

user:sterna12 Tuesday, 2:53 pm

The occupy movement is global. However, for this statement of purpose I don't believe that we can speak for each and every occupy group. We can say that we stand with all the other groups but we cant speak for them because they are not participating in the writing of this statement.

re: Governance for the People

user:pcovery Yesterday 4:28 pm

I agree with your assessment and like your approach. I shortened it further and redrafted somewhat to come to this draft:

"Occupy Boston is a collaborative effort to revive participation in our national governance. We believe that the interests of 99% of Americans are not being reflected in the halls of power. We invite all Americans to bring their wisdom and voices to our encampment and media to discuss how to reform our national government and economic system. Diversity of ideas and passions has been a source of strength in America and it is Occupy Boston’s source of strength also. We the people will have a government that reflects our sovereign interests."

re: Governance for the People

user:Stewart76 Yesterday 6:26 pm

Or Maybe...

"Occupy Boston is a collaborative effort to revive participation in our government and ensure our elected officials represent the interests of the common good. Diversity of ideas and passions has been a source of strength in America and we invite all people to bring their wisdom and voices to our movement. It is our purpose to provide a public forum for the debate over the political and economic reforms that best reflect the interests of the people."

--don't think this should be limited to national government, when there is a lot that can be done at the state and local level. --we should invite all people because "illegal" immigrants are part of this movement, and I think the opinions of the international community are important too. --what exactly do you mean by "sovereign interests"?

re: Governance for the People

user:pcovery Today 3:54 am

I like it, but I would rephrase "represent the intereats of the common good" to "represent the people's interests." Common good (vs individual liberty) sounds like a dog whistle for Democratic Party.

I put sovereign interests to express the sense that gov't power derives from the people, but you're right that it sounds odd and probably implies border wars.

re: Governance for the People

user:Stewart76 Today 8:41 am

Then "represent the people's interests" it is....

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