Akenaton,

There is no need to read between the line. We are pretty much in agreement about the situation, but then so are a lot of people. Where the big differences of opinion exist are over tactics and strategy. Personally, I am not wedded to any one approach, but at this point in time I strongly believe that tactical nonviolent resistance is and should be the cutting edge, while others engage in activities as varied as electoral politics, education, organizing around specific issues such as defending the rights of labor unions.

I presume that we also agree that while "We are the 99%" makes for a good slogan, the issues go much deeper than getting the 1% to pay their fair share. Even if that demand were won, the inherent inequities of the global corporate capitalist system would remain in place virtually unchanged. Furthermore, within the 99% there are still the very serious divisions of class, as well as problems such as racism, neo-colonialism, sexual and gender oppression, and more. What we have is a global economic system that is built upon exploitation on all levels. Even those people closer to the bottom exploit those beneath them -- think of the petty slumlord or sweatshop owner -- while those closer to the top are exploited by those above them.

What OWS has accomplished, if nothing else, are two things: 1. It has refocused the political conversation in such a way that people are now raising such fundamental questions. 2. It has motivated millions of people to engage in mass action. Because of these two accomplishments, I am now feeling more optimistic than I have in years. I believe a struggle has now begun, but let us not fool ourselves into believing that occupying a few parks will be enough.

--- Steve