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    United with the World for Global Democracy

    October 15th, 2011 · · Passed Resolutions 77 comments

    This statement was ratified and accepted by the Boston General Assembly on Oct. 13 2011.

    On 15th October 2011, united in our diversity, united for global change, we demand global democracy: global governance by the people, for the people. Inspired by our sisters and brothers in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Bahrain, New York, Palestine-Israel, Spain and Greece, we too call for a regime change: a global regime change. In the words of Vandana Shiva, the Indian activist, today we demand replacing the G8 with the whole of humanity – the G 7,000,000,000.

    Undemocratic international institutions are our global Mubarak, our global Assad, our global Gaddafi. These include: the IMF, the WTO, global markets, multinational banks, the G8G20, the European Central Bank and the UN Security Council. Like Mubarak and Assad, these institutions must not be allowed to run people’s lives without their consent. We are all born equal, rich or poor, woman or man. Every African and Asian is equal to every European and American. Our global institutions must reflect this, or be overturned.

    Today, more than ever before, global forces shape people’s lives. Our jobs, health, housing, education and pensions are controlled by global banks, markets, tax-havens, corporations and financial crises. Our environment is being destroyed by pollution in other continents. Our safety is determined by international wars and international trade in arms, drugs and natural resources. We are losing control over our lives. This must stop. This will stop. The citizens of the world must get control over the decisions that influence them in all levels – from global to local. That is global democracy. That is what we demand today.

    Today, like the Mexican Zapatistas, we say “¡Ya basta! Aquí el pueblo manda y el gobierno obedece”: Enough! Here the people command and global institutions obey! Like the Spanish Tomalaplaza we say “Democracia Real Ya”: True global democracy now!” Today we call the citizens of the world: let us globalise Tahrir Square! Let us globalise Puerta del Sol!

    Follow it on Facebook from October 14th: http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-for-Global-Democracy/281998261825102
    Discuss it on Twitter with the hashtag #globaldemocracy

    Endorsements
    Noam Chomsky
    Vandana Shiva
    Eduardo Galeano
    Michael Hardt
    Naomi Klein
    Tim Gee
    Nicola Vallinoto- Council member of the World Federalist Movement
    ATTAC Spain
    ATTAC France
    Egality London
    Egality Berlin
    War on Want – London
    Globalise Resistance – London
    Uncut UK
    Uncut Italy
    DRY International
    Gaia Foundation
    Democracia Real – Argentina
    General Assembly Puerta del Sol – Madrid
    General Assembly London
    General Assembly Buenos Aires
    General Assembly Sao Paulo
    General Assembly Manchester

    Press Release: On Bad Behavior

    October 14th, 2011 · · News and Announcements 63 comments
    *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 14th, 2011*

     

    Contacts: OccupyBostonMedia@gmail.com
    Twitter: @occupyBOS_media

    On Bad Behavior

    Fox News reported today that an Occupy Boston participant inside South Station spit on a member of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has confirmed that an officer was assaulted in this way near South Station and Dewey Square. Coast Guard has also confirmed that there are no allegations that this assault was committed by an Occupy Boston participant. Occupy Boston unanimously condemns violent actions.  We are committed to nonviolence and consider conduct of this sort to be violent.

    Some of our participants are former servicemen and women. One thing we all share is a respect for others in the 99%, including members of our armed services, many of whom stand with us in our pursuit of economic justice. This past Tuesday morning, members of the group Veterans for Peace stood between protesters and police prior to the arrests that took place at 1:30am. They stood in support of our right to free speech. They were pulled to the ground, their banners broken, and their bodies bruised. This also is reprehensible behavior—committed by Boston police officers—and deserves widespread discussion and media attention. We stand with the Veterans for Peace and the rest of the 99%, offering our solidarity for all those who have served and continue to serve to keep our country safe.

    Fox’s portrayal of the Coast Guard assault was a rush to judgement, at best. Occupy Boston depends upon the fair and diligent reporting of individuals, independent reporters, and professional press organizations to convey important messages regarding our participatory democracy, our march towards government and financial reform, our ongoing nonviolent events, and our culture of inclusion.

    Occupy Boston also faces the ongoing threat of authoritarian action, stifling free speech with brutality; this threat and this brutality also deserve regular coverage. For Fox’s message of violence to creep onto the media radar unverified damages Fox’s credibility and the credibility of those who have propagated this message. Few organizations reached out to Occupy Boston in reconciliation of Fox’s poorly researched content regarding Occupy Boston’s commitment to nonviolence, constructive aims, and positive intentions. They opted instead for sensationalism.

    ###

    Occupy Boston is the beginning of an ongoing discussion about reforming Wall Street and removing special interests from government. The continuing occupation of Dewey Square (outside South Station) is just one of more than 120 separate Occupy encampments in cities across the nation and a symbol for “Occupiers” everywhere who support real and lasting change. Video: http://youtu.be/ZpttXetMX78.

    Jeff Rowe Writes Us A Song

    October 13th, 2011 · · Multimedia/Art 35 comments

    Musician Jeff Rowe wrote a song called “A Thousand Ways” for Occupy Boston, and left this note on his website:

    Hey guys… as you may know, I’ve been getting involved with the Occupy Boston movement… to me this is the most important social movement of our generation and I want very much to help in any way possible… which brings me to this.

    I wrote a quirky little song and recorded it this morning to sell for one dollar via bandcamp… It’s totally exclusive and will never be recorded again… 100% of the download money will go to support the basic needs of the hundred of people that are now living in Dewey Square in Boston… water, food, winter clothing etc…

    I could use your help to tweet,post and whatever other avenue you could use to help me make some loot for a cause that is much greater than ourselves…

    love you guys!!
    here it is…
    —-Jeff

    You can buy it to donate to the cause, or just listen to it on his site.

    Occupy Wall Street—Emergency Call to Action

    October 13th, 2011 · · Events 40 comments

    Last night Mayor Bloomberg and the New York Police Department notified protestors of a park cleaning that is scheduled to start tomorrow morning at 7 am. Occupy Wall Street protestors were told they would be allowed back into the park after the cleaning but would have to follow rules that include no lying down, no sleeping bags, and no tarps. There is an emergency general assembly going on right now in New York where they are debating whether to leave for the cleaning or stay at the site. This could very well be an attempt at ending Occupy Wall Street for good. Read the full post and what you can do to help at http://www.occupywallst.org.

    Things Needed

    October 13th, 2011 · · News and Announcements 39 comments

    Hello Occupy Community,

    This morning our logistics team had a lot of items stolen from them. We need a few things to be donated:

    • Six 12-foot-long 2″ x 4″ boards
    • Two 16-foot0-long 2″ x 4″ boards
    • Nails (spikes)
    • Saw (electric)

    If you could get these items to us tonight that would be great. Thanks!

    Contact us

    Occupy Boston Media <Media@occupyboston.org> • <Info@occupyboston.org> • @Occupy_Boston