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August 13, 2007 at 07:36:54
GENERAL STRIKE IN USA on Sept. 11, 2007 – 9/11 by Michael Collins Page 1 of 3 page(s) |
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“No School * No Work * No Shopping. Hit the Streets” Michael Collins A general strike is proposed for the United States on September11, 2007, the sixth anniversary of the 9/11/2001 attacks on New York City and Arlington, Virginia. The general strike movement has no clearly named leadership. It’s described as an Internet viral effort. Wikipedia defines viral efforts on the Internet as:
Originally Published in “Scoop” Independent Media
Washington, D.C.
An object (or an idea) is viral when it has the ability to spread copies of itself or change other similar objects to become more like (it) when those objects are simply exposed to the viral object.
General strikes, more common in Europe, are events that shut down the normal operations of a city, state, or nation for a period of time. These strikes aim to force awareness and action on a single issue or broader set of concerns. The 9/11/07 General Strike has a central location - http://www.strike911.org/ - on the Internet, which is linked to and reproduced on a variety of other internet sites. The site states the rationale for the effort:
The General Strike is a national call to action, from citizens to other citizens. It is not about a single issue. It is not an anti-war protest, a civil rights protest, an election fraud protest. It is not about torture, surveillance, corporate media, the 9/11 coverup, or the environment. This strike is about all these issues and more.
We all have different concerns, but we all have the same concern: we are being lied to and this government does not represent us. Join other Americans in demanding truth, justice, and accountability.
This is our country.
And our world.
We just have to stand up.
A National Call to Action: Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
No school. No work. Buy nothing. Hit the streets (Click “ABOUT”)
LOCK DOWN USA – NO Answers (to anything)
The strike targets key issues facing the American public, issues that have not been addressed in any meaningful way by any branch of government. These include enduring questions and inconsistencies about 911, the Iraq War; violations of civil rights; and election fraud. As the statement above indicates, one key means of the coverup is the corporate media.
Citizen discontent with 911 has been expressed in a number of public opinion polls. One of the most shocking surveyed citizens of New York City. The little reported August, 2004 Zogby Poll found that “Half of New Yorkers Believe US Leaders Had Foreknowledge of Impending 9-11 Attacks and “Consciously Failed.” National surveys also show substantial skepticism about the efforts of “US Leaders.”
Other concerns of the strike include areas of strong public skepticism. As of August, 2007, 64% of Americans oppose the Iraq War and a majority says it should never have happened in the first place. Massive violations of civil rights are occurring with the aid of the U.S. Department of Justice, as reported by its former voting rights head. Confidence in the legitimacy of the Bush government has been voiced in polls in Pennsylvania and in a national sample of registered voters. Both Zogby polls showed that tens of millions of Americans have little faith in the fairness and results of the 2004 presidential election.
Reflecting the disquiet of the American public, Bush popularity is in free fall. As low as 26% approval in recent polls, his decline has been steady and unending since the peak after the 9/11 attacks (with an odd spike on Election Day 2004).
The strike campaign argues that these and other issues rarely covered in any depth by nearly all of the corporate media leave only one move for citizens - a general strike to protest the policies plus the lack of recognition and response.
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
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| 30 comments |
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What happens on September 12?
That's really the key question. Our national representatives don't give a fig about marches or protests or sit-ins or die-ins or lock-downs or peace-outs or anything else, because they all go away in a day. A "General Strike" means no one works until demands are met. Is that what's coming? If so, I say "Solidarity forever!" How many AFL-CIO or ChangeToWin unions have signed on for this General Strike? You'll certainly need the Teamsters, and it would be good to have the Brotherhood of Raliroad Workers. NATCA would be good. Hard to land a plane without an air traffic controller. Please keep us up to date. by Bob Kincaid (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 47 comments) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 8:33:30 AM  (0+)
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Reply: I'm the messanger, not the organizer.
I hope all of those groups join up and the civil rights groups as well. The article describes the "viral" nature of the organizing. Citizens and groups emerge and become involved. A lot of this is being done through IndyMedia but since it's ground up, right now you don't get an update from me because I don't know more than what you see since I submitted this at 8-9 am today. More will come up and it will get reported by me and others. by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 4:07:26 PM (0+)
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GENERAL STRIKE
dear Mr. Collins Have you heard that some peace activists--including HOWARD ZINN, DANIEL BERRIGAN and here in Minneapolis MARV DAVIDOV have propsoed a GE3NERAL STRIKE for SEPT 21st to stop the war---followed by INCREASING THE DAYS OF GENERAL STRIKE/NO SHOPPINFG in OCTOBER for 2 days, NOVEMBER for 3 days. Your opEd News piec3 was the first I heard about a 9/112 general strike. Lydia Howell, Minneapolis,MN by Lydia Howell (16 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 8 comments) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 9:19:48 AM (0+)
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Reply: Hey Lydia. Check this out
Indy Media sites, Craigslist, social networking sites like Stumbleupon, MeetUp, and Facebook. Blogs large and small. Discussion forms from Ed Shultz to Progressive Independent. by Kathlyn Stone (46 articles, 227 quicklinks, 27 diaries, 690 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 10:01:44 AM (0+)
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Reply: Glad to bring you something new.
Replacing this government will take more than one general strike; day, week, month of commercial containment. I'm reporting on this and offering an editorial opinion. I'm not an organizer. I would have revealed that in the article, were it the case. My experience with demonstraitons lately is a heirarchical approach with "leaders" controlling the agenda; putting on relatively low key, sometimes boring programs; and segregating the agenda, "stove piping" is the term I believe. What I like about this approach is that it's new, it's dependent on bottom up initiative by those who see it on the Internet. Of great importance is the union of three separate groups - antiwar, impeachment, and 911 Truth. That's an example for the left throughout the country. If it comes off, it will be sans big egos and name brand leaders. It will be a true people's strike. We'll see how it works out. by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 4:15:39 PM (0+)
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INFO;SEPT 21 GENERAL STRIKE
lOOKS LIKE WORKING AT CROSS PURPOSES (WHY is the US Left SO DAMN ineffective????) by Lydia Howell (16 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 8 comments) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 9:58:25 AM (0+)
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Reply: I don't see it as being "at cross purposes"
The goals are similar. It doesn't matter who is behind it, just so something happens! I heard of the September 21 strike months ago but have not seen it widely discussed on the Internet sites mentioned above. Big names don't necessarily mean big play. Why isn't the message on 9/21 getting out there? Gatekeepers? Is the message too complex? A strike on the anniversary of 9/11 carries added meaning for many people. We need wide discussion of the strike topic in order to get people thinking about it. It will take more than one attempt. by Kathlyn Stone (46 articles, 227 quicklinks, 27 diaries, 690 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 10:27:59 AM (0+)
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Reply: Complaining and snarking...
I'm not organizing this. I'm just reporting. But I'll tell you one thing - I'm sick and tired of "leaders" who supposedly tell us what we're supposed to thing about the issues and how we're supposed to fall in line behind a particular agenda. One thing about this effort is that it's leaderless at the top; it emerges form the interest and commitment of the people who take hold of the idea. Another two points. First, this is a union of three groups. Good for them. They rose above their particular interests and recognized a higher purpose. Second, this effort talks about ending all war. When do you hear that? It's "end Viet Nam," "end Iraq." Terrific ideas but what about ending all war? That's the goal. Why do we have an anti Iraq War movement, to date (at least as it's presented to the public), instead of an anti war, anti violence movement. The 911 effort is just that. God forbid we have two successful demonstrations; or maybe a series of successful demonstrations. The "leaders" can share the spotlight with the people. by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 4:23:26 PM (0+)
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General Strike
If a handful of people around the country stay home from work and skip school, this will amount to nothing. On the other hand, if the NYPD and NYFD strike for just one day, it would bring New York City to its knees and it would HAVE to be reported in the corporate media. Think of the ramifications if a spokesperson for one of these two organizations stated on live TV that 9-11 was an inside job. The floodgates could open with other prominent celebrities "piling on" in support. This is the type of action that must be carefully orchestrated if this event is to be successful. by Bill Cain (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 434 comments [67 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 10:26:11 AM (0+)
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Reply: You are totally correct. It's pretty hard to be a whiltle
blower. Look what happened to Tice, who revealed the ATT snooping with NSA. That guy was hounded; it seems, to the point of isolation. He is a brave man. You're hope is correct - one of the organizations involved needs to speak out with organizational unity. It would be a bad idea to harass any NYPD spokesman or whistle blower with the force behind her or him. The Firemen's union did this with Rudy G to noticeable effect. There are two demonstrations. The one I wrote about is on 9/11. by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 4:28:44 PM (0+)
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General Strike
Which is it - Sept. 11 or 21? Not a good sign if there are two movements operating independantly of the other. by Bill Cain (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 434 comments [67 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 10:40:31 AM (0+)
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Reply: Who cares? Pick one! Or do both.
Start with 9/11 and repeat. by Kathlyn Stone (46 articles, 227 quicklinks, 27 diaries, 690 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 10:54:39 AM (0+)
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Reply: Who Cares?
There there is something else being planned by the impeachment group on Sept. 15. Maybe I'll just plan to take a two week vacation. Who cares, you say? Do you care if the effort to take this country back is splintered into three events that are supposed to take place within 10 days of each other - none of which individually will have the impact of ONE HUGE EVENT that emcompasses everyone's outrage, and that might actually get the national attention it deserves to make a difference? Splintered dissent and resistance is exactly what those in control would like to see. by Bill Cain (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 434 comments [67 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 11:47:16 AM (0+)
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Reply: a splintered movement is not exactly new, is it?
Supposing you had to pick one, which of these rally/marches planned in DC for this fall would you endorse? I already know which one I'll attend. by Kathlyn Stone (46 articles, 227 quicklinks, 27 diaries, 690 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 12:29:35 PM (0+)
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Reply: billcain
How can you have a splintered movement when there's no movement. If you want to see a real movement, check out the picture of the March demonstration, 500,000 people, in LA. It was a Latino/Latina led effort, a loose coalition that emerged. Did you notice an officially designated "leader" for that demonstration and the subsequent efforts leading up to the glorious May Day 2006 statement by that community - we're not going to let a bunch of bigoted Congressmen/women turn us into felons and restrict our right of association. We've got little to nothing now except the familiar demonstration groups and leaders. Lets see how this works. I do very much like your idea of taking a couple of weeks off;) Maybe we'll hit the same turf to some noticeable effect. Let's hope and keep on moving forward. by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 4:35:21 PM (0+)
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Reply: Splintered dissent = A not so United States
by Munich (1 articles, 86 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 1125 comments [86 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 9:17:07 PM (0+)
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Reply: Many days starts with one day. This is a point in time.
It may or may not work. I'm not "wordsmithing" - I'm just reporting on this. I happen to like the idea because we're bereft. I looked at that list of luminaries at the 9/25 rally, which I hope is a HUGE success. My first thought was, how many of those people wangled themselves on the program to "show the flag" of their group. How boring is the whole affair going to be. Plus I hate movement folk singers. Hasn't been one worth anything since Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Those two were kick-ass leftists. I wasn't there mind you, a bit pre natal for Woody and to young for a Pete rally, but I remember seeing Seeger on TV and he was great. I AGREE with this statement of your whole heartedly, very deeply "And it is these same media whores who continuously allow this prevaricating, despot cardboard cowboy to spew all of the fear and all of mendacity that he deems necessary, when ever and where ever he chooses! " Nobody I talked to sees this as one day, it's a reach, a huge one, to kickstart things. Lets hope that NYC works. That would be great. Seattle too. But people have to get off their asses and show up. I'm seeing the Rove departure as a sign of weakness and desparation. He may be indicted, they think, so move him out. But they're so greedy, they want to use his dirty tricks in behalf of Mr. Clean, Mitt the enemy of man's best friend. This is totally screwed up, we've been betrayed, it's time to just keep going. If this is our version of the Easter Rebellion, non violent version, then we win because we demonstrate that people will show up. Maybe we'll catch a break, something will happen, this will be a start. I'm a lot more comfortable with a movement that rises up than with one where those with staying power end up inheriting the mantle...no more snooze alarms. Pete Seeger “Solidarity Forever” http://tinyurl.com/2hz4mn by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007 at 5:35:59 PM (0+)
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It might be better if we pick one
I chooose 9/11 because the sooner the better. And even if it's only for one day - it could be a great show of force - for a change putting fear into our enemies and giving us (myself included) a needed confidence boost, and more... Let's do it! So Count me in. And if all those in here who were calling for "Unity" with no squabbling/disagreement - if they will hurry up and join us - then opednews can really become a huge help with getting this going. But of course, they will and they must because they are not deceptive hypocrites. How could they be - they are opednews members! Anyhoo, I for one and going to offer some proof that I really-really mean what I say (because I really do think we need to unify, and just in general because bullshitters disgust me. Later tonight, when I get back in from work (or in the morn if I am absolutely too zonked), I will post this information and a graphic on the front page of the rcg site, and on my blog. I will also pledge to strike on 9/11. {Hey can someone more graphically inclined make a strike pledge button for strikers to put up and to show solidarity? It would be great to start seeing these all over the net.) Now how bout you "unifiers" what will you do? "Are you with us or agin us?" ;-) by RCG (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 348 comments) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 11:59:57 AM (0+)
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Reply: Good for you
We all do this tired, fatigued from two or three jobs - work to pay "the rent," other jobs which often include contributing to a sane world where mutual respect is the norm not the exception. I hope you fund a button maker. Don't forget to check ouit the page with the "flyers." They're terrific. by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 4:39:17 PM (0+)
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People please!
It's a start! General Strikes are effective, whether they be one day or indefinitely. If just 5% go on strike on the 11th it will have an effect. You loss 5% productivity even for a day corporations take notice and it's the corporations that run this government. We get 10% on the 21st, even better. I just don't understand anyone not supporting this. Nothing else is working. The so-called representatives of the people don't listen to our calls, letters, emails, protest marches or votes. Maybe they'll listen when their wallets are effected. A centralized web-site for future GS would be great. Prolonged boycotting of GE products, Home Depot and other war supporting companies will have move impact than all the other forms of protest put together. Post signs - make flyer's - talk to everyone you know. We have the power. They don't. MAKE THAT POWER BE HEARD! Freedom survives when the governments fear the people, not the other way around. And I don't want to hear any of the whining about how you can't afford to take one day off for a chance to take your country back. If things keep going the way they are your job will be the last thing you will have to worry about. by Mr M (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 66 diaries, 2845 comments [654 recommended, 27 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 4:15:26 PM (0+)
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If nothing else
a 9/11 GS can be for 'practice'! :-D See what happens -- if we don't get real results we do it again -- and again -- and again. (Yes, it will most likely take more than one one-day thing.) It's true that in other countries people keep striking until they get the results, but Americans are just 'kindergartners' at democracy and need to work up to it, maybe. General Washington had to train his troops to be effective, and so does General Strike? ;-) by Blue Pilgrim (0 articles, 3 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 997 comments) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 9:51:11 PM (0+)
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Reply: Thank you...
We've had nothing from the "leaders" and "the party," nothing, zip. So why not take a shot at this. I'm not working on the strike committee, I'm just going to do it on 9/11 - even if it's a flop and I end up putting posters out in DC. Who else is doing anything. The good thing about this 9/11/2007 general strike idea is it has people talking. It's one day and there are many days to follow, many of which need to involve citizen resistance on multiple levels. We can do it. We're now to this democracy stuff as you point out but at it longer than most. We just aren't as organized as they Europeans seem to be. In 2002, there was a general strike in Spain because the union rank and file decided that their leaders were fat and happy. Perfect organization nation wide. We can't/won't but probably "can't" do that now. So we'll have fits and starts. The Easter Rebellion at the start of the Irish revolution was a botched job, a series of sad errors. What happened? The Irish people got the message - they can resist and to do so is a statement. After that it was all out and they kickekd the British out. We need to kick Bush & Cheney out. But that's just the start. All the creepy judges that they put in place, all the fake populist right wing Senators, all the absurd regulatory appointments - they all have to go. Peace by Michael Collins (130 articles, 20 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 485 comments [42 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007 at 5:16:23 PM (0+)
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STRIKE THIS!
Want to "really" get their attention? Take a cue from how the recent mortgage default dust-up has affected the stock market and the financial markets all around the world. THAT action is based on defaults of JUST 1 to 1.5% of mortgages. So then IMAGINE if 10% of homeowners notify their lenders they will be with holding their mortgage payments - put that money into a temporary escrow account - UNTIL The Bankers bring pressure to bear on the government saying: "Wake the F up! The People are going to TOPPLE the whole freakin' economy and monetary system if you don't begin to LISTEN to them!" by mrk * (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 311 comments [12 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 13, 2007 at 11:41:35 PM (0+)
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Reply: Thats the stuff!
That would shake things up for sure; but it could end up damaging the economy more than it helps the cause. How about getting garbage collectors in major cities to strike, and/or truckers? when stores run out of things to sell, and the stench of the garbage rises to high heaven, maybe they will listen. by Brad Griffeth (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 138 comments [12 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 at 12:44:26 AM (0+)
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Reply: great idea!
Great Idea! by John Gannon (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments) on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 at 1:13:49 PM (0+)
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People just join the general strike already
We've got to do something. Now we have a plan. The time for "talk" is over. Why won't you just give it a go? by RCG (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 348 comments) on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 at 1:27:42 AM (0+)
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Done
Ok, done. I put links and a statement on top of my main pages. I'm nodding off so I wasn't able to get the graphic up yet. But I will. I don't "talk" sh*t. Something those of you that know me in here no well. That's it, I'm off to catch 4 and half hours sleep and then a one hour drive to work for ~8-10 hours and then home. cya. And hey, once again where are you guys and gals that were screaming unity. Well? G'night all. by RCG (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 348 comments) on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 at 1:47:02 AM (0+)
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Banks are the key!
OK most of you, I am sure know this bit of info. The ecomomy is a false ecomomy. It is base on paper created out of thin air by NOT the government but by a private company called the Federal reserve bank. The Federal reserve is no more federal then the FEDERAL EXPRESS!!! It's just a good name to make you think it is run by our federal government. You can read the history of the federal reserve "The Creature from Jykle Island" Look it up if you were not aware of this. The banks are the key to the down fall of this government. As someone a few comments above stated hold back your morgage payments. That's a hugh and great idea. You can pay it after a few months of demands... The next comment after this posting was based on fear.... Paraphrased "THIS MIGHT BE BAD FOR THE ECONOMY." That's just a knee jerk reaction and is normal for us to say hey wait a minute lets not go too far. This was a patriot speaking so I am sure it was with good intentions. BUT IT IS FALSE. If the FEDERAL RESERVED DIED TOMORROW WE WOULD ALL BE RICHER FOR IT! Kill the banks which will kill the FED and that my fellow Americans will bring the government begging us to give them another try. Will they promise to be better..?? OR they will make us all criminals for ruining their evilness.. and put us all in jail? The later I fear this is the path GW would try to take! "How can such a beautiful little girl ruin my evilness?" Dorothy did it with water we can do it with money.... Let's do it and be fearless! by John Gannon (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments) on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 at 1:08:44 PM (0+)
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General Strike Web-Site
Why not a General Strike site that can target certain causes by boycotting or striking specific locations and reasons? As an example, here in New Orleans city property taxes have just sky-rocketed 300+%. Needless to say this a death nail to anyone trying to rebuild and in no way helps our recovery. Many here are already struggling because of inflated costs. If we could call a General Strike where no tourist, no business from around the world would come here or do business with New Orleans until bush finally would follow through on his promise of us seeing the greatest recovery effort the world would ever see and the city officials here would LOWER our taxes rather raise them, my city of New Orleans might actually have a chance at recovery as opposed to the slow death it's going through now. Sure, it the short run we'd suffer, but no where near what will happen to us in the long run if we didn't. Targeting GE products, no one buys a light bulb or appliance from them until we stop these nasty little wars we start all the time, it might have an effect. I'm sure there is someone smarter than me that could put this together and become a leader of causes to save the world! by Mr M (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 66 diaries, 2845 comments [654 recommended, 27 rejected]) on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 at 7:35:07 PM (0+)
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Sept. 11? Sept. 21 ?...........
I'm confused. I think I'll just go to Walmart both days and buy something. by larry booth (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 303 comments) on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 at 9:09:09 PM (0+)
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