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OpEdNews Op Eds    H3'ed 8/19/13

Occupy the First Amendment

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Define "Order"
Here in NYC, when Mayor Bloomberg's private army goes on an arrest binge, the ostensible reasons range widely (obstructing traffic, making signs, wearing masks) but the old standby is: disorderly conduct.

In other words, it's illegal to conduct oneself in a disorderly manner. But who's discerning disorder from order?

In the Land of the Free - , this task is delegated to those heavily armed men and women wearing blue costumes. The unarmed folks sharing free food, playing guitars, and setting up think tanks? They allegedly have no say in deciding how order is defined.

What the 1% calls "order" is threatening all life on the planet and thus requires the 99% to embrace militant noncompliance" pronto. The future is counting on us to remain disorderly because orderly conduct is not going to stop the 1% from sabotaging the future.

Many times during my public talks over the years, I've presented this bit: "How many of you think the ecosystem and most forms of life in it are in peril?" (All hands are raised).

Then: "How many think those in power -- hose most responsible for putting the planet in peril -- will voluntarily relinquish their power any time soon?" (Everyone raises hand)

At this point, I deliver the predictable punchline: "So, if most of us think the planet is in peril but the elites are not going to surrender their power, I have one more question: How much more are we willing to tolerate before we act?"

Suggestion: Become the "disorder" you wish to see in the world.

Outrage + Outreach = Outcomes
In the face of such deception and disinformation, we need to relentlessly reach out to the 99% so they can decide for themselves who is and isn't a "terrorist."

This will require a broad gamut of informed activists fully aware of their rights and hip to the tactics that will be employed against them as they struggle for global justice. We don't need any more political prisoners.

We must work in tight cohesion within our trusted community, e.g. support our allies and always ensure that no one in our circle is marginalized and that all within your group understand the obligations of solidarity.

Unity and trust among activists can help serve as a bulwark against inevitable and extralegal law enforcement devices. Once we have reached that point, another world is truly possible -- a world in which peaceably will mean peaceably, disorder will reign, and the entire planet will be a designated free speech zone.

#shifthappens

NYC Event Alert: Mickey Z. will give a talk after a screening of The Cove on Aug. 31 at Bluestockings. Join us to discuss how all our grievances and all our solutions are connected" and please spread the word.

***

Mickey Z. is the author of 11 books, most recently the novel Darker Shade of Green. Until the laws are changed or the power runs out, he can be found on an obscure website called Facebook. Anyone wishing to support his activist efforts can do so by making a donation here.

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Mickey Z. can be found on the Web at http://www.mickeyz.net.
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