One of the only things we can be sure of in this world is change. Everything is constantly evolving – don’t be scared!

Howard, thank you for your considered thoughts, I found your comment most enlightening.

The only valid point Jock Strap seems to have made is that the Occupy Movement could be hi-jacked by violence and we do need to be cautious of this. I witnessed the Black Bloc in action on the 26th March in London and was dismayed to see reports of their violent actions overshadow the thousands and thousands who marched in peace for a better world. The Black Bloc also seems to have overshadowed the amazing efforts of the Occupy Oakland general strike. I’ve been researching them for the last few days and evidence is emerging that undercover police infiltrate these gangs. It is an easy way to erase the voice of the mass. All action much remain peacefull and I urge the Black Bloc to consider this.

I would like to float the idea that in addition to all the amazing work that the Occupy Movement has done already, perhaps it is time to discuss how everyone can embrace the movement in our everyday lives and find our true power.

In this unjust system us ‘consumers’ have buying power. It is up to us to make the change we want to see in the choices we make everyday. Who we work for, no longer working for free, what products we buy and what brands we support. Instead of convienence shopping how about conscious shopping? Instead of popping down to the supermarket we could support local shopkeepers, leave our cars at home and cut down on air travel. We can really hit the 1% by now longer financing them. Instead of depositing our money with the major banks we should be looking at more ethical forms of banking like credit unions and co-operatives.

To free ourselves we also have to kick our credit habit. This is how the 1% make the big bucks. We end up paying so much more than we should do for products because we rely on credit. Ask yourself do you really need that product and how long will it actually last for anyway? Many products are designed with short life spans to be superseded by the next ‘must have’ item that falls apart before we know it. Don’t fall for it!

He is full of B***S***

I have followed him around various discussions and lots of sensible people have acknowledged him , I have too but my comments to him I will admit are not the most engaging.
There is no ‘core’ to the movement because they are a level democracy not a heirarchal (mis-spelt I know) democracy, so anyone is entitled to respond, and they do.
It is he who does not engage, he juts throws grenades and runs, to next supporter to throw another grenade, and so it goes. I think he thinks he is some sort of saboteur, wannabe more like it !
If they are not listening as he states he would more than welcome to go to st. paul’s and put forward his suggestions, they will listen and vote democratically.
Look at where he has been on each discussion board and you will see it is he he does not listen.

In the interest of fairness, his comment above has been his most constructive, for some un

You are of course free to decide for yourself, please do.

I’ve posted a few comments on here, that are aimed at the core people involved in the movement, but do not get acknowledged, I’m beginning to doubt their democratic credentials.

What I would say to them, in the unlikely event that they read this, is pack up your tents, go home, but keep this website going, and keep the discussion going. You’ve made your point, you’ve drawn attention to the perceived problem. Stay at St Pauls, you become an irritation. Combine with the other ‘occupy’ organisations around the world, and use the power of the internet to start a global discussion. Continue with your ‘community’ at St Pauls, and I fear you will be hijacked by anarchists, and it will end in violence.

I too have ‘blogged’ with Sarah, and I think, stress I think, she fears a future changing from what we know it as today. I too am fearful of a drastically changing future, but I am more fearful if it does not drastically change.

‘If things do not change, they WILL stay as they are’

I can’t help but think that you’re being a bit mean in your comments here, and I think the post below from Howard answers many of your points.

You ask if the protestors would like to “leave a bully in charge of a country”, but the truth is that we (our leaders) support bully-boy leaders overseas when they serve our interests and oppose them when they turn against us. This is still going on today and is having an awful impact on the global South.

You ask for evidence – again I think Howard below has provided some – and as for some sort of economic or philosophical support to the statement’s claims I would recommend reading E. F. Schumacher’s “Small is beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered”, published in 1973 and arguably more important now than then, it is packed with practical, humane wisdom that is a rare quality today (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Is_Beautiful). One of my favourite quotes of his is, “statistics never prove anything”.

You ask what will change, I think the intensity of the public debate has already changed and I hope the terms of the debate will also shift. Conversations are powerful things.

I have been down to St. Paul’s a few times and have been genuinely impressed by the atmosphere and knowledge there. Feel the love and pass it on!