Occupy Wall Street Turns 2

[Jacob]

I guess that is one narrative.

That's the narrative the article describes as being on the ascendant.

If you want to counter it with a more Conservative alternative you can trade on the distrust of government, but you will likely - if the article is correct - have to provide a more concrete plan for improving people's lives than cutting government services and privatizing the delivery of public goods in a way that leaves the average person worse off (as per our student debt discussions).

There may be a Conservative alternative for improving peoples' lives, but I don't see even the potential outline of one being offered. I don't even see a clear analysis of the problems being put forth, to be honest.

[garbon]

Except that I'm not taking the position that you need to push for more cuts in gov't services. What I am skeptical of, is the notion that if we just increase the amount of gov't oversight, spending, etc, that we'll see long-term improvements.  I see no evidence that the Warrens and de Blasios will lead us to a happier, sustainable future.

[CountDeMoney]

Interesting article, Sheilbh. If turns out to be correct, it'll be interesting to see if the American left can hold it together or whether the transition leftwards will be as strained as the current tea-party driven strife in the GOP.

Nah.  Middle, mainstream America, as a whole, has always had a substantial degree of loathing for left-wing activism in any form, going back two centuries. 
Right-wing activism? Gawd bless Amurrica, love it or leave it, yew Commie.  But left-wing activism never gains any traction.  Never has, never will.

[Ideologue]

We'll see.

[Ideologue]

Wait a minute, the core of the Populists and Progressives was middle America.  So too the Socialists.

[derspiess]

I had fun yelling at the Occupy Cincinnati shitheads each time I drove by.

[Ed Anger]

I had fun yelling at the Occupy Cincinnati shitheads each time I drove by.

All 6 of them

[CountDeMoney]

Wait a minute, the core of the Populists and Progressives was middle America.  So too the Socialists.

Yah for Prohibition.

[grumbler]

That said, I wonder why people lean more towards the government managing things. It isn't like it has shown a great capacity for change.

I think it is because they believe that it is the only power capable of holding back the depradations of "them," and they feel that they have some control over government, while they have none over "them."

Whoever "they" are.

[Jacob]

Except that I'm not taking the position that you need to push for more cuts in gov't services. What I am skeptical of, is the notion that if we just increase the amount of gov't oversight, spending, etc, that we'll see long-term improvements.  I see no evidence that the Warrens and de Blasios will lead us to a happier, sustainable future.

I don't think the notion is that if "we just increase the amount of gov't oversight, spending, etc, that we'll see long-term improvements." I'm pretty sure the notion is that if we provide well targeted programs we'll see long term improvements.

[CountDeMoney]

I don't think the notion is that if "we just increase the amount of gov't oversight, spending, etc, that we'll see long-term improvements."

I'm confident we will.

[garbon]

I'm pretty sure the notion is that if we provide well targeted programs we'll see long term improvements.

[crazy canuck]

I'm pretty sure the notion is that if we provide well targeted programs we'll see long term improvements.

Exactly the attitude that got you a piss poor medical system.

[CountDeMoney]

Exactly the attitude that got you a piss poor medical system.

America: fuck 'em or leave it!

[garbon]

I'm pretty sure the notion is that if we provide well targeted programs we'll see long term improvements.

Exactly the attitude that got you a piss poor medical system.

Maybe but then I don't think any of our politicians is really putting together these great "well targeted programs we'll see long term improvements."