Occupy Wall Street #2: Come see Big Mark at the Red Thing

Disclosure:
I am geographically and otherwise unable to attend/visit/participate in the New York occupation. My thoughts and perhaps criticisms are coming from a sympathetic non-activist receiving information via relatively vanilla sources on the internet. I may be a bellwether of what similar people are perceiving outside the bubble of Liberty Plaza and/or indymedia sources.

My friend Sophie in New York sent me this:

"Went down to occupy wall st today for the first time to join some folks in a theater of the oppressed workshop.

Before going down there, I was listening to the news, then starting to read articles, then starting to read the twitterverse and watch the live feed, listen to friends' accounts. But then I started reading the meeting minutes. And that's what really impressed me.

http://nycga.cc/2011/09/30/general-assembly-minutes-930-7pm/#more-825

It seems radically functional."

I read them too, and I agree. They are evidence of a well-organized, human, instant, participatory democracy. There are teams for Internet, Facilitation, Legal, Translation, Direct Action, Security, Finance, Sanitation, Outreach among others. A new account at a credit union, at least $20,000 in donations and evidence that every effort will be made to manage those funds transparently and efficiently. Consensus decision-making. A serious endeavor that includes the whole person.

Regarding the whole person--

"We are translating our materials into as many languages as possible, If you would like to help us do this, we meet at the red thing after the general assembly."

"Matthew – I’m gonna be here tomorrow morning at 9am to do 99 sun salutations everyone is welcome all you need is your body"

"QUICK ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SECURITY – AYNONE SMOING HERB OR DRINKING IS NOT SECURITY. SECURITY IS ABOUT PROTECTING EQUIPMENT NOT POLICING THE COMMUNITY> KEEP AN EYE ON COMMUNITY.. ANY PROBLEMS COME SEE ME OR BIG MARK"