Do Something New

"PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT!" Do we believe this? Does this apply to all people or just some? Is it just corporations we want to follow this, or everyone? I think 90% of people I have spoken to-and I speak to a lot of people here- have expressed some person or group of people, who "shouldn't be here" or are not wanted. I have heard reasonable people SAY to one another, "YOU'RE NOT WANTED HERE!" The stealing is rampant, and often blamed on some group("the homeless" "the druggies") but I had my iphone stolen Tuesday night while I was up Peace-keeping and, given the access to the area it was most likely another volunteer.

    If we can not put our own darkness aside and stop devaluing and stealing from each other in this little tent village, I don't see how we can expect to change the self-focused greed of the rich. IT IS THE SAME THING, MERELY MORE MONEY INVOLVED.

    We have an opportunity here to see real democracy at work within this movement and to deal with our problems in a better, more community oriented way, one that will affect us ALL. We must put our own profit aside, whether it be for position here at City Hall, our own cause, access to donated food, or my neighbor's cellphone she was stupid enough to leave out of her personal sight for 30 minutes. Does 'People Before Profit' include you too?

    If we can not pull it together to work for the good of our whole Occupy LA village, whether they are working on the movement to our satisfaction or not, how can we expect this to happen in the world. Who will stand as judge of who belongs here, you? Just because YOU do not see another's purpose or potential in this movement, does not nullify their importance. We can not judge others in this way, our vision is far too narrow.

    If we 'cast out' those who are "not working," we deny them the opportunity to learn and figure out what their purpose here is. Some need extra time even to get over their mistrust of EVERYONE, let alone this movement. We need to be encouraging people to get involved in any way they are able. People come here and decide what their 'job' is. Nurses are coming here to nurse, food handlers come to handle food, media people are keeping us informed because that is what they do. I made it my mission to help foster communication and tolerance in our community in any way I am able, as well as helping in the various committees who are taking care of the citizens. (food, peace-keeping, etc)

   I challenge people to come here and do what you do, but do it for the sake of the community as a whole not just for yourself or your own cause. What have you got to lose? If you have been earning your keep sorting garbage out there in the world, join the Zero-waste folks and sort for the community-they need help!

    If you feel you or 'your people' are not being considered and are being ignored, GET INVOLVED, organize and be represented! We have so much opportunity at true democracy and to be heard within this arena, there is no excuse for complaining about how you are treated if you have not gotten involved to change it. Step up people, do something new so we can expect something new. Change starts with US.

Thank You for listening,

Laura<>