We have been hearing reports that occupiers from all over the country were flown to DC in the past week by numerous independent organizations in order to participate in the “Take Back the Capitol” rally, which has led to a National General Assembly. Unfortunately, The Occupy LA General Assembly never consented to be part of a National General Assembly, yet news outlets are claiming we are represented in DC. Let us be clear, WE ARE IN LA and have not granted authority to anyone or group to represent us. We have not discussed the need or structure of a National General Assembly either. Additionally, we view this attempt to bring occupiers together under the title of a “National GA” as a usurpation of the power of the local general assemblies.
While this meeting is a monumental opening in the lines of communication across occupations, those individuals who did travel to DC from LA, funded by SEIU and Good Jobs LA, are reporting co-option of the occupy movement under the banner of the 99%. We reject the “rule of the few” that characterizes many social movements and ask that horizontal communication about this National General Assembly begin immediately across occupations. If your occupation wants to share their story of participating or not participating in this “National GA” then send a communique to and we will work with you and interoccupy.org to sort out this messy affair. We appreciate your prompt attention to this pressing matter.
Be excellent to each other,
Occupy LA General Assembly 12/8/2011
3 comments
Thomas (Tom) Pretlow says:
Dec 29, 2011
The Occupy movement should, as a first priority, insist on the individual’s freedom of speech and thought. This principle has not been respected consistently by SEIU or by several other organizations that represent specific groups of people. I admire the Occupy movement enormously and have contributed to it financially in three cities. I hope that it will never become like our Congress, i.e., owned and operated by whomever contributes money and/or expenses.
Jacquie Howard says:
Dec 29, 2011
I absolutely agree! Although I do think the Occupy movements should, at least verbally, support each other, each movement has a separate agenda for their region!
I too think that the OWS should not have been hijacked by the unions. I don’t like the way the unions work, and even if we are working towards the same goals, I’m not happy with OWS allowing the unions in the movement!
Maggi Carter says:
Dec 31, 2011
Geez – there has to be a way to work with groups representing workers – unions just need the same social reworking that everything else does. Right now, working people (which is almost everyone…) are being more and more exploited and isolated without representation. And the Establishment is trying to finish off the right to organize labor. Unions need the open communication that Occupy is trying to accomplish. Occupy needs the solidarity with organized labor – esp, since the 1% is working to kill the concept. There has to be a way to resolve this and stick together.