….we have cookies.

Tonight I took part in and witnessed true Democracy.  Two groups who believed they were in opposition met, exchanged dialogue and joined in discussion.  What a beautiful thing.

Occupy Nashville welcomed the Vanderbilt Republicans with cookies and an invitation to take part in the dialogue.  Vanderbilt graciously accepted and we were all able to experience a rare thing-Democracy emerging from the shadows.

Democracy is raucous.  Democracy is messy.  It was in Greece 2,000 years ago.  It was under the Liberty Tree during the birth of America.  It is now…but we have cookies 😉

 

Just for you, Occupy Nashville….

I have been pondering which topic to tackle this evening and finally decided that I need more research before I post on any of the issues currently concerning me.

Tonight’s post is a song-anyone who has been in the military will know the tune 😉

On your left right left,
On your Occupy left,
On your left right left,
On your Nashville left.

Mama, Mama don’t you wail-
your baby boy ain’t going to jail.
Mama, Mama don’t you wail-
your baby boy ain’t going to jail.

(repeat or adlib as desired)

Stand up, stand proud, and stay strong Occupy Nashville-I’ll see you tomorrow.

Hello Nashville!

Hi there.  My name is T. Paine-a pseudonym chosen to honor one of this nation’s greatest patriots, Thomas Paine.  I decided to begin this blog because writing is one of the ways I can best support Occupy Nashville.  I am the 99%-so are you and it is time to stand up, speak out, and understand just what has happened to this once great nation and find the means to return America to the people.

I stopped by Legislative Plaza this afternoon on my way home from work, (yes, I work as do many Occupiers), and while I was there I was approached by a woman who wanted to know who we were and why we were there.  I realized then that I have become a part of Occupy Nashville, and I am proud to stand with them.  She thought that the Occupiers were all homeless and had no jobs.  I explained to her that is simply not the case.  Occupiers come from all walks of life determined to enact change.

Just what is that change?  To end corporate personhood and remove money from politics.

In the days to come, I will bring you as many facts as I can to support the need for these things to occur.  It is no secret that corporations have done and continue to do remarkable damage to this nation-our home.  The issue of money in politics also needs little explanation.  In order to hold any public office in this land you must have a warchest of money and a lot of it.  It is a competition to raise the most money and the prize is an ‘elected’ office.

Sadly, that prize comes with strings attached directly to the corporations.

I welcome all commentary (please limit the use of profanity) and invite you all to stop by our Plaza and learn the facts about Occupy Nashville for yourselves.

T. Paine

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