Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
my group has created another group geared to supporting this movement with bike repair and similar resources.
my organization tries to keep its distance from protest and stays a political.
its a way for the volunteer pool to agree to disagree.
On 2011-10-11 8:18 PM, "MoBo Bicycle Co-op" mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
speaking for my self and not the bicycle kitchen in los angeles i have been at the occupation several times in the last weak and have helped out with fixing a couple of bikes also one of our "cooks" has move out of his apartment and into the occupation. but the kitchen per-sey has a policy of not being political due to our non-profit (education mission)
i will take the time to advocate for an action to be taken buy everyone on this list. open a credit union account both for your co-op and your personal banking, and DUMP YOUR BANK.
--- On Tue, 10/11/11, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote:
From: MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com Subject: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement To: "The Think Tank" thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 5:17 PM
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you! Ellie JonesMoBo
No, the Durham Bike Co-op is a mix of people from various political backgrounds, and we like to stay away from lobbying issues due to our non-profit status. We have a Durham Bike and Ped group that tends to be more politically involved, and mainly for bike trail/lane infrastructure.
If I was to do something with any protest movement, I would do it independently of my role as a board member at a co-op.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 8:42 PM, james bledsoe jamesbleds0e@yahoo.comwrote:
speaking for my self and not the bicycle kitchen in los angeles i have been at the occupation several times in the last weak and have helped out with fixing a couple of bikes also one of our "cooks" has move out of his apartment and into the occupation. but the kitchen per-sey has a policy of not being political due to our non-profit (education mission)
i will take the time to advocate for an action to be taken buy everyone on this list. open a credit union account both for your co-op and your personal banking, and DUMP YOUR BANK.
--- On *Tue, 10/11/11, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com*wrote:
From: MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com Subject: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement To: "The Think Tank" thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 5:17 PM
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
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The Bicycle Kitchen's "policy" about political stances is NOT because
of our nonprofit status (this only legally applies to 501c3's not
being able to lobby for political candidates.) it's more about
focusing our "advocacy" on the bicycle so that cyclists of all kinds
and political backgrounds feel welcome. IMHO. there is NO official
"policy." this is not an excuse or relevant in any way to the current
Occupy movement. If any of our Cooks wanted the Bicycle Kitchen to
take a public stand with regards to Occupy they could bring it up at a
monthly Board meeting, a Quarterly Cooks meeting OR on our internal
listserve.
On Oct 11, 2011, at 5:42 PM, james bledsoe wrote:
speaking for my self and not the bicycle kitchen in los angeles i
have been at the occupation several times in the last weak and have
helped out with fixing a couple of bikes also one of our "cooks"
has move out of his apartment and into the occupation. but the kitchen per-sey has a policy of not being political due to
our non-profit (education mission)i will take the time to advocate for an action to be taken buy
everyone on this list. open a credit union account both for your co-op and your personal
banking, and DUMP YOUR BANK.--- On Tue, 10/11/11, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com
wrote:From: MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com Subject: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement To: "The Think Tank" thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 5:17 PM
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of
your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and
are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are
sending out feelers.Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
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If making a statement in support of the occupy movement helps your mission as a bike co-op then by all means do it.
As an organization we are focused on fixing and teaching about bicycles and avoid politics/movements of any kind. This example is a case-in-point as to why we are non-political as we welcome, and have in the past received, support from Chase and ING and some of our volunteers work in the banking industry.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 2:22 AM, Kelly Marie Martin < kelly@bicyclekitchen.com> wrote:
The Bicycle Kitchen's "policy" about political stances is NOT because of our nonprofit status (this only legally applies to 501c3's not being able to lobby for political candidates.) it's more about focusing our "advocacy" on the bicycle so that cyclists of all kinds and political backgrounds feel welcome. IMHO. there is NO official "policy." this is not an excuse or relevant in any way to the current Occupy movement. If any of our Cooks wanted the Bicycle Kitchen to take a public stand with regards to Occupy they could bring it up at a monthly Board meeting, a Quarterly Cooks meeting OR on our internal listserve.
On Oct 11, 2011, at 5:42 PM, james bledsoe wrote:
speaking for my self and not the bicycle kitchen in los angeles i have been at the occupation several times in the last weak and have helped out with fixing a couple of bikes also one of our "cooks" has move out of his apartment and into the occupation. but the kitchen per-sey has a policy of not being political due to our non-profit (education mission)
i will take the time to advocate for an action to be taken buy everyone on this list. open a credit union account both for your co-op and your personal banking, and DUMP YOUR BANK.
--- On *Tue, 10/11/11, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com*wrote:
From: MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com Subject: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement To: "The Think Tank" thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 5:17 PM
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
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I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which *is* very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. *Not*issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos http://ciudadparatodos.org/ (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bicihttp://gdlenbici.org/.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op < mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com> wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit:
http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.com wrote:
I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which *is* very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. *Not*issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos http://ciudadparatodos.org/ (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bicihttp://gdlenbici.org/.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op < mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com> wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit:
http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
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I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.comwrote:
Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.comwrote:
I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which *is* very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. *Not*issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos http://ciudadparatodos.org/ (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bicihttp://gdlenbici.org/.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op < mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com> wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit:
http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit:
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Hi,
If I may join the conversation, I have been following all of you for the last two or three weeks.
Amazing work you are all doing. You have given me new ideas and thought of direction with a concept of exercise and bicycling that I have been working with and am preparing to bring to fruition. Thank you for that.
I have numerous thoughts, questions and comments at another point too if I may.
But I have recently picked up on your question regarding the "Occupy" movement.
I would urge you all to get involved, as individuals, and as the organization which you are affiliated with.
On a political level....its your duty. On a literal level, to not be involved with one organization is to support the other: In this case, to support "Occupy" is to support change, to not support Occupy is to support things as they are.
On a purely bicycle level...one of the reason IBD have such a tough time of it, is that our small business rules and regulations have become obstacles to success. The current economic climate is putting the kabash on bicycle or rail trail growth and maintenance. Domestic manufacturing of bikes and related gear is forced out due largely to the high cost of manufacturing in our nation.
No matter the level on which you care to look at things, our once lovely leading nation has become a place for the financially greedy to practice one thing: Consolidation of wealth.
As time has past in our nation, and because of the value and priorities new wealth is not being sought or created with the aggressiveness our nation was known for.
As a result, the more common way to grow wealth has become consolidation of existing wealth...or taking from the lower classes, and keeping for the upper classes.
In a nut shell this is what Occupy is protesting.
While much media lip service has been given to the "unfocused or garbled" message of Occupy, it is only because media is used to functioning at a 7th grade level. There is no lack of clarity as to the Occupy message. Its one of frustration with things as they are. Its one of frustration with wealth consolidation rather than wealth creation. Its one of unequal access to both wealth creation and wealth distribution.
If there is anything unclear about that...all the more reason to get involved with Occupy...and further clarify the message.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. I hope you will consider supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement anyway you can.
Its our America, and its time we took it back and asked it to perform as it should: By [ALL] the People and For [ALL] the people.
No offense intended to anyone or any organization. Responses welcome and encouraged. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Thanks
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: Harold Baranoff zvibaranoff@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:48 pm Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.com wrote:
Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.com wrote:
I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which is very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. Not issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bici.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdam
On 13 Oct 2011, at 18:22, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Hi,
If I may join the conversation, I have been following all of you for the last two or three weeks.
Amazing work you are all doing. You have given me new ideas and thought of direction with a concept of exercise and bicycling that I have been working with and am preparing to bring to fruition. Thank you for that.
I have numerous thoughts, questions and comments at another point too if I may.
But I have recently picked up on your question regarding the "Occupy" movement.
I would urge you all to get involved, as individuals, and as the organization which you are affiliated with.
On a political level....its your duty. On a literal level, to not be involved with one organization is to support the other: In this case, to support "Occupy" is to support change, to not support Occupy is to support things as they are.
On a purely bicycle level...one of the reason IBD have such a tough time of it, is that our small business rules and regulations have become obstacles to success. The current economic climate is putting the kabash on bicycle or rail trail growth and maintenance. Domestic manufacturing of bikes and related gear is forced out due largely to the high cost of manufacturing in our nation.
No matter the level on which you care to look at things, our once lovely leading nation has become a place for the financially greedy to practice one thing: Consolidation of wealth.
As time has past in our nation, and because of the value and priorities new wealth is not being sought or created with the aggressiveness our nation was known for.
As a result, the more common way to grow wealth has become consolidation of existing wealth...or taking from the lower classes, and keeping for the upper classes.
In a nut shell this is what Occupy is protesting.
While much media lip service has been given to the "unfocused or garbled" message of Occupy, it is only because media is used to functioning at a 7th grade level. There is no lack of clarity as to the Occupy message. Its one of frustration with things as they are. Its one of frustration with wealth consolidation rather than wealth creation. Its one of unequal access to both wealth creation and wealth distribution.
If there is anything unclear about that...all the more reason to get involved with Occupy...and further clarify the message.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. I hope you will consider supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement anyway you can.
Its our America, and its time we took it back and asked it to perform as it should: By [ALL] the People and For [ALL] the people.
No offense intended to anyone or any organization. Responses welcome and encouraged. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Thanks
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: Harold Baranoff zvibaranoff@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:48 pm Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.com wrote: Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.com wrote: I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which is very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. Not issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bici.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote: Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
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Your entitled to your opinion, but if you only knew how foolish this sounds...
-----Original Message----- From: Wendy Monroe wendy.monroe@usermail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Fri, Oct 14, 2011 2:20 am Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdam
On 13 Oct 2011, at 18:22, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Hi,
If I may join the conversation, I have been following all of you for the last two or three weeks.
Amazing work you are all doing. You have given me new ideas and thought of direction with a concept of exercise and bicycling that I have been working with and am preparing to bring to fruition. Thank you for that.
I have numerous thoughts, questions and comments at another point too if I may.
But I have recently picked up on your question regarding the "Occupy" movement.
I would urge you all to get involved, as individuals, and as the organization which you are affiliated with.
On a political level....its your duty. On a literal level, to not be involved with one organization is to support the other: In this case, to support "Occupy" is to support change, to not support Occupy is to support things as they are.
On a purely bicycle level...one of the reason IBD have such a tough time of it, is that our small business rules and regulations have become obstacles to success. The current economic climate is putting the kabash on bicycle or rail trail growth and maintenance. Domestic manufacturing of bikes and related gear is forced out due largely to the high cost of manufacturing in our nation.
No matter the level on which you care to look at things, our once lovely leading nation has become a place for the financially greedy to practice one thing: Consolidation of wealth.
As time has past in our nation, and because of the value and priorities new wealth is not being sought or created with the aggressiveness our nation was known for.
As a result, the more common way to grow wealth has become consolidation of existing wealth...or taking from the lower classes, and keeping for the upper classes.
In a nut shell this is what Occupy is protesting.
While much media lip service has been given to the "unfocused or garbled" message of Occupy, it is only because media is used to functioning at a 7th grade level. There is no lack of clarity as to the Occupy message. Its one of frustration with things as they are. Its one of frustration with wealth consolidation rather than wealth creation. Its one of unequal access to both wealth creation and wealth distribution.
If there is anything unclear about that...all the more reason to get involved with Occupy...and further clarify the message.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. I hope you will consider supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement anyway you can.
Its our America, and its time we took it back and asked it to perform as it should: By [ALL] the People and For [ALL] the people.
No offense intended to anyone or any organization. Responses welcome and encouraged. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Thanks
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: Harold Baranoff zvibaranoff@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:48 pm Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.com wrote:
Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.com wrote:
I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which is very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. Not issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bici.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
Uh huh.
Go ahead and join the 'Occupy' movement.
Wendy
On 14 Oct 2011, at 08:53, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Your entitled to your opinion, but if you only knew how foolish this sounds...
-----Original Message----- From: Wendy Monroe wendy.monroe@usermail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Fri, Oct 14, 2011 2:20 am Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdam
On 13 Oct 2011, at 18:22, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Hi,
If I may join the conversation, I have been following all of you for the last two or three weeks.
Amazing work you are all doing. You have given me new ideas and thought of direction with a concept of exercise and bicycling that I have been working with and am preparing to bring to fruition. Thank you for that.
I have numerous thoughts, questions and comments at another point too if I may.
But I have recently picked up on your question regarding the "Occupy" movement.
I would urge you all to get involved, as individuals, and as the organization which you are affiliated with.
On a political level....its your duty. On a literal level, to not be involved with one organization is to support the other: In this case, to support "Occupy" is to support change, to not support Occupy is to support things as they are.
On a purely bicycle level...one of the reason IBD have such a tough time of it, is that our small business rules and regulations have become obstacles to success. The current economic climate is putting the kabash on bicycle or rail trail growth and maintenance. Domestic manufacturing of bikes and related gear is forced out due largely to the high cost of manufacturing in our nation.
No matter the level on which you care to look at things, our once lovely leading nation has become a place for the financially greedy to practice one thing: Consolidation of wealth.
As time has past in our nation, and because of the value and priorities new wealth is not being sought or created with the aggressiveness our nation was known for.
As a result, the more common way to grow wealth has become consolidation of existing wealth...or taking from the lower classes, and keeping for the upper classes.
In a nut shell this is what Occupy is protesting.
While much media lip service has been given to the "unfocused or garbled" message of Occupy, it is only because media is used to functioning at a 7th grade level. There is no lack of clarity as to the Occupy message. Its one of frustration with things as they are. Its one of frustration with wealth consolidation rather than wealth creation. Its one of unequal access to both wealth creation and wealth distribution.
If there is anything unclear about that...all the more reason to get involved with Occupy...and further clarify the message.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. I hope you will consider supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement anyway you can.
Its our America, and its time we took it back and asked it to perform as it should: By [ALL] the People and For [ALL] the people.
No offense intended to anyone or any organization. Responses welcome and encouraged. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Thanks
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: Harold Baranoff zvibaranoff@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:48 pm Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.com wrote: Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.com wrote: I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which is very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. Not issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bici.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote: Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
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Matt Fen,
Please explain why you only joined the Bike Think Tank a couple of weeks ago.
Explain why you feel that my position is 'foolish'. Please no more 'ad hominiem' attacks.
Wendy De Fiets Fee
On 14 Oct 2011, at 08:53, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Your entitled to your opinion, but if you only knew how foolish this sounds...
-----Original Message----- From: Wendy Monroe wendy.monroe@usermail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Fri, Oct 14, 2011 2:20 am Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdam
On 13 Oct 2011, at 18:22, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Hi,
If I may join the conversation, I have been following all of you for the last two or three weeks.
Amazing work you are all doing. You have given me new ideas and thought of direction with a concept of exercise and bicycling that I have been working with and am preparing to bring to fruition. Thank you for that.
I have numerous thoughts, questions and comments at another point too if I may.
But I have recently picked up on your question regarding the "Occupy" movement.
I would urge you all to get involved, as individuals, and as the organization which you are affiliated with.
On a political level....its your duty. On a literal level, to not be involved with one organization is to support the other: In this case, to support "Occupy" is to support change, to not support Occupy is to support things as they are.
On a purely bicycle level...one of the reason IBD have such a tough time of it, is that our small business rules and regulations have become obstacles to success. The current economic climate is putting the kabash on bicycle or rail trail growth and maintenance. Domestic manufacturing of bikes and related gear is forced out due largely to the high cost of manufacturing in our nation.
No matter the level on which you care to look at things, our once lovely leading nation has become a place for the financially greedy to practice one thing: Consolidation of wealth.
As time has past in our nation, and because of the value and priorities new wealth is not being sought or created with the aggressiveness our nation was known for.
As a result, the more common way to grow wealth has become consolidation of existing wealth...or taking from the lower classes, and keeping for the upper classes.
In a nut shell this is what Occupy is protesting.
While much media lip service has been given to the "unfocused or garbled" message of Occupy, it is only because media is used to functioning at a 7th grade level. There is no lack of clarity as to the Occupy message. Its one of frustration with things as they are. Its one of frustration with wealth consolidation rather than wealth creation. Its one of unequal access to both wealth creation and wealth distribution.
If there is anything unclear about that...all the more reason to get involved with Occupy...and further clarify the message.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. I hope you will consider supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement anyway you can.
Its our America, and its time we took it back and asked it to perform as it should: By [ALL] the People and For [ALL] the people.
No offense intended to anyone or any organization. Responses welcome and encouraged. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Thanks
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: Harold Baranoff zvibaranoff@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:48 pm Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.com wrote: Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.com wrote: I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which is very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. Not issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bici.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote: Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
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hi wendy,
i rather doubt the french indignés (occupy) are financed by soros, though it wouldn't surprise me that some "members" represent various organisations holding diverging political views.
claire paris
-----E-mail d'origine----- De : Wendy Monroe wendy.monroe@usermail.com A: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Envoyé le : Vendredi, 14 Octobre 2011 9:17 Sujet : Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
Matt Fen,
Please explain why you only joined the Bike Think Tank a couple of weeks ago.
Explain why you feel that my position is 'foolish'. Please no more 'ad hominiem' attacks.
Wendy De Fiets Fee
On 14 Oct 2011, at 08:53, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Your entitled to your opinion, but if you only knew how foolish this sounds...
-----Original Message----- From: Wendy Monroe wendy.monroe@usermail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Fri, Oct 14, 2011 2:20 am Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdam
On 13 Oct 2011, at 18:22, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Hi,
If I may join the conversation, I have been following all of you for the last two or three weeks.
Amazing work you are all doing. You have given me new ideas and thought of direction with a concept of exercise and bicycling that I have been working with and am preparing to bring to fruition. Thank you for that.
I have numerous thoughts, questions and comments at another point too if I may.
But I have recently picked up on your question regarding the "Occupy" movement.
I would urge you all to get involved, as individuals, and as the organization which you are affiliated with.
On a political level....its your duty. On a literal level, to not be involved with one organization is to support the other: In this case, to support "Occupy" is to support change, to not support Occupy is to support things as they are.
On a purely bicycle level...one of the reason IBD have such a tough time of it, is that our small business rules and regulations have become obstacles to success. The current economic climate is putting the kabash on bicycle or rail trail growth and maintenance. Domestic manufacturing of bikes and related gear is forced out due largely to the high cost of manufacturing in our nation.
No matter the level on which you care to look at things, our once lovely leading nation has become a place for the financially greedy to practice one thing: Consolidation of wealth.
As time has past in our nation, and because of the value and priorities new wealth is not being sought or created with the aggressiveness our nation was known for.
As a result, the more common way to grow wealth has become consolidation of existing wealth...or taking from the lower classes, and keeping for the upper classes.
In a nut shell this is what Occupy is protesting.
While much media lip service has been given to the "unfocused or garbled" message of Occupy, it is only because media is used to functioning at a 7th grade level. There is no lack of clarity as to the Occupy message. Its one of frustration with things as they are. Its one of frustration with wealth consolidation rather than wealth creation. Its one of unequal access to both wealth creation and wealth distribution.
If there is anything unclear about that...all the more reason to get involved with Occupy...and further clarify the message.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. I hope you will consider supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement anyway you can.
Its our America, and its time we took it back and asked it to perform as it should: By [ALL] the People and For [ALL] the people.
No offense intended to anyone or any organization. Responses welcome and encouraged. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Thanks
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: Harold Baranoff zvibaranoff@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:48 pm Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.com wrote:
Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.com wrote:
I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which is very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. Not issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bici.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
That's quite an accusation. Assuming you aren't just messing with us, would you mind sharing where you read this? On Oct 14, 2011 2:21 AM, "Wendy Monroe" wendy.monroe@usermail.com wrote:
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdam
On 13 Oct 2011, at 18:22, mfen651@aol.com wrote:
Hi,
If I may join the conversation, I have been following all of you for the last two or three weeks.
Amazing work you are all doing. You have given me new ideas and thought of direction with a concept of exercise and bicycling that I have been working with and am preparing to bring to fruition. Thank you for that.
I have numerous thoughts, questions and comments at another point too if I may.
But I have recently picked up on your question regarding the "Occupy" movement.
I would urge you all to get involved, as individuals, and as the organization which you are affiliated with.
On a political level....its your duty. On a literal level, to not be involved with one organization is to support the other: In this case, to support "Occupy" is to support change, to not support Occupy is to support things as they are.
On a purely bicycle level...one of the reason IBD have such a tough time of it, is that our small business rules and regulations have become obstacles to success. The current economic climate is putting the kabash on bicycle or rail trail growth and maintenance. Domestic manufacturing of bikes and related gear is forced out due largely to the high cost of manufacturing in our nation.
No matter the level on which you care to look at things, our once lovely leading nation has become a place for the financially greedy to practice one thing: Consolidation of wealth.
As time has past in our nation, and because of the value and priorities new wealth is not being sought or created with the aggressiveness our nation was known for.
As a result, the more common way to grow wealth has become consolidation of existing wealth...or taking from the lower classes, and keeping for the upper classes.
In a nut shell this is what Occupy is protesting.
While much media lip service has been given to the "unfocused or garbled" message of Occupy, it is only because media is used to functioning at a 7th grade level. There is no lack of clarity as to the Occupy message. Its one of frustration with things as they are. Its one of frustration with wealth consolidation rather than wealth creation. Its one of unequal access to both wealth creation and wealth distribution.
If there is anything unclear about that...all the more reason to get involved with Occupy...and further clarify the message.
Thank you all for your time and consideration. I hope you will consider supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement anyway you can.
Its our America, and its time we took it back and asked it to perform as it should: By [ALL] the People and For [ALL] the people.
No offense intended to anyone or any organization. Responses welcome and encouraged. Your time and consideration are appreciated.
Thanks
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: Harold Baranoff zvibaranoff@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:48 pm Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I personally encourage your organization to support the Occupation Movement. We need to step up and support the move toward a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 9:22 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.comwrote:
Our co-op is founded upon similar values (environmental, sustainability, fitness, community, recycling, etc.), but we lack the time and volunteer energy at the moment to be getting involved with all other movements. We are operating more on the level of say, getting to see our sister co-op up the road for the first time all year. I also don't want to see our organization be affected by the common "mission creep", where instead of focusing on a specific mission, we stretch ourselves way too thin to really be effective.
Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM, Dugan Meyer dugan.meyer@gmail.comwrote:
I think a bike project such as MoBo should absolutely make a well-worded public statement of affinity for the movement that does not advocate or imply material support (which is the business of individual members, sub- or affiliated groups, etc).
The Occupy movement is no more "political" than a bike project like MoBo (which *is* very much political), and in fact is founded upon nearly the same values: community empowerment, inclusive and imaginative decision-making, ecological consciousness (and the inclusive of such as an important part of social decision-making), transparent and accountable leadership, and systems of exchange that focus on worth over value. *Not
- issuing a statement of support seems to me irresponsible and akin to
failing to publicly stand up for the very values that root your mission statement.
Regarding a concern with nonprofit status, to my mind there is no conflict with such a statement. The terminology of "political" used in that legal framework is incomplete and the product of a system of order that works against the goals of projects like MoBo. The co-op should be bold and continue to do political labor as it already does.
[I must note here that a few months ago when I participated in MoBo I may not have so strongly argued for this action. Since then, however, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and have been working with a couple of organizations who, quite frankly, put many of the mobility/bike organizations I knew in the States to shame with their boldness and energy. They are Ciudad para todos http://ciudadparatodos.org/ (City for Everyone) and GDL en Bicihttp://gdlenbici.org/.] They are both fiercely (!) nonpartisan and yet extremely politically active. And they are building power for real change in this city and becoming serious examples for activists across Mexico and Latin America.]
Dugan Meyer
On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM, MoBo Bicycle Co-op < mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com> wrote:
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
-- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org
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Friends, Keep in mind what this email list is for. If the conversation is going to go further in this direction, please consider taking it off-list. Cheers, Clifford.
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON communitybikeshop.org (705) 775-7227
On 2011-10-14, at 2:20 AM, Wendy Monroe wrote:
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdamd a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
Thanks for the reminder, Clifford. Apologies for perpetuating the conversation.
I welcome any off-list replies. On Oct 14, 2011 8:03 AM, "Clifford McCarten" director@communitybikeshop.org wrote:
Friends, Keep in mind what this email list is for. If the conversation is going to go further in this direction, please consider taking it off-list. Cheers, Clifford.
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON communitybikeshop.org (705) 775-7227
On 2011-10-14, at 2:20 AM, Wendy Monroe wrote:
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdamd a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit:
http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
I'd like to second Clifford here--folks are on this list because they'd like to be in touch with other bicycle collectives to discuss best practices, challenges, programs, etc, not to debate politics. I wouldn't want people to leave this list because it's too political and not bikey enough.
The discussion of whether or not different groups associate with other political movements and groups has a lot of merit here, and I'm sure that folks would be interested to hear about successes or challenges in creating partnerships between collectives and other social/political causes. Times Up's perspective would be valuable, for example--as an NYC co-op housed within a direct action environmental group, how does the co-op get involved?
Maybe we could navigate this thread back to folks' experiences with their co-ops and political/social causes, keeping in mind that there are people on this list with varied political perspectives that deserve to be respected.
Best, Mary Lauran The Bike House
On Fri, Oct 14, 2011 at 8:23 AM, Brian Stromberg brian.stromberg@gmail.comwrote:
Thanks for the reminder, Clifford. Apologies for perpetuating the conversation.
I welcome any off-list replies. On Oct 14, 2011 8:03 AM, "Clifford McCarten" < director@communitybikeshop.org> wrote:
Friends, Keep in mind what this email list is for. If the conversation is going to go further in this direction, please consider taking it off-list. Cheers, Clifford.
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON communitybikeshop.org (705) 775-7227
On 2011-10-14, at 2:20 AM, Wendy Monroe wrote:
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdamd a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit:
http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
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My apologies [again] as I initially extended in my post responding to one of the other posters who asked a question regarding becoming involved in "Occupy" activities.
While in that post I encouraged participation, and MY reasons as to why I thought participation reasonable at the least...imperative at the most, I clearly stated it was not my intention to offend anyone or hi jack the thread for purposes other than it was intended.
I recognize and appreciate the purpose of the thread. Further to that point, I appreciate being allowed to participate, as it is has opened my own eyes to some new and exciting ways to enhance my own concept/biz plan, in ways to that will allow it to serve a more diverse population, and perhaps even come to fruition sooner.
Thanks sincerely for the reminder to others, and again, and again, my apologies if I broke the rules by taking us in this direction.
Matt Fen
-----Original Message----- From: MaryLauran Hall marylauran@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Fri, Oct 14, 2011 9:19 am Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
I'd like to second Clifford here--folks are on this list because they'd like to be in touch with other bicycle collectives to discuss best practices, challenges, programs, etc, not to debate politics. I wouldn't want people to leave this list because it's too political and not bikey enough.
The discussion of whether or not different groups associate with other political movements and groups has a lot of merit here, and I'm sure that folks would be interested to hear about successes or challenges in creating partnerships between collectives and other social/political causes. Times Up's perspective would be valuable, for example--as an NYC co-op housed within a direct action environmental group, how does the co-op get involved?
Maybe we could navigate this thread back to folks' experiences with their co-ops and political/social causes, keeping in mind that there are people on this list with varied political perspectives that deserve to be respected.
Best, Mary Lauran The Bike House
On Fri, Oct 14, 2011 at 8:23 AM, Brian Stromberg brian.stromberg@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks for the reminder, Clifford. Apologies for perpetuating the conversation. I welcome any off-list replies.
On Oct 14, 2011 8:03 AM, "Clifford McCarten" director@communitybikeshop.org wrote:
Friends, Keep in mind what this email list is for. If the conversation is going to go further in this direction, please consider taking it off-list. Cheers, Clifford.
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 336 Rubidge St, Peterborough ON communitybikeshop.org (705) 775-7227
On 2011-10-14, at 2:20 AM, Wendy Monroe wrote:
Pardon my jaded-ness, but don't forget to post lots of comments about your 'occupation' on Twitter and Facebook, so the NSA and police can track your every move.
The 'Occupy' movement is suspiciously well-coordinated on an international level.. we got 'Occupy' movements in most of the cities in Europe, including one scheduled for tomorrow in Amsterdam.
I have read that this international grassroots movement is just false flag controlled opposition paid for by George Soros, my advice is to not participate.
Wendy Monroe De Fiets Fee Amsterdamd a sustainable and livable future and that will require ongoing political action.
Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
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I have been watching this thread with great interest, as we have had an awakening here at Bike Pirates in regards to our *perceived* political profile and a vague if not completely unclear understanding from within the group of what our "politics" are.
We often work with other community groups and host events for activist organizations, community fundraisers, etc. The decision to host these groups is based on our availability/compatibility and whether we feel the two groups are on-side with eachother's politics. But it has recently become quite clear to us that we don't have a clear idea of what our "politics" are, despite some long-standing assumptions in the city based on the original roots of Bike Pirates and the politics of the founding members.
This is going to be a big project for us, as we are a varied and diverse group, some more activist-y and left-wing than others, but to simply call ourselves apolitical would be disastrous IMHO.
As Geoff mentioned earlier in the thread, we have created a splinter group (Bikes Not Bombs) which we give permission to use our tools and trailer to do support at demos or activist events where we may not feel that Bike Pirates should be or would feel safe having our name present at. This has worked out quite well but obviously limits what we can do to support certain actions or events.
Thanks, Ainsley Bike Pirates, Toronto.
We in Akron, Ohio are not participating directly. One of our members spent 5 hours at Occupy Akron yesterday passing out membership information about our organization. His idea was that there would a resonance between those there and our mission. We shall see.
From: MoBo Bicycle Co-op mobobicyclecoop@gmail.com To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 8:17 PM Subject: [TheThinkTank] Occupy Movement
Is any other bike co-op considering making a statement in support of your local Occupy movement? Many of our volunteers are involved and are curious if we are planning to do so as an organization so we are sending out feelers.
Thank you!
Ellie Jones MoBo
participants (16)
-
Ainsley Naylor -
Angelo Coletta -
Brian Stromberg -
Brian Windle -
claire grover -
Clifford McCarten -
Dugan Meyer -
Geoffrey B -
Harold Baranoff -
james bledsoe -
Kelly Marie Martin -
Leslie Peteya -
MaryLauran Hall -
mfen651＠aol.com -
MoBo Bicycle Co-op -
Wendy Monroe