By: Jeffrey Goldfarb

Jeffrey Goldfarb — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:58:00 +0000

I think you are right Esther. What is heartening is that people are saying no, but how you say yes to specific principles and act upon this in a consequential way is a real challenge. One part of the challenge is to maintain the alternative public space and enrich it, as we are trying to do here, but also no doubt is the need to engage the larger society and political forces. In Parliamentary systems new parties can and should be formed. In the odd system of the US connection and influence upon the Democratic party is the only alternative. I think this is the way that, for example, that Obama can become the Obama of our hopes. Some will opt for only the creation of alternative spaces. Some will want to connect with greater forces (here also crucially unions), I think most important that these differences are accepted even celebrated and don’t lead to self destructive sectarianism.

By: Esther

Esther — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:49:00 +0000

The exercise in comparing and contrasting was illuminating. While Shiroto no Ran and OWS sprang up under different circumstances and in contrasting contexts, the level of overall dissatisfaction with current economic and social living conditions is striking. While it’s uplifting to share a common spirit, I am skeptical to the extent protesters all over the world can unite in a meaningful way. While ‘boxes of discontent’ are being opened all over the world, the factors behind the discontent vary. There may not be one alternative that works for all. As I see it, at the moment it is about the urgency of expressing the need for alternatives.
The question of alternatives is a pressing one amidst the broad and colorful scale of factors behind the discontent. What to do after the camping and the protests? As important and illuminating the voices of the protesters are, how can the different groups become institutionalized in a better functioning democratic system? How can their wishes become reality? How can change be realized in a peaceful way? Yes, by creating the alternative public spaces, where people meet and act (Arendt). But is there a mechanism to ensure that the voices are not only listened to but also acted upon?

Comments on: Oct. 25th: OWS Meets Japanese Anti-Nukers in Conversation with Jonathan Schell (Video)

By: Jeffrey Goldfarb

By: Esther