Paying attention . . . Yes, by simply schooling yourself on how our local governance is organized, who are the players, what are the screw-ups, where is the money and what things get reported you can legitimately call yourself a citizen, an advocate for democracy.
For most people local politics only becomes a reality when you are afraid for your home, your property or your neighborhood. Fears can be physical, financial and cultural. Fears can be great motivators, as so many activists' stories of initial involvement attest.
Citizen Tip = "All movements are born out of grievance."
This week the connection between our local reality, local grievance is linked to the worldwide, nationwide changes in full view of the world through live stream. The corporate press in this country is still mostly absent in this global story unfolding. But, the vastness of millions protesting around the world is happening even if the US public is largely unaware of what is going on in this country and abroad.
From the video clip description:
"The Occupy movement has united hundreds of thousands across the world to fight social and economic inequality. In the latest edition of Assange's very own interview programme Julian Assange meets with prominent Occupy activists who say their collective efforts target global institutions."For the time pressed, the final 10 minutes capture the local realities and relationship to the global whole, but the whole video is an education in politics undergoing dramatic change. We are not alone.
Julian Assange Show - official video page: http://assange.rt.com
