Frequently Asked Questions
Who or What is Occupy Tacoma?
Occupy Tacoma is a local grassroots organization, in support of the national “Occupy Wall Street” movement. Like other offshoots of Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Tacoma does not have a single formal leader but rather a network of “working groups” guided by the decisions of a “General Assembly.” Anyone can become a part of the General Assembly and have a voice in decision making.
What does Occupy Tacoma want?
We value the rights of the individual American to pursue the American Dream.
We believe that the predatory practices of large banks and mega-corporations, which increasingly go unchecked by our government, have rendered that dream virtually unreachable by the vast majority of American families. For more information on what we are all about, visit our purpose page.
Is this movement opposed to capitalism?
No. We are opposed to unchecked capitalism. It is our belief that any monetary system that does not allow for sufficient checks on its power is destructive for organized society.
How can I get involved?
Attend our next action or general assembly meeting. Details available on our home page.
If you don’t like corporations, why are you writing this on a computer and using Facebook and Twitter?
The “Occupy Wall Street” movement on the whole does not oppose the existence of corporations (ie Facebook, Twitter, Mary Kay Cosmetics, insert random name of corporation here) but rather the practices of bloated mega-banking corporations and their co-option of our legislative and judicial branch. There is a difference between saying “Corporations are not people, they do not have free speech rights, and they should not have unlimited influence on politics” and saying “abolish the corporate form tomorrow.”
As individuals, we have a variety of opinions on what constitutes good economic and political policy. As a group, we agree that the concept of corporate personhood and the introduction of unlimited corporate money into our electoral system are bad for our democracy and way of life.
Who is funding you?
We are self-funded by our members.
Why are you protesting in Tacoma?
We live here and we love Tacoma.
Are you affiliated with the Democratic Party, the TEA Party, the labor movement, or the Obama campaign? (or any other party or campaign)
No. Occupy Tacoma is founded upon unifying factors, not dividers. We welcome all concerned individuals regardless of political affiliation.
Where are you occupying?
It changes. Please refer to our homepage.
I love this Q&A! I wholeheartedly agree with every point here. Why can’t we just put this forward to the group at large for an up-or-down vote?
Suggest you add a “what we need” that gets updated daily.
IE, umbrellas, water, tents, etc.
Oops, found it.
I am doing a follow up on the original story I wrote about the Occupy movement and have a few questions:
It seems like the Occupy movement is finally getting national attention as it builds steam and spans across the globe. How do you think it will be viewed by history and how will you gauge if it was ultimately a “success”?
How has the local effort evolved in terms of issues, organization and protest efforts?
Do you fear that city leaders will crack down on the movement like what happened elsewhere?
What partnerships have been formed?
Steve Dunkelberger
Stevedunkel@TacomaWeekly.com
O-253.759.5773
F-253.759.5780
C-253.691.6426
Can I set-up a temporary resource table and canopy near the sidewalk of Occupation park for a few hour? Midday Sat., Sun., Mon.? (253) 355-2539.
Thanx
Please tell me what is “the american dream” today?
Its referred to above without any reference as to what it is. I dream of a yacht and six horses, and a government check so I don’t have to bust my butt for the next 30 years….am I covered?
BWSRN