Occupy. Occupy.
In your feature “The Commuting Anarchist” [November 24, 2011], Mark Roessler’s question, “How does what’s happening on Wall Street translate to someplace else, like the Pioneer Valley?” went largely unanswered.
When a group of us returned to the Valley after our first sojourn to Occupy Wall Street in the early days, we stopped off at Occupy Northampton demonstrating in front of Bank of America (now they’re camped out on Main Street). The next day we visited a general assembly at Occupy Amherst and soon thereafter went down to the first Occupy Springfield demonstration.
Today we can take part in Occupy UMass, Occupy Berkshires, and Occupy Hartford. This Valley is occupied, but not by “pioneers”—rather by your neighbors who have had enough of business as usual in corporate boardrooms and in the government they control.
We have been covering and will continue to cover these occupations and more on Valley Free Radio’s newest show, “Occupy the Airwaves,” every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on WXOJ—103.3FM. If you want to help us translate what’s happening on Wall Street to what’s happening here, you can call in to the show at (413) 585-1033.
Don Ogden, co-host
Occupy the Airwaves
WXOJ-LP
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I am writing in response to the superbly informative and inspiring interview with Andrew Huckins, an inside look by an activist at the Occupy Wall Street, New York experience. I am so moved by their commitment and drive to be different than the system as we know it—to work together and seek what else is possible, without much if any precedent to draw on.
This is raw courage and heartfelt action, mostly by the younger generation, to design a new paradigm for our great country. After all, the Constitution was born from a similar drive for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for all. I am now questioning my own relationship to this movement of awakening and creative action, within the context of my own work in the world. Thank you, Andrew and thank you, Advocate!
Salena Levi
via email
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The Fraud Fighter
John O’Brien [“Occupy the Registry,” December 1, 2011] is doing what virtually no other public official is doing: he is standing up for the citizens who have placed their trust in him. He is to be applauded and hopefully will serve as an example of leadership for those who remain confused on the issue.
This conspiracy to defraud the American public began with the origination of loans, so aptly described as ” Liar Loans,” inducing people to own more than they could afford.
Now that the toxicity and venom of the loans has taken hold, the banks want to subvert the registration process and illegally take people’s homes, while lying under oath in the very courts in which we place our trust.
Everyone in Massachusetts and across this great country (put at financial risk by less than 1,000 crooks) owes a debt of gratitude to John O’Brien. I wish him well in his efforts.
Paul L. Bishop
via Internet
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John O’Brien is a hero in my book. He is fighting for a cause that he knows is lawful and proper, against the bad deeds that these bad guys do to people. One of the first robo-signers who gave oral testimony which exposed all of the intrinsic fraud of the biggest of the big banksters in the U.S. was found dead Nov. 28 at the age of 43. Mr. O’Brien is in a very vulnerable position but still fights for the laws and against the power, political influence and money of the holders of this vast mortgage foreclosure fraud scheme. My kudos to John O’Brien.
Jim Bethea
via Internet
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Casinos: Fate Accompli
I was surprised that the many proponents of smart growth in Western Mass. did not object more vigorously to casinos [“Finally and Objectionably,” December 1, 2011]. Instead of walking and biking, there will be more driving. Instead of spending money in our downtowns and in local businesses, money will be diverted to casino owners.
Adam Cohen
via Internet
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I wholeheartedly agree with this article. Casino money has corrupted our legislative process. Do we really want to be another Atlantic City?
Jendi Reiter
via Internet
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“Tumor Tour”
I am a registered nurse, one of the women’s health experts on BeingGirl.com, and write a blog focused on women’s health, teens, and periods. Yours [in Wellness, December 1, 2011] is a really important article, as it will give women who don’t have periods a reason to see their health care provider to get checked out.
I recently posted a relevant blog titled “The Menstrual Cycle is a Vital Sign.” The point of the post was to inform about the importance of menstrual cycles and not to dismiss it if you aren’t having one, as it could be a sign of primary ovarian insufficiency. The link to the post is: http://www.blogher.com”menstrual-cycle-vital-sign”
Glad you are doing so well and grateful that you shared your story to help others.
Elaine Plummer
via Internet
