runner,

"Again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God"

(Matthew, however, neglected to exclude uni students, socialists, dole bludgers and comos : )

I'm going to put this out there as an example of a peaceful protest that shows courage, conviction and dedication to the cause. Add dignity to that list.

https://webspace.utexas.edu/cmr485/www/mothers/history.html

Of course, even that movement had (has) its malcontents and malefactors, but at its core was a group of women who were courageous enough to stand up for their beliefs, and to continue their weekly marches and political lobbying for three decades.

Where will the 'Occupy ___' people be in thirty years' time, when their demands still haven't been met? It's one thing to applaud the 'courage' and 'conviction' of a small group of people who are willing to camp out for a week in a safe, comfortable public square during the warmer months of the year. I will join in the applause if they are still there in six months' time.

Even if I don't agree with what they're doing, if they have the dedication to keep doing it, then good on them for following through with their convictions.

Dear Yabby,

Oh my good fellow.

Tell you what, go brush up on the difference between assets and equity then if you still wish to stand by what you have just posted I will be happy to indulge.

Whew!

Dear runner,

Good to hear from you. Tell me who is your favourite for the Republican Primaries (all good Christian folk as always) and I will tell you which corporation owns him/her. Could be fun.

Dear Otokonoko,

Thank you for the link. Truly inspiring. Here is another exhibiting “The Profound Power of the Mothers “
http://electronicintifada.net/content/gaza-families-demand-right-visit-prisoners/10207#.TqVks5tFuso

Just an aside, I'm not sure you can call the City Square a safe place for protestors.

Csteele, I know the difference very well. The fact is that in
terms of return on equity, banks are midstream in terms of
profitability. With that kind of loan book, they need Tier 1
assets of around 200 billion$, which is money risked by shareholders.

Take note of shareholders of American and British banks, many of
whose shareholders have lost their shirts.

The point about return on assets is that the net margin is indeed
very small. Its simply the huge amount of loans, which makes the
profits sound large. I remind you that Australians lose a similar
amount throwing their money down the pokie slots and similar
gambling, are you outraged about that?

The cost of money is much higher in Australia then in Germany,
for the Germans are savers by nature. We seemingly prefer to
gamble, rather then save. If Australians saved more, money here
would be cheaper to borrow. Given that our banks have to borrow
a substantial % of thein loanbook from overseas markets, that
increases the cost of finance in Australia. Of course they are
not just going to follow RBA changes in the loan rate. They need
to factor in the overseas cost of money in their calculations.
Yet you ignore all that in your so called outrage. Sounds to me
like you simply don't understand banking in Australia.

This mornings papers headline this story.
A greens member/worker is named as helping the rioters.
A long list of true lost left, far far left, and very truly lost, is shown.
And hint, not the truth, that some DO go to fight bash police and make trouble.
Always has been like that.
I again and again warn, it is these INFECTIONS that harm the cause, turn some who want to support to ENEMY'S.
If only ten remain,get rid of the unwashed comrades! such protests always die at the actions of these groups, they turn folk away.
I would no more stand shoulder to shoulder with them than swim in a sewage tank.
Media,we see it everyday, has its own slant, own self interest.
Even clean protest will be defamed.
The contaminants with in this movement,some by intention, will kill it.

So back to topic,
We all understand that activism out in the community, talking to people, distributing information and even marching are peaceful (and effective) means of dissent.
An "occupation" is an act of violence because it's an excercise in the use of force.
Violence doesn't work against the regime, it reinforces it.
A consistent message is the only thing that changes people's minds.