Quinn on Occupy Chicago: "Organize for a Cause"

By aaroncynic in News on Nov 1, 2011 8:40PM

Gov. Pat Quinn leveled some criticisms at Occupy Chicago yesterday, saying that the movement needs to “organize for a cause.” Quinn was asked about the movement during a luncheon at the Union League Club. The governor was lamenting state legislators’ override of his veto of the smart-grid bill. Quinn said “We’re trying to win for the 99 percent of consumers who aren’t very happy about Commonwealth Edison’s big increase. You’ve got to be an organizer, figure out where the people are…Maybe the folks outside could beat the drums for that.”

Much like many other politicians, Quinn - a former community organizer - misses the point of Occupy movements. While Occupy Chicago and others may still be working out specific lists of demands which are complex and nebulous, the general sentiment surrounding movements like Occupy Chicago is connected to situations like Com Ed’s rate hikes. However, Occupy Chicago and its participants aren’t simply in opposition with one particular corporation’s misdeeds or another. They’re working towards something larger - a complete systemic change.

In this particular case, lobbyists for ComEd have been working hard towards getting state lawmakers to veto Quinn’s legislation, and the lobbyists won this round.

While it’s possible Quinn and Occupy movements might have similar views regarding this particular issue, Quinn is ultimately part of the political process Occupy opposes. Occupy movements nationwide have pointed out time and again the increased connections between corporations and politicians across all levels of government. While beating the drums at the state capitol in favor of Quinn’s veto may be in the interest of the self-appointed 99 percent this time, it’s a single issue in a system with myriad problems. Occupy Chicago members have staunchly opposed the millions of dollars the governor slashed from the education budget and see state troopers clearing them out of the Thompson Center as a violation of their free speech, among some of the causes they've taken on.