Anti-War Means Anti-War

Mickey Z argues that Anti-War Means Anti-War. The whole electoral system supports the war aims of the Capitalist classes.

Mickey Z argues that the high level of spending on the US military is a severe constraint on social services (54% of the US Government discretionary budget by some estimates). The targeting of the US military is seen as essential to developing the occupy movement especially through targeted protests. Mickey Z continues:

While I can understand any concern that such a gesture could alienate some sectors of the general population, I feel it's become far more urgent to drive home the point that anti-war doesn't just mean anti-Republican.

"Anti-war" isn't a useful mask to wear at an election season costume party. This label signifies one as being against all war (except class war) no matter what political party has commenced the invasion, the bombing, the sanctions, or the covert operations.

Therefore, the Occupy movement must remain guided by a deep-seated anti-war sentiment to avoid playing into the hands of the 2012 two-party (sic) game... a game with no long-term winners.

I think the occupy movement needs to develop its class consciousness about the reasons that a large military is required. The reasons are about maintaining the monopoly positions throughout the world. It is a requirement of this stage of Capitalism.

Yet, there is a tension between including everybody in the Occupy movement, and the realisation that extending the movement means the dilution of the aims of the movement. Instead, the movement has to return to its original ideals of forcing change. In doing so, it needs to seek out people who want to change the system. Not everyone of the 99% wants to change the system — a substantial minority is doing quite well out of supporting the system. These people should not be in the Occupy movement.