Real Democracy Now UK letter to UK movements
On 15th October citizens around the world will take to the streets to express outrage at how our rights are being undermined by the alliance between politicians and big corporations. Real Democracy Now invites you to participate in this peaceful protest by joining our call to action. It is time to raise our voice. Our future is at stake, and nothing can hold back the power of millions of people when they unite for a common goal.
Under the slogan “We are not goods in the hands of politicians and bankers”, thousands of people peacefully took to the streets of Spain on 15th May to demand a more participatory democracy, to reject corruption in the Spanish political system, and to show opposition to the austerity measures imposed on them. Following the success of that first demonstration, several movements emerged. Acampadas (tent cities) were set up in central squares across the country, much like the first occupation of Tahrir Square in Cairo. The acampadas gave rise to popular assemblies, where citizens discuss their problems, identify their goals and plan action through an open decision making process where everyone has an equal voice. The 15M movement, as it became known, soon expanded beyond Spanish borders and inspired actions in numerous cities around the world.
The conditions that are causing people to take to the streets in Egypt, Spain, Greece and elsewhere are mirrored around the world. Pressured by financial powers and organised lobbying, our political leaders’ actions regularly benefit a wealthy minority and often disregard the human and environmental costs that may be caused. Financial and political power is concentrated in the hands of a few leaving the majority without a say and events repeatedly show our institutions to be corrupt and deceitful.
We invite you to join this peaceful fight and spread the message that together we have the ability to change our intolerable situation.
Global problems require global solutions. Let’s take to the streets on 15th October and begin to discuss our problems and possible solutions.
The idea is for this to not simply be a day of protest but a chance to hold peoples’ assemblies, music, street theatre and all kinds of manifestations of peaceful creativity to show the world what could be possible when people across the planet join together.
As in Spain we ask people to come as individuals not as representatives of political parties, groups or unions. The strength of this movement lies in its non-alignment. We ask that you don’t come with banners or t-shirts declaring your political affiliation.
We will be calling an open organising assembly in London at the beginning of September to start to make plans for 15th October and we encourage you to come or to organise another assembly in your area.
Alone we may be powerless but together we’ll have real power.
From the organising committee of Real Democracy Now UK
