There has been some debate on these pages of late regarding the issue of 'leaders' and 'spokespersons' and whether or not they have a legitimate role to play in Occupy Melbourne. It was interesting therefore to read OM's latest press release which did not cast anyone in the role of spokesperson for OM. For example in one part it reads:
'...“It is important that all the people of Melbourne know that they can attend, contribute and support the 12th general assembly of Occupy Melbourne” stated Sam Castro, Occupy Melbourne member.'
Previously, in these releases, members of various working groups have been designated as 'spokespersons' for Occupy Melbourne. It is encouraging to see a departure from this practice. As I have argued previously, designating individuals as such is not consistent with the principles of direct democracy. We can all speak for ourselves - importantly, through resolutions passed at the General Assembly.
An argument might be made that authorising spokespeople enables the corporate media to take them more seriously and therefore promote the movement. This argument is not convincing. If a story is newsworthy, journalists will find sources and give them a run. If the movement has a well managed media function - eg providing accurate and timely information to journalists - and the story is 'newsworthy' according to corporate media practices, OM's media team will be reported on. As we see in the example above, a person can speak to the media without calling himself a 'spokesperson'.
Thanks to Nick Carson and the media working group. You are doing a top job - and have done so from the beginning. It is also interesting and heart-warming to see these principles of direct democracy evolve organically within the Occupy Melbourne movement.