The Greek government is backing away from a surprise call for a public referendum on the latest bail-out deal offered by European Union members. Analysts said the vote was almost certain to reject the deal, which includes additional austerity measures for Greece.

Meanwhile Oakland’s Occupy movement carried out a general strike that shut down the city’s major port facility. Late last night, tear gas was fired in an attempt to disperse demonstrators.

Potentially explosive is a plan by Occupy Iowa to invite sympathizers nationwide to come to the state to “occupy” the Iowa Caucuses and until the candidates address their issues.

The only way the Occupy movement is going to make any progress toward their goals – whatever exactly those goals are – is to get enough people to listen and agree. That’s the only way to get leverage at the ballot box, which is the only way to effect change in this country.

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