I agree with Ethnicguy's point that socialists should participate in the OWS movement with an eye toward helping with organization and coherence. However, I disagree about the desirability of a vanguard party, either now or in the foreseeable future. It is important to help organize so that the movement, which we admire, can persist and grow, keep its energy, and develop as it goes a more coherent agenda. I believe that, as socialists, we should be willing to learn from the movement at the grass roots level, and not assume that we have all or most of the answers for them, although we do have much to contribute in terms of organizational skills, commitment, experience, and ideas--all in due time. And there will be (already have been some) moments of struggle or contestation when the movement's direction is or seems to be at stake, and at such times we can offer guidance (and of course participation) as long as we are trusted. In fact we need to do this. At times we must speak up. Ethnicguy has already run into one such difficult moment (and person). It is not easy. We all want authentic democratic procedure to prevail and thrive.

We can offer ideas about democratic governance, and democratic control of the economy and workplaces--Wall Street must pay Main Street. We can speak up for the need for a single-payer universal health care system. We know that everyone everywhere has the human right to decent housing, adequate nutrition, free public education of high quality, and fulfilling work. We know that gender, ethnic, and racial equality are socially necessary, and that society has to be thoroughly pro-choice. We also know that all living things have the right to a sound natural environment. And that all of these are intertwined, and are needed now, at this moment, not in some distant future. We also know that all of these rights apply to all people everywhere. Socialism has to be international as well as democratic.

I'm sure there's more. But maybe this, with Ethnicguy's and other posts, will help make a start.