Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
MWF, 9am
24 comments:
Monsieur Luigi Forvil
said...
Certainly, I give much respect to those protestors who are dedicating their time and effort to make a difference for all of us. However, will these protest change the minds of these cooperation?
Money and greediness drive their appetites resulting to unfairness, unemployment, poverty. Do they care? NO.
So, what should we do? Well, we can save our breath and use it to formulate a strategic plan to regain what's ours. I'm not saying that the protest is wrong, all I'm saying is "would it still work?" Yeah it did work back in the day, but we're in a new-age, different from before. We are living in a new-age where much more opportunities and resources are available.
Instead debating about our unfairness, unemployment (dealing with income) why not use resources and opportunities to switch unfairness to "fairness."
Remember, you don't only have a mouth to speak, you have a brain - the mind - so USE IT!Take another alternative.
Well Mr. Hinderaker no just implies our well obliged kneeling to corporations, but he openly criticizes the protesters on Wall Street. Recently, Mr. Hinderaker commented on his blog about the protesters ignorance on the basics they are protesting against when interviewed by New York Magazine. According to Hinderaker none of the 50 demonstrators interviewed by the magazine could answer “basic knowledge” questions related to the protest; for instance what is the marginal tax rate for wealthy people or what does the government spend more on. I assume the critic, Hinderaker, relates the ignorance of the demonstrators as the presumption of a movement with no foundation; however I see the foundation of this movement as a mix of connecting frustrations with different starting points and yet a common goal, fairness. Does an ordinary person know the answer to these questions? Well maybe, maybe not, but I am sure an ordinary person does feel the effect of a down spiraled economy. We are facing a shameless private sector acting abusively against consumers; in illustration the recently announced Bank of America’s $5 dollars fee for using a debit card to access YOUR money. Florida Representative Jeff Clemens is filing a legislation banning banks from charging customers for using debit cards to access THEIR MONEY!!! And with that said that is exactly what an ordinary person like you, me or anyone else is looking for, protection from “predators” corporations such as Bank of America. So if we are part of movement and we do not know the basic questions that Hinderaker considers minimal requirements to join a protest, but we certainly learned how to dodge the hidden fees and fine prints from the corporations you seem to defend in order to “survive” capitalism.
There are people who think protest is a way to create violence. Some do not even believe in protest for what they feel is right because they are scared or they think they will not be heard. Me, personally I believe in protest, of course with no violence, it is one of the ways to show and tell the government or the people that are in charge that what they are doing is hurting you and your family. I believe protest with no violent actions have done a lot especially in my country. I think if these people are protesting in peace with no violence they are doing a great job because it is the best way their voices can be heard by the authorities. I understand that some people who are protesting can't even give a minimal explanation of the reasons but the media and the magazine's people have a sense of who to interview. They would not interview the person in charge because they know that these people know what they want. So as long as things are not going as they should, I vote for protest with no violence.
So we are talking about a fairer distribution of wealth? I really wasn’t aware of the issue before I moved to the United States; simply because there was no wealth in my native country. When you don’t have access to almost anything, you can be very thankful for the new opportunities your new home offers you, despite any differences or gaps that might exist. However, I do agree with our current discussion, and I support Occupying Miami, and other protest movements. I really believe they have the courage and the motivation that is needed for a possible change to take place. As implied by the article, corporations and banks shouldn’t charge excess taxes for their services, and workers should receive more compensation for the jobs they provide. However, even when nothing gets resolved, protesters will be heard, and they will at least feel satisfied they have exercised their right of freedom of speech.
Making your voice heard against one fifth of the population who own fifty percent of our wealth is not a bad idea. Instead, it is our duty to defend ourselves against those big corporations that do not want to give us a chance to have a better life. They force us to do anything. They force us to buy houses Even though they know we will not be able to keep paying our monthly payment. They don’t care. They just want to increase their profits. As you can see, protesters against Wall Street spread around the country. Protesters show their angers about the way the economy is right now. They say enough is enough. They take the street to criticize corporations’ moral behaviors. Many of them support the notion that rich people are not paying their fair share. Corporations don’t care about millions of us who are out of jobs and not be able to put foods on our tables. The only thing they care about is their interests. We take the street just to let them know that we know the cause of the crisis that we are now. We know that they play a big part of the problems that we are now. Therefore, we want them to take their responsibility to help us out of the situation.
A couple of weeks ago I posted the video of Keith Olberman reading the statement released by the Wall Street protesters to my Facebook page. A guy I went to middle school with replied saying “So nobody invent Apple products, Facebook, Microsoft, and/or any other huge profitting company for bragging rights.”
I saw his comment and rolled my eyes but decided not to respond, it was not worth my time. But for the next three days I went over and over in my head possible things I COULD have said to him and decided not to stay silent. I posted a simple response saying, “I by no means believe we shouldn’t have large profiting companies. But I do not believe that because a company has all that money they should have any more sway with out politicians than the rest of the country. Our votes should determine policies not lobbyists and not under the table payouts.”
We ended up having a very productive discussion where he ended up saying he agreed with me (not necessarily the Occupy Wall Street movement, but my arguments) and I am very glad I decided to speak up. When I began thinking about my response for this post I visited both occupymia.org and occupywallst.org and registered to become a part of the movement.
I read the news a lot and keep up with the things going on in our country, but I do not believe I speak up enough. I have been following Occupy Wall Street since its very beginning but only just registered to show my support. I plan to change my quiet ways, the next step is to try to get off work Tuesday to attend the “Make Wall Street Pay meeting”.
I spoke with a few protestors when they began the protest down here in Miami. My opinion of the movement has not changed; I admire the protestors for taking a stand and bringing awareness to an issue that some may not have been exposed to. However, I had an idea that a lot of those of young people only had a vague idea of what they were really there for. My assumption was only solidified when I went to government center to speak to the protestors. While I won't say that I spoke to EVERY protestor, I did speak to a good 10 or 15, with few differences in each conversation. When I asked what spurred them to join the movement they said to "stop corporate greed". When I asked which corporations in particular, they weren't able to name even one, just say "ALL OF THEM". When asked what they thought they would achieve, they said to raise public awareness. Fair enough, I would reply. Public awareness of what? What exactly has wall street done that affects you, young protestor? "They twist policies and get out of paying taxes so the rich get richer and the poor stay poor". When asked what policies, each protestor could only repeat a variation of the same statement, revealing the poor spine of the whole movement. Like I said earlier, I admire and appreciate what they're doing, in Miami and all over the nation. I still think there movement is a kiddie movement, and that all they are going to do is be a sensation for a few weeks and then the public will either grow tired or bored of them. Unless they have a clear set of changes they wish to impose upon wall street, and the politicians they claim are dangling from "the man's" strings, the protests will one by one putter out and just serve as a reminder of how futile peaceful protesting really is. I mean, when did peace ever solve anything? If you look back in history, the only time changes have been made have been through bloody revolutions. Look at Libya. Peaceful protesting got them where now? Nowhere, it was the rebels and their violent revolt that freed Libya from a dictators regime which lasted 42 years. Think about it. -Susan Guerra
Since the advent of the #OccupyWallSt movement, many #Occupy related protests have emerged around the world protesting for the same reason; "social and economic inequality, and corporate greed."
When reckless Wall Street banksters get taxpayer-funded bailouts, billionaires get tax breaks and gigantic corporations like GE and Bank of America pay absolutely no federal income taxes, they’re getting for free the very public services that enable them to make massive profits in this country – the courts, the roads, the trade regulators, the patent enforcement.
Bank of America got a $1.9 billion tax refund from the IRS last year, even though it made $4.4 billion. Goldman paid only 1.1 percent in federal income taxes on its $2.3 billion in profits. New York Times reporter David Kocieniewski wrote in his story about GE that such tax dodging by corporations has resulted in a significant decline in federal revenue from corporations – from 30 percent in the 1950s to 6.6 percent in 2009.
Right now, right wingers are trying to cut $51.5 billion from the federal budget – demanding elimination of programs essential to the middle class and poor such as subsidies for home heating for the impoverished. But if the wealthy paid their share, say hedge fund manager John Paulson who earned $2.4 million an hour in 2010 – then those cuts would be unnecessary because the federal government would have an extra $69.5 billion in revenue.
Billionaire investor, Warren Buffett, admits that "While the poor and middle class fight for us in Afghanistan, and while most Americans struggle to make ends meet, we mega-rich continue to get our extraordinary tax breaks." Mr. Buffett agrees that the rich should be taxed more and that the middle and lower class be the ones receiving the tax breaks. He adds "My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. It's time for our government to get serious about shared sacrifice."
Story covering Buffett's position on this issue: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/10/05/f_mpw_buffett_taxes.fortune/
Everyday people are out there fighting for what they believe in, or fighting to accomplish something. But what does it take to be heard by those big name companies such as Gap, Sony, and etc. What occupy Miami is doing, i think, is a wonderful thing because it brings together so many people who you never wouldve thought that have the same beliefs as you. occupy Miami is a great example of how people should just stop talking about it, and be about it.
On the other hand, those big name companies like gap, sony and etc doesn't really care what we have to day about them making their money because at the end of the day regardless of what is being protesyednoutside in the streets, the only thing that's going to happen is the prices are going to be lowered, which will either make or break the companies revenue. I think it should take someone from the corporate office to stand up and say well what we are doing to these people are young. I mean come on we're the ones thats out there buying your products and clothes and bring you guys some business. But wall street on the other hand, no matter how much we protest and scream until out throat bleed, they are never going to change their minds. At least no anytime soon!
I do agree with the “Occupy” since it is evident that the income wealth distribution in the United States of America is exceedingly lopsided. Regardless of performance, it seems that corporations steadily receive benefits and raises. Corporations should not be given immense tax breaks, considering the plain fact that they make inordinate amounts of money. Even so, individuals claim that we should “broaden the tax base.” Raising taxes on the poor is not only immoral, but illogical. Increasing taxation on the top one percent would be much more beneficial and logical. Corporations seek out to exert authority and supreme rule over the masses and maximize profits. Yes, capitalism grants the opportunity for success, but everything must have limitations. The country cannot continue to function this way. Who will buy the products and services when the poor become poorer? The United States does not consist of just the excessively wealthy; in fact, the vast majority has much less. The movement desires to set order and equalize the system. It is written in our Declaration of Independence “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Greedy corporations are stripping us of our equality, and “Occupy” is attempting to pursue our supposedly unalienable rights.
I definitely believe that the protestors of Occupy Miami and Occupy Wall Street have a right to voice their beliefs, and I agree with the cause for which they stand. It is clear that the income distribution in the United States has become too great, disrupting the social fabric which has been evident throughout this country’s history. The middle class continues to shrink, as the wealthy seem to get richer by the second. Corporations reap massive benefits from governmental policies that reduce taxes and provide gracious subsidies. Tax increases must be established on the top one percent to limit the outrageous amount of money that “big business” has received, thereby equalizing the income separation in the United States. Although this somewhat detracts from capitalism, society cannot live with this disadvantage forever – something must be done. In order for our country’s economy to reestablish itself as the dominating force of the world, the government must alter its current policy so that Americans can once again purchase domestic products and create a flourishing economy. - Christopher Craven
Hinderaker’s criticism of the protestors for owning or wearing consumer goods is obviously ridiculous, because the consumers in the picture are forced to purchase what they can get. In today’s world, everything is owned by somebody, and to get something, you need to either make it yourself (rather difficult in terms of a camera), or buy it. And yes, you would be buying it from a corporation. The protestors aren’t standing up against the corporations because they don’t want to buy their products, but because they don’t believe it is right that the big-business owners have taken complete liberty over their loyal population of consumers. I respect the “Occupy,” movements, and I don’t believe they will be the end of the wave of changing protests. The ever-broadening wealth gap is becoming more and more evident, and people can only be rubbed into the dirt for so long. Revolution is inevitable, and the “Occupy” movements are only the beginning. What is unfortunate about these movements, as Susan Guerra has pointed out, is their obvious lack of organization and lack of purpose. A great deal of the protestors know that the movement is economically based, but there are only a select few that know more than that. There are some laughable rioters that go out and hold up signs like “Save the Whales,” or “Keep our planet green.” Eventually, this kind of protest will die down, but it won’t stay like that forever. As more citizens become educated on the issues of our fiscal society, then their actions will become more pointed, and more effective. It is only a matter of time. Until then we will, yes Mr. Hinderaker, continue to buy brand name goods. Not because we want to support corporate greed, but because we have no choice. Perhaps that will be the next wave of the movement – people heading outside with picket signs and wearing nothing but potato sacks.
While I have no stand in the current events going on with the protestors I do agree with what they are doing. To raise awareness is a beautiful thing and maybe if it had occurred sooner so many people would not have gotten themselves into such an economic crisis. In regards to Hinderaker's comments he is nothing more than a republican pig who is dying to have the corporations take over the world. Of course the occupy moments are going to have people whose motives are different; such movements attract both people who have a cause and people who simply want attention. It is beyond unfair to discredit the people protesting for a fair economy. Sadly our economy has been build around all this corporations whose only concern is money while we the consumers can drown in debt and suffering. I can honestly say that I fear for the future that is about to come.
Protest for me is a good way to people be hearing and also can express their feelings against government, corporation or Wall Street like the post. Some of the protestant have the satisfactory that they heard them and change all the things, in many cases protest without violence change a whole culture or country laws. The Occupy Wall street movement is a way to show the reality of corporations and how corrupt they do things. People are fighting back against the corrosive power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations. The movement is inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, and aims to expose how the richest 1% of people are writing the rules of an unfair global economy that is foreclosing on our future. They are protesting for their benefit they want to help others.
Many people think protest is a way to create a bunch of violence. Some do not even believe in protest for what they feel is right because they are scared or they think they will not be heard. Me, personally I believe in protest, of course with no violence, it is one of the ways to show and tell the government or the people that are in charge that what they are doing is hurting you and your family. I believe protest with no violent actions have done a lot especially in my country. To.finish this peace off I agree with the protest.if I knew more about what was going on I would gladly be part of that occupy Miami protest and use the right that was giving to us by our founding fathers.
If one were to drive by Downtown's Government Center one would see a whole bunch of colorful tents on the lawn on the sidewalk, coralled by caution tape. If one did not know about the Occupy factions it would look like a very long camping trip. And just how it would be a thing of no consequence for me to drive by without a second look, the suits inside the air-conditioned building would walk their halls without caring about the change in view outside their windows. Although, I believe Hinderaker is correct in stating that we support the corporations more than we are standing up to them, I also acknowledge the 98 step climb to restore balance to our balances. The money that flows in such small a circle is very well protected by those who share it and will not be easily removed from their clutches. Protests that cause perhaps bad traffic, excessive noise, and a few minutes of airtime do not accomplish much. It is a start to raise awareness and bring the problem to light but its whatever the next step is that will make a difference.
A picture is worth more than a thousand words and as you can see in the picture, people are protesting and criticizing the corporations but yet they are still buying the products the corporations are selling, that’s why it seems pointless to me that people criticize them, and go out to the streets and protest. And corporations either we want it or not are always going to prevail because they make up for most of the revenue in the US, because every single product that we use or consume everyday comes from creative works of corporations and not only we benefit from it but our government does too because of the taxes it collects from this revenue.
In the idea of protest people must have a plan of action. With those actions they are to attempt to achieve change in what got them together in the first place. I’ve spoken to 4 different people. All of them believed they were actually making a change. Then I asked what change do you see making. Three of them said they were actually making a point towards Wall Street and showing their distaste for how it is run as well as how things are done. The different answer I received from the fourth one was that he believes his change was in raising the awareness of situation. I didn’t know anything of Wall Street before this was brought up in class and I went to the Bayfront Park and saw what was happening. I think the one that spoke of raising awareness is completely correct in the fact people are noticing, but yet I don’t think its really impacting anything in Wall Street. One way they could really get heard is if they were to get a candidate to really hear them out and stand with them. So in fact it is achieving something, which is a start, but is it really going to change how things work???? Maybe … Maybe not… But one thing is for certain there is power in numbers. If enough people were to protest then things would change . Xabier Martinez-Cid
The message that people want to get across is that enough is enough. Protesting is the best way to do so in my opinion. Without protesting our world would be unfair beyond recognition. Does anyone think that protesting against slavery was easy? They were washed away and beaten but in the end with hard work and dedication things changed and for the better, even if it changed little by little. Every drop in the ocean counts. If people in our society were more involved with what is going on in the now instead of sitting around with mere distractions then our world would change. Our culture has been brainwashed without even noticing. We have come to a point where we believe that we as people cannot change something that seems to be above us. Instead we watch T.V, go out clubbing, buy the latest trends, and forget about the world and reality of what is going on outside of our homes. These corporations are being lead by greed and power, like most of the higher positions in the world. It is not easy for people to be in a higher state as others along with wealth because they tend to want more and more which results in greed and unfairness to the rest of the population. People who work long, slaving hours of labor deserve to be paid fairly. How do corporations with so much incoming money pay their employees so little? We need to open our eyes and be involved in whatever it is that we would want to see a change in. Let our voices be heard and by that we can make those who are unaware, aware. That is what will make a difference.
I did not know about the Occupy Wall Street movement. I only learned about it when we were having a class discussion in philosophy class. The discussion sparks an interest to find out more information about this movement, so I went to the Government Center to ask the protesters some questions. When I question a couple of the young protesters about why they were protesting, many did not know why they were protesting. Only a handle full of protesters knew why they were protesting. They are mainly protesting social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the power and influence over government of corporations, particularly from the financial service sector, and of lobbyists. Several of the protesters had sign reading “We are the 99%.” "We are the 99%"refers to the difference in wealth between the top 1% and the other citizens of the United States. Many people believe that the protests will accomplish nothing but I believe that protests are needed for a promising change to take place.
i have to admit, these protesters are trying to make a difference in the economy, but to me it does not matter whether they protest or not, because wall street or anybody who you protest against will not change their mind as long as they keep making money. people keep protesting against all this different companies and corporations even though they use their products and merchandise. i also disagree on how the wealth of the united states of america is distributed, i think its very unfair and i think that this should change and it needs to change fast.
If you want something to change and want your voice heard I think to occupy in other words protest is a great thing. A group demonstration for a national cause is a great step to start a change in a nonviolent way. An example, Wall Street protests where basically people are just fed up and tried to be put as outcast. The slogan “we are the 99%” which mean it the top which is the 1 %( wealthy) against the rest of the American citizens. In this country social and economic equality and cooperate greed. One thing about protests its a wake up call to stand up for what not right.
What a great movements for the young generation, to get involves and stand up for what's wrong. I support Occupy Miami. but I’m worried that nothing will eventually be do but from hearing it or other seeing it, it might inform the public more and they will come to understand the hidden things about our government. As Americans, we all must stand together and help the helpless and a days a lot of people are struggling and they feel each other’s pain and I’m sure there hurt to know that the top 1% controls where the money flows. With elections approaching i think it's mandatory that these protesters are addressed and if not voting outcome maybe low. If there ignored then you really know, these politicians don’t care and Walstreet will continue to abuse the power they’ve had for so long. Angelica Louis-Jeune
24 comments:
Certainly, I give much respect to those protestors who are dedicating their time and effort to make a difference for all of us. However, will these protest change the minds of these cooperation?
Money and greediness drive their appetites resulting to unfairness, unemployment, poverty. Do they care? NO.
So, what should we do? Well, we can save our breath and use it to formulate a strategic plan to regain what's ours. I'm not saying that the protest is wrong, all I'm saying is "would it still work?" Yeah it did work back in the day, but we're in a new-age, different from before. We are living in a new-age where much more opportunities and resources are available.
Instead debating about our unfairness, unemployment (dealing with income) why not use resources and opportunities to switch unfairness to "fairness."
Remember, you don't only have a mouth to speak, you have a brain - the mind - so USE IT!Take another alternative.
Well Mr. Hinderaker no just implies our well obliged kneeling to corporations, but he openly criticizes the protesters on Wall Street. Recently, Mr. Hinderaker commented on his blog about the protesters ignorance on the basics they are protesting against when interviewed by New York Magazine. According to Hinderaker none of the 50 demonstrators interviewed by the magazine could answer “basic knowledge” questions related to the protest; for instance what is the marginal tax rate for wealthy people or what does the government spend more on. I assume the critic, Hinderaker, relates the ignorance of the demonstrators as the presumption of a movement with no foundation; however I see the foundation of this movement as a mix of connecting frustrations with different starting points and yet a common goal, fairness.
Does an ordinary person know the answer to these questions? Well maybe, maybe not, but I am sure an ordinary person does feel the effect of a down spiraled economy. We are facing a shameless private sector acting abusively against consumers; in illustration the recently announced Bank of America’s $5 dollars fee for using a debit card to access YOUR money. Florida Representative Jeff Clemens is filing a legislation banning banks from charging customers for using debit cards to access THEIR MONEY!!! And with that said that is exactly what an ordinary person like you, me or anyone else is looking for, protection from “predators” corporations such as Bank of America. So if we are part of movement and we do not know the basic questions that Hinderaker considers minimal requirements to join a protest, but we certainly learned how to dodge the hidden fees and fine prints from the corporations you seem to defend in order to “survive” capitalism.
There are people who think protest is a way to create violence. Some do not even believe in protest for what they feel is right because they are scared or they think they will not be heard. Me, personally I believe in protest, of course with no violence, it is one of the ways to show and tell the government or the people that are in charge that what they are doing is hurting you and your family. I believe protest with no violent actions have done a lot especially in my country. I think if these people are protesting in peace with no violence they are doing a great job because it is the best way their voices can be heard by the authorities. I understand that some people who are protesting can't even give a minimal explanation of the reasons but the media and the magazine's people have a sense of who to interview. They would not interview the person in charge because they know that these people know what they want. So as long as things are not going as they should, I vote for protest with no violence.
Lukagea Samedi
So we are talking about a fairer distribution of wealth? I really wasn’t aware of the issue before I moved to the United States; simply because there was no wealth in my native country. When you don’t have access to almost anything, you can be very thankful for the new opportunities your new home offers you, despite any differences or gaps that might exist. However, I do agree with our current discussion, and I support Occupying Miami, and other protest movements. I really believe they have the courage and the motivation that is needed for a possible change to take place. As implied by the article, corporations and banks shouldn’t charge excess taxes for their services, and workers should receive more compensation for the jobs they provide. However, even when nothing gets resolved, protesters will be heard, and they will at least feel satisfied they have exercised their right of freedom of speech.
Making your voice heard against one fifth of the population who own fifty percent of our wealth is not a bad idea. Instead, it is our duty to defend ourselves against those big corporations that do not want to give us a chance to have a better life. They force us to do anything. They force us to buy houses Even though they know we will not be able to keep paying our monthly payment. They don’t care. They just want to increase their profits. As you can see, protesters against Wall Street spread around the country. Protesters show their angers about the way the economy is right now. They say enough is enough. They take the street to criticize corporations’ moral behaviors. Many of them support the notion that rich people are not paying their fair share. Corporations don’t care about millions of us who are out of jobs and not be able to put foods on our tables. The only thing they care about is their interests. We take the street just to let them know that we know the cause of the crisis that we are now. We know that they play a big part of the problems that we are now. Therefore, we want them to take their responsibility to help us out of the situation.
A couple of weeks ago I posted the video of Keith Olberman reading the statement released by the Wall Street protesters to my Facebook page. A guy I went to middle school with replied saying “So nobody invent Apple products, Facebook, Microsoft, and/or any other huge profitting company for bragging rights.”
I saw his comment and rolled my eyes but decided not to respond, it was not worth my time. But for the next three days I went over and over in my head possible things I COULD have said to him and decided not to stay silent. I posted a simple response saying, “I by no means believe we shouldn’t have large profiting companies. But I do not believe that because a company has all that money they should have any more sway with out politicians than the rest of the country. Our votes should determine policies not lobbyists and not under the table payouts.”
We ended up having a very productive discussion where he ended up saying he agreed with me (not necessarily the Occupy Wall Street movement, but my arguments) and I am very glad I decided to speak up. When I began thinking about my response for this post I visited both occupymia.org and occupywallst.org and registered to become a part of the movement.
I read the news a lot and keep up with the things going on in our country, but I do not believe I speak up enough. I have been following Occupy Wall Street since its very beginning but only just registered to show my support. I plan to change my quiet ways, the next step is to try to get off work Tuesday to attend the “Make Wall Street Pay meeting”.
Elizabeth Brady
I spoke with a few protestors when they began the protest down here in Miami. My opinion of the movement has not changed; I admire the protestors for taking a stand and bringing awareness to an issue that some may not have been exposed to. However, I had an idea that a lot of those of young people only had a vague idea of what they were really there for. My assumption was only solidified when I went to government center to speak to the protestors. While I won't say that I spoke to EVERY protestor, I did speak to a good 10 or 15, with few differences in each conversation. When I asked what spurred them to join the movement they said to "stop corporate greed". When I asked which corporations in particular, they weren't able to name even one, just say "ALL OF THEM". When asked what they thought they would achieve, they said to raise public awareness. Fair enough, I would reply. Public awareness of what? What exactly has wall street done that affects you, young protestor? "They twist policies and get out of paying taxes so the rich get richer and the poor stay poor". When asked what policies, each protestor could only repeat a variation of the same statement, revealing the poor spine of the whole movement. Like I said earlier, I admire and appreciate what they're doing, in Miami and all over the nation. I still think there movement is a kiddie movement, and that all they are going to do is be a sensation for a few weeks and then the public will either grow tired or bored of them. Unless they have a clear set of changes they wish to impose upon wall street, and the politicians they claim are dangling from "the man's" strings, the protests will one by one putter out and just serve as a reminder of how futile peaceful protesting really is. I mean, when did peace ever solve anything? If you look back in history, the only time changes have been made have been through bloody revolutions. Look at Libya. Peaceful protesting got them where now? Nowhere, it was the rebels and their violent revolt that freed Libya from a dictators regime which lasted 42 years. Think about it.
-Susan Guerra
Since the advent of the #OccupyWallSt movement, many #Occupy related protests have emerged around the world protesting for the same reason; "social and economic inequality, and corporate greed."
When reckless Wall Street banksters get taxpayer-funded bailouts, billionaires get tax breaks and gigantic corporations like GE and Bank of America pay absolutely no federal income taxes, they’re getting for free the very public services that enable them to make massive profits in this country – the courts, the roads, the trade regulators, the patent enforcement.
Bank of America got a $1.9 billion tax refund from the IRS last year, even though it made $4.4 billion. Goldman paid only 1.1 percent in federal income taxes on its $2.3 billion in profits. New York Times reporter David Kocieniewski wrote in his story about GE that such tax dodging by corporations has resulted in a significant decline in federal revenue from corporations – from 30 percent in the 1950s to 6.6 percent in 2009.
Right now, right wingers are trying to cut $51.5 billion from the federal budget – demanding elimination of programs essential to the middle class and poor such as subsidies for home heating for the impoverished. But if the wealthy paid their share, say hedge fund manager John Paulson who earned $2.4 million an hour in 2010 – then those cuts would be unnecessary because the federal government would have an extra $69.5 billion in revenue.
Billionaire investor, Warren Buffett, admits that "While the poor and middle class fight for us in Afghanistan, and while most Americans struggle to make ends meet, we mega-rich continue to get our extraordinary tax breaks." Mr. Buffett agrees that the rich should be taxed more and that the middle and lower class be the ones receiving the tax breaks. He adds "My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. It's time for our government to get serious about shared sacrifice."
Story covering Buffett's position on this issue:
http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/10/05/f_mpw_buffett_taxes.fortune/
Everyday people are out there fighting for what they believe in, or fighting to accomplish something. But what does it take to be heard by those big name companies such as Gap, Sony, and etc. What occupy Miami is doing, i think, is a wonderful thing because it brings together so many people who you never wouldve thought that have the same beliefs as you. occupy Miami is a great example of how people should just stop talking about it, and be about it.
On the other hand, those big name companies like gap, sony and etc doesn't really care what we have to day about them making their money because at the end of the day regardless of what is being protesyednoutside in the streets, the only thing that's going to happen is the prices are going to be lowered, which will either make or break the companies revenue. I think it should take someone from the corporate office to stand up and say well what we are doing to these people are young. I mean come on we're the ones thats out there buying your products and clothes and bring you guys some business. But wall street on the other hand, no matter how much we protest and scream until out throat bleed, they are never going to change their minds. At least no anytime soon!
I do agree with the “Occupy” since it is evident that the income wealth distribution in the United States of America is exceedingly lopsided. Regardless of performance, it seems that corporations steadily receive benefits and raises. Corporations should not be given immense tax breaks, considering the plain fact that they make inordinate amounts of money. Even so, individuals claim that we should “broaden the tax base.” Raising taxes on the poor is not only immoral, but illogical. Increasing taxation on the top one percent would be much more beneficial and logical. Corporations seek out to exert authority and supreme rule over the masses and maximize profits. Yes, capitalism grants the opportunity for success, but everything must have limitations. The country cannot continue to function this way. Who will buy the products and services when the poor become poorer? The United States does not consist of just the excessively wealthy; in fact, the vast majority has much less. The movement desires to set order and equalize the system. It is written in our Declaration of Independence “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Greedy corporations are stripping us of our equality, and “Occupy” is attempting to pursue our supposedly unalienable rights.
I definitely believe that the protestors of Occupy Miami and Occupy Wall Street have a right to voice their beliefs, and I agree with the cause for which they stand. It is clear that the income distribution in the United States has become too great, disrupting the social fabric which has been evident throughout this country’s history. The middle class continues to shrink, as the wealthy seem to get richer by the second. Corporations reap massive benefits from governmental policies that reduce taxes and provide gracious subsidies. Tax increases must be established on the top one percent to limit the outrageous amount of money that “big business” has received, thereby equalizing the income separation in the United States. Although this somewhat detracts from capitalism, society cannot live with this disadvantage forever – something must be done. In order for our country’s economy to reestablish itself as the dominating force of the world, the government must alter its current policy so that Americans can once again purchase domestic products and create a flourishing economy.
- Christopher Craven
Hinderaker’s criticism of the protestors for owning or wearing consumer goods is obviously ridiculous, because the consumers in the picture are forced to purchase what they can get. In today’s world, everything is owned by somebody, and to get something, you need to either make it yourself (rather difficult in terms of a camera), or buy it. And yes, you would be buying it from a corporation. The protestors aren’t standing up against the corporations because they don’t want to buy their products, but because they don’t believe it is right that the big-business owners have taken complete liberty over their loyal population of consumers. I respect the “Occupy,” movements, and I don’t believe they will be the end of the wave of changing protests. The ever-broadening wealth gap is becoming more and more evident, and people can only be rubbed into the dirt for so long. Revolution is inevitable, and the “Occupy” movements are only the beginning. What is unfortunate about these movements, as Susan Guerra has pointed out, is their obvious lack of organization and lack of purpose. A great deal of the protestors know that the movement is economically based, but there are only a select few that know more than that. There are some laughable rioters that go out and hold up signs like “Save the Whales,” or “Keep our planet green.” Eventually, this kind of protest will die down, but it won’t stay like that forever. As more citizens become educated on the issues of our fiscal society, then their actions will become more pointed, and more effective. It is only a matter of time. Until then we will, yes Mr. Hinderaker, continue to buy brand name goods. Not because we want to support corporate greed, but because we have no choice. Perhaps that will be the next wave of the movement – people heading outside with picket signs and wearing nothing but potato sacks.
While I have no stand in the current events going on with the protestors I do agree with what they are doing. To raise awareness is a beautiful thing and maybe if it had occurred sooner so many people would not have gotten themselves into such an economic crisis. In regards to Hinderaker's comments he is nothing more than a republican pig who is dying to have the corporations take over the world. Of course the occupy moments are going to have people whose motives are different; such movements attract both people who have a cause and people who simply want attention. It is beyond unfair to discredit the people protesting for a fair economy. Sadly our economy has been build around all this corporations whose only concern is money while we the consumers can drown in debt and suffering. I can honestly say that I fear for the future that is about to come.
Protest for me is a good way to people be hearing and also can express their feelings against government, corporation or Wall Street like the post. Some of the protestant have the satisfactory that they heard them and change all the things, in many cases protest without violence change a whole culture or country laws. The Occupy Wall street movement is a way to show the reality of corporations and how corrupt they do things. People are fighting back against the corrosive power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations. The movement is inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, and aims to expose how the richest 1% of people are writing the rules of an unfair global economy that is foreclosing on our future. They are protesting for their benefit they want to help others.
Many people think protest is a way to create a bunch of violence. Some do not even believe in protest for what they feel is right because they are scared or they think they will not be heard. Me, personally I believe in protest, of course with no violence, it is one of the ways to show and tell the government or the people that are in charge that what they are doing is hurting you and your family. I believe protest with no violent actions have done a lot especially in my country. To.finish this peace off I agree with the protest.if I knew more about what was going on I would gladly be part of that occupy Miami protest and use the right that was giving to us by our founding fathers.
Yves Dessin
If one were to drive by Downtown's Government Center one would see a whole bunch of colorful tents on the lawn on the sidewalk, coralled by caution tape. If one did not know about the Occupy factions it would look like a very long camping trip. And just how it would be a thing of no consequence for me to drive by without a second look, the suits inside the air-conditioned building would walk their halls without caring about the change in view outside their windows.
Although, I believe Hinderaker is correct in stating that we support the corporations more than we are standing up to them, I also acknowledge the 98 step climb to restore balance to our balances. The money that flows in such small a circle is very well protected by those who share it and will not be easily removed from their clutches. Protests that cause perhaps bad traffic, excessive noise, and a few minutes of airtime do not accomplish much. It is a start to raise awareness and bring the problem to light but its whatever the next step is that will make a difference.
A picture is worth more than a thousand words and as you can see in the picture, people are protesting and criticizing the corporations but yet they are still buying the products the corporations are selling, that’s why it seems pointless to me that people criticize them, and go out to the streets and protest. And corporations either we want it or not are always going to prevail because they make up for most of the revenue in the US, because every single product that we use or consume everyday comes from creative works of corporations and not only we benefit from it but our government does too because of the taxes it collects from this revenue.
Maria Castellanos
In the idea of protest people must have a plan of action. With those actions they are to attempt to achieve change in what got them together in the first place. I’ve spoken to 4 different people. All of them believed they were actually making a change. Then I asked what change do you see making. Three of them said they were actually making a point towards Wall Street and showing their distaste for how it is run as well as how things are done. The different answer I received from the fourth one was that he believes his change was in raising the awareness of situation. I didn’t know anything of Wall Street before this was brought up in class and I went to the Bayfront Park and saw what was happening. I think the one that spoke of raising awareness is completely correct in the fact people are noticing, but yet I don’t think its really impacting anything in Wall Street. One way they could really get heard is if they were to get a candidate to really hear them out and stand with them. So in fact it is achieving something, which is a start, but is it really going to change how things work???? Maybe … Maybe not… But one thing is for certain there is power in numbers. If enough people were to protest then things would change .
Xabier Martinez-Cid
The message that people want to get across is that enough is enough. Protesting is the best way to do so in my opinion. Without protesting our world would be unfair beyond recognition. Does anyone think that protesting against slavery was easy? They were washed away and beaten but in the end with hard work and dedication things changed and for the better, even if it changed little by little. Every drop in the ocean counts. If people in our society were more involved with what is going on in the now instead of sitting around with mere distractions then our world would change. Our culture has been brainwashed without even noticing. We have come to a point where we believe that we as people cannot change something that seems to be above us. Instead we watch T.V, go out clubbing, buy the latest trends, and forget about the world and reality of what is going on outside of our homes. These corporations are being lead by greed and power, like most of the higher positions in the world. It is not easy for people to be in a higher state as others along with wealth because they tend to want more and more which results in greed and unfairness to the rest of the population. People who work long, slaving hours of labor deserve to be paid fairly. How do corporations with so much incoming money pay their employees so little? We need to open our eyes and be involved in whatever it is that we would want to see a change in. Let our voices be heard and by that we can make those who are unaware, aware. That is what will make a difference.
Krystal Gonzalez
I did not know about the Occupy Wall Street movement. I only learned about it when we were having a class discussion in philosophy class. The discussion sparks an interest to find out more information about this movement, so I went to the Government Center to ask the protesters some questions. When I question a couple of the young protesters about why they were protesting, many did not know why they were protesting. Only a handle full of protesters knew why they were protesting. They are mainly protesting social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the power and influence over government of corporations, particularly from the financial service sector, and of lobbyists. Several of the protesters had sign reading “We are the 99%.” "We are the 99%"refers to the difference in wealth between the top 1% and the other citizens of the United States. Many people believe that the protests will accomplish nothing but I believe that protests are needed for a promising change to take place.
-Ramondina Jean Joseph
i have to admit, these protesters are trying to make a difference in the economy, but to me it does not matter whether they protest or not, because wall street or anybody who you protest against will not change their mind as long as they keep making money. people keep protesting against all this different companies and corporations even though they use their products and merchandise. i also disagree on how the wealth of the united states of america is distributed, i think its very unfair and i think that this should change and it needs to change fast.
If you want something to change and want your voice heard I think to occupy in other words protest is a great thing. A group demonstration for a national cause is a great step to start a change in a nonviolent way. An example, Wall Street protests where basically people are just fed up and tried to be put as outcast. The slogan “we are the 99%” which mean it the top which is the 1 %( wealthy) against the rest of the American citizens. In this country social and economic equality and cooperate greed. One thing about protests its a wake up call to stand up for what not right.
What a great movements for the young generation, to get involves and stand up for what's wrong. I support Occupy Miami. but I’m worried that nothing will eventually be do but from hearing it or other seeing it, it might inform the public more and they will come to understand the hidden things about our government. As Americans, we all must stand together and help the helpless and a days a lot of people are struggling and they feel each other’s pain and I’m sure there hurt to know that the top 1% controls where the money flows. With elections approaching i think it's mandatory that these protesters are addressed and if not voting outcome maybe low. If there ignored then you really know, these politicians don’t care and Walstreet will continue to abuse the power they’ve had for so long.
Angelica Louis-Jeune
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