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Dear protesters in New York City,

You are not 99 percent of America. I don't mean that in the obvious numerical sense. If 99 percent of Americans had actually joined your march, Manhattan would have flipped over by now.

What I mean is that if 99 percent of Americans actually sympathized with your cause, the entire nation's economy would have collapsed long ago -- apparently to the delight of the organizers of this current protest.

What I mean to say is, you have a marketing problem.

When you decided to sit in traffic and block the Brooklyn Bridge a few days ago, with that blazing pink "SMASH PATRIARCHY-SMASH CAPITALISM" sign in hand, you probably didn't see the regular people you stranded in traffic.

You know, the ones with real-world concerns, business to attend to, families to go home to, et cetera. You may have read about such people during college in a book called "The Petit Bourgeoisie," or something like that. Many of us grew up calling them "the middle class."

Whatever you call them, they are hurting badly in this economy, probably more than you are. (I'm just judging by that sweet digital video camera I see you holding out in front of the cops, in hopes of provoking them into a viral-video police brutality incident.)

Those people you left stuck in traffic have a hard time paying their bills and rents and health insurance and mortgages. They worry about things like finding decent schools for their children to attend and making sure they don't get fired at work, and fixing leaking roofs and chimneys.

You know what they don't worry about, ever? Smashing patriarchy and capitalism.

So when your organizers go on television and say things like, "It's revolution, not reform!" and they're not joking, those words might give some of these narrow-minded people an unpleasant, October 1917 kind of feeling.

I know you'll find this hard to believe, but these regular people probably weren't very happy to see you on that bridge, carrying your preprinted black and yellow protest sign that hundreds of you got straight from the communist Workers' World Party (or one of its less frighteningly named affiliates). So incensed was one Ground Zero construction worker that he called you "g-d****ed hippies" in the New York Post.

And that underscores the problem with the 100 million-plus people who work for a living in this country. They lack an enlightened perspective that would show them how your camping trip in lower Manhattan has already helped their lives.

See, regular people don't like banks any more than you do. But when they go to buy houses for their families to live in, they often find that they don't have half a million dollars stuffed in their mattresses. So they shortsightedly embrace financial imperialism, otherwise known as a mortgage.

They also worry about corporations, because they're big and powerful. But then, they'd love to own one of those sweet video cameras like yours, and they perceive that they can only buy one if an evil corporation can turn an obscene profit making and selling it.

So the point is, real-life things blind people to the great class struggle you're waging in lower Manhattan. You, and the rest of America's three-tenths of one percent.

You can take some consolation from that next year when you sacrifice your principles, abandon the Global People's Liberation Party (or whatever), and vote to re-elect President Obama.

http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer. ... protestors
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Originally Posted by Roland Pfalz:
 
 
Dear protesters in New York City,

You are not 99 percent of America. I don't mean that in the obvious numerical sense. If 99 percent of Americans had actually joined your march, Manhattan would have flipped over by now.

What I mean is that if 99 percent of Americans actually sympathized with your cause, the entire nation's economy would have collapsed long ago -- apparently to the delight of the organizers of this current protest.

What I mean to say is, you have a marketing problem.

When you decided to sit in traffic and block the Brooklyn Bridge a few days ago, with that blazing pink "SMASH PATRIARCHY-SMASH CAPITALISM" sign in hand, you probably didn't see the regular people you stranded in traffic.

You know, the ones with real-world concerns, business to attend to, families to go home to, et cetera. You may have read about such people during college in a book called "The Petit Bourgeoisie," or something like that. Many of us grew up calling them "the middle class."

Whatever you call them, they are hurting badly in this economy, probably more than you are. (I'm just judging by that sweet digital video camera I see you holding out in front of the cops, in hopes of provoking them into a viral-video police brutality incident.)

Those people you left stuck in traffic have a hard time paying their bills and rents and health insurance and mortgages. They worry about things like finding decent schools for their children to attend and making sure they don't get fired at work, and fixing leaking roofs and chimneys.

You know what they don't worry about, ever? Smashing patriarchy and capitalism.

So when your organizers go on television and say things like, "It's revolution, not reform!" and they're not joking, those words might give some of these narrow-minded people an unpleasant, October 1917 kind of feeling.

I know you'll find this hard to believe, but these regular people probably weren't very happy to see you on that bridge, carrying your preprinted black and yellow protest sign that hundreds of you got straight from the communist Workers' World Party (or one of its less frighteningly named affiliates). So incensed was one Ground Zero construction worker that he called you "g-d****ed hippies" in the New York Post.

And that underscores the problem with the 100 million-plus people who work for a living in this country. They lack an enlightened perspective that would show them how your camping trip in lower Manhattan has already helped their lives.

See, regular people don't like banks any more than you do. But when they go to buy houses for their families to live in, they often find that they don't have half a million dollars stuffed in their mattresses. So they shortsightedly embrace financial imperialism, otherwise known as a mortgage.

They also worry about corporations, because they're big and powerful. But then, they'd love to own one of those sweet video cameras like yours, and they perceive that they can only buy one if an evil corporation can turn an obscene profit making and selling it.

So the point is, real-life things blind people to the great class struggle you're waging in lower Manhattan. You, and the rest of America's three-tenths of one percent.

You can take some consolation from that next year when you sacrifice your principles, abandon the Global People's Liberation Party (or whatever), and vote to re-elect President Obama.

http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer. ... protestors
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This could only have been written by someone who is totally out of touch with reality. What a surprise.

Originally Posted by Ronnie P.:

The letter made a lot of sense.  Jimi, why do you never elaborate.  What specifically do you take issue with in the above letter?  Prove you aren't a robot.

 

 

I have concluded by the posts, that this clown known as jimi never elaborates, relates any facts, or adds anything of substance to any topics. It is obvious that jimi is someone with more time on his hands to attempt witty one line comments, and attack topics when (most all off the time) he has no knowledge of what's being discussed. A "robot" indeed.

 

Everyone that is satisfied that bailing out the Big 6 banks, so they could then give exec bonuses of hundreds of million of dollars, was the right decision should be upset about the Wall Street protests. 

 

Bank of America doesnt need your $5 a month for a debit card, BUT, for the CEO to get his $25million bonus, he has to increase profits, and charging for a service that was free is 100% profit. 

Originally Posted by Mr.Dittohead:

Everyone that is satisfied that bailing out the Big 6 banks, so they could then give exec bonuses of hundreds of million of dollars, was the right decision should be upset about the Wall Street protests. 

 

Bank of America doesnt need your $5 a month for a debit card, BUT, for the CEO to get his $25million bonus, he has to increase profits, and charging for a service that was free is 100% profit. 

 

 

Wouldn't it make more sense for the protesters to focus on the REAL crooks and be marching on Washington?

Originally Posted by Ronnie P.:

The letter made a lot of sense.  Jimi, why do you never elaborate.  What specifically do you take issue with in the above letter?  Prove you aren't a robot.

 

Most of what you clowns say is so absurd that no comment is necessary. If you had any critical thinking skills, you would understand. One cannot have a true argument with fools, so I don't waste my time. If anyone has too much free time, it is you who write long, rambling posts that say nothing of substance. Rational argument with the irrational is both impossible and a foolish waste of time.

I would have preferred to not bail out the banks.  However, they have paid back most, if not all of TARP.  One factor is when financial institutions get in trouble, the Feds bail them out.  They need to get their fingers burned to ensure less coziness between them and the politicians.

 

If bail them out again, we must,  They should have to declare defacto bankruptcy.  That would obviate existing employment contracts.  After determining which sectors of the bank made a profit and which failed, the producers could receive all or most of their bonuses (having delivered a profit for their activity).  Others which failed would be denied bonuses, or severely curtailed ones.  If they threaten to quit, show them the door. And, remind them the greatest concentration of irreplaceable men is found in a cemetary. 

Originally Posted by Roland Pfalz:
Originally Posted by Ronnie P.:

The letter made a lot of sense.  Jimi, why do you never elaborate.  What specifically do you take issue with in the above letter?  Prove you aren't a robot.

 

 

I have concluded by the posts, that this clown known as jimi never elaborates, relates any facts, or adds anything of substance to any topics. It is obvious that jimi is someone with more time on his hands to attempt witty one line comments, and attack topics when (most all off the time) he has no knowledge of what's being discussed. A "robot" indeed.

 

 

 

Some people crave to elaborate because they want to add their plug nickel's worth. If everything worth saying has already been said by a professional journalist and writer, why would an amateur want to muddy the water?

 

I'll bet that's why some of the opposition to cut and paste. A cut and paste is so cold and static. An elaboration, however wild and fantastic the explanations, seems more preferable to those who want to warm the air of the room by exhibiting their intelligence.

Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by Ronnie P.:

The letter made a lot of sense.  Jimi, why do you never elaborate.  What specifically do you take issue with in the above letter?  Prove you aren't a robot.

 

Most of what you clowns say is so absurd that no comment is necessary. If you had any critical thinking skills, you would understand. One cannot have a true argument with fools, so I don't waste my time. If anyone has too much free time, it is you who write long, rambling posts that say nothing of substance. Rational argument with the irrational is both impossible and a foolish waste of time.

____________________________________________________

 

Jimbo you never have anything realivent to say.

Your comments = plugging your ears and screaming, Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Naaa.

I'm always smarter than you.

Skippy

Originally Posted by skippy delepepper:
Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by Ronnie P.:

The letter made a lot of sense.  Jimi, why do you never elaborate.  What specifically do you take issue with in the above letter?  Prove you aren't a robot.

 

Most of what you clowns say is so absurd that no comment is necessary. If you had any critical thinking skills, you would understand. One cannot have a true argument with fools, so I don't waste my time. If anyone has too much free time, it is you who write long, rambling posts that say nothing of substance. Rational argument with the irrational is both impossible and a foolish waste of time.

____________________________________________________

 

Jimbo you never have anything realivent to say.

Your comments = plugging your ears and screaming, Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Naaa.

I'm always smarter than you.

Skippy

Whatever, you ignorant redneck. Was that "realivent" enough for you?

Originally Posted by Roland Pfalz:
 

Wouldn't it make more sense for the protesters to focus on the REAL crooks and be marching on Washington?

 

 

Only to demand some governmental inquisitions on who made off with $19.4 trillion dollars of the American people's money, followed by trials of those responsible and prison for those convicted. 

 

The Consequences of Conservatism

Loss of Wealth Stunning During Great Recession

By Christian E. Weller | March 25, 2011

 

The 2012 presidential primary season is already upon us and the Grand Old Party is, not surprisingly, engaged in a grand old opportunity to rewrite history about the causes and consequences of the Great Recession. So it’s time, once again, to set the record straight.

 

The Great Recession was so great not just because of very sharp unemployment increases but also due to an unprecedented decline in wealth—as the Federal Reserve detailed in a report released this week. That wealth destruction is key to understanding the Great Recession since massive house price drops led to a foreclosure crisis that then fueled massive layoffs. Much of the unprecedented wealth destruction in 2007 and 2008 can be traced back to failed economic policies under President George W. Bush, when opportunities to put the economy and the labor market on the right track were ignored.

 

Incoming President Barack Obama’s hand was thus forced to first pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to save the economy from sliding deeper into an economic hole amid rising job losses, and to then tackle the problems that had been ailing the economy and American families—low incomes and rapidly rising prices for health care and energy—for the previous eight years.

 

Wealth destruction probably doesn’t adequately capture what happened in the early stages of the crisis. Wealth was vaporized at a breathtaking, eye-popping speed. American families lost a total of $19.4 trillion (in 2010 dollars) in household wealth from June 2007 to March 2009, when the stimulus started to take hold. First it was the housing market, and then it was the housing and the stock market together that tanked. American families lost $6.4 trillion in home value during this period.

 

Trillions of dollars are sometimes hard to grasp, so think of it this way: One complete house (at 2008 prices) was lost every 1.7 seconds during the Great Wealth Destruction. And this doesn’t even count what happened to American families’ rainy day funds and retirement savings.

 

Read the rest:

http://www.americanprogress.or.../bush_recession.html

Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by skippy delepepper:
Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by Ronnie P.:

The letter made a lot of sense.  Jimi, why do you never elaborate.  What specifically do you take issue with in the above letter?  Prove you aren't a robot.

 

Most of what you clowns say is so absurd that no comment is necessary. If you had any critical thinking skills, you would understand. One cannot have a true argument with fools, so I don't waste my time. If anyone has too much free time, it is you who write long, rambling posts that say nothing of substance. Rational argument with the irrational is both impossible and a foolish waste of time.

____________________________________________________

 

Jimbo you never have anything realivent to say.

Your comments = plugging your ears and screaming, Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Naaa.

I'm always smarter than you.

Skippy

Whatever, you ignorant redneck. Was that "realivent" enough for you?

_________________________________________

Jimbo and I thought you knew me. My neck hasn't seen the sunlight since the early 70's.

Skippy

Jimi,

I can agree with you on one item.  My guess is that the protesters did not read the letter in the NYT, for the simple fact that most of them probably cannot read.  It is one who must be truly illiterate who can sit on the street (to disrupt those who are trying to be productive) while using cameras and I-pods manufactured by the very corporate entities which they despise.  The word ironic comes to mind here.

Originally Posted by teyates:

Jimi,

I can agree with you on one item.  My guess is that the protesters did not read the letter in the NYT, for the simple fact that most of them probably cannot read.  It is one who must be truly illiterate who can sit on the street (to disrupt those who are trying to be productive) while using cameras and I-pods manufactured by the very corporate entities which they despise.  The word ironic comes to mind here.

There are too many errors in this post to comment on. Just consider the source and move on.

Originally Posted by teyates:

Jimi,

I can agree with you on one item.  My guess is that the protesters did not read the letter in the NYT, for the simple fact that most of them probably cannot read.  It is one who must be truly illiterate who can sit on the street (to disrupt those who are trying to be productive) while using cameras and I-pods manufactured by the very corporate entities which they despise.  The word ironic comes to mind here......................................................................    

I was not asked to be part of the protest Ditto, because I WORK FOR A LIVING and have better things to do than to sit my lazy bum in the street and complain about someone else who is working to make a living and actually contributing something to society.  I am full aware of where electronics come from, and most of those electronics being used by these nimrods up there is either supported or funded by companies who are based in the US, and whose financial interest is based on Wall Street.  These "idiots" are too dumb to realize that if it was not for the system they so despise they would be living in a cardboard box under a bridge instead of in momma and daddy's basement eating Cheetos and watching television.

Originally Posted by Mr.Dittohead:

 

Bank of America doesnt need your $5 a month for a debit card, BUT, for the CEO to get his $25million bonus, he has to increase profits, and charging for a service that was free is 100% profit. 

Since the banking laws have passed that require banks to help out and quit charging higher fees to deadbeats then someone has to make up the difference in revenue which is why there is no more free banking and $5 a month debit cards are just the tip of the iceburg. Banks would be happy to offer free debit cards if the laws were made somewhat fair to the banks again.

Originally Posted by teyates:

I was not asked to be part of the protest Ditto, because I WORK FOR A LIVING and have better things to do than to sit my lazy bum in the street and complain about someone else who is working to make a living and actually contributing something to society.  I am full aware of where electronics come from, and most of those electronics being used by these nimrods up there is either supported or funded by companies who are based in the US, and whose financial interest is based on Wall Street.  These "idiots" are too dumb to realize that if it was not for the system they so despise they would be living in a cardboard box under a bridge instead of in momma and daddy's basement eating Cheetos and watching television.

 

 

 

As I have posted in the past, "Wealth destruction probably doesn’t adequately capture what happened in the early stages of the crisis. Wealth was vaporized at a breathtaking, eye-popping speed. American families lost a total of $19.4 trillion (in 2010 dollars) in household wealth from June 2007 to March 2009."


If he is living in "in momma and daddy's basement eating Cheetos and watching television" it's because he lost his job and then his house. And if momma and daddy lose their jobs and then their house, all of them will be living in a cardboard box under a bridge.

 

Tell Wall Street to give that money back. 

Originally Posted by Buttercup:

It's about being angry about the greedy actions of Wall Street and about years of failed Washington policy. The disenfranchised are many; the privileged are few.

 


The "few" are "privileged" because of government.  Many of the protesters seem to be "anit-capiltalist"...A Wall-street exec who lives off tax-payer subsidies and bailouts in NOT a capitalist. 

 

The only "greedy" actions of Wall Street is gobbling up bailouts provided by the Fed System whle robbing everyday people.  This is enabled by government. 

 

Most of these protesters seem very confused about what actually makes an economy work and their anger...while justified...is misplaced.  They call for more government action...when it is precisely government action that allows failed Wall Street business to continue.

 

The "Anti-Corportation" protesters:

 

Sounds like the Tea Party. They hate the government until their house is broken in to, or catches fire, or they "need" to start a war, or want their kids to get an education, or drive to town on safe, well-maintained roads, or use public transportation, or receive their Social Security check on time, or get sick and use Medicare, etc., etc, etc.
Originally Posted by Mr.Dittohead:

You're confusing anti-corp with anti-Wall Street. 

 

THe Big 6 banks that control your life are the focus of the protests.

 


 

As demostrated by the photo just being "anti-corp" can be hypocritical and actually silly.  Just being "anti-Wall Street" without understanding the Fed fueled bailouts is unproductive and misguided.

 

The protests seem to be all over the place, but I see more "anti-capitalist" stuff...if they understood what was going on they'd be in front of the Fed.

 

It's apparent that the OWS protesters are of all stripes with the socialists types trying to hi-jack it. I'm sure there are some out there actually looking for answers and the truth.

 

Here's a speech given by Lew Rockwell that gives the unadulterated truth of the state of the American economy today.

 

Be forwarned knee-jerk reactionist types...it is long and takes some effort and thought...

 

How Fascism Has Gone Mainstream

By Lew Rockwell

Everyone knows that the term fascist is a pejorative, often used to describe any political position a speaker doesn’t like. There isn’t anyone around who is willing to stand up and say: "I’m a fascist; I think fascism is a great social and economic system."

But I submit that if they were honest, the vast majority of politicians, intellectuals, and political activists would have to say just that.

Fascism is the system of government that cartelizes the private sector, centrally plans the economy to subsidize producers, exalts the police State as the source of order, denies fundamental rights and liberties to individuals, and makes the executive State the unlimited master of society.

This describes mainstream politics in America today. And not just in America. It’s true in Europe, too. It is so much part of the mainstream that it is hardly noticed any more.

It is true that fascism has no overarching theoretical apparatus. There is no grand theorist like Marx. That makes it no less real and distinct as a social, economic, and political system. Fascism also thrives as a distinct style of social and economic management. And it is as much or more of a threat to civilization than full-blown socialism.

This is because its traits are so much a part of life – and have been for so long – that they are nearly invisible to us.

If fascism is invisible to us, it is truly the silent killer. It fastens a huge, violent, lumbering State on the free market that drains its capital and productivity like a deadly parasite on a host. This is why the fascist State has been called The Vampire Economy. It sucks the economic life out of a nation and brings about a slow death of a once thriving economy.

 

Let me just provide a recent example.

 

READ THE REST

Originally Posted by BFred07:
Originally Posted by Mr.Dittohead:

 

Bank of America doesnt need your $5 a month for a debit card, BUT, for the CEO to get his $25million bonus, he has to increase profits, and charging for a service that was free is 100% profit. 

Since the banking laws have passed that require banks to help out and quit charging higher fees to deadbeats then someone has to make up the difference in revenue which is why there is no more free banking and $5 a month debit cards are just the tip of the iceburg. Banks would be happy to offer free debit cards if the laws were made somewhat fair to the banks again.

"if the laws were made somewhat fair to the banks again" - really? You really are a moron.

Originally Posted by Renegade Nation:

It's apparent that the OWS protesters are of all stripes with the socialists types trying to hi-jack it. I'm sure there are some out there actually looking for answers and the truth.

 

Here's a speech given by Lew Rockwell that gives the unadulterated truth of the state of the American economy today.

 

Be forwarned knee-jerk reactionist types...it is long and takes some effort and thought...

 

How Fascism Has Gone Mainstream

By Lew Rockwell

Everyone knows that the term fascist is a pejorative, often used to describe any political position a speaker doesn’t like. There isn’t anyone around who is willing to stand up and say: "I’m a fascist; I think fascism is a great social and economic system."

But I submit that if they were honest, the vast majority of politicians, intellectuals, and political activists would have to say just that.

Fascism is the system of government that cartelizes the private sector, centrally plans the economy to subsidize producers, exalts the police State as the source of order, denies fundamental rights and liberties to individuals, and makes the executive State the unlimited master of society.

This describes mainstream politics in America today. And not just in America. It’s true in Europe, too. It is so much part of the mainstream that it is hardly noticed any more.

It is true that fascism has no overarching theoretical apparatus. There is no grand theorist like Marx. That makes it no less real and distinct as a social, economic, and political system. Fascism also thrives as a distinct style of social and economic management. And it is as much or more of a threat to civilization than full-blown socialism.

This is because its traits are so much a part of life – and have been for so long – that they are nearly invisible to us.

If fascism is invisible to us, it is truly the silent killer. It fastens a huge, violent, lumbering State on the free market that drains its capital and productivity like a deadly parasite on a host. This is why the fascist State has been called The Vampire Economy. It sucks the economic life out of a nation and brings about a slow death of a once thriving economy.

 

Let me just provide a recent example.

 

READ THE REST

That faint sound you hear is Jefferson spinning in his grave every time RN posts.

Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by BFred07:
Originally Posted by Mr.Dittohead:

 

Bank of America doesnt need your $5 a month for a debit card, BUT, for the CEO to get his $25million bonus, he has to increase profits, and charging for a service that was free is 100% profit. 

Since the banking laws have passed that require banks to help out and quit charging higher fees to deadbeats then someone has to make up the difference in revenue which is why there is no more free banking and $5 a month debit cards are just the tip of the iceburg. Banks would be happy to offer free debit cards if the laws were made somewhat fair to the banks again.

"if the laws were made somewhat fair to the banks again" - really? You really are a moron.


LOL, so you think that banks and other businesses should not be allowed a profit?

Originally Posted by BFred07:
Originally Posted by JimiHendrix:
Originally Posted by BFred07:
Originally Posted by Mr.Dittohead:

 

Bank of America doesnt need your $5 a month for a debit card, BUT, for the CEO to get his $25million bonus, he has to increase profits, and charging for a service that was free is 100% profit. 

Since the banking laws have passed that require banks to help out and quit charging higher fees to deadbeats then someone has to make up the difference in revenue which is why there is no more free banking and $5 a month debit cards are just the tip of the iceburg. Banks would be happy to offer free debit cards if the laws were made somewhat fair to the banks again.

"if the laws were made somewhat fair to the banks again" - really? You really are a moron.


LOL, so you think that banks and other businesses should not be allowed a profit?

Banks are currently making record profits. Why are you defending banks? Do you own one? Or, are you just repeating what the talking heads on TV and radio tell you to?

When you go to their website and there are those in this group making ridiculous demands like ....

"A new minimum wage of $20"

"A forgiveness of ALL debt both personal and that belonging to third world nations"

"A guaranteed living wage irregardless of your occupation"

"Free college tuition".....

You can see that this is nothing more than rants of the American Communist Party.....

There is nothing here about clearing up the misbehavior of the greedy individuals on Wall Street (and not all of them are), it is about an entitlement attitude.

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