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[NullPointer]

“Most Wall Street guys, they feel like they’re going to be burned in effigy,” said Anthony Scaramucci, managing partner of SkyBridge Capital, who gave to Obama in 2008 but is now fundraising for Mitt Romney. Some moderate donors, who have given to both parties, “fled from Obama in his support of the Wall Street protests,” he said.

Well, that's a nice start. Thanks for the suggestion.

Goldman Sachs employees – who contributed more than $1 million to Obama in the 2008 election cycle — are now spending more on Romney than Obama, according to CRP. Goldman Sachs employees, along with their spouses, have contributed $352,200 to Romney. That’s more than seven times the $49,125 they’ve given to Obama.

And the wheel of fortune keeps on spinning.

 

[timetokill]

guys i think timetokill is an illuminati plant

:lol what the fuck

Well, that's a nice start. Thanks for the suggestion.

Start is the right word. Let's not stop at effigies!

 

[AniHawk]

guys i think timetokill is an illuminati plant

it's the only way mass effect 2 could have won game of the year.

 

[timetokill]

it's the only way mass effect 2 could have won game of the year.

Oh shi-

I've been found out!!

 

[Myansie]

Didn't GS repay every single dime it got from the federal government that same year? Pretty sure they did.

Where's the interest? And why are they still able to take interest free loans from the Federal Reserve? Why is Goldman & Sachs CEO's wife receiving over $200 million to invest? If the investment falls short, the state takes the hit, if it makes a profit, she keeps the profit and the State gets the $200 back. Why are they allowed to do this when they committed outright fraud and were the main architects of the Global Financial Crisis?

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-real-housewives-of-wall-street-look-whos-cashing-in-on-the-bailout-20110411

If, for arguments sake, you lost your job tomorrow would the government give you an interest free loan until you got back on your feet?

Do you understand the outright advantage this gives the banks in the market place? No one can compete against that. That's not Capitalism, nor is it a free market. That is called a monopoly.

 

[Jenga]

Oh shi-

I've been found out!!

you may have ruined bioware but you will never ruin this country

 

[Bad_Boy]

Hate to bring politics into this thread, but I thought this was related...
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vide...?tab=9482931&section=2808950&playlist=2808979

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

So this is just a silly, pointless movement right? I'm asking this because a few of my cousins (who are all into conspiracy theories, hate the govt but don't understand why, etc.) were at a rally a week or two ago. I can't imagine that this is actually legitimate,

 

[alstein]

So this is just a silly, pointless movement right? I'm asking this because a few of my cousins (who are all into conspiracy theories, hate the govt but don't understand why, etc.) were at a rally a week or two ago. I can't imagine that this is actually legitimate,

This has the potential to grow into something special, but there are sillies out there as well.
I suspect General Winter will kill this movement, unless they can regen the movement in the spring (which the Dems will really want)

Every large protest movement is like this.

 

[Alpha-Bromega]

So this is just a silly, pointless movement right? I'm asking this because a few of my cousins (who are all into conspiracy theories, hate the govt but don't understand why, etc.) were at a rally a week or two ago. I can't imagine that this is actually legitimate,

not at all. this is the movement to finally end the corporatism permeating our economic and social environment in every pore. Don't delegitmate it as a whole because your cousins went, you should be happy they are not just armchair generalling but actually enacting their beliefs regardless of how well 'educated' they may be.

 

[akira28]

This has the potential to grow into something special, but there are sillies out there as well.
I suspect General Winter will kill this movement, unless they can regen the movement in the spring (which the Dems will really want)

Every large protest movement is like this.

Lots of protests in areas that don't freeze over in January. Troubles aren't disappearing, Wall Street isn't going anywhere. This isn't over, if anything OWS will be stronger after winter.

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

not at all. this is the movement to finally end the corporatism permeating our economic and social environment in every pore. Don't delegitmate it as a whole because your cousins went, you should be happy they are not just armchair generalling but actually enacting their beliefs regardless of how well 'educated' they may be.

Okay, how is this going to happen? I'm honestly curious.

 

[akira28]

Okay, how is this going to happen? I'm honestly curious.

Don't tell him the plan. I don't trust him.

 

[alstein]

Lots of protests in areas that don't freeze over in January. Troubles aren't disappearing, Wall Street isn't going anywhere. This isn't over, if anything OWS will be stronger after winter.

I hope you're right, I'm just a natural pessimist on these things. I've seen enough failed change.

I'm with you guys- yeah, I have a job, but I know I'm one decision away from poverty if all goes wrong, despite having a good amount of what the right would call "personal responsibility"

 

[Alpha-Bromega]

Okay, how is this going to happen? I'm honestly curious.

well first of all; look at the very fact that we are discussing it.

it's finally broken into the collective conscious of our nation, and of the world, and that's the first and most important step. The glaring, empirical facts of corporatism are now known to our people despite corporate media for years trying to hide the fact.

now that we are informed, we have and are voicing our discontent. We are excercising fundamental rights of the democracy to show, basically, we aren't going to take this anymore.

after that? well that's the fun thing about history... we're making it right now man

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

well first of all; look at the very fact that we are discussing it.

it's finally broken into the collective conscious of our nation, and of the world, and that's the first and most important step. The glaring, empirical facts of corporatism are now known to our people despite corporate media for years trying to hide the fact.

now that we are informed, we have and are voicing our discontent. We are excercising fundamental rights of the democracy to show, basically, we aren't going to take this anymore.

after that? well that's the fun thing about history... we're making it right now man

Right. Again, that's all well and good, but how exactly is showing your discontent going to change anything.

 

[HarryHengst]

Discontent is the first step to burning capitalists at the stake. Which is the only righteous outcome.

 

[JzeroT1437]

More celebrity support:

Author Naomi Wolf arrested:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/19/naomi-wolf-arrested-occupy-wall-street

Alec Baldwin visits and talks with protesters:

http://gothamist.com/2011/10/19/video_capital_one_spokesman_alec_ba.php

 

[Rocket Scientist]

The people that don't think simply showing disconnect does anything should watch:

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/1214341421001/can-wall-street-protests-succeed/

And:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-17-2011/american-occupy

 

[teruterubozu]

The people that don't think simply showing disconnect does anything should watch:

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/1214341421001/can-wall-street-protests-succeed/

And:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-17-2011/american-occupy

Plenty of "disconnect" alright.

 

[Fenderputty]

Right. Again, that's all well and good, but how exactly is showing your discontent going to change anything.

The idea is that if we show enough dicontent with those in charge, those in charge will eventually cater to our needs rather than the needs of those with the biggest pockets. It's either that or risk being voted out of being in charge.

 

[Marleyman]

Discontent is the first step to burning capitalists at the stake. Which is the only righteous outcome.

First step is the key here. I don't believe that anything is going to change with just people protesting; the super rich are going to laugh at them, like they have already.

 

[teruterubozu]

First step is the key here. I don't believe that anything is going to change with just people protesting; the super rich are going to laugh at them, like they have already.

That was confirmed to be a wedding, but it has become the coup de resistance photo/video for the movement. Kind of sad.

 

[kame-sennin]

Okay, how is this going to happen? I'm honestly curious.

Really good explanation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj8UlxhfJLw

 

[Marleyman]

That was confirmed to be a wedding, but it has become the coup de resistance photo/video for the movement. Kind of sad.

Link? The video looked even worse. Wedding or not the picture/video is symbolic. They could have avoided the laughing, pointing, pictures, video taking but instead they did all of that.

 

[alstein]

https://sites.google.com/site/the99percentdeclaration/

Personally, they should have stopped after point 6, maybe even 5.

The first 5 are integral and what everyone's mad about, 6 I think is really strong, the rest is political.

Some of the later points are recipes for disaster, and I would oppose them strongly despite supporting the 99ers as much as I do.

 

[Enron]

Link? The video looked even worse. Wedding or not the picture/video is symbolic. They could have avoided the laughing, pointing, pictures, video taking but instead they did all of that.

Except they weren't bankers. They were people in a wedding party.

 

[The Librarian]

https://sites.google.com/site/the99percentdeclaration/

Personally, they should have stopped after point 6, maybe even 5.

The first 5 are integral and what everyone's mad about, 6 I think is really strong, the rest is political.

Some of the later points are recipes for disaster, and I would oppose them strongly despite supporting the 99ers as much as I do.

Glass-Steagall, Dream Act, passage of a bill like the AJA, elimination of corporate tax loopholes are all reasonable.

The EPA point does go a little too far I think.

 

[alstein]

Glass-Steagall, Dream Act, passage of a bill like the AJA, elimination of corporate tax loopholes are all reasonable.

The EPA point does go a little too far I think.

I agree with some of those points- I just think that those things will not get universal agreement. Corporate tax loopholes would include some legitimate stuff like subsidies for green energy, which is why I oppose that being in there, though I do agree they should take a supermajority to implement.

What I'm saying is that they need to stick to things that won't cause division in the ranks.

 

[Azih]

First step is the key here. I don't believe that anything is going to change with just people protesting; the super rich are going to laugh at them, like they have already.

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you...... That we've gone from the first to the second is a huge victory. And a lot of them are in full on fight mode already as well.

Secondly the OWS movement is seen positively by the American people and a large point of the movement is that the 1% are arrogant elitist selfish jerks. Having picture/video documentation of that is no in any way a bad thing.

 

[The Librarian]

I agree with some of those points- I just think that those things will not get universal agreement. Corporate tax loopholes would include some legitimate stuff like subsidies for green energy, which is why I oppose that being in there, though I do agree they should take a supermajority to implement.

What I'm saying is that they need to stick to things that won't cause division in the ranks.

Maybe. How'd you find out about this? I haven't seen the OWS twitter account tweet about it.

But, you know, this looks more like a rough draft than anything. Something to start debate about.

If there's any serious following about a meeting of some odd 870 delegates in Philadelphia, that would be awesome.

 

[Timedog]

well this thread is shit again.

since manos is still ignoring what he said...


using the ignore feature doesnt seem like that bad of an idea.

No need to use the ignore feature, a lot of us are just skipping over all of his posts, not reading or responding.

 

[Evil Benius]

First step is the key here. I don't believe that anything is going to change with just people protesting; the super rich are going to laugh at them, like they have already.

So what do you feel needs to happen to bring about the change you want? I am not going to assume you are agreeing with the post you quoted and I hope that is not the case.

 

[empty vessel]

Maybe. How'd you find out about this? I haven't seen the OWS twitter account tweet about it.

But, you know, this looks more like a rough draft than anything. Something to start debate about.

If there's any serious following about a meeting of some odd 870 delegates in Philadelphia, that would be awesome.

It isn't "official" as it would have to go through the General Assembly. It seems to be a working project of some people involved who presumably will bring it to OWS.

 

[ced]

I have not read this thread, and with 90+ pages I'm not going to, but don't these protesters realize they are protesting the wrong group?

They should be occupying D.C.

Sure some (ok a lot) of Wallstreet is responsible for the condition the country is in but it's really a failure of the US government. Not only a failure, but the majority of congress have assisted these corporations and banks in doing what was done. It also still continues because of lack of regulation, or regulations being created by the very corporation that it is supposed to be imposed on.

Anyways, let's occupy D.C...

 

[alstein]

Maybe. How'd you find out about this? I haven't seen the OWS twitter account tweet about it.

But, you know, this looks more like a rough draft than anything. Something to start debate about.

If there's any serious following about a meeting of some odd 870 delegates in Philadelphia, that would be awesome.

It's intended to be a rough draft. I found out via Deb Aoki's twitter feed with a discussion about DD/manga and she just threw it in there.

 

[empty vessel]

The following is an example of what is called collective embezzlement, when executives and management use the corporations they govern as vessels for their own personal enrichment:

Florida Bank, Used as ATM by Insiders, Won TARP Loan But Now Teeters
by Jake Bernstein
ProPublica

U.S. Century Bank rocketed into being in 2002, with investors pouring in $30 million over three months. Four years later, the Miami-based bank boasted assets of more than $1 billion, had consistently shown a profit, and had won plaudits from banking analysts such as BauerFinancial and glowing reviews from The Miami Herald and other local media.

In 2009, as the financial crisis hit, the bank received a vote of confidence from the federal government when it won a $50.2 million loan under the federal Trouble Assets Relief Program, or TARP -- money earmarked for healthy banks. It was the most TARP money given to a single Florida bank. "This represents an important recognition for U.S. Century Bank as it acknowledges our strength, stability and good standing as a strong and healthy financial institution," said Ramon Rasco, the bank's chairman in a press release announcing the TARP loan.

In fact, U.S. Century was ailing when it received the TARP loan. Today, U.S. Century teeters on the edge of collapse as it operates under an extraordinary consent order, issued in June by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Sweeping in scope, the consent order demands an overhaul including changes in top executives, a review of all loans, implementation of a program to guard against money laundering, and an increase in the bank's capital.

The rise and fall of U.S. Century, while certainly more extreme than most banks, exemplifies the fast-and-loose banking culture that led to the financial crisis, which continues to drag down the U.S. and world economy. It also epitomizes both the failure to regulate the banking sector during the pre-crisis boom years and the slipshod approach to the bailout that followed the bust. Above all, it's about losers and winners. The losers are taxpayers and local residents grappling with the ill effects of suburban sprawl. The winners appear to be a group of wealthy and politically connected businessmen who created a bank that served as their own corporate ATM, funneling tens of millions of dollars to ventures in which they had a stake.

"Insider loans" -- loans to directors or officers of the bank -- at their peak exceeded 94 percent of U.S. Century's total equity capital. While high levels of insider lending are not uncommon in the early years of a bank startup, at U.S. Century they continued for years. Many of these loans were for speculative real estate projects, some of which are now defunct or gravely troubled. ...​

http://www.propublica.org/article/florida-bank-used-as-atm-by-insiders-won-tarp-loan-but-now-teeters

 

[Funky Papa]

Occupy Wall Street officer Anthony Bologna 'broke pepper-spray rules'

An internal New York Police Department review has found an officer violated department guidelines when he used pepper spray on Occupy Wall Street protesters last month, a source with knowledge of the investigation has told the Associated Press.

Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna faces losing 10 vacation days after the incident on 24 September incident near Union Square, shortly after the protests began in lower Manhattan, the source said.

Video from the protests shows a small group of mostly women corralled by orange netting used by officers to control crowds. Bologna approaches and seemingly without warning blasted a cluster of women with pepper spray. Two of the women crumple on the sidewalk in pain. One screams.

The incident sparked outrage by demonstrators and a collection of online gawkers who were watching the protests. It also helped propel the movement into the national spotlight.

Video has played an important role in the demonstration in New York, with police and protesters carrying cameras in every encounter.

http://youtu.be/g-eTi5-qNgA
http://youtu.be/moD2JnGTToA

 

[remnant]

https://sites.google.com/site/the99percentdeclaration/

Personally, they should have stopped after point 6, maybe even 5.

The first 5 are integral and what everyone's mad about, 6 I think is really strong, the rest is political.

Some of the later points are recipes for disaster, and I would oppose them strongly despite supporting the 99ers as much as I do.

Some of that are good ideas. Some is bad. Some is just laughable.

 

[empty vessel]

Occupy Wall Street officer Anthony Bologna 'broke pepper-spray rules'

http://youtu.be/g-eTi5-qNgA
http://youtu.be/moD2JnGTToA

It should be treated as a criminal assault, which is what it is.

 

[kame-sennin]

My mom just told me she wants to go to the protest :lol. I haven't been able to go because of work, but I'm planning a trip down in about a week. But I was really shocked that my mom has been thinking about going for a while. She's a retired NY teacher, so she's probably been to some union strikes, but she's not a very political person. I guess the message resonates with her internal sense of fairness. I'll probably drive down there with her and my girlfriend.

 

[FlyinJ]

I like the sign:

 

[Dartastic]

Are you kidding? Ten vacation days? What a fucking joke!

 

[aronnov reborn]

Listening to Dave Ramsay now at work... you guys should tune in. schooling all the occupy wall-street callers...

 

[dave is ok]

Listening to Dave Ramsay now at work... you guys should tune in. schooling all the occupy wall-street callers...

We don't know who he is. I assume he's a big right wing AM DJ in your market

 

[Flying Toaster]

We don't know who he is. I assume he's a big right wing AM DJ in your market

At least look the guy up. Not everyone's cup of tea but I do like his stance on taking responsiblity for your own actions and not living outside of your means like a freaking retard on a credit backed rockstar lifestyle.

 

[Door2Dawn]

Take responsibility... and when the time comes, take it up the ass.

 

[aronnov reborn]

We don't know who he is. I assume he's a big right wing AM DJ in your market

uhm he's nationally syndicated.. http://www.daveramsey.com/home/

 

[ericexpo]

Occupy Philly may have to move http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/local/article/999697--un-occupy-city-hall-not-likely
If they start protesting the construction of the new Plaza, it kinda changes what the protest is about. Because the Plaza socially minded, publicly funded project to create jobs and bring money into the city. It's so poorly designed that even the Occupy people are to scared to set up camp under it.

 

[empty vessel]

At least look the guy up. Not everyone's cup of tea but I do like his stance on taking responsiblity for your own actions and not living outside of your means like a freaking retard on a credit backed rockstar lifestyle.

OWS is trying to hold people financially responsible.