occupy wall street

[valvano]

Originally Posted by Turchinator

an email from OWS camp

once they get health care equality, will they next be getting clothing equality, then automobile equality, and then wifi and cellular connection equality?

[Turchinator]

well I posted that to show the cooperation with the NYPD...

my main problem with the groups protesting is their method of delivering their message: by setting up tent cities around the nation I do not believe they can achieve their goals.


to me, they are barking up the wrong tree. camping out on Wall Street or LA City Hall to rally against anything and everything possible just wont do it.

[yeahwho]

And many police departments, city halls and city workers have been more than cooperative. Seattle protesters left their occupied location after 3 weeks and moved to a different site on a community college campus in town. Not forcibly but by group conscious.

But this is a protest, it is a demonstration so obviously by definition it is not going to be agreeable to many. That said this is not the 60's, it is 2011 and the methods used are going to incorporate the current culture. This isn't about free love..... It's about an unfair advantage to the extremely monied on our planet.

Here is a quick piece by Matt Taibbi. Wall Street isn't Winning-It's Cheating

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics...ating-20111025

[Whatitis]

This isn't about free love..... It's about an unfair advantage to the extremely monied on our planet.

Whats so unfair about being able to accomplish anything you wish in this country if you put your mind to it? Much like many successful people have. That is my biggest gripe on this whole movement. If they really want change, get into those positions and make it happen from within. They are coming off as a bunch of freeloading squatters. Much like the hippie movement of the 60's.

[yeahwho]

[quote=Whatitis;1776004]Whats so unfair about being able to accomplish anything you wish in this country if you put your mind to it? Much like many successful people have. That is my biggest gripe on this whole movement. If they really want change, get into those positions and make it happen from within. They are coming off as a bunch of freeloading squatters. Much like the hippie movement of the 60's.[/]

Your reply quotes my post but also ignores my post. Weird.

[valvano]

don't you know that the whole Occupy movement is not about equal opportunity, its about equal results. No matter how hard you work, how much you take advantage of the opportunities presented to you in life, now matter how much capital, time, and energy you risk to getting ahead in life, no matter how much blood, sweat, and tears you put into a venture, whether a business or a career.........it is unfair and greedy to make more money, get more out of life, and to be more successful than somebody who sat on their ass and waited for somebody else or some govt program to solve their problems, who failed to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. its just not right that they opted to study some bullshit major in college like social work or journalism, that they decided to follow the latest jam band instead of the stock market or newest technology or business trend, that their laziness and ineptness has prevented them from advancing in their careers, that they are saddled with the debt that they agreed to take on, its not fair that others have suceeded while they have failed. its just not fair. those people are greedy.

i also find it extremely funny that the same kids protesting on college campuses for "living wages" for the custodial staff and other special causes are at the same time whining and bitching about the student loan debt they must carry for their overpriced college tuition

[yeahwho]

Originally Posted by valvano

don't you know that the whole Occupy movement is not about equal opportunity, its about equal results. No matter how hard you work, how much you take advantage of the opportunities presented to you in life, now matter how much capital, time, and energy you risk to getting ahead in life, no matter how much blood, sweat, and tears you put into a venture, whether a business or a career.........it is unfair and greedy to make more money, get more out of life, and to be more successful than somebody who sat on their ass and waited for somebody else or some govt program to solve their problems, who failed to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. its just not right that they opted to study some bullshit major in college like social work or journalism, that they decided to follow the latest jam band instead of the stock market or newest technology or business trend, that their laziness and ineptness has prevented them from advancing in their careers, that they are saddled with the debt that they agreed to take on, its not fair that others have suceeded while they have failed. its just not fair. those people are greedy.

i also find it extremely funny that the same kids protesting on college campuses for "living wages" for the custodial staff and other special causes are at the same time whining and bitching about the student loan debt they must carry for their overpriced college tuition

Are you even remotely aware that there is a global recession? Has this not registered in your neck of the woods?

Late-2000s financial crisis

The people of Occupy Wall Street are not mentioned as perpetuating this crisis. This movement would like to address the above crisis and find a way to avoid this style of rape again.

[valvano]

Originally Posted by yeahwho

Are you even remotely aware that there is a global recession? Has this not registered in your neck of the woods?

Late-2000s financial crisis

The people of Occupy Wall Street are not mentioned as perpetuating this crisis. This movement would like to address the above crisis and find a way to avoid this style of rape again.

so its about how unfair it is that those who saved their money, invested it wisely, failed to get in debt over their heads, failed to take on mortgages they couldnt afford, its unfair that they are holding their own the best they can while those who were on shaky ground to begin due mostly to their own actions, those who took on mortages with no ability to repay, those who thought govt would take care of them when times got tough, those who are upset that somebody else is doing better than they are, that its okay that we demand even more from the 54% who already pay income taxes to support the 46% who are the professional freeloaders in society?

do you not recall the Aesops fable about the ants and the grasshopper, the ants get ready for winter while the grasshopper played and had fun? then when winter came and the shit hit the fan, that grasshopper was hurting while all the ants were chilling with their stockpiles. the occupy group are the grasshoppers of todays tough economic conditions, upset that they failed to take up the opportunities presented to them in america while the rest of us are the ants, who the occupiers want to tear down mainly due to jealousy and that they cant stand that some people are successful while others are complete failures.

[yeahwho]

Originally Posted by valvano

do you not recall the Aesops fable about the ants and the grasshopper, the ants get ready for winter while the grasshopper played and had fun? then when winter came and the shit hit the fan, that grasshopper was hurting while all the ants were chilling with their stockpiles. the occupy group are the grasshoppers of todays tough economic conditions, upset that they failed to take up the opportunities presented to them in america while the rest of us are the ants, who the occupiers want to tear down mainly due to jealousy and that they cant stand that some people are successful while others are complete failures.

This isn't a fable. This is real. And if you think we're on the right path I am pretty sure you're living in an alternate galaxy.

I'm not in the mood to try and be complicit with our Country being financed and bidded out by the wealthiest 400 people. 308,745,538 citizens deserve an equal voice. That is the message, it isn't about fucking handouts.

I am not going to try and convince you of anything, here is a pretty quick take on those of us who support an open discussion on banks, corporate structure and wall street feel. It's a reasonable request to address what has happened to our economy.

In Less than a Minute Alan Grayson Explains Occupy Wall Street to the 1%

[Mil Mascaras]

Originally Posted by valvano

do you not recall the Aesops fable about the ants and the grasshopper, the ants get ready for winter while the grasshopper played and had fun? then when winter came and the shit hit the fan, that grasshopper was hurting while all the ants were chilling with their stockpiles. the occupy group are the grasshoppers of todays tough economic conditions, upset that they failed to take up the opportunities presented to them in america while the rest of us are the ants, who the occupiers want to tear down mainly due to jealousy and that they cant stand that some people are successful while others are complete failures.

Original Version:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks he is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.


New Liberal Version:

It starts out the same, but when winter comes, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving. CBS, NBC, and ABC show up and provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to film of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can it be that, in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so? Then a representative of the NAAGB (The National Association for the Advancement of Green Bugs) shows up on Nightline and charges the ant with "Green Bias" and makes the case that the grasshopper is the victim of 30 million years of greenism.

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when he sings it's Not Easy Being Green.

Bill and Hillary Clinton make a special guest appearance on the CBS Evening News and tell a concerned Dan Rather that they will do everything they can for the grasshopper who has been denied the prosperity he deserves by those who benefited unfairly during the Reagan Summers, or as Bill refers to it, the 'Temperatures of the 80's. Richard Gephardt exclaims in an interview with Peter Jennings that the ant has gotten rich off the "back of the grasshopper," and calls for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his "fair share."

Finally, the EEOC drafts the "Economic Equality and Anti-Greenism Act," retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill appointed from a list of single-parent welfare moms who can only hear cases on Thursday afternoon between 1:30 and 3:00 PM when there are no talk shows scheduled.

The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he's in - which just happens to be the ant's old house - crumbles around him since he does not know how to maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. And on the TV, which the grasshopper bought by selling most of the ant's food, they are showing Bill Clinton standing before a wildly applauding group of Democrats announcing a new era of "Fairness" has dawned in America.

[valvano]

Originally Posted by yeahwho

This isn't a fable. This is real. And if you think we're on the right path I am pretty sure you're living in an alternate galaxy.

I'm not in the mood to try and be complicit with our Country being financed and bidded out by the wealthiest 400 people. 308,745,538 citizens deserve an equal voice. That is the message, it isn't about fucking handouts.

I am not going to try and convince you of anything, here is a pretty quick take on those of us who support an open discussion on banks, corporate structure and wall street feel. It's a reasonable request to address what has happened to our economy.

In Less than a Minute Alan Grayson Explains Occupy Wall Street to the 1%

instead of demonstrating against wall street, shouldnt you be demonstrating against the current occupant of the white house? it appears michelle obama is doing some fundraising with a billionaire former Enron trader:

http://www.politico.com/politico44/p...72d10b851.html

While at the same time BO is beginning to slip and slide around his campaign pledge regarding his relationship between the White House and lobbyist:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011...-technicality/


So this 1% that you say dominates the power, you want equal voice with them? You do have an equal voice. One person, one vote in the election booth. But there's also other avenues to make an influence on government. You know, contributions, lobbying, special interest groups, etc. Yes, money rules that game on that end of spectrum but they didnt write the rules, govt did. It appears that Occupy needs to redirect its efforts from whining about those who take advantage of the rules to get their point across and direct their attention to those who write the rules.

[Sir SkratchaLot]

Look people, this "occupy wall street" is not an attack you meager conservatives. You will never be rich, you have no power, and you never will. You just think you will, which is kind of sad. You make the false assumption that the ultra-rich actually worked hard to gain their money, and that they did it fair and square, which is just naïve.

The real story of the ant and the grasshopper is that the ant works super hard and he ends up in the same spot as the stupid grasshopper because the WASP came along, sold him false promises, and bled him dry. The ant was too doped up on dreams to realize that he's just an ant, that he could never really be a WASP, and that the WASP made all the rules to benefit the WASPs. The ant didn't want to hate the WASP, because he wanted to be a WASP, therefore, he took out all of his anger on the grasshopper, who was really no danger to him at all.

[Turchinator]

without feeding into all the stereotypes and biases, let's look at the plight of the street artist or struggling musician protesting as part of the OWS movement- they want their voices to be heard, but do they think they can sustain a living on their art alone? what is it about Corporate America that has strangled their ability to be self sustained individuals?

I always believed you have to work hard and also have something to fall back on.

you don't have to be a conservative to see this movement is barking up the wrong tree entirely.

[yeahwho]

Originally Posted by Turchinator

without feeding into all the stereotypes and biases, let's look at the plight of the street artist or struggling musician protesting as part of the OWS movement- they want their voices to be heard, but do they think they can sustain a living on their art alone? what is it about Corporate America that has strangled their ability to be self sustained individuals?

I always believed you have to work hard and also have something to fall back on.

you don't have to be a conservative to see this movement is barking up the wrong tree entirely.

They are baking at the exact tree they should be.

Street artists and struggling musicians? How far are you from the reality of the occupy wall street?

Occupy Wall Street will be around for awhile because good hard working people have and will continue to lose their jobs while the United States Congress blatantly obeys the corporate lobbyists. It isn't just a conservative issue, this is about setting the sights on those who do feel as if they deserve more because of their money, not because of their hard work.

it's A very tough economy with a very bleak future, if I was young and straddled with huge debt and no future I too would be very active. So I expect we'll have to get used to hearing more than just democrats, republicans and tea partiers.

That is the USA that I love. Open and democratic.

[valvano]

Originally Posted by yeahwho

They are baking at the exact tree they should be.

Street artists and struggling musicians? How far are you from the reality of the occupy wall street?

Occupy Wall Street will be around for awhile because good hard working people have and will continue to lose their jobs while the United States Congress blatantly obeys the corporate lobbyists. It isn't just a conservative issue, this is about setting the sights on those who do feel as if they deserve more because of their money, not because of their hard work.

it's A very tough economy with a very bleak future, if I was young and straddled with huge debt and no future I too would be very active. So I expect we'll have to get used to hearing more than just democrats, republicans and tea partiers.

That is the USA that I love. Open and democratic.

They are barking at the right tree, Wall Street, because Obama is in bed with GE, who pays no incomes taxes on billions in profits, and Michelle Obama, who is in bed with a billionaire ex Enron guy? That makes sense

[kaiser soze]

please provide some pics of pro-Obama signs

I don't think these protestors are happy with the administration - I think they are upset with the whole of government and corporations screwing Americans over.

[kaiser soze]

putting their minds to it -

Goldman sued for $1.07 bln over Timberwolf CDO

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/...79R0RS20111028

Oct 28 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs Group Inc has been hit with a new $1.07 billion lawsuit for having allegedly sold risky debt that it expected would tumble in value to an Australian hedge fund, causing that fund to become insolvent.

The lawsuit by the Basis Yield Alpha Fund alleges fraud, breach of contract and negligence, and seeks to recoup $67 million of losses plus $1 billion of punitive damages.

it's just business as usual

[valvano]

Originally Posted by kaiser soze

please provide some pics of pro-Obama signs

I don't think these protestors are happy with the administration - I think they are upset with the whole of government and corporations screwing Americans over.

no private entity in US history has screwed over the citizens of the US as remotely as much as has the US government. so tell me again why Occupy is not protesting the US govt in Washington DC instead of squatting on city parks and public land through out the country, adding additional expense to already strapped municipal budgets and without paying the fees and fines that normal groups do who use these spaces for organized protests and demonstrations?

[kaiser soze]

why don't you go there and ask them yourself

I'm just as baffled why there isn't a massive protest in D.C.

you still didn't provide any proof of pro-Obama signs though...

[Turchinator]

injured Veteran Scott Olsen is a puppet for the OWS movement.
http://www.verumserum.com/?p=31617

he is a drug using ex marine who is the proprietor of www.ihatethemarinecorps.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14375183@N07/page5/

what a hero!

[valvano]

Originally Posted by Turchinator

injured Veteran Scott Olsen is a puppet for the OWS movement.
http://www.verumserum.com/?p=31617

he is a drug using ex marine who is the proprietor of www.ihatethemarinecorps.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14375183@N07/page5/

what a hero!

shhh don't tell ed schulz

http://ed.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/1...ng-scott-olsen

[yeahwho]

Originally Posted by Turchinator

injured Veteran Scott Olsen is a puppet for the OWS movement.
http://www.verumserum.com/?p=31617

he is a drug using ex marine who is the proprietor of www.ihatethemarinecorps.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14375183@N07/page5/

what a hero!

Originally Posted by valvano

shhh don't tell ed schulz

http://ed.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/1...ng-scott-olsen

Excellent work guys! Occupiers leave Wall Street, go home! You've made fools out of yourselves. The banks never did anything as crazy as squat in the streets with total strangers.

[Sir SkratchaLot]

Originally Posted by valvano

no private entity in US history has screwed over the citizens of the US as remotely as much as has the US government.

The idea being that the corporations are controlling the government to their advantage. Why protest the puppet when you can protest the puppeteer?

[kaiser soze]

Originally Posted by Turchinator

injured Veteran Scott Olsen is a puppet for the OWS movement.
http://www.verumserum.com/?p=31617

he is a drug using ex marine who is the proprietor of www.ihatethemarinecorps.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14375183@N07/page5/

what a hero!

oh my marijuana - oh no!

Many vets today have been leaving the military with very poor impressions on the system. Maybe it's because of these worthless wars for profit?

He is still a hero - the cop who shot him in the face and then the one who tossed a flash bang into the crowd trying to help him are the zeros.

[valvano]

Originally Posted by kaiser soze

oh my marijuana - oh no!

Many vets today have been leaving the military with very poor impressions on the system. Maybe it's because of these worthless wars for profit?

He is still a hero - the cop who shot him in the face and then the one who tossed a flash bang into the crowd trying to help him are the zeros.

its "da jews" fault he was injured

http://www.verumserum.com/?p=31706

this is the gift that keeps on giving.....ha ha ha ha ha

[Turchinator]

Originally Posted by kaiser soze

the cop who shot him in the face and then the one who tossed a flash bang into the crowd trying to help him are the zeros.

make no mistake I agree 100% with the sentiment that the police brutality needs to be investigated.

but before OWS we had police brutality- will this movement bring change in our country in that category or will it bring more violence?

I am predicting more violence, from both sides. see Haymarket Riot 1886.

Olsen on his own admission was being investigated by the Marine Corps for alleged cocaine use.


edit: the hero comment was a bit hasty and insensitive.

[Planetary]

The way some of you are talking about this make it sound as if it's only happening on wall st. It's a protest against corporate greed, not the mis-treatment of americans.

[yeahwho]

Originally Posted by Planetary

The way some of you are talking about this make it sound as if it's only happening on wall st. It's a protest against corporate greed, not the mis-treatment of americans.

Thank you.

An open discussion on those who use power and wealth in a manner that buys them political advantage over the rest of the population.

It reminds me of a line Steve Martin's character had in the movie All of Me,

"Just because my grandfather didn't rape the environment and exploit the workers doesn't make me a peasant. And it's not that he didn't want to rape the environment and exploit the workers, I'm sure he did. It's just that as a barber, he didn't have that much opportunity"

[kaiser soze]

ahhh, just another day at the office

Regulators Investigating MF Global

Federal regulators have discovered that hundreds of millions of dollars in customer money have gone missing from MF Global in recent days, prompting an investigation into the company’s operations as it filed for bankruptcy on Monday, according to several people briefed on the matter.

The revelation of the missing money scuttled an 11th hour deal for MF Global to sell a major part of itself to a rival brokerage firm. MF Global, the powerhouse commodities brokerage run by Jon S. Corzine, had staked its survival on completing the deal.

but you know - people protesting this kind of bullshit are in the wrong

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/10/...ing-mf-global/

[valvano]

Originally Posted by kaiser soze

ahhh, just another day at the office

Regulators Investigating MF Global



but you know - people protesting this kind of bullshit are in the wrong

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/10/...ing-mf-global/

would that be Corzine, the former NJ guv?