![]() | Pacific ViewsYou've been had. You've been took. You've been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, run amok. - Malcolm X |
... by Walter Brasch
Newspaper columnist Ann Coulter, spreading the lies of the extreme right wing, called the Occupy Wall Street protestors, "tattooed, body-pierced, sunken-chested 19-year-olds getting in fights with the police for fun." She claimed the protestors, now in the thousands in New York, are "directionless losers [who] pose for cameras while uttering random liberal clichés lacking any reason or coherence." (Several hundred thousand of these "directionless losers" attended rallies in more than 650 cities, Oct. 15.)
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), House majority leader, called the protest nothing more than "growing mobs," completely oblivious to his myriad statements that he supports "mobs" when they are from the Tea Party. Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, tacking as far right as possible to avoid anyone thinking he was once a moderate, called the protest "dangerous."
Republican presidential contender Herman Cain, in a moment that demonstrated how out of touch he is with the economic reality of the five-year recession, argued, "Don't blame Wall Street, don't blame the big banks; if you don't have a job and you're not rich, blame yourself!"
Glenn Beck, too irrational even for Fox News, which terminated him less than two years after it tried to make him a TV superstar, told his radio audience, the protestors "will come for you and drag you into the streets and kill you."
Lauren Ellis of Mother Jones, at one time a cutting edge magazine for social justice, believed that the protestors have a "lack of focus." Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer, wrote, "A protest without an objective is like a party or a picnic of the unemployed and the indolent. Unless you have an objective, what are you doing out there?"
First, let's see just who these protestors really are. And then, let's see what they stand for, since the mainstream media, of which Fox News is an entrenched part, don't seem to be getting the message from the people.
The protestors rightly say they are part of the 99 percent; the other one percent have 42 percent of the nation's wealth, the top 20 percent have more than 85 percent of the nation's wealth, the highest accumulation since 1928, the year before the Great Depression. Even the most oblivious recognize the protestors as a large cross-section of America. They are students and teachers; housewives, plumbers, and physicians; combat veterans from every war from World War II to the present. They are young, middle-aged, and elderly. They are high school dropouts and Ph.D.s. They are from all religions and no religion, and a broad spectrum of political views.
Support has come from senior politicians with very different philosophies. Vice President Joe Biden believes the protests are because "In the minds of the vast majority of the American-the middle class is being screwed." Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), unlike a vast majority of Republican politicians, stated, "If they were demonstrating peacefully, and making a point, and arguing our case, and drawing attention to the Fed-I would say, 'good!'"
Second, like all protests, there are different opinions within the ranks. But, there is a core of beliefs. The protestors are fed up with corporate greed that has a base of corporate welfare and special tax benefits for the rich. They support the trade union movement, Medicare and Social Security, affordable health care for all citizens, and programs to assist the unemployed, disenfranchised, and underclass. A nation that cannot take care of the least among us doesn't deserve to be called the best of us.
They're mad that the home mortgage crisis, begun when greed overcame ethics and was then magnified by the failure of regulatory agencies and the Congress to provide adequate oversight, robbed all of America of its financial security. During the first half of this year alone, banks and lending agencies have sent notices to more than 1.2 million homeowners whose loans and mortgages are in default status, according to RealtyTrak. Of course, less regulation is just what conservatives want-after all, their mantra has become, "no government in our lives."
The protestors are mad that the wealthiest corporations pay little or no taxes. They point to the Bank of America, part of the mortgage crisis problem, which earned a $4.4 billion profit last year, but received a $1.9 billion tax refund on top of a bailout of about $1 trillion. They look at ExxonMobil, which earned more than $19 billion profit in 2009, paid no taxes and received a $156 million federal rebate. Its profit for the first half of 2011 is about $21.3 billion.
They rightfully note that it is slimy when General Electric, whose CEO is a close Obama advisor, earned a $26 billion profit during the past five years, but still received a $4.1 billion refund.
They're mad that the federal government has given the oil industry more than $4 billion in subsidy, although the industry earned more than $1 trillion in profits the past decade.
They're mad that Goldman Sachs, after receiving a $10 billion government bailout, and a $2.7 billion profit in the first quarter of 2011, shipped about 1,000 jobs overseas. During the past decade, corporations, which have paid little or no federal taxes, have outsourced at least 2.4 million jobs and are hoarding trillions which could be used to spur job growth and the economy.
They're mad that corporations that took federal bailout money gave seven-figure bonuses to their executives.
They're mad that the U.S., of all industrialized countries, has the highest ratio of executive pay to that of the average worker. The U.S. average is about 300 to 475 times that of the average worker. In Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and England, the average CEO earns between 10 and 20 times what the average worker earns, and no one in those countries believes the CEOs are underpaid.
They're mad that 47 percent of all persons who earned at least $250,000 last year, including about 1,500 millionaires, paid no taxes, according to Newsmax. If you're a Republican member of Congress, that's perfectly acceptable. They're the ones who thought President Obama was launching class warfare against the rich by trying to restore the tax rate for the wealthiest Americans. They succeeded in blocking tax reform and a jobs bill, but failed to understand the simple reality-if there is class warfare, it is being waged by the elite greedy and their Congressional lackeys.
Herman Cain, Fox TV pundit Sean Hannity, and others from the extreme right wing said the protestors are un-American, apparently for protesting corporate greed. The Occupy Wall Street protestors aren't un-American; those who defend the destruction of the middle class by defending greed, and unethical and illegal behavior, are.
[Walter Brasch is an award-winning syndicated columnist, and the author of 17 books. His latest book is Before the First Snow, a social issues mystery set in rural Pennsylvania.]
Posted by Walter Brasch at October 30, 2011 09:14 PM | Media | Technorati links |Thanks for your article! I have read through some similar topics free gift card generator
Posted by: maitrishah at July 19, 2018 07:41 AMExcellent article and I really admire your blog, thank you for developing it and please us with a lot of necessary material 192.168.1.254
Posted by: lukenlow at July 24, 2018 04:37 AMThe specific view of the man has been divided for the individuals. The overall good product and research paper writing services is divided for the actual movement of the items for the individuals.
Posted by: Quin Hawkins at September 17, 2018 03:15 AMhanks for publishing this details. I simply wish to let you know that I just look into your site and also I locate it really fascinating and useful 192.168.l.l
Posted by: Bobstone at October 18, 2018 12:43 PMOh, this is more interesting than I expected! | we buy houses columbia sc
nice one
Posted by: peterpark at January 31, 2019 01:27 AMExcellent article and I really admire your blog, thank you for developing it and please us with a lot of necessary material
Posted by: peterpark at January 31, 2019 01:27 AMI do not even know how I finished up here, however I believed this put up was good. I don’t recognise who you might be but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger for those who are not already Good luck! quotes for depression
I really like your take on the issue. I now have a clear idea on what this matter is all about 192.168.l.254
Posted by: nick1110 at February 13, 2019 11:54 AMIt is a good and amazing article. Your information is very useful for me and for others. 192.168.l.l
Posted by: nick1110 at February 13, 2019 11:55 AMYour blog is very nice thanks for sharing Then justVery nice, thanks for sharing to us Enjoyed every bit of your blog.Really looking forward to read more. 192.168.l.l
Posted by: nick1110 at February 13, 2019 11:56 AMI enjoy our advertisment. The nation's high-quality to look into you'll show you on ideas considering the coronary heart and file size throughout this significant problem is oftentimes quite easily watched. No Credit Check Financing
When i paid for on your website online yet position totally focus totally some modest submits. Satisfactory technique for near future, We are book-marking once have many people end starts it is in place. hack instagram
useful and interesting article, found a lot of useful information, glad to join your community!
192.168.1.1
Je vous remercie de l'information! Je cherchais et ne pouvait pas trouver. Vous me aidé! 192.168.0.1
Posted by: panistefanin at March 12, 2019 01:46 AMI'm getting excited about this kind of beneficial article. Thanks for sharing.
192.168 l 254
I believe there are many who feel the same satisfaction as I read this bing ads $100 coupon 2019 article! I hope you will continue to have such articles to share with everyone. Thanks for your post!
There are various dissertation online websites on the internet are located discover not surprisingly noted on the webpages. gecey.com
There are several dissertation internet pages with all the world wide web after you turn into admittedly explained as part of your web site. Callnovo
This is utterly surprising; why aren't we paying more attention to this thing? installation
Posted by: Cassandra D. Everhart at May 2, 2019 06:31 PMThis should serve as a wake up call to everyone. Thank you for posting this. :)
Posted by: Brielle Luna at May 10, 2019 09:32 AMMany thanks for the exciting blog posting. I really enjoyed reading it, you are a brilliant writer. I actually added your blog to my favorites and will look forward for more updates. Great Job,Keep it up. paint contractor Lakeland
Posted by: Joshua A. Price at May 14, 2019 02:58 AMThere should be separation with those two facets. Czar of lawn care company columbia
Posted by: Pest Control Dayton Ohio at May 16, 2019 08:45 AMThe examples below is definetly for instance glimmer brilliant. Each one of these insignificant issues are built utilizing wide variety of cornerstone knowledge. I spend time these folks a great deal. https://gecey.com/19-inch-tv/
They need to have a deep discourse with both parties. diodedynamics.com/
I believe it took you some time to post this one. You are such a brave spirit!
Posted by: Brielle Luna at May 27, 2019 10:00 AMThe information is top quality, one can find several special things which can't be seen on many other sites, pretty versatile and yet very correct!
dragonvalegems.club
Try our Tower Defense games, click here hustle castle tips
Posted by: alvinrr at July 11, 2019 03:51 AMTry this games for free hustle cat
Posted by: alvinrr at July 12, 2019 02:04 AMI just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful. tile contractor
Posted by: fredluis721 at July 22, 2019 01:58 AMSo clean to view so much good quality articles. I like the design also. Excellent job!
free pokecoins
https://raposfera.pl/showthread.php?tid=11601
Occupy wall street has been one of the biggest campaigns that happened in history. By the way, guys if you're looking for a team of experts who can help you with residential gutter installers we can definitely help you with that or you can directly call us at (757) 517-0491.
Posted by: Jane Smith at August 19, 2019 08:23 AMWe are is serving in hotel management field to make their hotel business better then before .
our first priority is to serve best to our honorable clients.
We are is serving in hotel management field to make their hotel business better then before .
our first priority is to serve best to our honorable clients.
This is what i was looking for!
Posted by: College Golf Camps at September 26, 2019 04:50 AMI like their term for protesters - "growing mobs". Some protesters were only paid, eventhough they dont know what to fight for. Some of them are fighting their want and not the needs of their country. handyman near harrisburg
Posted by: luce at October 7, 2019 08:36 AMNice photo collection shared on this platform we would love to share more information on this platform, go through our poluswebsolutions.com and check out the latest info for free, grow your business in different directions, I hope you would like it very much.
Posted by: Asif Ali at October 7, 2019 09:30 AMWow, this is very interesting reading . I found a lot of thing which I need. Great job on this content. I like it. krowd | Muqbar
Posted by: jordi at October 9, 2019 07:13 AMI've been browsing online over three hours today, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It's really sufficientlydeserving for me. As I would see it, if all website admins and bloggers made great body as you did, the web will be significantly more helpful than any time in recent memory. worthgram
Posted by: jordi at October 9, 2019 08:04 AMThanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. get views on instagram. Your account will be automatically added to the community, all that is left is for you is to follow a few other Nigerians once in a while. buy instagram followers australia
watch cartoons online
Instagram is fast becoming a popular social media tool. With million of users worldwide it's no wonder more and more businesses are using the tool as part of their marketing mix. Small businesses have also realised that it can be used as a cost effective means to build brand awareness
When we propelled our own Instagram this past August, we were overwhelmed by the peculiar excellence of #bookstagram. Perusers from around the globe praise their adoration for the printed word with unlimited innovativeness. free tv project
Awesome article. Hope to see more soon!
Cheap Web Design Wilmington NC
great post thnbaks
volusion pricing
woocommerce quickbooks integration
Posted by: tds llp at December 3, 2019 04:23 AMbannerghatta national park timings
We are Carpet Cleaning Springfield MO ; we do tile cleaning, rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, water damage restoration and upholstery cleaning in Springfield Missouri and Greene County. Call us (417) 752-5877 to receive a free quote! We are a full service flooring company and we will make sure you are taken care of. We have been doing this for over 10 years and we are true specialists.
We are Carpet Cleaning State College PA ; we do tile cleaning, rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, water damage restoration and upholstery cleaning in State College Pennsylvania and Centre County. Call us (814) 247-2464 to get a free quote! We are a full service flooring company and we will make sure you are taken care of. We have been doing this for over 10 years and we are true specialists.
We are Carpet Cleaning Medford OR ; we do tile cleaning, rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, upholstery cleaning and more, in Jackson County Oregon. Call us (458) 219-8338 to get a free quote! We are a full service flooring company and we will make sure you are taken care of. We have been doing this for over 10 years and we are true specialists.
Posted by: Carpet Cleaning Master at December 4, 2019 03:05 PMoccupy wall street was very interesting.
fencing tyler tx
fencing new braunfels
fencing abilene tx
fencing medford oregon
https://fencecompanysavannahga.com
fence springfield mo
Great post, please keep on sharing amazing article like this! It makes me happy reading your post. carpet cleaners
Posted by: fredluis721 at December 16, 2019 12:02 AMHello, I would like to thank you for the material you have provided here. Moreover, the information mentioned here will be useful for a lot of people. Personally I will use it in my summary response essay.
Posted by: melissathomas at December 23, 2019 09:19 AMReally satisfied with all the information I have found in this article. It gives immense knowledge on physical education, it is very helpful and quite generous to spread a good message. The author has done a brilliant job on summing all the points here. You just made a new fan with your writing skills. Cheers! SmartKela
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 12:53 AMThis blog gives us knowledge and this blog gives some key information about his coaches. So I am glad to found this types of articles. Comment faire des selfies avec Dorian Rossini
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 12:56 AMThis Blog Give Some Related Information. I Really Inspired Your Posting. Keep It Up And Update This Type Of Marvelous Information. kissanime
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 12:56 AMI look up to this article for the well-researched content and awesome wording. I got so involved in this stuff that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. LiveOnEdge
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 12:57 AMAppreciate the value! Great post again! Through with this content, you have given stand out introduction.
Rainierland
it is very helpful and quite generous to spread a good message. The author has done a brilliant job on summing all the points here. CouchTuner
Truely satisfied with all the information I have found in this article. It gives immense knowledge on physical education, it is very helpful and quite generous to spread a good message. The author has done a brilliant job on summing all the points here. KissCartoon
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 12:58 AMHatts off mate you wroke a fabulous article and I would like to thank the admin he or she did a polite job here. kisscartoon movies
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 12:58 AMHatts off mate you wroke a fabulous article and I would like to thank the admin he or she did a polite job here. Sir William Henry Perkin
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 12:59 AMOh I Am Tired To Found This Type Of Excellent Article. My Friend Told Me And Send Me This Blog Link.
StorifyTimes
Thank you so much for sharing the above information with us. This blog has so much content that we needed for proper guidance. IPHLPSVC Services Tuning
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 01:00 AMDecent blog and totally exceptional. You can improve however despite everything I say this perfect.Keep striving generally advantageous. primewire movies
Posted by: SmartKela at December 28, 2019 01:01 AMIf only there was more eyes looking for this before it gets to far.
Tim - Fence Painting
Wall Street is the king of all online business and manufacturing a lot of share in household products. I am writing online on this issue and would sure request users to submit their feedback on artslivres so that we can write more and more information regarding typical things. Are you familiar with this and tell me what to do next? I hope you would be glad to know as a member. Check out this and guide me as early as possible.
Posted by: Robert Martin at January 18, 2020 06:58 AMI recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
look at here
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing
news on crypto
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include.
Mississauga Mold Removal
I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this..
read the article
This is one of the finest post i have ever seen. The information is genuine and relatable . We are really grateful for your blog post.
iso certification in bahrain
This is actually the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information.
is it safe to travel to taiwan now
Thank you so much for this! Very informational in separating fact from media. Fence removal and Maintenance
Posted by: Moses at February 14, 2020 09:58 PMNice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share.
commerecial production company
i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me.
crime scene cleanup
This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it
indian visa how to get urgent emergency visa for india
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future...
read the article
I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,..
TLK
I found this is an informative and interesting post so i think so it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.
psicologos para adolescentes en Madrid
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post.
radify book
You are completely right in that the media is to report on the truth, not agenda. Fence contractor
Posted by: Boulder at March 2, 2020 02:04 PMGood article, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. Keep posting. super smash flash 2
Posted by: My Domino at March 4, 2020 06:59 PMAn fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally people are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
avenue south residence southern waterfront
This reminds me of that fact or crap game lol
Painter
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
GLM aftermarket OMC parts
Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.
マリッジリング
I want to thank you this great idea! I love every bit of it. I have a bookmark you look at your new things. mt vernon fridge repair
Posted by: anthonyscotte23 at September 23, 2022 09:24 AMOver the 2,000 years of acupuncture’s existence, acupuncture clinic has gone through some transformations. The materials that acupuncture needles are made from have changed from bamboo, stone, bone, and bronze to stainless steel. More importantly, however, due to modern technological advances, acupuncture needles now vary in thickness from very thick pins to hair-like needles, all of which also became much smoother than their ancient counterparts. A welcome addition to modern acupuncture clinic is electro-acupuncture. Manual acupuncture continues to be the core of acupuncture practice, but various properties of electric current, which were long studied for medical applications, have shown healing and pain-reducing effects. The best acupuncture clinics in NYC and Miami need to resolve a challenge: how can acupuncture relieve stress in the heart of the noise? Many buildings in New York City and Miami have noise insulation, which is crucial for an acupuncture clinic, but only together with calming music playing quietly throughout treatments, many patients can relax. Other than that, the role of acupuncture practitioners has been the same over the centuries—whether the best acupuncture practice in New York City, Miami, or any other place on earth—to collect patients’ signs and symptoms until the diagnosis becomes clear, and then to select and stimulate the best-suited acupuncture points until the symptoms and signs that helped establish the diagnosis dissipate.
battery park acupuncture clinic
Posted by: Adam Mills at September 30, 2022 09:35 AMSilverman accident clinic can benefit your life and your health. But it can’t do it all on its own. A chiropractic adjustment can get you moving and feeling better, but you also have to put in some work to keep yourself healthy. We work to help you reach your peak performance.
Posted by: Adam Mills at October 1, 2022 05:25 AMkinda hard to separate facts from media. they are all over the place. Kitchen Cleaning Colorado is a must right now.
Posted by: justdavies873 at October 7, 2022 08:35 AM