Are you in the 99 percent?

Hope - posted on 10/26/2011

Wow and I thought we had problems here in Australia. At lease I don't have to worry about health debt here. I do not understand how a country like the US could not have a Medicare system in place and I moan about the fact that dental care is not included in Medicare haha. Apart from the health differences we are in the 99%. We have debt, we have a car, we do not and I can not how we could own our own home. Half of my husbands wage goes to rent each. With all our repayments and living expenses added up each week we spend more than we make. Hard to survive sometimes but at the end of the day we are surviving

Teresa - posted on 10/22/2011

On the costumes.... why do you think I have a surfer, gymnast, and Mr. Incredible this year? ;) The only 'wasted' money was $5 for my son to have a pair of red girl pants. I spent $8 on a pack of size 6 underwear, but he'll grow into those eventually. His sister made his mask out of cardboard. The shirt is his jammie shirt. I have a friend that made my daughter's 'surfboard'. So... Halloween for 3 kids on $5. :)



Last year I had a cowboy (w/ his same 'costume' from the year before), a cowgirl (also no expense), and a good witch (black dress she already had and $5 for the hat and 'gloves').



I'm NOT creative at all, so their costumes are kind of lame. They're happy w/ it though, so that's all that matters. :)

Brittany - posted on 10/22/2011

If you have a bank account, I encourage you to close it!

Close your bank account on or before Nov. 5th, 2011 and open a Credit Union account,

Remove your money from Wall Street and keep it local!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=19...

Jenni - posted on 10/22/2011

Oh and Brittany and everyone else who may find this useful. My sister mentioned this site to me the other day. If you have any sort of a talent with crafts (I wish i did!) you can use this website to start your own little online business: http://www.madeitmyself.com/



It's great for the SAHM who wants to work from home.

You could sell things you sew, knit, crochet, homemade jewelry, clay pottery, paintings, food etc.

You can also use youtube as a resource to advertise. Remember this video of the eHarmony crazy cat girl?



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



she sells her own t-shirts and handbags (what a creative idea to help pay your college tuition) http://carahartmann.spreadshirt.com/



I saw some awesome ideas online for making your own bird baths out of clay pots and mosaic tiles. If you need help with ideas on what you could make, there are so many online simple craft ideas that you can expand from.



We have to be resourceful beavers in this day and age. ;)

Mary Renee - posted on 10/21/2011

I could relate to some of those people on the tumblr. I'm in the 99%. We live in a one bedroom apartment (TINY one bedroom apartment, no "dining room", a kitchen the size of some people's half bath) and it's me, my boyfriend, and our daughter. My daughter and I are on Hawaii socialized healthcare because I don't have a job and my boyfriend's insurance wouldn't accept her until 3 months since I couldn't deliver her in a a Kaiser hospital since I don't have Kaiser insurance. I clip coupons like a mad woman and know exactly which store has the cheapest shampoo, baby soap, food. But I'm lucky because I can honestly say I haven't had to go hungry since I graduated college, but only because my boyfriend buys our food. I know every "free" way to have fun within a 10 mile radius.

Our curtains have tears as long as two feet, but we can't afford to replace them. The jealousies have fallen out of windows, but we can't afford to repair them (THANK GOD we live in Hawaii where the weather isn't bad, because our windows are "permanently" open until we can fix them.)

I'll be interested to see where this goes. I hope it brings about some real change. I would like to see more transparencies in politician's funding, and limits placed on the amount of money they can receive from corporations.

Oh, and here's a story for you. My boyfriend owns his home (or is paying a mortgage on it). There was an issue with his bank account and as a result, the bank didn't get the mortgage payment for two months. Not because the money wasn't there, but because the bank made a mistake. We got about three letters in the mail saying our home was in foreclosure. What? Because two payments were missed because of a mistake on the bank part, not our own? TWO payments? We got it all figured out but to me, that is ridiculous. I don't think they need to be up everyone's ass because they missed two months of their payment. You can wait longer than that, particularly in this economy! Jesus, the banks screwed everybody over and then they're ready to turn around and take everyone's house away on the drop of a dime. It isn't right, and I'm glad people are starting to get loud about it. The everyday citizen bailed the banks out. But who is bailing out the everyday citizen. Crying shame.

Brittany - posted on 10/20/2011

Thank you all for the ideas and support. I am just having a lot of frustration. God has been testing me these last few days. My car battery died yesterday and this morning it is bulging. Now I have to buy a new battery, $107.99, my oldest son is having surgery tomorrow, This has just been an over whelming week.

Rauri, my baby well he is 4, needs a haircut and I totally forgot about the Cosmetology School. I need to call them and see if they do kids hair. Rauri get a haircut every month because, his hair is so THICK and grows so fast.

My husband is on an email listing for Baldwin County Alabama that provides people wanting to get rid of stuff, all you have to do is call them and go pick it up. It is nice.

Caoleb is having a truck or treat at school next Tuesday and I think what I am going to do is put him in a pair of his dad's shorts that have a hole in them, some boxers shorts, a plaid shirt and makeup and let him go as a clown, if he wants to go Tuesday night.

I did talk to Caoleb about trick or treating over the weekend and he said he would rather have candy he can pick out himself, make popcorn and watch a vampire movie with Mama. So he seems happy with that. Caoliann and Rauri are usually content with whatever Caoleb does.

These last few days have been a true test of my patience.

Jenni - posted on 10/20/2011

Brittany, have you tried a used online website? I use kijiji.ca it's an excellent resource for moms! It's not exclusively a children's site but I know there is one. I forget what it's called. Basically, like an online yard sale. ;)



I sell all my old costumes (as well as my children's clothes, toys, baby furniture etc) a few months ahead of time. Then I buy used costumes from other moms selling theirs.



You can also buy used shoes, clothes, toys etc. And imo I find the stuff better and cheaper than consignment stores. I rarely have to spend extra money on items for my children because I sell their old stuff and use the money to buy them new "gently used" stuff.



My SD's mom even finds hairdressing students to cut her daughter's hair for free. As well as gently used furniture, homemade birthday cakes, electronics, video games, homemade headbands and whatever else you can think of. You can even find rentals and real estate. Cars... ummm yeah, whatever you want.



If you're tight on cash for Christmas, I would definitely recommend it.

Isobel - posted on 10/19/2011

toilet paper makes an exellent mummy costume....gypsies was always easy to figure out too...let's see...dice out of painted cardboard boxes...baby (pjs and a soother with pig tails)...

can you tell I had a single mom?

Brittany - posted on 10/19/2011

Sherri,

Thank you for the suggestion and it was heart breaking to tell my children that we could not go out but, we have come to a compromise.

We are going to stay in, make some fresh homemade popcorn, I will purchase us some small candies and we are going to make a Graveyard Pie, many of us refer to this as Dirt made with Oreo and pudding, I am sure you know what I am talking about and watch The Nightmare Before Christmas and possibly Underworld if it is not to late.

They really did not seem too bummed, which made me feel better.

This weekend I think we are going to make some paper mache (sp?) bats for the door.

Sherri - posted on 10/19/2011

We save our costumes every single year from years ago to present so although we are not buying any new costumes this year the kids are just wearing costumes from previous years. So they have costumes and will still trick or treat.

They don't care what they wear Brittany you could be very creative with things you already have in your home. You don't need to cancel trick or treating for them or buy them some fancy costume. Just become creative. Be a baby, clown, ghost, scare crow etc. Make up and clothes they already have go a long way.

Brittany - posted on 10/19/2011

How many of you have had the joy of telling you kids they can not have costumes this year? It is a fantastic experience!

I don't have any "spare" clothes to dress them in and it sucks.

Guess what else I have to tell my kids!

Jurnee - posted on 10/15/2011

Im definitely in the 99%. I have no health ins, have ran through what little savings I had and basically am living week to week. I work full time and have 2 children home with me still. For myself I haven't received a raise in 4 yrs. I have looked for other jobs in my field, but they would all mean either over 2 hrs of travel which would negate any wage increase, and if I stay local, most jobs I have seen recently want someone with approx yrs experience, to work for a bit more than minimum wage. I have 14 yrs experience, no one wants to pay what I am making now. I had health ins, but rising premiums, copays etc, forced me to cancel. I also have no cable, credit cards,car payments etc, and I feel financially in a much scarier place year by year. The prices are going up, while salaries stagnate. I support the protests, they are bringing awarenes. True at this point they dont have a primary focus, but I feel that will come in time. Right now their purpose is awareness.

Jenny - posted on 10/15/2011

The 1% has successfully trained a lot of people to equate anything meaning fair, equality or sharing with Communism and Socialism. So long as you make those associations whenever you hear that they are winning. It's like the cold war Commie scare but financially. Keep the population scared and they will do whatever you tell them. Drop the titles and think about the issues themselves.

Alison - posted on 10/14/2011

If people are still referring to me, I do think things need to change, but I wouldn't want to wander into the wrong bar so to speak and then realize everyone's in there to kill the president. This about sums it up from earlier: "I see the current movement causing rifts between supporters and those who do not support the movement because they cannot support Socialist ideals, or fear the movement has a Communist heart to it." Things like this can cross party lines, but the goals have to be more specific. Plus, the behavior of some of the crowds are less than stellar from what I've heard: even angry people can still have a little class.

Janice - posted on 10/14/2011

Thank you Johnny. I enjoyed your link. This is a topic I am very interested in but don't have a ton of facts about. I just don't get how anyone could read the facts and still believe that our economy will magically recover with out any major changes.

Janice - posted on 10/14/2011

"Giving unregulated freedom to corporations does not = freedom"
ME you hit the nail on the head.

ME - posted on 10/14/2011

Giving unregulated freedom to corporations does not = freedom. But, I am sure that your corporate masters find it quite amusing that you believe it does. I don't want my children eating or breathing poison. I don't want them to have to fight these same fights (especially those that were supposed to be settled 60 years ago).

Johnny - posted on 10/13/2011

This is a very interesting read. Scroll down for a series of charts that will help you understand the current economic climate, and see the direction that the economy is headed in unless change happens.

The economy did actually recover. For the very wealthy. The economy isn't going to ever get better for the rest of us if the need for structural changes are not addressed.

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-wall...

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

concrete goals-exactly. Then people will really know if it's a movement they can support or not and what the determination of success will be.

Janice - posted on 10/13/2011

I agree that the movement does need to find concrete goals if it is going to make a difference. I think that this beginning stage does serve a purpose. I think many people are like myself in that as things have unraveled we feel completely powerless. This movement can empower those who have lost hope and that can only be good.

MEs story is no longer the exception, it is the norm. Something must change and it had to start somewhere, somehow.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

Maybe that's what it is about, but everyone needs to be united on what they're fighting for not just who they're fighting against. Does that make sense?

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

I know there are hardworking people like you ME down on their luck and struggling in this economy and want something to change--I get it, I just don't think the something I want changed is the same as some of the people in the movement. I see big government as more of the problem than corporations. I think except for paying minimal necessary taxes, people should get to do with their money what they please--whether that be donate it,hoard it, invest, or blow it on a huge house. I like freedom. And of course companies aren't going to hire or invest when the economy is unsure. They didn't become successful being stupid. And the more government gets out of the way IMO the better for the economy and hardworking people like you. I realize this will most likely be an unpopular opinion, but so it is. I also think it's humorous that some are trying so hard to paint the movement as all-inclusive when others make it abundantly clear that conservative thought has no place in it.

Janice - posted on 10/13/2011

"If this was specifically about corporate bonuses or corporate tax loopholes, avoiding taxes, bailouts, or corrupt politicians etc then maybe I could support that,"



Its funny Alison that you say its not about that and when I went to the link and started read the posts that is exactly what I think the movement IS about.



Unfortunately there are a lot of lazy, assholes who think its there "right" to get a hand out. I unfortunately know people like that.



But I completely agree with Jenny "The people in the 99% don't want to be helped. They want an opportunity to help themselves by earning a livable wage. These are educated, hardworking people we are talking about here. "



Sherri I really hope so. I am not currently trying to join the work force because I plan to stay home for a few months with my newborn but I need to be back to work next summer and I'm really scared of what 2012 will bring.

Sherri - posted on 10/13/2011

I agree ME and when the economy recovers I am positive you will find a high paying job again.

ME - posted on 10/13/2011

I got my first job when I was thirteen, and have had one ever since. Including all the way through four years of college and six 1/2 years of grad school where I got two MA degrees. I waited until I was financially stable to get married. I was thirty before I had my first child. BUT I lost my job for getting pregnant, and applied for hundreds of them before finally getting a minimum wage job with no benefits. My husband had a great job, but was laid off while I was pregnant with our second child. He lost our health insurance, and applied for over a thousand jobs before getting a min wage job with no benefits. We went from living a comfortable life to fearing homelessness. We don't want a handout, we want decent paying jobs commensurate with our educations and experience. We don't appreciate being called lazy bumms or greedy or entitled. We are none of those things. We are dedicated, hardworking parents and employees. We deserve to be treated like human beings. Corporations do not. We are supporting the occupation.

Rosie - posted on 10/13/2011

what you suggest is like trying to fix something without getting to the real reason why it keeps on breaking. it won't work, it'll just keep coming back. you have to get rid of the problem that is causing the situation-which is the corporations keeping all the damn money and not investing it back in the economy.

Krista - posted on 10/13/2011

Exactly. All of our lives, we've been told that if we educate ourselves and we work hard, we'll be able to support ourselves and our families. These aren't huge, lofty goals we're talking about. This isn't about wanting to be rich. It's about everybody telling us, "Get a good education and work hard, and you'll do fine," and then hauling the rug out from underneath us.

These people don't care if they're rich or not. They just want to be able to put food on their table and keep a roof over their heads. And there is something fundamentally broken with your system if hardworking, educated people are not able to do that.

Jenny - posted on 10/13/2011

The people in the 99% don't want to be helped. They want an opportunity to help themselves by earning a livable wage. These are educated, hardworking people we are talking about here.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

Reform means change, and you're right, I think most people see the need for and support that. But my change would be more the Ryan Plan and less Obamacare--think The Heritage Foundation if you're familiar with that.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

I never said "screw you" to people in need of help. I help people voluntarily and many rich people do as well. If this was specifically about corporate bonuses or corporate tax loopholes, avoiding taxes, bailouts, or corrupt politicians etc then maybe I could support that, but the protest isn't about anything except sharing people's stories and blaming the rich and big business regardless of who they are. That's why I think it's pointless. And I am absolutely opposed to an assault on capitalism and class warfare. I will say a few positives: I think many liberals have good intentions, I think it's good to be politically active, and I do think it's admirable that the 99% protesters have tried not to let politicians or unions take over. I just don't see myself or other people with my political viewpoints being part of it.

Rosie - posted on 10/13/2011

alison, more money is given to corporations through "corporate welfare" than actual citizens who NEED welfare. sure a few people may screw the system, but are you seriously willing to say screw you to people in need of help, and then turn a blind eye to all of our tax money given to CEO'S who don't invest in the economy instead give themselves bonuses?
i'm sick of everybody's attitude about the poor in this country, like it's somehow their fault. yet the rich get by with more of our taxes and we want to save them more money? on what planet is that good for the middle class? who the hell does that benefit other than the rich? look around, what is going on is ridiculous and isn't working. the rich are getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer. attitudes like yours just keep this shit alive.

Jenny - posted on 10/13/2011

What does that mean, reform? Specifically. I'd say everyone supports "reform"

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

I think reform is needed, but I think my view on what that reform should constitute is much different than the protesters and supporters on this forum.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

I did check out the link--well, I read a couple of the signs.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

I won't dispute that greed and corruption exist, but most of the rich (aside from those avoiding taxes) are already paying their fair share of taxes. We can't survive being dependent on the rich alone. There are just too many people taxing the welfare system. Some really need the help--fine--but too many are able-bodied and unwilling to put forth enough effort. I also think deregulation and lower taxes help the economy and individuals more than the opposite. And no, this country isn't what it used to be--but there are more evils than greed and selfishness and they're found in every economic class. The United States is great when its people are great and I have no problem with people fighting against corruption, but the foundation principles and systems of America are fine and this seriously smacks of an assault on capitalism and class warfare. The guillotine anyone?

Jenny - posted on 10/13/2011

Alison, I suggest you check out the link in the OP. Perhaps then you will understand where they are coming from.



What is important to you Alison? Do you feel the system is adequate and working for the majority?

Beautiful - posted on 10/13/2011

Of course wealth should be re-distributed... its how a country, city, town thrives to the max of its potential. How does it help if the wealthy.. (who are wealthy at the expense and hard work of others ) do not participate in making their economy and people stronger? This movement is not about rich versus poor, its simply.... we are all equal we should ALL pay the same amount in taxes, we should ALL have reasonable pay for the hard work we do etc. The 1% seem to forget that they are in a position of power ONLY because we the people allow it. And in my opinion its time we the people take back some if not most of that power.



This country absolutely is not what it use to be, values and morals have been ripped away and replaced with greed and selfishness ... and for what? What good has it done? None.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

"There's nothing to not get really. People are pissed off and taking to the streets to show it." In other words, people are just getting together to complain with no clear desired outcome. Doesn't that sound like a joke to you? I know people's individual situations aren't a joke and maybe this will end up like the show Newsies and everyone involved can pat themselves on the back and tell me I was wrong for doubting the movement in its infancy. But seriously,I feel like a conservative republican has no place at these events and might get burned at the stake, figuratively.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

Well, most people on here supporting it help in my thought that it's liberal-leaning--capitalism has got to go etc. Also, it seems to push the whole redistribute wealth philosophy which is a liberal/socialist philosophy, and the fact that it's occupying Wall Street specifically makes it seem like warfare on big business in general and I don't share that line of thought. And honestly, It seems stupid to me to join a movement without a clearly defined goal. What demands are going to be met when everyone wants something different? Think of the peaceful movements mentioned earlier that were successful and how clearly defined they were and how visible the leaders were. I love the book Long Walk to Freedom; the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. He specifically talks in there about an organized protest he admired and how it helped him see what his movement needed.

Johnny - posted on 10/13/2011

It is leaderless because the group wants to create change through concensus. That means that one vision can not take control of the movement. You say you are concerned that the agenda is too "liberal". If you want a say, you can get involved and say so. And your voice will count. There is no single leader or hierarchy setting the agenda. The general assemblies allow all participants who show up to vote on what action will be taken or on what comments will be made. I'm curious about exactly what you find to be liberal-leaning about the movement? Is it because many of its supporters come from the left? Because the unions seem to be jumping into the game? Or because the Dems appear to be supporting it?

Jenny - posted on 10/13/2011

It's unfocused because people don't know specifically what to do at this point. The early stages are more a public demonstration of frustration at the system, that's it.



As the weeks and months go on we will begin to see a more focused approach. People are using the educational facilities at the various parks and participating in general assembly meetings every day. They are trying hard to not put a face on the movement as their are many faces it encompasses. People LOVE slapping labels on things so they discredit them. Sometimes it's better to just to let things flow and see what happens.



There's nothing to not get really. People are pissed off and taking to the streets to show it.

Alison - posted on 10/13/2011

okay riot may not have been the best terminology--umm, gatherings. I guess there are people and ideas in the movement I could support, but it's too unfocused and liberal-leaning it seems like to me.

Janice - posted on 10/13/2011

"I see the current movement causing rifts between supporters and those who do not support the movement because they cannot support Socialist ideals, or fear the movement has a Communist heart to it. I wish we could appeal to more Right-wingers and help them to realize we are all in this together. *Our* solutions may be "left" sounding. But they can offer their own solutions as well. We want to hear their voices in this as well. We are *all* part of the 99%. "



I was thinking the same thing when I read Alison's posts and the responses to her.

I think those who are hard working middle class and upper middle class could be/ are easily offended and think that this movement is about bashing them.



I haven't really heard about anything about the 99 percent movement in my area of upstate NY but it seems like division of class could really make this movement a failure. I'm not sure of the mechanics of this movement other than it is leaderless but I think that if people really want to get things moving they may need to focus more effort in getting those who think this doesn't affect them involved.

Jenni - posted on 10/13/2011

I also agree with you to a point Kylie.



I would love to see a new system put in place. I would love to see us all evolve past Capitalism and find a better system that benefits all humanity and the Earth. I would also love to see emphasis put on unbias, publically-funded Science, Social Reform, Human Rights, the Environment and our sustainability. I will 100% support the topple of Capitalism if we can find a new system that works and benefits us all.



But I guess I'm thinking in baby steps here. I am not ready to put all my eggs in one basket when it comes to long term goals.



Capitalism is deeply ingrained in our culture, in our livelihoods, in our economy. It is not something that will be so easily pulled out by its roots.



I believe that in this movement we need to appeal to our commonality. The fact that we all agree the current system is unsustainable and we need change. As far as what that change entails... this is where we in the movement are all divided.



It seems we all have our individual solutions and what we want to see bear fruit from this movement. But we have to be careful these differences aren't what divides us. We need to start with the solutions we can all agree on and work from there. The basics.



I see the current movement causing rifts between supporters and those who do not support the movement because they cannot support Socialist ideals, or fear the movement has a Communist heart to it. I wish we could appeal to more Right-wingers and help them to realize we are all in this together. *Our* solutions may be "left" sounding. But they can offer their own solutions as well. We want to hear their voices in this as well. We are *all* part of the 99%.



I also wish everyone would turn off their TVs and not allow themselves to be blinded and brainwashed by "Big Brother" *chuckle*. I hope I don't sound too much like a conspiracy theorist. But this IS what our world is coming to... 1984.



I just feel that we need to keep in mind our common issues or we may find ourselves divided and further convoluted if we try to offer too many solutions to the our common issue. The movement has pushed many right wingers away because of those differences and desires in solutions and outcomes. When we should all be in this together and encourage our strength in numbers.



I just think at this point in the game we need to stick to the issues that brought us together. Not become divided on how to remedy our situation.



I hope that makes sense... :/ It makes sense in my mind at least. lol

Kylie - posted on 10/13/2011

I do agree with you Jenni but in my opinion, corporations and the super-rich are products of this capitalist, consumer driven system. So eventually it will have to go. Let’s hope it is soon. Capitalism is inherently going to fail because this human designed, hierarchical social and economic structure is running a linear system on a finite planet. So all the things we use will run out one day… it is absolutely possible to use it all up and change it aka, fuck it all up forever.
We are all connected to everything on this earth. There is a delicate balance between the water, air, organisms, environments that have only survived and developed here on earth because of this balance… plus a whole lot of time or…. a super awesome creator god..whatever you reckon
If the human species and the rest of the species on earth want to survive then system that is failing us now, has to change.
I agree it starts with the restrictions and regulations, accountability solid scientific evidence and study. I mean science that is not corrupted by funding and politics. Science and technology can and should trumps greed and profit every time. Anyway I know I’m going of track from the 99%
We know this amazing planet can provide every one of us with enough to be happy and healthy, if it is a new system that works with technology to create sustainable production of the basic need and wants of humans. We don’t need to be fed the allusion of choice at the supermarket; no one has to convince us to exchange money for their goods. Actually sorry to anyone who works in the industry but..Fuck all the advertising bull shit mass media lies. The saddest part is people turn on their TVs and drink it in . They listen to the politicians who are in bed with all the very rich people who have othAll of us and that includes those people we don’t think about on the other side of the world living in different cultures. They don’t deserve to live in so much poverty to be hungry and have no options only to be exploited for out coffee machines to zhuzhupets…
If humans disrupt the planet too much we will all die and so will everything around us.
I’m pretty sure after some time the planet will recover and will go on to adapt and change without us pesky parasites fucking everything up for some bars of gold..pure element found in rocks and a whole bunch of printed made up money. Break free, free us . Humans are brilliant, we can save ourselves.

Kelly - posted on 10/13/2011

"In my own individual opinion. Capitalism and corporations are not EVIL and I do not want to abolish Capitalism. But we should pass legislation, restrictions, regulations to control it." Jenni

That sums it up perfectly. I could not be against capitalism, because I'd still be homeless if it weren't for the freedom to create my own job/business. But it MUST be regulated. When a company gets too big, too powerful, it starts to crush the important, smaller parts of a community. Greed is human nature, we must have laws to control it because we have proven time and time again throughout history that we are not capable of controlling it individually or independently--it takes a democracy.

Jenni - posted on 10/13/2011

Alison, do you know how many non-violent protests have brought about revolution in our history?

Protests against Communism, Socialism, British rule in India, against Dictatorships; in Europe, in Russia, in the Middle East?



Have a little faith. You are the 99%, this protest is about you and your family. 99% means it is not about class warfare. It's against the ruling class and their corruption.



It is not Poor vs. Rich. It is a warning to the rest of the classes. It is a warning to *all* Americans and other capitalistic nations.



America is falling at the hands of Corporate corruption. Your beautiful land of opportunity is being drained, is becoming a shadow of a once great and free nation.



You should want to fight to get back your American Values, shouldn't you? As a Republican?

Why wouldn't you want to support a movement that just wants their freedom and opportunity back?



You're right. Capitalism was great for America, for your family... for all of our families. This is not a fight against Capitalism, per say. It is a fight to not allow it to take advantage of the human beings that once prospered from it.





The protest involves individuals. Some with misguided anger and frustration. It is leaderless and they all have their own opinions and some have misguided anger towards a system that no longer benefits its people. We are the peasants and we my not have the answers to how to fix our problems. It's better not to pay attention to the individual messages in the protests. But the collective of the underlying message: We are merely voicing out that something is seriously wrong with the system and something needs to be done about it.



That capitalism is no longer helping human beings and the world but destroying us. It has gotten out of control.



In my own individual opinion. Capitalism and corporations are not EVIL and I do not want to abolish Capitalism. But we should pass legislation, restrictions, regulations to control it. Because right now... corporations have virtually NO LAWS they have to follow. They are considered legal Humans but are not expected to follow the same laws as legal humans. They are not held accountable for their crimes. There is no consequence to their actions. Something needs to change in our constitutions to hold them accountable. To not allow them so much power to reign over human beings. A cap on what they are legally allowed to do.



They should NOT being influencing our politicians to the degree they do. Our politicians currently do NOT have us actual human being's best interests in mind, but corporate interests.



Our constitutions need some serious revising to protect our countries, our people, our environment from tyranny of corporations.



All the movement is really asking for is to reinstate Democracy.

Johnny - posted on 10/12/2011

People have been voting, advocating, forming action groups, trying to educate on these issues for years now. It is just going backwards. The 99% aren't able to fund hundreds of lobbyists to bribe congress and the senate to do their bidding. And those congressmen and senators who can't be bribed are simply bombarded with obfuscated facts. What else do you want people to do when they don't have jobs, can't find jobs, and their congressman either ignores their letters or sends the "canned" response.

Here's another example of how the American people are probably going to get screwed over some more:

http://www.cornellsun.com/section/news/c...

I just want to mention that a similar report has come to the same conclusion about the real potential for Canadian jobs resulting from this project. Yet again we are being asked to sacrifice our environment for what turns out to be only a mirage of employment potential.

JL - posted on 10/12/2011

Riots involve violent acts against people and authority, vandalism, and destruction of property. The Occupiers are not destroying property. They are not vandalizing anything in fact people are donating goods and food needed. There is a well organized distribution unist that keeps track of donated goods. Most of the tents being used in NY were donated by Lupe Fiasco. I myself have ordered pizzas online ...the Occupi-PIE to be delivered to the protesters. I am letting my local Occupy group borrow tables and chairs and I am providing implements for making signs. The Occupiers are not physically assaulting people or instigating outbreaks of violence.

Charlie - posted on 10/12/2011

" And I see no point to unfocused, leaderless riots."

Where exactly are these "riots" ?