"Occupy "insert city name here" Protestors

[Ralph W]

A huge majority of corporations pay taxes? No matter what the courts say about corporations being "people" there's not one that pays one tax. That honor is left to you and me as consumers of whatever product is placed on the shelf.

We (they) want to force corporations to pay more federal taxes instead of using every avenue to avoid writing those checks but no one looks at where the money to do so comes from. Can you say, you and me? The real people behind the Corporation "person" are going to do everything in their power to maximize their own and their stockholders returns and paying more taxes is not in the cards. Whatever increase in taxes that does come about will be nickle and dimed from the bottom of the money bag - you and me.

[JeffreyS]

Perhaps they see it as unjust that Bank of America was able to buy Countrywide and all of its mortgages in a fire sale.  Why weren't the mortgagees given first option on buying there homes at this discount rate?

Perhaps it is just too obvious that the government of this country has legislated the welfare of corporations over the welfare of it's citizens at large for a few decades now.  So it is just silly to ask why people are upset.

Jeffrey--

I don't disagree in principle, and that's a very good point.

My point is, I'm not asking why people are upset.  I'm asking why the "outrage" is so limited.  If the outrage is against "corporations," as the protestors ostensibly say it is, then why only a handful?  Why not all?

It's not meant to be a trick question, or a loaded/baited one.  I simply want to know who we're supposed to be mad at, why, and what the solutions are. 

Other than "kill the rich."

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2011/10/06/2011-10-06_albany_bigs_get_emails_warning_of_violence_if_tax_on_rich_expires.html

I think the lack of focus comes from the fact that the it has been a long slow muddled process of middle class sliding. There is no one great injustice to be resolved.  The injury is made of a million cuts.

[hillary supporter]

A huge majority of corporations pay taxes? No matter what the courts say about corporations being "people" there's not one that pays one tax. That honor is left to you and me as consumers of whatever product is placed on the shelf.

We (they) want to force corporations to pay more federal taxes instead of using every avenue to avoid writing those checks but no one looks at where the money to do so comes from. Can you say, you and me? The real people behind the Corporation "person" are going to do everything in their power to maximize their own and their stockholders returns and paying more taxes is not in the cards. Whatever increase in taxes that does come about will be nickle and dimed from the bottom of the money bag - you and me.

You are right, i stand corrected

[Coolyfett]

I think its pretty clear that the majority of these protestors don't have a clue what they are protesting.  But by God, they are gonna protest something.  They seem to exemplify the exact sort of folks you would expect at one of these mindless, anti-gov, anti-capitalist, anti-wealth get togethers.  Perhaps many of them are disgruntled for one of the possible reasons:

1.  Perhaps an evil bank actually expected them to make mortgage payments for the house they are living in.  The nerve of them.
2.  Perhaps they are angry because unemployment benefits actually did run out finally.  Not fair.
3.  Perhaps the bill has come due for their student loans to cover the 10 years of college they just completed.  Evil Govt wanting to be repaid.
4.  Perhaps some rich looking person driving an expensive European sports car just passed them on the freeway.  This hurt their feelings.
5.  Perhaps their parents suggested they deserve to have so much in life given to them.  Or was that a reality tv show?  Anyway, it just hasnt worked out that way for them.  Someone is gonna hear from them, dammit!

Some of these ideas are pretty close.  Some of us have to speculate because if you ask them what they want........um, well, oh you know......them evil banks and rich people arent fair.

Counting down to Steph appearing with a copy n paste of how stupid this post is.  Dont let me down, Steph.

LOL

[Coolyfett]

By the way, where is all the vitriol for the movie stars and producers, "other" corporate moguls (you'll notice no one has said a WORD about Oprah - probably the richest woman on the planet), and all the professional athletes and THEIR multi-millions? 

Santonio Holmes? The Manning brothers?  Tom Brady?  A-Rod?  Derek Jeter?  Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson?  Johnny Damon?  LaDanian Tomlinson?  Reggie Bush?  Pau Gasol?  Coach K? 

Hell, our very own MoJo?

How about Bob Costas?  Barbara Walters?  Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper?  Lady Gaga and Britney Spears?  Cher and Celine?  How come we're not demanding that they pay their fair share as well?  They're evil and rich and, by definition, greedy, aren't they?

Why stop at Wall Street or Hemming Plaza?  You should be occupying Hollywood, every single movie theater and every major sports venue in the country as well.

Nope.  Don't see that happening.

Why? 

And while you're at it: boycott Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, McDonald's, Burger King, YUM! Brands, Google, and every other company listed on the Fortune 500.  They're just as guilty and just as corporate.

Where's the outrage there?

You made a great post!!!

[north miami]

I see in today's news some Occupy Boston protesters  have been arrested for moving on to a Downtown Greenway.
No doubt there is a certain rowdy presence.By comparison,last weekend's  Jacksonville event was certainly peaceful.
What would happen if the Protest Public was to converge on Hogans Creek???...

based on what I witnessed first hand last Saturday,my insert:

"Eclectic,Knowledgeable,Street Smart,Studious......"

There was a well dressed senior couple with high end vehicle.Nodes of good energy- a guy retired from JEA who recounted the role of First Baptist Downtown within JEA management and position placement circles,revelations in the "NO JEA IN CLAY"/proposed Green Cove coal fire plant era.His previous stint as camera man for George Winterling garnered a TV station interview Saturday.Channel 4 I believe.It dawned on me that I never watch the local news broadcasts anymore.
A chat with Shelton Hull,his grasp of issues,history and recounts of his recent District 14 Council seat exhilarating.
And the signs! 'Fight Truth Decay !',Ronald Reagan quotes that damn certain 'Conservative' outlooks and initiatives.
Urban Sprawl themes......no wonder Regional Boosters are so recently vigilant in casting images of support for the Beltway......this stuff could get effectively out of hand.

And for sure the far left elements,which makes me realize just how Center I am.I am glad I am here at Hemming Park.

As we stream out on to Laura Street,southbound, the horizon is dominated by WELLS FARGO atop the Independent Life building.The marchers include a dog wearing a sign that reads 'I Eat Bankers!'.

Over and over the marchers thank the Police officers for their efforts.......the Officer's smiles beam.
Like the sign says- A public that is afraid of their government is not a free public.Saturday's March was an exercise of Freedom,a reality check.

Sheets of rain do not deter the Marchers.I duck for cover......everyone else marches by,on purpose.........what a Pudd I am!.......I step back out in the rain.What price will we pay for Freedom?I think of more comfortable Downtown settings in the due course of "Protest"- at the Planning Commission and Council podium establishing "Standing",the fascinating after hours River Summit meeting brokered by top Jeb Bush officials.......I imagine this march could perhaps prove less futile.

Cheers!

[Doctor_K]

By the way, where is all the vitriol for the movie stars and producers, "other" corporate moguls (you'll notice no one has said a WORD about Oprah - probably the richest woman on the planet), and all the professional athletes and THEIR multi-millions? 

Santonio Holmes? The Manning brothers?  Tom Brady?  A-Rod?  Derek Jeter?  Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson?  Johnny Damon?  LaDanian Tomlinson?  Reggie Bush?  Pau Gasol?  Coach K? 

Hell, our very own MoJo?

How about Bob Costas?  Barbara Walters?  Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper?  Lady Gaga and Britney Spears?  Cher and Celine?  How come we're not demanding that they pay their fair share as well?  They're evil and rich and, by definition, greedy, aren't they?

Why stop at Wall Street or Hemming Plaza?  You should be occupying Hollywood, every single movie theater and every major sports venue in the country as well.

Nope.  Don't see that happening.

Why? 

And while you're at it: boycott Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, McDonald's, Burger King, YUM! Brands, Google, and every other company listed on the Fortune 500.  They're just as guilty and just as corporate.

Where's the outrage there?

Dr. K.  I understand dumb from the usual suspects, but I expect better from you.  Do you really think that these protests are about the actual existence of rich corporations?

Or do you actually get that this is about controlling public policy and fleecing you and your family----not for anything that does the public any good, but just for the thrill of stealing tax money for profit?

Stephen--  Just trying to keep it interesting for you ;-)

I don't actually get it, which is why I'm asking the question.  Some reports are corroborating the "get money/corporations out of government," while others are playing up the "99%" card. 

I'm literallyand genuinely asking - what is it really?  What exactly are we all protesting and outraged about?

Is it the anti-lobbying, anti-corporatist, get-money-out-of-government?  Or is it the 99% versus 1% class warfare?  IMO, there are two distinct movements here.

[RiversideLoki]

Stephen--  Just trying to keep it interesting for you ;-)

I don't actually get it, which is why I'm asking the question.  Some reports are corroborating the "get money/corporations out of government," while others are playing up the "99%" card. 

I'm literally and genuinely asking - what is it really?  What exactly are we all protesting and outraged about?

Is it the anti-lobbying, anti-corporatist, get-money-out-of-government?  Or is it the 99% versus 1% class warfare?  IMO, there are two distinct movements here.

It's BOTH. That's the thing.

You don't see Rachel Maddow standing up on screen saying "Well, what ARE the Tea Party for? Are they anti-immigration? Or are they for smaller government? Or are they for no taxes? WE JUST DON'T KNOW!"

Your argument is illogical. Take the protests in the 60s. There were anti-war protesters, there were civil rights protesters, and there were anti-government protesters. You never saw anyone sit here and proclaim "WELL WHAT ARE THESE ANTI-WAR PROTESTERS PROTESTING FOR?!! WHARRRRGARBLLL!"

"Just because you don't get it doesn't mean it's stupid. It means you are."

[KenFSU]

By the way, where is all the vitriol for the movie stars and producers, "other" corporate moguls (you'll notice no one has said a WORD about Oprah - probably the richest woman on the planet), and all the professional athletes and THEIR multi-millions? 

Santonio Holmes? The Manning brothers?  Tom Brady?  A-Rod?  Derek Jeter?  Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson?  Johnny Damon?  LaDanian Tomlinson?  Reggie Bush?  Pau Gasol?  Coach K? 

Hell, our very own MoJo?

How about Bob Costas?  Barbara Walters?  Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper?  Lady Gaga and Britney Spears?  Cher and Celine?  How come we're not demanding that they pay their fair share as well?  They're evil and rich and, by definition, greedy, aren't they?

Why stop at Wall Street or Hemming Plaza?  You should be occupying Hollywood, every single movie theater and every major sports venue in the country as well.

Nope.  Don't see that happening.

Why? 

And while you're at it: boycott Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, McDonald's, Burger King, YUM! Brands, Google, and every other company listed on the Fortune 500.  They're just as guilty and just as corporate.

Where's the outrage there?

I'm of the opinion that professional athletes, performers, and Hollywood actors deserve every penny they make, for the most part. On the surface, Floyd Mayweather earning a $25 million purse to fight Victor Ortiz two weekends ago seems absurd. But when you consider the fact that well over one million people were willing to pay $60 a pop to watch him fight on pay per view, with thousands of sports bars paying even more to air the fight, on top of a $10 million gate at the arena, of course he's entitled to that money. He earned it through hard work and showmanship. Where else should it go? To the cable companies? To the arena?

Same with Mojo. If 60,000+ people are willing to pay to see him perform, he should see a huge chunk of that money. Or if ten million people buy tickets to see Tom Cruise's new movie. Or if Lady Gaga has ten number one hits, millions of record sales, and a sold out tour.

It's just sour grapes to be upset over things like the above.

It's much, much more complicated though when you start discussing these multinational corporations.

[Doctor_K]

Stephen--  Just trying to keep it interesting for you ;-)

I don't actually get it, which is why I'm asking the question.  Some reports are corroborating the "get money/corporations out of government," while others are playing up the "99%" card. 

I'm literally and genuinely asking - what is it really?  What exactly are we all protesting and outraged about?

Is it the anti-lobbying, anti-corporatist, get-money-out-of-government?  Or is it the 99% versus 1% class warfare?  IMO, there are two distinct movements here.

It's BOTH. That's the thing.

You don't see Rachel Maddow standing up on screen saying "Well, what ARE the Tea Party for? Are they anti-immigration? Or are they for smaller government? Or are they for no taxes? WE JUST DON'T KNOW!"

Your argument is illogical. Take the protests in the 60s. There were anti-war protesters, there were civil rights protesters, and there were anti-government protesters. You never saw anyone sit here and proclaim "WELL WHAT ARE THESE ANTI-WAR PROTESTERS PROTESTING FOR?!! WHARRRRGARBLLL!"

"Just because you don't get it doesn't mean it's stupid. It means you are."

Well I certainly appreciate being called stupid because I'm asking questions and trying to better educate myself.

Awesome.

[Ralph W]

Wow. Millions of people willing to pay millions to watch someone beat the fool out of another. Millions more to watch a strangely costumed performer gyrate to thumping non-music and millions more to watch mere seconds at a time of athletic ability on expensive grass. And that's just the gate bucks. Millions of people willing to pay the advertising fee to hype all this in order to sell more of the same and a few gallons of beer and pop.

That's important stuff!! But will millions pony up millions to stop the insanity of the nanny state, the suborning of the government? Nah. Millions will pop a can top and break out the pretzels and nosh and sit as zombies or scream at the big screen for hours rather than use the technology and the gray matter to straighten out the lay of the land.

[JeffreyS]

I think it is not meant to be focused on just one problem but a call to find more equity for the middle class in the system.

[KenFSU]

But will millions pony up millions to stop the insanity of the nanny state, the suborning of the government? Nah. Millions will pop a can top and break out the pretzels and nosh and sit as zombies or scream at the big screen for hours rather than use the technology and the gray matter to straighten out the lay of the land.

Sad, but true my friend.

[RiversideLoki]

Well I certainly appreciate being called stupid because I'm asking questions and trying to better educate myself.

Awesome.

I apologize if I'm coming off as crass. But honestly, I can't tell if you're just being genuinely dim-witted or disingenuous when you start spouting that kind of rhetoric. If you're buying into the whole right-wing attack machine line of "Well we really just don't know what they're protesting about!" then you aren't even paying attention to the issues and I WISH I lived in a bubble as cozy as yours. However, if you're just not up to speed with the actual issues the protesters are taking to task, I can accept that.

[BridgeTroll]

Stephen--  Just trying to keep it interesting for you ;-)

I don't actually get it, which is why I'm asking the question.  Some reports are corroborating the "get money/corporations out of government," while others are playing up the "99%" card. 

I'm literally and genuinely asking - what is it really?  What exactly are we all protesting and outraged about?

Is it the anti-lobbying, anti-corporatist, get-money-out-of-government?  Or is it the 99% versus 1% class warfare?  IMO, there are two distinct movements here.

It's BOTH. That's the thing.

You don't see Rachel Maddow standing up on screen saying "Well, what ARE the Tea Party for? Are they anti-immigration? Or are they for smaller government? Or are they for no taxes? WE JUST DON'T KNOW!"

Your argument is illogical. Take the protests in the 60s. There were anti-war protesters, there were civil rights protesters, and there were anti-government protesters. You never saw anyone sit here and proclaim "WELL WHAT ARE THESE ANTI-WAR PROTESTERS PROTESTING FOR?!! WHARRRRGARBLLL!"

"Just because you don't get it doesn't mean it's stupid. It means you are."

Well I certainly appreciate being called stupid because I'm asking questions and trying to better educate myself.

Awesome.

I asked some questions regarding the movement the other day and hillary supporter answered them.  I appreciated that the answers were answered in a civil, non sarcastic and genuine manner.