Occupy Movement Seemed “Inevitable”

Only a broker whose income depends on other people’s purchases would defend so ardently the consumer-driven culture being protested by the Occupy groups across the country (“Fat Cat Bash,” Back Page, Oct. 19).

Although Mr. Brumfield is correct in his analysis that the movement’s means of addressing its grievances seem vague, the protests seem inevitable and probably long overdue given what appears to be unbridled greed and corruption reflected in what seems to be the corporate control of Congress, the increasing disparity of wealth in this country and the outrageous political gridlock in our nation’s capital.

The broker suggests that the disenfranchised are so by choice. Certainly he is aware of the unemployment in this country, due greatly to corporations sending jobs overseas to reduce expenses and increase profit margins in what seems to be a complete disregard for the effect such measures have on our country. Statistics show that since Congress passed the North American Trade Agreement that 2.9 million jobs have been lost in this country, while 2.4 million have been created in other countries.

The Democrats who supported President Obama’s stimulus (after Mr. Bush’s) saved the jobs of thousands of automobile-industry workers who would, otherwise, now be added to the unemployment rolls, costing more unemployment compensation and reduced consumer spending.

Furthermore, it is not the president who benefits the most from those “palm-greasing financial contributions”: It is Congress that makes the laws to serve the corporations whom they depend on for re-election and feel obligated to pay back with favorable legislation. The brokers, investors and chief executives’ assets have risen 300 percent in the last 10 years. The other 99 percent of Americans have flat lined during that period, if they have been lucky.

Jim Edmonson

Richmond

TRENDING

WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW — straight to your inbox

* indicates required
Our mailing lists: