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The only thing I can see happening is that the federal/state governments may make a ploy toward finding someone or a large company to prosecute for the financial meltdown (basically a scapegoat). Granted if I remember correct they’ve already federal government has brought forth some cases against a couple of companies with mixed results.
This is the only possible "tangible" thing I can see happening out of these protests.
Really in the end this is a political thread instead of a business issue thread.
But let me ask you guys. Let say these protesters are actually are looking to effect wall street/financial sectors(and actually let's add coporate lobbyist) in a meaningful way, as oppose to show just showing anger and frustration. Basically how would they achieve the "effect" they are looking for?
Short a bunch of stocks that are overpriced like Goldman Sachs
the union involvement could kill it, in my opinion, if they gain control of the direction. it's fine for the members to be involved, but i don't like the collective entity throwing their weight around. how is that any more noble than the corporations throwing their weight around?
to me, this idea started with individual voices being sick of being silenced, and are fed up. they have gathered together, but they aren't a collective organization.
the media may criticize them for not having a unified message, but that might be their strength. they don't need to associate themselves with a party platform, because they can think independantly.
This is assuming that new wealth cannot be created and that the wealthy are profiting at the expense of the poor. Its like thinking of wealth as an orange tree that grows 100 oranges. The wealthy get 90 oranges and the poor get 10 oranges. The statement above would assume that we never plant more orange trees. If you want to make the poor better off all you need to do is plant more orange trees. In other words, the standard of living of the society is based on the amount of goods and services produced.
The major problem comes when the rich are getting subsidies and bailouts from the government or the government is passing legislation to favor one business over another. That's what happens when the government is too big. People favor bigger government thinking its going to protect them or help them out. In reality, the big government politicians sell out to special interests. Which is basically anyone with money who is willing to give it to politicians either directly or indirectly. Meanwhile, you are left with nothing and end up protesting in the streets. This cycle has repeated for thousands of years (ie. class warfare).
and what specifically would that require congress to do? Let me guess, higher taxes on the rich and the corporations?
when the "pie is growing" all that does is hide intrinsicate issues that exist. when the wealth gap gets wide, throughout history, you see common events - recessions. thinking this way does not make one a socialist, but the fact is, we are part of society, and the "wealthy" need the middle class and lower class to function for them to sustain in the society as well.
Exactly. What is it that these people want? What specific reforms or changes do they seek? Do they think they would have been better off if no "bailout" had taken place and the financial system had collapsed? I think their opinions might have been very different had the system collapsed and they learned their debit card didn't work and there was no way to buy food and gasoline to get them through the weekend.
why do they need to define specific reforms? the idea is to let politicians know that we are unhappy with the lack of action, and unhappy with the actions taken not addressing some key issues in our economic makeup. if it helps advance the conversation, then it's a success. if they unify into a "platform", it may just become another group that is taken over by some special interest. let it remain segmented and vocal. that's how you advance democracy.
Bascailly from what I heard they are protesting the present effects of consumer protection laws aimed at preventing them from harming themselves with some revolutionary talk mixed in.Disfunstional at best.
why do they need to define specific reforms? the idea is to let politicians know that we are unhappy with the lack of action, and unhappy with the actions taken not addressing some key issues in our economic makeup. if it helps advance the conversation, then it's a success. if they unify into a "platform", it may just become another group that is taken over by some special interest. let it remain segmented and vocal. that's how you advance democracy.
I show my feelings by voting and sometimes calling and writing but don't feel that marching is really that productive.
why do they need to define specific reforms? the idea is to let politicians know that we are unhappy with the lack of action, and unhappy with the actions taken not addressing some key issues in our economic makeup. if it helps advance the conversation, then it's a success. if they unify into a "platform", it may just become another group that is taken over by some special interest. let it remain segmented and vocal. that's how you advance democracy.
Interesting thoughts.
An observation...for those who feel the liberal media are cohorts of this movement...liberal National Public Radio (NPR) has barely covered the national events, very little mention, no "front page" broadcast stories, nothing on today's NPR website. In striking contrast, FOX News and other mainstream media are featuring the events as leading news items, with a good deal of media coverage. Not sure what this says, other than the fact it is interesting.
They were in Minneapolis today. It was peaceful and from the news coverage, there were a lot of people there all day (participants + watchers). I'm all for what they are trying to do. Better than sitting on the side complaining about it all and doing nothing.
So what are they trying to do? I haven't heard anyhting but rethoric about the rich some how owing them somethng.Wall street is driven by the main street consumer who see government spending out of control that they will have to pay for. No one hires people for jobs not needed by demand.All responsibilty starts with the individual.
Well I don't think I can state it any clearer than many on this thread already have. Basically: "We're dang mad and we aren't going to just sit like sheep and accept all the BS going on." (I tried to be PC about that statement)
If nothing is ever done by the public, these guys are going to continue pillaging and grabbing everything and anything they can. They don't worry about a conscience.
The news just stated that Congress has a 13% approval rating - a person attending the rally asked "Is it that high????" I guess that says it all.
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