I see you are visiting my page, and you're taking a look at Occupy Sallie Mae. Yup. That's what we have up our sleeve! Are you ready for some really, really amplified and bad PR against your usurious practices?!? I am, and I'll be coming with a legion of protesters! Stay tuned.
OCCUPY SALLIE MAE!!!!!!!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Happy Birthday, AEM!!!!
AEM has just turned 1 - isn't that great! We've accomplished a lot in just one year, so think about what we'll accomplish in the next 12 months. Things just continue to get busier and busier for this small, but strong non-profit.
I have asked 27 people to pledge money to support the one-year anniversary. I just need 23 more people to chip-in. The last person sent $27. Thanks to all of you who have donated, and who continue to support an organization that visits D.C. on a regular basis. I'll be heading to that cesspool next week - can't wait! Used to live there, and miss it a great deal.
I have asked 27 people to pledge money to support the one-year anniversary. I just need 23 more people to chip-in. The last person sent $27. Thanks to all of you who have donated, and who continue to support an organization that visits D.C. on a regular basis. I'll be heading to that cesspool next week - can't wait! Used to live there, and miss it a great deal.
Student Loan Forgiveness Needs To Happen Now, And We Also Need To Use New Language To Wage Our Battle
Despite was others say about student loan forgiveness, it is not provocative at all. Claiming that sort of thing actually serves to hurt the measure. When it comes to economists who know what they are talking about, it's hardly brash or crazy or provocative or whatever. It makes a lot of sense, and I'll defer to the experts in this case.
Given the momentum of Occupy, and the fact that outstanding student loan debt is nearing $1 trillion, at this juncture a debt jubilee (across the board) makes perfect sense. As mentioned earlier, in "Endgame: When Debt is Fraud, Debt Forgiveness is the Last and Only Remedy," Zeus Yiamouyiannis makes reasonable arguments for why debt forgiveness is absolutely necessary.
After listening to the press conference call and reporting about the administration's measures to supposedly help bring relief to borrowers, I was - as an activist - very disappointed. These proposals are simply not enough to help the millions and millions and millions of borrowers who are struggling to make ends meet. Think about the co-signers on loans, and how the administration has also flatly refused at this point to help defaulters. They are leaving out scores of people who need help now.
The whole system is out of whack, and those who make money off the backs of students need to be put out of business. End of story. They need to be put out of business, the government needs to stop cashing in as well, and a debt jubilee needs to be implemented. It's time to stop bleeding average Americans, and this is a bold way to ensure that hemorrhaging will stop. We live in extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures. Band-aid policies do no good when slapped on tumorous issues.
Debt jubilee now! Debt jubilee now! This is not dramatic - this makes sense.
That means we need to shift our language about this issue, too. When you throw out the term loan forgiveness, many people balk and idiotic right-wing pundits go haywire, and start frothing at the mouth. As Ann Pettifor, the founder co-founder of the Jubilee 2000 campaign, has made clear: we should not use the term "loan forgiveness." It automatically suggests that the person who is a debtor has committed a sin - this is the wrong language, and a campaign built on it will spark divisive views. When speaking, on the other hand, of the need for a debt jubilee, we can talk about the relationship that both parties entered together. We all know the system is rigged to benefit the loan sharks. After all, they help write all the laws that put the borrower at an extreme disadvantage. So, everything is on the books and against those of us who seek loans. They have enormous power over borrowers. It is off balance, and that is why we need a damned debt jubilee. This is the new language we shall use. We already have people on the streets, and people fighting with the pen as a sword - these are potent weapons, and they will serve to crush this usurious system.
I stand firmly with the folks calling for a Jubilee. I'll close with a fantastic Biblical passage that they discuss on their About page:
Given the momentum of Occupy, and the fact that outstanding student loan debt is nearing $1 trillion, at this juncture a debt jubilee (across the board) makes perfect sense. As mentioned earlier, in "Endgame: When Debt is Fraud, Debt Forgiveness is the Last and Only Remedy," Zeus Yiamouyiannis makes reasonable arguments for why debt forgiveness is absolutely necessary.
After listening to the press conference call and reporting about the administration's measures to supposedly help bring relief to borrowers, I was - as an activist - very disappointed. These proposals are simply not enough to help the millions and millions and millions of borrowers who are struggling to make ends meet. Think about the co-signers on loans, and how the administration has also flatly refused at this point to help defaulters. They are leaving out scores of people who need help now.
The whole system is out of whack, and those who make money off the backs of students need to be put out of business. End of story. They need to be put out of business, the government needs to stop cashing in as well, and a debt jubilee needs to be implemented. It's time to stop bleeding average Americans, and this is a bold way to ensure that hemorrhaging will stop. We live in extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures. Band-aid policies do no good when slapped on tumorous issues.
Debt jubilee now! Debt jubilee now! This is not dramatic - this makes sense.
That means we need to shift our language about this issue, too. When you throw out the term loan forgiveness, many people balk and idiotic right-wing pundits go haywire, and start frothing at the mouth. As Ann Pettifor, the founder co-founder of the Jubilee 2000 campaign, has made clear: we should not use the term "loan forgiveness." It automatically suggests that the person who is a debtor has committed a sin - this is the wrong language, and a campaign built on it will spark divisive views. When speaking, on the other hand, of the need for a debt jubilee, we can talk about the relationship that both parties entered together. We all know the system is rigged to benefit the loan sharks. After all, they help write all the laws that put the borrower at an extreme disadvantage. So, everything is on the books and against those of us who seek loans. They have enormous power over borrowers. It is off balance, and that is why we need a damned debt jubilee. This is the new language we shall use. We already have people on the streets, and people fighting with the pen as a sword - these are potent weapons, and they will serve to crush this usurious system.
I stand firmly with the folks calling for a Jubilee. I'll close with a fantastic Biblical passage that they discuss on their About page:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord … is upon me because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those that are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. – Isaiah 61
Mr Obama wants big ideas? Here are 10 in education
At a fundraiser yesterday in San Francisco, President Obama said that "We have lost our ambition, our imagination, and our willingness to do the things that built the Golden Gate Bridge..."
No, Mr. President, it isn’t “we” it is you. There are plenty of good ambitious ideas out there, you just aren’t listening.
Here, off the top of my head, are ten outrageous big ideas about education. You will listen to none of them. You have considered none of them. You haven’t even tried to understand them. Yes, they sound crazy, as do all new ideas.
1. Shut down high schools
2. Stop preparing students for college
3. Stop insisting everyone go to college
4. Re-focus colleges away from academics
5. Eliminate all testing
6. Get big business out of education
7. Make learning fun again
8. Let children choose what they want to learn about
9. Help children find mentors who will help them learn what they want to learn
10. Build on line experiences that engage students and that teach thinking skills
I have written about these ideas in more detail elsewhere and won’t repeat myself here. Suffice it to say that a high school system designed for the elite in 1892 could not possibly be right-headed today, yet instead of changing it you are making sure that we test every students to tears to make sure they have memorized the Quadratic formula, disregarding the fact that hardly any adult actually uses it.
Re-think what you are doing in education, Mr. Obama. You have become the problem.
There are plenty of ideas out there.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Police State: Occupy Oakland Turns Dramatically Violent
Occupy Oakland has been under siege for several hours this evening - tear gas (at least 6 rounds now), rubber bullets, and flash hand grenades have been used in extreme ways. The first siege actually began around 4:30 AM PST when riot police raided the camp. Apparently, our constitutional right to peacefully assemble no longer exists, at least not in Oakland.
Here's a very disturbing testimonial from a young man, who is visibly shaken. He talks about the crowd being tear-gassed this evening, and a woman being knocked unconscious.
The man says, "The police opened fired with tear gas and rubber bullets on the crowd, and flash hand grenades. One woman fell to the ground. She was lying there unconscious, bleeding. And a bunch of us ran back to try and get her, and when we ran back, the police opened fire, like on a second round, hitting me, and I watched her - she's already on the ground bleeding - I watched a flash hand grenade land right next to her head and explode right in her face."
Here's a picture of another young man who was hit in the head with a rubber bullet. If that thing had hit his eye, he probably would have lost it.
Oh, well, so much for constitutional rights for the 99%. Welcome to the authoritarian state. It infuriates me to Look at these young men, and their sad, shaken faces. They DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS. And meanwhile the clowns on Wall Street continue to benefit from starving the rest of us, and stealing our future. Basta! Basta!
Source: Tweet by @OccupyOakland
Oh, and here's what a "harmless" rubber bullet looks like:
Here's what it looks like when things turn really ugly. Let's compare a massacre in 1970 to images today . . .
Kent State
Occupy Oakland
And in this lovely video, the sheriff tells them if they do not leave, that "chemical agents" will be used. He also states in Orwellian terms that it is now an "unlawful assembly." Uh . . . ACCORDING TO WHOM!?!? Watch to the end, when the police knock a protester to the ground. People scramble to help the person out - it appears she has been knocked unconscious - only to be struck by more flash hand grenades. The young protesters are screaming at the police to stop attacking them, but to no avail.
Here's a very disturbing testimonial from a young man, who is visibly shaken. He talks about the crowd being tear-gassed this evening, and a woman being knocked unconscious.
The man says, "The police opened fired with tear gas and rubber bullets on the crowd, and flash hand grenades. One woman fell to the ground. She was lying there unconscious, bleeding. And a bunch of us ran back to try and get her, and when we ran back, the police opened fire, like on a second round, hitting me, and I watched her - she's already on the ground bleeding - I watched a flash hand grenade land right next to her head and explode right in her face."
Here's a picture of another young man who was hit in the head with a rubber bullet. If that thing had hit his eye, he probably would have lost it.
Oh, well, so much for constitutional rights for the 99%. Welcome to the authoritarian state. It infuriates me to Look at these young men, and their sad, shaken faces. They DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS. And meanwhile the clowns on Wall Street continue to benefit from starving the rest of us, and stealing our future. Basta! Basta!
Source: Tweet by @OccupyOakland
Oh, and here's what a "harmless" rubber bullet looks like:
Here's what it looks like when things turn really ugly. Let's compare a massacre in 1970 to images today . . .
Kent State
Occupy Oakland
Kent State . . . Hmmm . . . does the language sound familiar? "Bums" were killed?
And in this lovely video, the sheriff tells them if they do not leave, that "chemical agents" will be used. He also states in Orwellian terms that it is now an "unlawful assembly." Uh . . . ACCORDING TO WHOM!?!? Watch to the end, when the police knock a protester to the ground. People scramble to help the person out - it appears she has been knocked unconscious - only to be struck by more flash hand grenades. The young protesters are screaming at the police to stop attacking them, but to no avail.
Obama Announces Executive Action to Help Student Loan Borrowers
I was on a conference call today with the White House to discuss President Obama's plan to help student loan borrowers. The piece can be read here.
Monday, October 24, 2011
"We Can't Wait" Speech by President Obama - This Wed. in Denver, CO
President Obama will be giving a speech entitled, "We Can't Wait," this coming Wed. in Denver, CO. In this speech he'll tell the American people that he's going to bypass Congress. Moreover, I've learned that he will be announcing executive action that will help people struggling with federal student loans and those who have lost their homes through foreclosures. Let's hope it has meat, and that the solutions he offers can be applied to private student loan debt as well.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
#OWS: The Mayors List
Before I headed up to Tulsa, Oklahoma last weekend to meet occupiers there, I had a long conversation with author and activist Barbara Ehrenreich about ways in which we could help out. Barbara had a splendid idea, after I mentioned the arrests in various cities the night before.
"Let's put together a mayors list, a list of all their contact numbers," she said.
So we got to work. Barbara forwarded me a list of all the current occupied cities, and three of us (my husband, Barbara's sister, and I) got to work. The job was tedious, and a lot of mayors' websites look like they haven't been updated since 1999, but it's done! We also got extra help from a hard worker at the Institute for Policy Studies. A special shout out to Chris at IPS!
So, if you're an occupier or a supporter of OWS, check out this extensive list - we'll keep updating it, as more cities join. The list has pertinent contact information, so that when threats are made to occupiers, we can ALL get in touch with city officials and ensure the protesters' constitutional rights are protected.
Here's the excel file. Please disseminate to occupiers.
Friday, October 21, 2011
[UPDATE] Tune In This Evening at 10 PM EST To Casey Ryan's The Cutting Room Floor
Casey Ryan has invited me on as a guest to discuss student loan debt and OWS this evening. Please tune in at 10 PM EST to listen.
Thanks to all of you who tuned-in to listen to me live this evening. For those of you who missed it, you can listen to it here.
Thanks to all of you who tuned-in to listen to me live this evening. For those of you who missed it, you can listen to it here.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Latest Piece: Outstanding Student Loan Debt to Hit $1 Trillion Before End of 2011
Here's my latest piece at The Loop 21.com about hitting the $1 trillion mark before the end of 2011.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
BREAKING: Outstanding Student Loan Debt To Hit $1 TRILLION THIS YEAR
Support original research and an advocate for the indentured educated class. Donate today.
I just read an article in USA Today about student loan debt, and it claimed, "The amount of student loans taken out last year crossed the $100 billion mark for the first time and total loans outstanding will exceed $1 trillion for the first time this year."
When I got in touch with a leading expert in the field, Mark Kantrowitz, founder of Finaid.org, by email and asked about this assertion, he confirmed it was accurate. Kantrowitz's site has a "Student Loan Debt Clock" with outstanding loan debt currently at $950 BILLION. Think of all the families being ruined because of this fraudulent system. We, as a country, have gone of the deep end when it comes to higher education. This is despicable, and I am receiving letters of support from people who live in other countries. They are aghast and shocked by this crisis.
So there are absolutely NO solutions to the student lending crisis, and we're going to be hitting $1 TRILLION this year! When will our politicians wake up and do something about this calamity?!? Time to organize, folks.
I just read an article in USA Today about student loan debt, and it claimed, "The amount of student loans taken out last year crossed the $100 billion mark for the first time and total loans outstanding will exceed $1 trillion for the first time this year."
When I got in touch with a leading expert in the field, Mark Kantrowitz, founder of Finaid.org, by email and asked about this assertion, he confirmed it was accurate. Kantrowitz's site has a "Student Loan Debt Clock" with outstanding loan debt currently at $950 BILLION. Think of all the families being ruined because of this fraudulent system. We, as a country, have gone of the deep end when it comes to higher education. This is despicable, and I am receiving letters of support from people who live in other countries. They are aghast and shocked by this crisis.
So there are absolutely NO solutions to the student lending crisis, and we're going to be hitting $1 TRILLION this year! When will our politicians wake up and do something about this calamity?!? Time to organize, folks.
When I told Mr. Dollar that we'll be hitting the $1 trillion mark in 2011 instead of 2012, his mouth fell open (as you can see), and then he hit the floor. I think this might have killed him.
Related Links
"$1 Trillion," AEM (Feb. 7, 2011)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Reader Responses: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt
The We Are Part of The 99% Tumblr project is a powerful, historical narrative about the occupy protests. I have taken some of the images that relate to student loan debt and shared them with people here. As I've said previously, I am a writer and journalist who firmly believes in crediting sources.
In any event, I shared an image last week of a professor denouncing student loan debt.
One reader left a highly problematic response. They wrote:
Someone responded to this individuals remarks this evening, and wrote:
Related Links
"Epic Poetry from Anonymous: A Tribute To The Occupiers," AEM (Oct. 18, 2011)
"Fox At Their Most Pathetic: Nazis Support Occupy," AEM (Oct. 18, 2011)
"Docs About All Education for Occupiers at #OWS protests," AEM (Oct. 17, 2011)
"Great Infographic: The Student Loan Debt Racket," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"WE OCCUPY," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"Letter of Support from Australia: 'Your work is resonating far and wide,'" AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"'Clean Up' of Zuccotti Park Called Off!," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Call To Action: Occupy Wall Street Under Threat," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
In any event, I shared an image last week of a professor denouncing student loan debt.
One reader left a highly problematic response. They wrote:
Anonymous said...
OK so as a paid professor he can be part of the solution by giving up 50% of his pay to help make tuition cheaper for the 99%, simple.I meant to respond, but haven't until now. This remark is off base on so many levels. Professors are in a losing category on campuses. Overall, they are underpaid and treated with disdain by bloated, overpaid administrations. That's one of the big problems: higher education has been corporatized and professors are also paying a hefty price.
Someone responded to this individuals remarks this evening, and wrote:
Anonymous said...
He's a professor at a small university in St. Paul MN. He's my professor. He declined a salary raise, but rather wanted the money to go towards his department.
Even if he DID take the raise, I know he would be making far less than he deserves.Bravo! Bravo! And thank you for sharing this information about your professor. I am sure he is making less than he deserves, just like almost all of my friends who decided to stay in academia. Heck, if you look at the picture below, you even got the 1% to applaud you!
Related Links
"Epic Poetry from Anonymous: A Tribute To The Occupiers," AEM (Oct. 18, 2011)
"Fox At Their Most Pathetic: Nazis Support Occupy," AEM (Oct. 18, 2011)
"Docs About All Education for Occupiers at #OWS protests," AEM (Oct. 17, 2011)
"Great Infographic: The Student Loan Debt Racket," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"WE OCCUPY," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"Letter of Support from Australia: 'Your work is resonating far and wide,'" AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"'Clean Up' of Zuccotti Park Called Off!," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Call To Action: Occupy Wall Street Under Threat," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Wall Street Journal Snoozes, But Apparently Wakes Up To See The Connection Between #OWS and Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
Epic Poetry from Anonymous: A Tribute To The Occupiers
Thom Hartmann received this amazing video and poem from Anonymous. He's right - it's profound poetry, and it speaks for all of us who are the 99%. It speaks to and about and for our pain, our suffering, our hopelessness. I wonder now how many lives have been lost because Wall Street bled this country dry - as an advocate for people who are being crushed by this usurious system, I support and counsel suicidal debtors frequently. Those who are the indentured educated class - and there are millions and millions of us - prove that the system is fraudulent and rigged. It benefits a tiny elite at the expense of millions of Americans. Furthermore, if education is corporatized, as it has happened here, democracy withers away. This is why we must put an END to student loan debt for current borrowers AND those who will come after us. We must protect those who are not yet in debt. We must do this in order to ensure that democracy will once again flourish in this country. (This is not radical. Other countries subsidize higher education, and their young people are not left with mountains of debt). We must do this for our children and our grandchildren - they deserve better than what we've become (indentured educated citizens).
I wonder how we will reclaim a democracy that has been distorted, fractured, and brutally beaten by people who were reckless and destructive. Anonymous speaks for all of us, just as the occupiers are there to scream a collective battle cry for those who feel they have no voice. But they are showing us, because they have chosen to sleep in the streets, blast a message for the 99%, be physically brutalized, that we do have a voice. They are showing us, that we do have a say. They are showing us who we are. We are them. As this poem states, they are our brothers and sisters, and they are showing us the truth about ourselves, and that is this: we want our future back and we want it now. As Chris Hedges has pointed out over and over again, the radical ones are those who are guarding their money and making money off of severe losses for millions and millions of people. Broken homes. Broken communities. Broken people. This is what they have done to us. But we're not taking it anymore, and we're seizing what rightfully belongs to us: OUR FUTURE.
Listen, watch, share.
God bless Thom Hartmann for sharing this epic poem with everyone.
Related Links
"Fox At Their Most Pathetic: Nazis Support Occupy," AEM (Oct. 18, 2011)
"Docs About All Education for Occupiers at #OWS protests," AEM (Oct. 17, 2011)
"Great Infographic: The Student Loan Debt Racket," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"WE OCCUPY," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"Letter of Support from Australia: 'Your work is resonating far and wide,'" AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"'Clean Up' of Zuccotti Park Called Off!," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Call To Action: Occupy Wall Street Under Threat," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
I wonder how we will reclaim a democracy that has been distorted, fractured, and brutally beaten by people who were reckless and destructive. Anonymous speaks for all of us, just as the occupiers are there to scream a collective battle cry for those who feel they have no voice. But they are showing us, because they have chosen to sleep in the streets, blast a message for the 99%, be physically brutalized, that we do have a voice. They are showing us, that we do have a say. They are showing us who we are. We are them. As this poem states, they are our brothers and sisters, and they are showing us the truth about ourselves, and that is this: we want our future back and we want it now. As Chris Hedges has pointed out over and over again, the radical ones are those who are guarding their money and making money off of severe losses for millions and millions of people. Broken homes. Broken communities. Broken people. This is what they have done to us. But we're not taking it anymore, and we're seizing what rightfully belongs to us: OUR FUTURE.
Listen, watch, share.
God bless Thom Hartmann for sharing this epic poem with everyone.
Related Links
"Fox At Their Most Pathetic: Nazis Support Occupy," AEM (Oct. 18, 2011)
"Docs About All Education for Occupiers at #OWS protests," AEM (Oct. 17, 2011)
"Great Infographic: The Student Loan Debt Racket," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"WE OCCUPY," AEM (Oct. 15, 2011)
"Letter of Support from Australia: 'Your work is resonating far and wide,'" AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"'Clean Up' of Zuccotti Park Called Off!," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Call To Action: Occupy Wall Street Under Threat," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Wall Street Journal Snoozes, But Apparently Wakes Up To See The Connection Between #OWS and Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
Fox At Their Most Pathetic: Nazis Support Occupy!
Here's a reason why education is critical. It helps you weed out the bullshit and understand how propaganda works. It helps you understand why and how and when institutions or people appeal to your emotions - most importantly your fears - in order to confuse you about issues and so forth.
Understanding this clip as a piece of propagandistic trash is a prime example of why education matters. Look at this garbage! Fox Nazis are now claiming Nazi Nazis support the occupy movement. Puhleez.
Here's the clip (original source: Todd Gregory, "The Latest Desperate Smear Of Occupy Wall Street Protests: The Nazis Like Them," Media Matters):
Understanding this clip as a piece of propagandistic trash is a prime example of why education matters. Look at this garbage! Fox Nazis are now claiming Nazi Nazis support the occupy movement. Puhleez.
Here's the clip (original source: Todd Gregory, "The Latest Desperate Smear Of Occupy Wall Street Protests: The Nazis Like Them," Media Matters):
Monday, October 17, 2011
Docs About All Education for Occupiers at #OWS protests
A lot of folks have asked me for fliers that describe the work of All Education Matters. I already have a doc that describes the history of AEM, which, by the way, will turn a year in 1- days - can you believe it? I can't! It's amazing to think that I was in S. Korea when I incorporated. It wouldn't have been possible without your generous donations.
In any event, I have also created another doc. There is also a flier that is called "The Voices of the Indentured Educated Class." This document was created after a long-time supporter and friend of mine, Reid, asked me to draft something that personalizes the crisis. Reid, by the way, is doing amazing, amazing work for #OccupyPortland. He makes me proud to be part of the 99%, and he - like all of you - remind me why I'm struggling to make this non-profit work. It's worth the sacrifice - more than worth it.
So, if you'd like to print off these docs below, please feel free to do so. Spread the word to occupiers. Let them know that they are not alone, and that someone fights for them every day.
Finally, I've received several generous donations today, around $75. Several of those who donated are repeat donors. Could you pitch in, and match their support? It would mean a lot to me and to them. Plus, it will help me get to NYC in early November. Your donations have enabled me to travel and meet with occupiers to discuss this critical issue (I've been to Austin and Tulsa; stay tuned for the OK update - I had an amazing meeting with four dedicated occupiers). As for the donations, one debtor said to me today, "I hope this [the student lending crisis] becomes a central point for the occupy groups." I couldn't agree more, and after speaking to two, ferociously smart young men in Tulsa this past weekend, who are drowning in student loan debt and justifiably enraged, I know AEM is critical and must survive. You are keeping it alive. Even a $1 helps out! So help me spread the word about the indentured educated class, AEM . . . let me represent you, and tell people that they are not alone in this struggle.
Thanks so much for supporting the only non-profit that lobbies Congressional offices on behalf of the indentured educated class.
In solidarity,
Cryn
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y3FWNjslgCzWrioKrlU4qCcttJmPsfOWpY8zgnsLhNY/edit?hl=en_US
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y3FWNjslgCzWrioKrlU4qCcttJmPsfOWpY8zgnsLhNY/edit?hl=en_US
In any event, I have also created another doc. There is also a flier that is called "The Voices of the Indentured Educated Class." This document was created after a long-time supporter and friend of mine, Reid, asked me to draft something that personalizes the crisis. Reid, by the way, is doing amazing, amazing work for #OccupyPortland. He makes me proud to be part of the 99%, and he - like all of you - remind me why I'm struggling to make this non-profit work. It's worth the sacrifice - more than worth it.
So, if you'd like to print off these docs below, please feel free to do so. Spread the word to occupiers. Let them know that they are not alone, and that someone fights for them every day.
Finally, I've received several generous donations today, around $75. Several of those who donated are repeat donors. Could you pitch in, and match their support? It would mean a lot to me and to them. Plus, it will help me get to NYC in early November. Your donations have enabled me to travel and meet with occupiers to discuss this critical issue (I've been to Austin and Tulsa; stay tuned for the OK update - I had an amazing meeting with four dedicated occupiers). As for the donations, one debtor said to me today, "I hope this [the student lending crisis] becomes a central point for the occupy groups." I couldn't agree more, and after speaking to two, ferociously smart young men in Tulsa this past weekend, who are drowning in student loan debt and justifiably enraged, I know AEM is critical and must survive. You are keeping it alive. Even a $1 helps out! So help me spread the word about the indentured educated class, AEM . . . let me represent you, and tell people that they are not alone in this struggle.
Thanks so much for supporting the only non-profit that lobbies Congressional offices on behalf of the indentured educated class.
In solidarity,
Cryn
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y3FWNjslgCzWrioKrlU4qCcttJmPsfOWpY8zgnsLhNY/edit?hl=en_US
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y3FWNjslgCzWrioKrlU4qCcttJmPsfOWpY8zgnsLhNY/edit?hl=en_US
Help me spread the word about AEM at occupies across the nation
Saturday, October 15, 2011
WE OCCUPY
And unlike some cheating journalists and writers, I believe in giving credit to those who CREATE such content. John De Guzman shared this on flickr here.
Indentured educated citizens unite! Support your brothers and sisters, your patriots, who have become occupiers in an authoritarian state. Help them reclaim democracy, justice, and fairness for ALL. Find a local occupy, support them, join them - then start talking over and over and over again about how we're going to solve the student lending crisis. We need bodies, and we need resolve. Who's in? Who's ready? I am!
Yours,
One of the 99%
Friday, October 14, 2011
Letter of Support from Australia: "Your work is resonating far and wide"
Last week, I received a great letter from a gentleman in Australia. While the majority of my readers are from the U.S., I actually am receiving more and more hits outside of the country. I receive a lot of letters of support, but those will be followed by hate mail and attacks. So it was quite nice to hear from an Australian who supports my work - that's to say, the timing was just right. This indicates, again, that we're getting LOUDER and LOUDER and LOUDER.
Here's what he had to say:
Here's what he had to say:
G'day Cryn,
I'm a regular reader of yours and some of the other blogs on American student debt, out of Australia. I was stunned when I first stumbled across this issue, which later gave way to outrage - it blows me away.
Anyway, I've wanted to try and do what little I could to raise awareness of the issue here, where we enjoy largely subsidised higher ed with a modest and relatively soft 'co-payment' system. 'Debts' are owed to the government, and only payable once income reaches a certain level. Repayments are then deducted automatically through the tax system, and interest is pegged to CPI.
I've also been monitoring the 'Occupy' movement with interest, and one thing frustrating me in local coverage was the absence of what I sense is a big driver - student debt - and a lack of appreciation of just what you are up against.
Moved to act, I've today written the following piece, published to the opinion section of our ABC (major public broadcaster):
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3340246.html
I really wanted to emphasise the debt angle (and hope I got the broad details right!).
Anyway, the very best with your endeavours. I wanted to let you know your work is resonating far and wide.
Regards,
Jim ForbesOn behalf of the indentured educated class, I want to publicly thank Jim for his support. It means a great to all of us.
"Clean Up" of Zuccotti Park Called Off!
A protester just stated that nearly 2,000 people showed up to support those who in the park, and that the clean up has been postponed! That's the official word on the street.
Great work, folks.
Now it's time to smash these systems that make money off us through usury and other forms of economic slavery. The time is NOW.
Related Links
"Call To Action: Occupy Wall Street Under Threat," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
Great work, folks.
Now it's time to smash these systems that make money off us through usury and other forms of economic slavery. The time is NOW.
Related Links
"Call To Action: Occupy Wall Street Under Threat," AEM (Oct. 14, 2011)
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Wall Street Journal Snoozes, But Apparently Wakes Up To See The Connection Between #OWS and Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Call To Action: Occupy Wall Street Under Threat
A colleague of mine, Marvin Bing, sent this email to me this evening about what's going on in NYC. As many of you are aware, Bloomberg is threatening to clear out Zuccotti Park tomorrow morning at 6 A.M.
Here's what he wrote:
Hi –
Tomorrow the Mayor of New York and the City’s police department will use taxpayers' money to forcibly remove American citizens from Zuccotti Park, where they are peacefully assembled now in protest against the corrupt relationship between Wall Street and the government.
The Mayor is taking this action after receiving a letter of complaint from Brookfield Properties, the owners of the park.
The mayor’s girlfriend Diana Taylor is on the Board of Directors of Brookfield Properties.If the Occupy Wall Street protestors return to the park, they - and presumably all future visitors to the park - will not be able to do any of the following:
- Lie down on the ground;
- Lie down on a bench;
- Put any covering on the property (note to future picnicners, your picnic blanket will be confiscated) .
If this offends your American sensibilities, please call Brookfield Properties CEO Ric Clark at 212-417-7000 to tell him that you don’t appreciate his company interfering in the Free Speech rights of American citizens.
If Ric is not available, you should call Melissa Coley, VP of Investor Relations at 212-417-7215 or email her at Melissa.coley@brookfield.com.
You can also come to Zuccotti Park tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. to stand with the protesters. Spread this as far as you can. . .
Related Links
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
Here's what he wrote:
Hi –
Tomorrow the Mayor of New York and the City’s police department will use taxpayers' money to forcibly remove American citizens from Zuccotti Park, where they are peacefully assembled now in protest against the corrupt relationship between Wall Street and the government.
The Mayor is taking this action after receiving a letter of complaint from Brookfield Properties, the owners of the park.
The mayor’s girlfriend Diana Taylor is on the Board of Directors of Brookfield Properties.If the Occupy Wall Street protestors return to the park, they - and presumably all future visitors to the park - will not be able to do any of the following:
- Lie down on the ground;
- Lie down on a bench;
- Put any covering on the property (note to future picnicners, your picnic blanket will be confiscated) .
If this offends your American sensibilities, please call Brookfield Properties CEO Ric Clark at 212-417-7000 to tell him that you don’t appreciate his company interfering in the Free Speech rights of American citizens.
If Ric is not available, you should call Melissa Coley, VP of Investor Relations at 212-417-7215 or email her at Melissa.coley@brookfield.com.
You can also come to Zuccotti Park tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. to stand with the protesters. Spread this as far as you can. . .
Related Links
"Occupy Austin: More than Just a Bouquet of Freedom Flowers," Seriously Subversive, Hypervocal (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Wall Street Journal Snoozes, But Apparently Wakes Up To See The Connection Between #OWS and Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
Seriously Subversive: Occupy Austin
Here's my latest report about Occupy Austin on my new column - Seriously Subversive - at Hypervocal.
Conversation With First Tier Toilet About Occupy Wall Street
The creator of First Tier Toilet was kind enough to request a brief interview about my thoughts on the occupy movement. Here's what we discussed:
FFT: Why are you getting involved with the "Occupy" movement?
CCJ: There is an overwhelming number of young people who are driving this movement. Of course, there are people of all ages who are taking a role in the protests, and that's because it is resonating with so many Americans. The saying, "We are the 99%," makes sense. It's a powerful way to identify with other Americans. Many supporters have jobs, are doing well, etc. But they recognize, just like the protesters who have been hit hard financially and so forth, that our system, particularly our financial system, is out of whack.
I have a good friend, Dustin Slaughter, who has been involved with Occupy since it kicked off in lower Manhattan on the 17th of September. Dustin and I have known one another for quite some time, and we are both big supporters of each other's work. (Dustin, incidentally, launched a site called the David & Goliath Project, and is a documentary filmmaker). He's been documenting the protests, and I have used his work on my blog and also in publications for The Loop21.com. Dustin has taken amazing photos of signs about student loan debt and joblessness. The connection between the protests and my work as an advocate for student loan debtors is clear.
I have also been aware of this planned protest since AdBusters made the announcement this past summer. At the same time, October 2011 - a group in D.C. - also made a similar announcement and at the same time. That was not a coincidence. Plus, All Education Matters is listed as an organization that supports the October 2011 crew.
On another note, I literally spoke with hundreds of different types of people - activists like Dustin, authors like Barbara Ehrenreich, professors, debtors, etc. - this past summer about the dismal state of affairs in this country. Dustin, to his credit, in late February was hinting at the need for non-violent, civil disobedience. We had several conversations about it, but at that point I just couldn't seem to figure out HOW we could do it. AdBusters obviously GOT that part! These protests have made me realize that I was not the only person have these conversations. Something was happening at the collective level, and now we're seeing results - we're seeing action ON THE GROUND.
It is clear that people are fed up, and they are mobilizing to show the top 1% that they aren't gonna take it anymore. This movement is absolutely astonishing to me - as for my generation, we haven't seen anything like this before, and I think these young people need our full support. Sure. They might make errors - that's being human - but they are highly engaged, and want to play legitimate role in the political process. They, like most Americans, are tired of feeling shut out.
I think we, as Americans, are coming together for the first time, and we're learning to share our struggles with one another. In addition, I think there is a strong relationship between the 10th anniversary of 9-11 and occupy. And, mind you, I am not referring to the way it is and was exploited by politicians and - even more disgusting - corporations. I think revisiting that day was important. For instance, I spent a lot of time looking at old images and reading about folks who survived or perished that day. I was struck by one thing: how willing Americans were to help one another on that horrific day. The pictures of the firemen, as well as Fr. Mychal Judge (who was listed as the first victim on the ground), were haunting and painful to look at again. I spent a lot of time looking at the firemen walking UP the stairwells in the towers. As they walked up, people walked down. The first responders sacrificed their lives for other people. That's powerful stuff. I think a lot of Americans were reminded of how we can be kind towards one another, that we do still believe in community, and so forth.
I realize that the claim that there is a relationship between the 10th anniversary of 9-11 and occupy can't be "proven" from some social scientific way, but I think there is a definite connection.
So, as you can see, the movement resonates with me for a lot of reasons. I think, most importantly, we need to support the young folks who are out there protesting. As many of us know, they are the ones who are burdened with the most debt and are facing a job market that many economists have compared to the Great Depression. They do not deserve to be ridiculed or dismissed - that has happened for far too long. Like the rest of us, they just want to think they have a future. They want it back. Not only that, they have the guts to hit the streets, risk being injured to make a point. That makes me damned proud. These folks are true patriots, and we need to listen to them. It's time to start listening to one another. I think people who aren't a part of this are still filled with fury. That's because they, like you and me, have felt ignored for too long. It is clear that these events entail a lot of conversation, and I think that's great. When I was observing the mood at Occupy Austin, I was struck by how cheerful it was - people were smiling, there were families there . . . people even brought their dogs (some of which wore signs against corporate greed). It's clear that people are frustrated, but that these gatherings are giving them a sense of hope. Collective hope is a powerful thing - very powerful thing.
I see [these protests] as these radically democratic spaces within a brutal, oligarchic state. That is why, as Naomi Klein recently stated, this is the most important thing happening right now.
Read the full interview here.
RELATED LINKS
"Wall Street Journal Snoozes, But Apparently Wakes Up To See The Connection Between #OWS and Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
"Wall Street Journal Snoozes, But Apparently Wakes Up To See The Connection Between #OWS and Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 13, 2011)
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
Wall Street Journal Snoozes, But Apparently Wakes Up To See The Connection Between #OWS and Student Loan Debt
Wow. So, I have been reporting, as well as others, notably Dustin Slaughter (@DustinSlaughter), about the direct relationship between the occupy movement and student loan debt. As you can see from my related links below, those two themes have been covered since the 17th of September!
WSJ reporter Mary Pilon has apparently 'realized' the connection, but it seems a little late, don't it?
Related Links
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
WSJ reporter Mary Pilon has apparently 'realized' the connection, but it seems a little late, don't it?
Related Links
"Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Barbara Ehrenreich: 'The Guys in the 1% Brought This On,'" AEM (Oct. 12, 2011)
"Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Powerful Image: College Professor Denouncing Student Loan Debt
A reader sent me this image, so I am not sure it was sent to "We are Part of the 99%" Tumblr blog. I think it's safe to assume it was, so that's why I am linking to them again. They have done an outstanding job of offering people a place to share, on a very personal level, what it's like to be part of the 99%. The images have made me cry several times today, as did Barbara Ehrenreich's article in The Progressive.
This is an outstanding testament:
I have spoken to countless professors about my work as a warrior for the indentured educated class. Many of them are my friends, and they are outraged by what's happening to the cost of college. This professor is dead right, and he is not alone in thinking this about higher ed, i.e., how higher education used to be considered a PUBLIC GOOD. We need to get back to that. That's why I support #OccupyWallStreet and #OccupyTogether.
This is an outstanding testament:
I have spoken to countless professors about my work as a warrior for the indentured educated class. Many of them are my friends, and they are outraged by what's happening to the cost of college. This professor is dead right, and he is not alone in thinking this about higher ed, i.e., how higher education used to be considered a PUBLIC GOOD. We need to get back to that. That's why I support #OccupyWallStreet and #OccupyTogether.
Barbara Ehrenreich: "The Guys in the 1% Brought This On"
Ehrenreich offers accurate and superb analysis, in a recent piece published by The Progressive, on why the guys at the top are to blame for this current economic fiasco. As an activist and writer myself, I am grateful for her continued involvement with the activist communities across the U.S. She continues to write at a furious pace. Knowing she's out there, makes me damned proud to be an American. She is a true patriot.
I also appreciate the fact that she mentioned my work as an advocate for the indentured educated class, how screwed recent law school students are, and how many of us are now indebted until the day we die.
I also appreciate the fact that she mentioned my work as an advocate for the indentured educated class, how screwed recent law school students are, and how many of us are now indebted until the day we die.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Youth Across the World Denouncing Neoliberalism, the Politics of Hate, and Casino Capitalism
This clip (below) is outstanding, and Professor Jeffrey Sachs is absolutely right about young people - we want our world back, and we want it back now. His words paint a powerful picture of who we are, what we want, and how we intend to change things. I have come to realize that Occupy is not just about the United States. The issues that these young people are raising in the U.S. resonate with others across the globe. That's why no one has a handle on it. Everyone is befuddled (I'm referring to those on the right and the so-called "left" in the U.S). They can't make heads or tails of this growing, powerful, and peaceful thing. That's because they are used to authoritarianism and casino capitalism (as Henry Giroux calls it). They think they have gotten away with implementing a cruel and amoral neoliberal system. But you know what? They are wrong. We're on to their tactics. And now we're mobilizing, and we are not fond of Milton Friedman or Friedrich Hayek (and we despise Thatcher and Reagan). We're through with this cruel, greedy, nasty system. More importantly, we are no longer engaged in the politics of hate.
Please support AEM. Donate $5 to keep it alive! Every dollar helps.
Someone told me that 100 rich people mean more than 100,000 protesting poor proletariat. You know what? They are, with all due respect, damned wrong. Those who diminish the accomplishments of the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, the ACT up protests, etc. (not to mention the brave folks who protested earlier in the century and fought hard enough to give us fair working hours and so forth), are broken or scared or misanthropic.
Youth across the world are realizing that they are good. That they can change things. And that this is their world. Youth are reclaiming their identities, and realizing their capabilities. They are doing this together. And it's not just youth. They are finding solidarity with the elderly. The youth are uniting, and they are using social media tools to succeed in crushing authoritarianism. More than that, they are on the streets. They are on the streets in cities across the globe.
For instance, I have been exchanging tweets with a woman in Egypt. She is a young professional, and took part in the protests that led to overthrowing the Mubarak regime. This woman continues to be involved in protests, but things are not good there. The military has become brutal, as she has explained, and she worries about their future. But she let me know that she is watching occupy very closely here, and that she hopes that we have better results than they have had. This young woman has been in dangerous, life-threatening situations. We might find ourselves up against similar things. We have already been witness to police brutality. But our people here are insisting that the police are not the enemy - that is powerful to affirm. Indeed, the police are part of the 99%. It must be painful for many of them to condemn the protests. While some may find pleasure in brutalizing people, most of them have to be struggling with the situation. After all, they are facing pay cuts, layoffs, etc. They are also worried about putting food on the table for their kids. They also are worried about the cost of higher education for their children. They are, like us, scared.
Do you love AEM because it represents you and other student loan debtors? If so, show your love by donating today!
Getting back to the Egyptian woman's remarks, I was struck by them, and realized that is precisely why we must continue to occupy in every community across the country. The decisions our leaders make here do not just affect us. Their decisions affect millions and millions of people across the globe. And at this moment, we are more interested (at least our leaders are) in bombing, dominating, and killing civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Pakistan (and soon Somalia) than investing in good things . . . good things like, oh, I don't know, education.
Here's a difference between those here who are protesting and those in Europe and elsewhere who are protesting: millions and millions of our young people are drowning in STUDENT LOAN DEBT.
Today, outstanding student loan debt hit $948 BILLION. Think about the MILLIONS of people who are drowning in student loan debt! Think about the co-signers!
The attacks against me and my work have intensified. But you know what? That means we're getting LOUDER and LOUDER and LOUDER.
And those who say we are lazy are proven wrong. Every time I receive a hateful tweet or a nasty email, I respond with this: "many of us debtors have full-time jobs, are going to school, have families, and are trying our hardest to make ends meet. I run a small business (AEM), and am also a freelance writer. That means I work 6-7 days a week. On average, my work day is 12-14 hours a day. So, let me ask you this? Is that lazy? Should I be working 20 hours a day? Should I have 3 or 4 jobs? Is this example not enough for you?!?"
That generally shuts them up.
Sachs explains that young people across the world are fed up. Amen. Amen to that. We are, and we're uniting every second. This is OUR world. We want it back. And I think we'll be better stewards of it. So that said, the crazies, the fascists, the sell-outs, the blamers, ALL YOU PEOPLE . . . guess what?!? It's time to MOVE OVER. It's time to get OUT OF OUR WAY. Not tomorrow. Not in the future. NOW. NOW, I say. And I am not howling that alone. There are MILLIONS of us howling that. MOVE OVER! MOVE OVER! MOVE OVER! MOVE OVER NOW!!!!
Related Links
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
Please support AEM. Donate $5 to keep it alive! Every dollar helps.
Someone told me that 100 rich people mean more than 100,000 protesting poor proletariat. You know what? They are, with all due respect, damned wrong. Those who diminish the accomplishments of the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, the ACT up protests, etc. (not to mention the brave folks who protested earlier in the century and fought hard enough to give us fair working hours and so forth), are broken or scared or misanthropic.
Youth across the world are realizing that they are good. That they can change things. And that this is their world. Youth are reclaiming their identities, and realizing their capabilities. They are doing this together. And it's not just youth. They are finding solidarity with the elderly. The youth are uniting, and they are using social media tools to succeed in crushing authoritarianism. More than that, they are on the streets. They are on the streets in cities across the globe.
For instance, I have been exchanging tweets with a woman in Egypt. She is a young professional, and took part in the protests that led to overthrowing the Mubarak regime. This woman continues to be involved in protests, but things are not good there. The military has become brutal, as she has explained, and she worries about their future. But she let me know that she is watching occupy very closely here, and that she hopes that we have better results than they have had. This young woman has been in dangerous, life-threatening situations. We might find ourselves up against similar things. We have already been witness to police brutality. But our people here are insisting that the police are not the enemy - that is powerful to affirm. Indeed, the police are part of the 99%. It must be painful for many of them to condemn the protests. While some may find pleasure in brutalizing people, most of them have to be struggling with the situation. After all, they are facing pay cuts, layoffs, etc. They are also worried about putting food on the table for their kids. They also are worried about the cost of higher education for their children. They are, like us, scared.
Do you love AEM because it represents you and other student loan debtors? If so, show your love by donating today!
Getting back to the Egyptian woman's remarks, I was struck by them, and realized that is precisely why we must continue to occupy in every community across the country. The decisions our leaders make here do not just affect us. Their decisions affect millions and millions of people across the globe. And at this moment, we are more interested (at least our leaders are) in bombing, dominating, and killing civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Pakistan (and soon Somalia) than investing in good things . . . good things like, oh, I don't know, education.
Here's a difference between those here who are protesting and those in Europe and elsewhere who are protesting: millions and millions of our young people are drowning in STUDENT LOAN DEBT.
Today, outstanding student loan debt hit $948 BILLION. Think about the MILLIONS of people who are drowning in student loan debt! Think about the co-signers!
The attacks against me and my work have intensified. But you know what? That means we're getting LOUDER and LOUDER and LOUDER.
And those who say we are lazy are proven wrong. Every time I receive a hateful tweet or a nasty email, I respond with this: "many of us debtors have full-time jobs, are going to school, have families, and are trying our hardest to make ends meet. I run a small business (AEM), and am also a freelance writer. That means I work 6-7 days a week. On average, my work day is 12-14 hours a day. So, let me ask you this? Is that lazy? Should I be working 20 hours a day? Should I have 3 or 4 jobs? Is this example not enough for you?!?"
That generally shuts them up.
Sachs explains that young people across the world are fed up. Amen. Amen to that. We are, and we're uniting every second. This is OUR world. We want it back. And I think we'll be better stewards of it. So that said, the crazies, the fascists, the sell-outs, the blamers, ALL YOU PEOPLE . . . guess what?!? It's time to MOVE OVER. It's time to get OUT OF OUR WAY. Not tomorrow. Not in the future. NOW. NOW, I say. And I am not howling that alone. There are MILLIONS of us howling that. MOVE OVER! MOVE OVER! MOVE OVER! MOVE OVER NOW!!!!
Related Links
"We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl," AEM (Oct. 11, 2011)
"Fox News: Poll About Wall Street (#OWS)," AEM (Oct. 10, 2011)
"Data and Ideology of the We are the 99% Tumblr," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Most Amazing Image Today: World War II Veteran Supports Occupy Wall Street," AEM (Oct. 9, 2011)
"Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive," AEM (Oct. 6. 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"The Simpsons: Capturing the Zeigeist (Plus some notes about Occupy America and AEM's Fall Itinerary)," AEM (Oct 2, 2011)
"Occupy Sallie Mae," AEM (Oct. 1, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
We are the 99 Percent Tumblr: 17-year-old Indentured Educated Girl
I can't take credit for this image. It comes from the outstanding blog, "We are the 99 Percent Tumblr."
THIS. LOOK AT THIS. Her sign speaks volumes about how we have stopped investing in our children - our future. She is one of us now. She is an indentured educated citizen, and she is only 17-years-old. This is heart-wrenching. This is unjust. This is cruel. This is economic slavery at its worst. THIS. THIS is why I support Occupy Wall Street. Because, like this young woman, I too am the the 99%. I too want my future back. I want to know that this young woman gets her future back. It is time. It is time NOW. NOW. Not tomorrow. Not in the future. NOW. We're through with your platitudinous promises. We're through. We're living the American dream NOW. It's starting again NOW. Today. Not tomorrow.
This girl deserves a better life. Just like you do. Just like I do.
THIS. LOOK AT THIS. Her sign speaks volumes about how we have stopped investing in our children - our future. She is one of us now. She is an indentured educated citizen, and she is only 17-years-old. This is heart-wrenching. This is unjust. This is cruel. This is economic slavery at its worst. THIS. THIS is why I support Occupy Wall Street. Because, like this young woman, I too am the the 99%. I too want my future back. I want to know that this young woman gets her future back. It is time. It is time NOW. NOW. Not tomorrow. Not in the future. NOW. We're through with your platitudinous promises. We're through. We're living the American dream NOW. It's starting again NOW. Today. Not tomorrow.
This girl deserves a better life. Just like you do. Just like I do.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Data and Ideology of the We are 99% Tumblr
This collection of data about the We are 99% Tumblr is fascinating.
The image of that 4-year-old boy is tragic. It really hits on the fact that children - the most vulnerable in our society - have been hit the hardest by the policies of our cruel, neoliberal state. The dismantling of the welfare state is destroying opportunities for them, and they aren't even out of diapers yet! Then you have those who are 18-29, and they are drowning in student loan debt and are jobless. But they are fighting back, and doing it in a very, very savvy way. (Read this amazing letter from someone who used to be part of the Tea Party Movement - it's very supportive). We also have the older who, in the twilight of their lives, have been robbed of things. When did we stop taking caring of one another in this way? When did we decide to turn our backs on community? All of us - the 99% - are paying dearly so a tiny percentage of people can maintain overwhelming power over our politics and over the global economy.
On another note, I'll be posting and writing about my time in Austin, Texas soon (I'm collecting my notes). I was there this past weekend, and I met some of the crew at Occupy Austin (@OccupyAustin) - solid, open, friendly group of people. There was a lot of lively debate, and observing the General Assembly was great. As one speaker said, "we are witnessing a living, organic form of democracy." Very true. Very true indeed.
I am heading to Tulsa on Tuesday to meet with the Occupy crew there, and I am really looking forward to it.
The image of that 4-year-old boy is tragic. It really hits on the fact that children - the most vulnerable in our society - have been hit the hardest by the policies of our cruel, neoliberal state. The dismantling of the welfare state is destroying opportunities for them, and they aren't even out of diapers yet! Then you have those who are 18-29, and they are drowning in student loan debt and are jobless. But they are fighting back, and doing it in a very, very savvy way. (Read this amazing letter from someone who used to be part of the Tea Party Movement - it's very supportive). We also have the older who, in the twilight of their lives, have been robbed of things. When did we stop taking caring of one another in this way? When did we decide to turn our backs on community? All of us - the 99% - are paying dearly so a tiny percentage of people can maintain overwhelming power over our politics and over the global economy.
On another note, I'll be posting and writing about my time in Austin, Texas soon (I'm collecting my notes). I was there this past weekend, and I met some of the crew at Occupy Austin (@OccupyAustin) - solid, open, friendly group of people. There was a lot of lively debate, and observing the General Assembly was great. As one speaker said, "we are witnessing a living, organic form of democracy." Very true. Very true indeed.
I am heading to Tulsa on Tuesday to meet with the Occupy crew there, and I am really looking forward to it.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Another Platform for the Indentured Educated Class: Seriously Subversive
The folks at Hypervocal extended a gracious invitation to me, and asked if I'd be interested in being a contributor at their site. I accepted the offer! My new column is called Seriously Subversive, and that is where I will be covering - in part - my trips across the country to report about #OWS. I will also (of course) write about the student lending crisis, economics, politics, etc. for them. There will be a slight twist, if that's the right way of putting it. There's gonna be some levity in these pieces, and I think that's what we all need. It reminds me of the excitement we're getting from these nationwide protests. It's given me a bounce in my step, and it feels damned good. Do you also see what this means for the indentured educated class? Our voice is getting louder and louder and louder. I'm just getting warmed up, and I know you are too! (There have been so many offers to volunteer for AEM, and I am grateful for the help - I desperately need it).
This stuff is still serious business, but we gotta have some fun, too.
On another note, I want to thank SparkAction for their continued interest in my work. They publish my pieces on a regular basis, and today they featured an article I wrote about cyber slurs. A special thanks to Henry Giroux and Mike Hais for weighing in as experts for that piece.
All right folks, I'm headed to Austin tomorrow. They had an amazing turnout today, so I am anxious to get down there.
I am delighted that things went well for the October 2011 crew in D.C., too. I know Barbara Ehrenreich visited the protest to show her support for this mesmerizing movement. And she got me in touch with a great activist, so I picked up a new pal. In addition, I interviewed one of the organizers for October 2011 (AEM is listed as a supporting organization for their efforts), and I look forward to sharing that talk with the rest of you.
I am meeting amazing people, and that makes me feel like this struggle is worth it. We're coming together as a community, and not just on the Internet, but in the streets. Those of you who are part of the 99%, you are amazing. Never forget it.
Stay tuned for updates.
I started on a lighter note and will end on one: here's something funny for y'all.
Related Links
"Occupy Austin takes over City Hall," Jackie Vega and Reagan Hackleman, KXAN.com (Oct 6th, 2011)
"Police: 1,200 people at occupy, no arrests," Patrick George, The Statesman.com (Oct. 6, 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"The origins of Occupy Wall Street explained," Justin Elliott, Salon (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill." AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
This stuff is still serious business, but we gotta have some fun, too.
On another note, I want to thank SparkAction for their continued interest in my work. They publish my pieces on a regular basis, and today they featured an article I wrote about cyber slurs. A special thanks to Henry Giroux and Mike Hais for weighing in as experts for that piece.
All right folks, I'm headed to Austin tomorrow. They had an amazing turnout today, so I am anxious to get down there.
I am delighted that things went well for the October 2011 crew in D.C., too. I know Barbara Ehrenreich visited the protest to show her support for this mesmerizing movement. And she got me in touch with a great activist, so I picked up a new pal. In addition, I interviewed one of the organizers for October 2011 (AEM is listed as a supporting organization for their efforts), and I look forward to sharing that talk with the rest of you.
I am meeting amazing people, and that makes me feel like this struggle is worth it. We're coming together as a community, and not just on the Internet, but in the streets. Those of you who are part of the 99%, you are amazing. Never forget it.
Stay tuned for updates.
I started on a lighter note and will end on one: here's something funny for y'all.
Related Links
"Occupy Austin takes over City Hall," Jackie Vega and Reagan Hackleman, KXAN.com (Oct 6th, 2011)
"Police: 1,200 people at occupy, no arrests," Patrick George, The Statesman.com (Oct. 6, 2011)
"Heading to Austin and Raising More Funds," AEM (Oct. 6, 2011)
"[UPDATED] Latest: Cops Beating Protesters at Occupy Wall Street Protest," AEM (Oct. 5, 2011)
"Please Donate - Let Me Represent You," AEM (Oct. 4, 2011)
"The origins of Occupy Wall Street explained," Justin Elliott, Salon (Oct. 4, 2011)
"Gregory Warner at NPR's Marketplace Discusses Occupy Wall Street And Student Loan Debt," AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street, the Obama Campaign, and Everybody Else on the Hill." AEM (Oct. 3, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street Movement Gets Support of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Lupe Fiasco," The Loop21.com (September 30, 2011)
"'Occupy Wall Street' Becomes Nationwide Movement," The Loop21.com (Sept. 27, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Tweet About Student Loan Debt And Medical Debt," AEM (Sept. 25, 2011)
"Dustin Slaughter's Picture: 'In Debt? You're Not Alone,'" AEM (Sept. 19, 2011)
"Occupy Wall Street - Begins Tomorrow, Sept. 17th," AEM (Sept. 16, 2011)
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