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We are the 99 percent

Charlotte Occupies Bank of America!

Posted 11 years ago on May 9, 2012, 5:34 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt

occupy boa charlotte

10:30am: Arrests have been made as victims of Bank of America foreclosures attempt to enter the meeting.
9:30am ET: After several marches converged earlier this morning, at least 1000 people are currently occupying the intersection of 5th and college in front of the Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina in a peaceful sit-in protest. About a 100 shareholders who support the movement are inside as heavily armed police guard the BoA building.

For background, see here. See also NCAgainstCorporatePower.org, UnityAlliance.org and The99Power.org.

Follow on Twitter: @The99Power, @JWJnational, @domesticworkers, @codepink, @BankVsAmerica, #99power, #MakeBoAPay.

Yesterday, Occupy Fights Foreclosure in Los Angeles “fraudulently foreclosed” on a Bank of America branch in solidarity with the 99% protests in Charlotte. Occupy Detroit protesters also occupied the Bank of America building in Detroit. A flashmob played a game of human ¨Monopoly¨ before taking to the street to demand mortage relief and make clear not a single dollar more of public money should be used to save the banks who ruined Detroit. At 4pm today, Occupy Detroit will protest BoA again. Solidarity protests are also planned against Bank of America in DC, Los Angeles, Austin, and other cities.

bank vs america

58 Comments

58 Comments


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[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23769) 11 years ago

I saw this mentioned on CNBC briefly this morning and the anchor was perplexed as to why BOA was being targeted. LOL.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

LOL - playing befuddled. Would not be surprised for them to start spinning stories about a successful foreign attack on WallStreet that caused the whole mess.

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23769) 11 years ago

Exactly. Who them? Responsible for the destruction of our country's economy? Couldn't be.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

HaHHahahaha...no no no they hacked the system and drugged the employees. It was an extreme black terror job. Mind control and Brain washing - the CIA is just flabbergasted - they had no idea that this could be done on such a scale - they think the mind control was initiated on the victims when they played Angry Birds. WHOOooHEeehehehehahaho

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23769) 11 years ago

LOL

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

So that was why they were so hot on the internet security issue. They just started to late to make it a ( HAHhahahaha ) plausible story. WHoWhowhohoohoohoo

[-] 3 points by JoeTheFarmer (2654) 11 years ago

I protested in a different way.

I closed my BOA account and cut up my BOA and Chase credit cards. Problem is they probably didn't notice because so few others did the same.

If the 99% really cared they would do the same. My guess is that there really is no "99% power" it is really like .0001% because BOA is alive and stronger than ever.

I now use a community bank.

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 11 years ago

Further to the 'Banker Defenders' - reactionary right wingers OR the 'bought and paid for' PR agents commenting on this forum (& Do Not Doubt for one second that such a breed of scum exists !!) - I append three relevant and hopefully useful links :

  • "Bank of America : Too Crooked to Fail" ; http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/bank-of-america-too-crooked-to-fail-20120314 ? The bank has defrauded everyone from investors and insurers to homeowners and the unemployed. So why does the government keep bailing it out ? by Matt Taibbi.

  • "Formula For Fraud" with Prof. William K. Black (Audio) - from the first Italian economic Summit on Modern Money Theory in Rimini, Italy. How to become a billionaire - the four necessary ingredients in the recipe for fraud ; the three sure consequences of banking control fraud ; the total gutting of The Underwriting Process ; Gresham's Law ; The Business Roundtable ; hyperinflation of a bubble." : http://www.kpfa.org/archive/id/79331 & re. the excellent and inestimable Professor William K. Black : ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_K._Black and http://law.umkc.edu/faculty-staff/people/black-william.asp ).

  • "The Secret History of the Global Financial Collapse" (Video) ; September 2008 launched an extraordinary chain of events: General Motors, the world’s largest company, went bust. Washington Mutual became the world’s largest bank failure. Lehman Brothers became the world’s largest bankruptcy ever – The damage quickly spread around the world, shattering global confidence in the fundamental structures of the international economy : http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/meltdown/ .

fiat lux et caveat : radix omnium malorum est cupiditas ...

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 11 years ago

Re. JP Morgan Chase's latest criminal enterprises :

"Jamie's Cryin' : Dimon, J.P. Morgan Chase Lose $2 Billion", by Matt Taibbi : http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article31300.htm .

radix omnium malorum est cupiditas ...

[-] 2 points by Bighead1883 (285) 11 years ago

More news from Australia.ACTU floats 'millionaires tax' plan Posted May 12, 2012 09:31:57

RELATED STORY: Abbott considers axing family 'hand-out'RELATED STORY: Super still benefits the rich, say expertsRELATED STORY: Businesses sidelined in family-friendly budget MAP: Australia The union movement is discussing plans for a new "millionaires tax."

The proposal will be debated at next week's Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) congress.

ACTU assistant secretary Tim Lyons says the plan is being put forward because unions want a fairer income tax system.

He says billionaires earn most of their money from investments and therefore pay a lower proportional tax rate than the average Australian family.

"It's unfair that some people's income is taxed at a lower rate than others just because of the way they earn it," he said.

"After all a dollar is a dollar in the bank once you get it but some people have a much better deal out of the tax system than others."

He says the proposal is similar to the so-called 'Buffett rule' pushed by United States president Barack Obama.

"It originated of course because Warren Buffett, a multi-billionaire, figured out in the United States that he pays less effective tax rate than the woman that worked as his secretary," Mr Lyons said.

"He thought that was unfair, his secretary certainly thought it was unfair and we think it's unfair it happens in Australia."

Should have been done many,many years ago.The ACTU will need everyones support.

[-] 2 points by i8jomomma (80) 11 years ago

keep up the good work

[-] 2 points by Bighead1883 (285) 11 years ago

Good on those protesting in Charlotte,may their numbers swell.The corporate media is hushing up this news so it`s good to stay up to date with OWS.Our Australian media is just the same reporting only the viewpoint of the elite.The sleeping giant{the American Public] has been truly awakened by the attack on American Democracy by the Investment Bankers in Sept-Oct 2008 and has spread world wide since.Globalisation,corporate style is only fascism disguised as capitalism and in saying that we see that people have seen through the con job of Free Trade.We all need to get back our governments from the kleptocrats so sustainability can emerge again in a fairer and true Democratic Society.OWS,the only way forward.

[-] 3 points by Builder (4202) 11 years ago

Well said. The destruction of Australia's food belts and wilderness areas, along with the ludicrous "two-speed" economy that is driving people away from the their home towns so the miners can ramp the price of housing through the roof, will see us all working for foreign corps, or living in poverty.

I'm sick of it, and the bullshit spouted by our mudrock-owned media.

Koshy wants beating with a stick, in my book.

[-] 1 points by Bighead1883 (285) 11 years ago

And if Abbott gets in,it will be Tea Party rule in Australia Builder.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

Yes, and there are so many good people who I know that are out there to make sure that more and more people awaken. I assume that you, and your fellow collaborators have Oz covered, right? :-) Where the hell have you been? I've been looking for you. We need that Aussie spirit here. lol

[-] 1 points by Bighead1883 (285) 11 years ago

Its very hard here Odin,as the corporate media has censorship on all Occupy Movements.Occupy news only breaks though in ad hoc fashion on MSM,but the social media keeps the flame alight.Maybe it is that we need to get"Get Up"[thats a human rights site]to do more.At least they do mention OWS and it`s stance from time to time.What we really need is for Julian Assange to be unshackled.Saying that will put me on some type of list,but it has to be said.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

It is difficult here too. My local paper circulation 100,000 had no coverage of May Day in NYC, or anywhere.. There is some coverage by some papers, but it is usually very negative, and not factual. No one is looking into this new phenomena called Occupy in any kind of depth at all. They instead focus on the sensationalist aspects of the movement. One of our initiatives has to be to get them on alternative news sites.

It's funny how the younger generation have turned away from the corporate-owned news media, but the older generation still sits, and sucks it all in for the most part. I guess old habits are hard to break.

Although we had 25-30,000 people at the May Day march in NYC, I was diasappointed that we did not have more. I am amazed though how hard the different affinity groups are working together to reach out to the mainstream. These mostly young people have a quiet resolve.

[-] 2 points by Bighead1883 (285) 11 years ago

Im glad the young are very interested because it was us that allowed this debacle to happen,and for that Im so sorry.I protested against the Vietnam War and Against Apartheid in South Africa but took my eye off the ball for 20 years bringing up my four children.Time to protest hard again though Odin.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

A lot of us BH, including me did the same thing, 'took our eye off the ball' for the same reaon...keeping the critters fed, clothed, and a roof over their head. Just as we have awoken, they must be too, and yes it is time to protest hard.

I will be leaving for Vermont (300 miles) this week to visit one of my daughters for five days,, and then soon after for Alaska to visit my two oher daughters, and granddaughter. So i will make it up to NYC once more before I leave. The time away will give me time to reflect, and see what the feeling is in both those places. I do not expect much support for the movement in Alaska though, as it is a conservative republican state. We'll see though.

[Removed]

[-] 2 points by Toynbee (656) from Savannah, GA 11 years ago

Move your $$$ OUT of banking casinos. Park your $$$ in credit unions until they bring back Glass-Steagall Act.

[-] 2 points by Marlow (1141) 11 years ago

Stick this one Out Kids! From all over the Globe.. Banks are being exposed for the Graft and Collusion they have enjoyed far too Long!

... When Europe knows it.. they Know the USA is involved even more!

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[-] 1 points by Ruckasse (28) from Norwood, NC 11 years ago

I closed my account at BBT bank and have opened a service charge free account at Truliant Credit on Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC. Shut down banking in Charlotte by telling your family and friends there is a service charge free alternative to the banks in Charlotte, NC. Banking is Charlotte, NC is running scared of the credit companies in Charlotte, NC.

[-] 1 points by UnityCoalition (3) 11 years ago

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[-] 1 points by ThemAhdi (6) 11 years ago

3%Ha

[-] 1 points by Puzzlin (2898) 11 years ago

Well done Charlotte!!! Your town has too many banksters. Time for accounting Mister Banker Man!!! Do it again. Put them ON NOTICE!!!

[-] 1 points by observermind (2) 11 years ago

Once you see it... it explains a lot. [removed bayimg link]

ugh, knew I shouldn't have used bayimg... that's just a very deceptive ad trying to get you to down load some exe... Don't click that. Moved it to imgur.

http://imgur.com/AHEBh

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago

the link is asking me to download something

[-] 1 points by observermind (2) 11 years ago

moved it to imgur to be safe. http://imgur.com/AHEBh

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago

looks closer to an ad

[-] 1 points by junglemonkeez (208) 11 years ago

So let me get this straight, these people sitting in the street just want to stay in homes that they can't afford, and lower principals that they racked up, and to organize at work that reduces their benefits so that smart employers won't invest in Coal and Political influence. Come on people, what do these banks care if you sit outside or brake windows that insurance covers costing all those who carry that insurance.

This movement has to convince all those people who are at work, and who are paying their debts that there is some reason to join in this struggle, or they are right, you are just whinning.

[-] 1 points by azmifm (1) 11 years ago

Indonesia fully supports the occupation of the people of the bank that had been oppressing us!

the people united can never be defeated!

[-] 1 points by friendlyopposition (574) 11 years ago

Quit trying to make everything so damn dramatic. The writers of these pages are just as bad as the mainstream media when it comes to self-promotion. Report the facts.

10:30 am protesters that try to climb over the bike rack right in front of a score of police officers are arrested. These were planned arrests. Police officers allow protestors to use the intersection for their demonstration.

9:30 am 100 people that purchased 1 share so they could get inside the meeting are indoors, behind regularly armed police officers.

[-] 1 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

I went in to pay my balance off on my credit card at the local Bank of America. While writing out my check, I began to tell the teller how BoA should be ashamed of themselves....and I was working with OWS in exposing their corruption with the purpose of putting them out of business. I then handed her my check with some stuff that I had googled up, and printed on their corrupt activities, and asked her to give it to her manager. I was very polite though, and even told her to have a nice day when I left. lol

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Oh.....yeah.

[-] 1 points by benoccupybaltimore (1) from Baltimore, MD 11 years ago

Doesn't that picture of Brian Moynihan remind you of a much more famous nut, Hell's Kitchen TV Chef Gordon Ramsey? Great picture choice.

[-] 0 points by Odin (583) 11 years ago

By saying yes, i would also be admitting that I watch the tube on a fairly regular basis, which i do not want to admit to. heee :-)

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[-] 0 points by CaptainObvious1 (0) 11 years ago

Funny, my fellow graduates have jobs, even in today's economy.

Of course, we studied engineering and not party majors.

Time for you to pay for all those parties, beer and spring breaks...

[-] 0 points by CaptainObvious1 (0) 11 years ago

Funny, my fellow graduates have jobs, even in today's economy.

Of course, we studied engineering and not party majors.

Time for you to pay for all those parties, beer and spring breaks...

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[-] 0 points by kaerfpo (-20) 11 years ago

how are people not paying their loans victims?

[-] 0 points by 99oneofus99 (20) 11 years ago

Awesome, next time let's do a sit in around Congress, the place that let's these companies get away with what they do.

Maybe try lobbyists after Congress.

[-] 0 points by junglemonkeez (208) 11 years ago

2.5mil. people in or near Charlotte and 1000 or so protestors. Not good sign folks. Same percentage in my city. Even if alot of folks support the movement that aren't sitting in, I'm inclined to think, you have your answer from your public.

[-] 1 points by friendlyopposition (574) 11 years ago

Official estimates are 500 - 750

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 11 years ago

Disagree. Too many people have to work today, and are cheering from their decks, tractors, what-have-you.

Start having more Saturday events and more people will show up.

And what percentage of Selma marched during the civil rights movement? What percentage of Indians marched with Gandhi? Stop getting your panties in a knot over numbers. Its the message that matters.

[-] 1 points by friendlyopposition (574) 11 years ago

They have tried lots of events on Saturdays in Charlotte. They have even worse attendance.

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 11 years ago

That doesn't make any sense. Why would more people show up on a workday? Any particular reason why you think turnout is lower on Saturday?

[-] 1 points by friendlyopposition (574) 11 years ago

The event on Wednesday drew big crowds from out of town - in fact, I bet there were more bused in than were local.

My guess would be it comes down to the organizer and the marketing. There isn't a strong occupy presence here, and not really anyone else leading the charge. If you look at the Occupy Charlotte FB page, there isn't even any information on there from yesterday's event. Seems kind of slack to me.

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 11 years ago

That makes more sense.

Occupy Charlotte fell apart after some in-fighting. I wasn't directly involved, but at one point there were 3 Facebook pages for the same group, multiple websites, etc. Its a real shame that Charlotte's crew can't keep their stuff together. Maybe they need to re-coup for a bit and try to re-start from scratch.

[-] 0 points by junglemonkeez (208) 11 years ago

You know Selma and Gandhi were more by a lot, I care about this and it needs to be said. It does no good to cheer from your tractor unless it's parked on that corner with the protesters. I understand the frustration of these "numbers" but they do matter. The difference between the two movements is people were willing to help the government see the need for civil rights, but I don't think the people are willing to help these realestate and debt victims get their bailout.

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 11 years ago

Times are hard enough as is that we can't expect people to risk getting fired or being docked pay every time that people want to protest on a Tuesday. These events need to happen on weekends if they are to have any turnout. Unfortunately, BoA isn't going to move their meeting to a date when it will be most convenient for its enemies to show up.

[-] 1 points by junglemonkeez (208) 11 years ago

I most certainly do expect just that, should they expect us to come to their aid if they don't come to ours. What kind of fellowship are we fostering. Is that the America you belong to? Your Damn right these folks should get a free pass, didn't the Banks get one?

[-] 0 points by junglemonkeez (208) 11 years ago

So, the reason the bank won't forgive this debt is because it's not Saturday.

[-] 0 points by XenuLives (1645) from Charlotte, NC 11 years ago

And what's you plan, O Wise One?

[-] 1 points by junglemonkeez (208) 11 years ago

We issue a Declaration of Dependence, we mark several strategic locations around the nation, and in my head the world, from which point we gather in a collective refusal to participate in this Broken society. We have our family and friends who can't make the trips, be our supply chain. And we sit, just sit still! Untill, and they will recognize the majorities authority. I don't have all the answers, but if you folks will help, it can be done. Then it's just the arduous task of creating the perfect society, simple.

Also, if anyone wants a kind of schematic for this new world, check out the movie... Future By Design... I found it on Netflix, lot of really interesting ideas.

[-] -3 points by bagrownup (-4) 11 years ago

Why not just get a job, pay your bills and live like an adult. It's the way the system has worked for thousands of years. You may be forced to take a job you are overqualified for but it is better than looking for a handout. Grow Up. Get a Job. Be an adult.

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 11 years ago

"Why not just" STOP wearing your (x) as a hat ?! Get a F**kin' Clue !! Stop Whoring For Bankers !!!

verum ex absurdo et temet nosce ...

[-] 2 points by Coyote1983 (61) 11 years ago

That'd be great. If there were enough jobs to go around. It'd sure be nice for everyone to be able to pay their bills, but many people work all the overtime they can, and STILL the debt keeps piling up, whether they manage their money properly or not.

The real problem is that too many of the 99%, like myself, can't afford to miss work to participate in the movement.

If I had gone on strike on May 1st, I would have lost my job. and then I would be even more screwed than I am already.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

No problem - there are other ways to participate. Being here in support is a good way to participate. But there are also other ways ( IMO ) - such as close your "bank" accounts and open credit union accounts. Not as loud or flashy as a protest - but effective all the same. Sign and circulate petitions also not as loud or flashy as a public protest - but I think also very powerful. Then there are fun items like Odin does - send back credit card apps filled with junk mail - and perhaps a note - I believe in cash and carry - not in debt slavery.