Barbara's Sharebook 

Actually, protests are occurring not just on Wall Street, NYC, but in many cities all over the U.S.!

In Seattle, the protest will be next Thursday, the 25th, at 4 PM, in front of the Washington Mutual {Bank} Building, 1301 2nd Ave.

Note: Naomi Klein [author of the recent book Shock Doctrine, about our predatory economic/ruling class system] is not organizing this protest, she is just helping get the word out about it. If you would like more information, please contact Arun Gupta at ebrowniess@yahoo.com.

"This week the White House is going to try to push through the biggest robbery in world history with nary a stitch of debate to bail out the Wall Street bastards who created this economic apocalypse in the first place.

This is the financial equivalent of September 11. They think, just like with the Patriot Act, they can use the shock to force through the 'therapy', and we'll just roll over!

Think about it. They said providing healthcare for 9 million children, perhaps costing $6 billion a year, was too expensive, but there's evidently no sum of money large enough that will sate the Wall Street pigs. If this passes, forget about any money for environmental protection, to counter global warming, for education, for national healthcare, to rebuild our decaying infrastructure, for alternative energy.

This is a historic moment. We need to act now while we can influence the debate. Let's demonstrate this Thursday at 4 pm in Wall Street.{And in other cities too, besides NYC!}

We know the congressional Democrats will peep meekly before caving in like they have on everything else, from FISA to the Iraq War.

With Bear Stearns, Fannie and Freddie, AIG, the money markets and now this omnibus bailout, well in excess of $1 trillion will be distributed from the poor, workers and middle class to the scum floating on top.

This whole mess gives lie to the free market. The Feds are propping up stock prices, directing buyouts, subsidizing crooks and swindlers who already make a killing off the mortgage bubble.

Worst of all, even before any details have been hashed out, The New York Times admits that 'Wall Street began looking for ways to profit from it' and its chief financial correspondent writes that the Bush administration wants 'Congress to give them a blank check to do whatever they want, whatever the cost, with no one able to watch them closely'.

It's socialism for the rich and dog-eat-dog capitalism for the rest of us.

Let's take it to the heart of the financial district! Gather at 4pm, this Thursday, Sept 25 {in YOUR city's financial district!}.

By having it later in the day we can show these thieves, as they leave work, we're not their suckers. Plus, anyone who can't get off work can still join us downtown as soon as they are able.

There is no agenda, no leaders, no organizing group, nothing to endorse other than we're not going to pay! Let the bondholders pay, let the banks pay, let those who brought the 'toxic mortgage-backed securities pay!

On this list are many key organizers and activists. We have a huge amount of connections -- we all know many other organizations, activists and community groups. We know P.R. folk who can quickly write up and distribute press releases, those who can contact legal observers, media activists who can spread the word, the videographers who can film the event, etc.

http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine/wall-st-protest

Do whatever you can -- make and distribute your own flyers, contact all your groups and friends. This crime is without precedence and we can't be silent! What's the point of waiting for someone else to organize a protest two months from now, long after the crime has been perpetrated?

We have everything we need to create a large, peaceful, loud demonstration. Millions of others must feel the same way; they just don't know what to do. Let's take the lead and make this the start!

AGAIN:

When: 4pm -- ? Thursday, September 25

Where: YOUR "FINANCIAL DISTRICT" {or retail core or bank center} in your city. {Probably a website has some info.} WALL STREET, if you happen to be in New York City. If in Seattle, Washington Mutual Bldg -- 1301 2nd Avenue.

What to bring: Banners, noisemakers, signs, leaflets, etc.

Why: To say we won't pay for the Wall Street bailout.

Who: Everyone!"

Please reproduce this in appropriate groups and messages; get e-mails out and get this into other venues, blogs and websites! If someone could make a News Item out of this, that would be GREAT. I am having problems with News Items today; and am running out of time. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP ON THIS!!!!! BMutiny T