Monday, October 10, 2011

Occupy Wall Street

In case you have not noticed, this protest has been on for a couple of weeks. This article offers a brief glimpse into why and what. We will be analyzing many of these issue in the coming weeks.

34 comments:

  1. I have heard the occupy wall street movement for the past week. It has been getting a lot of media attention. Some people seem to be there for different reasons, but overall their main aim is at wall street. I think the president will have to address this at some point because people are really serious about this. They have been sleeping on the street for 12 nights and have no intention of giving up. I was surprised to hear that a police officer sprayed a women with pepper spray. But near by places were helpful with the cause by offering food or rest rooms.
    Krutee pd. 7

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  2. I was aware of this protest and i thought to myself was, Why dont they just try to make themselves richer instead of putting on this protest? I dont think this protest is going to make any progress. The main reason being that the protesters are asking too much. They are respectivly asking for everyone to share the same amount of wealth, which is essentially communism. The protesters desire for communism is the reason why i believe their fight will not be successful.
    -Daniel Russo Period 7

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  3. The protest on Wall Street seems to be escalating to an all-out government rampage. People began the idea with hopes to equalize the tax dollars paid by rich and poor, and now more and more beliefs are springing into action. I appreciate the idea that there is action being taken against the inequality of tax rates, because this issue has been prevalent for many years. Finally, there is a response to the problem, even though it took a recession to finally strike it back. I find it amazing that people can be so dedicated to such a cause, that they would camp out for days on end, to make a difference. I admire this humanity. The other ideals coming into play, such as anger towards the war and towards the gas hydrofracking, seem to be a bit off topic but they are important issues. However, the Wall Street Protest may not be the way to solve these particular topics. The enlargement of government programs, however, seems like a feasible goal in this situation, because this issue relates back to tax and inequality. Overall, I root on the protestors, and hope that they can actual create a turning point as a result of this determined effort.

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  4. People that stay out of their houses to really commit to something that they disagree on is obviously a sign that some people aren't happy with what is going on. They are really trying to make a statement and I think are performing civil disobedience. They are protesting for a "seat at the negotiating table" because the taxes that are being paid aren't fair to people that earn a lot more money that others. I agree with this that people that earn more money that others should pay the same percentage of taxes according to how much they earn.

    Alyssa :: Pd. 7

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  5. It is crazy to think that a group of people are protesting on Wall Street and they are unsure what they are protesting for in terms of their cause. Although I do agree that the economy isn't doing well right now, I just think the people protesting on Wall Street should take the time to establish a cause. On the other hand, I also think that Wall Street not being stable is not good for the economy, and therefore the people do have the right to express their anger regarding where they stand in terms of the economy.

    - Taylor Broser

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  6. I was shocked to hear that even though there are about 300 people sleeping over, 3000 people during the day really shows how much people care about situations today. I was impressed with the fact that the people occupying wall street were able to have medical and food/water stations. What also stuck me about this article was how many different topics were being brought up like the War in Afghanistan and Iraq to enlargement on government social programs and the redistribution of wealth. With people sleeping over for just under two weeks and rumors for this to continue for a longer period of time, this action really shows how much Americans care about present actions and are so frustrated with them that they would actually protest against them for so long.
    Ian Period 7

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  7. i think that it is unfair that rich people can have a smaller percentage of taxes, while hard working Americans have to pay more in taxes. It doesn't make sense because those who need the money more aren't able to keep it because they have to pay taxes.
    -EconomicsPeriod7

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  8. As I sat at my desk reading about all these "occupy" protests all over the country, I couldn't help but to think: what exactly are these kids even trying to prove? I feel like all these kids are there because it's cool to be there and they want to make a statement. These kids are talking about the 1% aka big corporations raking in all the money while they're wearing brand name clothes and carrying around a macbook pro. There are tons of jobs lying around in this country; these protesters who don't even know what they're fighting for should just go find one instead of wasting time sitting on their butts waiting for something to happen. These kids should be expressing unbelievable gratitude that they were born in this great country. Times right now aren't even that bad. Sure, we're recovering from a pretty bad recession, but it isn't as bad as something like the great depression. Even back then, people didn't complain; they worked hard and persevered. I'm going to end this rant with a quote from JFK, "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country." These kids don't even know what hardship is. Alright, I get it, we have problems here in America. It still doesn't change the fact that we're still a leading world power and that there are tons of opportunities everywhere! Instead of having no idea what they're even protesting about, these yuppies should just do something productive... maybe try to earn an honest living. If they can't find a way to get paid in this country, in my opinion, they are truly worthless.

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  9. I think the riots surrounding the Wall Street protest is much more inflamed compared to "real" riots currently occurring around the world like in Egypt for example. The issues in the "Occupy Wall Street" protests are very wide-spread which provides for a generally unsuccessful overall achievement. There are people there who wish for change in various aspects of our government and while that is good for the publicity , it makes demands and change harder to attain. The wishes of the people range from war to healthcare to hydrofracing ect., This is good because it clearly doesn't discriminate against supporters but in ths aspect of really changing what they want, there are too many demands to be met...

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  10. The people occupying Wall Street are not happy with the government and the way they are leading the U.S. Everyone is angered over the inequality that is growing all around the country. Some protestors are arguing about the tax rate, and others are arguing about creating government programs to fix social issues. These people will go through anything from sleeping on the streets to using the restrooms in stores near by. The people are arguing about how millionaires are not putting in enough effort to change the economy. The incredible part is these protestors have schedules that they follow to continue there protesting. They even have assemblys to discuss there goals and they also gather to find out what they are up to now compared to what they will do next. As time goes on the amount of people occupying Wall Street grows and everyone is wondering what the government will do about this.
    Erica Diaz
    period 7

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  11. I didn't really know how serious this situation was. I actually went up to Amherst, Massachusetts this past weekend to visit colleges, and I saw people protesting there too. They had signs that said something to do with blaming the rich, I remember. I'm thinking it may have something to do with this situation on Wall St. also.
    I'm not completely sure what this is all about, but i can see that many people are supportive of the protests.

    -Jenny, period 7

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  12. people are protesting against wall street because For them Wall Street symbolizes the unfairness in society, but the groups have other concerns as well. Many want to redistribute wealth; others want to enlarge government social programs. Some are protesting against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. they all want to be treated equally and fairly by the government allowing them to keep there money by paying equal amounts of taxes. they want equal job opportunities and are protesting until they can get a change.

    Mike Tennis

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  13. I never understood the reaction people expected from protesting. Although it's annoying to have millions of people parading around wall street, I would just leave them alone. Eventually they'll stop and go away. A better solution could be actually addressing the problem to an official. It would help the situation if they actually listened to what they had to say. I do agree with their argument. It's not fair that people with a higher income arent required to pay the same percentage of taxes as the lower class. They're trying to redistribute wealth, which in my opinion is a necessity.

    Xoxo gossip girl

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  14. I think this is insane. Protesting in my opinion isn't going to work or end well. Cops already pepper sprayed a woman who was protesting, that's crazy. I think what they're protesting for ,however, is a good idea and they just want to get their point across . They haven't done anything illegal therefore this protest can last for a long time.

    -Jess Pd.7

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  15. For years, millionaires and billionaires have rarely paid their dues back to the city and country where they got their wealth from. These protestors have a right to protest against this injustice because the rich 1% is undermining the purpose of a fair and equal democratic government because they are not paying their dues to the country that gave them this wealth. Instead, they are getting greedy. The protestors need to unite and actually form a formidable force against Wall Street because when the common people stick together; anything is possible. Since the amount of people supporting the protestors will definitely increase over night, the foundation of people is set. The main job now will be to send a consistent message to Wall Street with logical specific wants. Since two heads are better than one, this protestors will be effective and show Wall Street that the common people will not stand the rich sitting on their millions and getting richer.
    Joel Period 7

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  16. I find these protests to be rather interesting. Everyone has their own opinion and say on the subject and I think that these protests could go somewhere, but the fact that in the process the U.S maybe losing some money is a bit troublesome... For the 99% of people in the U.S (the other 1 percent being the people with higher power in business (CEO for example)) they say they are suffering. Protest works to an extent, and with the growing popularity that can even be seen in Atlanta, "Occupy Wall Street" is rapidly gaining momentum. I agree with some of the beliefs of those who are protesting, and while the higher authority is making things harder. This is something that seems like it will be even bigger news as it progresses in the future. But until right now I feel as though there could be a lot of tension between the 99% and 1% that in my opinion could burst...

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  17. Wall Street has been around for a long time. From what i've heard as long as Wall Street has been around, so has unequal taxation for the rich. I believe that our economy is not perfect, but i also think that it is a very good system. The competitiveness is very good because it stimulates innovation and makes people want to do better in life. I believe that the protesters are right that people who are rich should pay the same rate as everyone else. However, I also believe that people who are unemployed for no good reason which i think many of the protesters are have no right to complain. I think many of these protesters, not all, are grade A slackers and they just want to make everyone else's lives miserable and say how its unfair to them. While it is unfair that the wealthy and rich have a different rate for taxation, you cannot complain when the reason your not making enough money to pay the taxes is because you've done nothing to progress yourself in this world. Just because i think most of them are slackers does not mean I don't care about the people who have actually lost their jobs by no fault of their own and are unable or are struggling to pay the unfair taxes. I think that the rich should pay the same rate as everyone else, but that also means people with lower salaries have to as well.
    Ryan per 7

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  18. The New York Times reported things that have been altered, like the number of people there. I think they are just trying to make it a good story. The New York Times sadi that the protesters weren't getting there ideas out but they were wrong. The number of protesters increased by the days. These protesters are basically setting up there own town in Zucotti Park. They are not planning to leave anytime soon, but are planning to spread their ideas to other parts of the country. This people have no jobs and no money. In this world today, you need a job and a home to be succesful.

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  19. I cant believe that 300 people are going to stay and sleep on the ground of Wall Street for more then 12 days because I would be able to do that. I think it was nice that stores donated food to the protesters and let them use their bathroom. Also, I think it is cool that the protesters are fighting on the good side of the law and that there is a medical station and distribution area for food and water because it is so organized. It shows how committed and serious they are because some people got arrested and pepper sprayed by the police.
    -Samantha Chung
    Period 7

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  20. I think the people who are protesting have the correct mindset that they're fighting for what they want, but they're not doing it in the right order. By being arrogant and not taking everyone else into consonsideration isn't the proper way. It's already gotten crazy with cops pepper spraying people and whatnot. But they aren't harming anyone, so it's not like they're a problem, even though they refuse to move. If they stay there long enough and are confident in themselves, they will definitely make an effect and make change.
    -Arianna prd3

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  21. This article explains alot about the corruption that is being circulated throughout wall street and how this is affecting the people of our country in a very impactful way. Also forgot to mention that people are going to college and the probability of them not getting a job is very low. One sign was held up by one of the demonstrators, "We go to college, than what happens". I agree everyone has the right to shape how they want to live. People in working in wall street or any other companies should be able to pay a tax rate which is equal to what construction workers pay. people are discussing about other problems such as stop war in iraq and aghanstian, increase government social programs that could benefit the homeless and other problems that should be dealt with. One more thing i think people who are making over a millon should pay a higher tax rate than a person who makes about 80 k or 100k. I mean what do you do with all that money? spend on a nice vacation, get a 600 dollar suit. I mean i'm not saying that people earning over millions dollars a year shouldn't have fun but i think they should pay a tax rate that can help keep this economy stable, and help people get jobs. They can still have fun. The third estate (98 percent of the country) should help intensify resistence and should help each other in terms of creating a equal legislation for the people who are not making money, don't even have jobs and the homeless. The cops also should assist the people who are struggling for a equal-better economy/world. They're also under the third estate too, they should use there power and assist the people who are trying to make a change in this harsh world. People who want to job or a better pay check should go and protest and help there fellow demonstrators achieve a balance and stable/fair economic system. XXX= Long annoying book that teacher has too read

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  22. I really didn’t realize how serious this situation was till I passed it today while I was in the city. There was no subway running to take me there so I had to walk from a different stop. What all these people want are jobs that will pay them well. It’s sad that we still have such economic problems and that it’s still hard for people to find jobs today. The amount of people in this protest is crazy. Not only do you hear about it on the news, it’s been all over social networks which is making it grow even larger. They haven't done anything illegal; therefore this protest can last for a long time. This really makes everyone stop to think what the government will have to do in order to stop this. - Michelle Romano

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  23. Wall street is getting alot of action from these protestors. I think it was wrong of the police officer to spray the woman with pepper spray. This is a free country and people have the rights to protest under the first admendment. Violence is not acceptable during protest. Since this is a big issue on Wall Street and it's in the news frequently, Obama should step forward and make a change. This issue has been going on for awhile and no one has done anything to solve it. Something has to be done soon before corruption occurs. Once this is resolved, businesses should be thought over and watched closely so something like this does not happen again.

    Mel pd. 5

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  24. It's a bit extreme as to how many people are staying at wall street, but they're there because they're fighting for a change. The fact that there's so many people sleeping there, this issue is clearly affecting a large amount of people. All they basically want is for everyone to pay the same tax rates. I think it's quite fair. Why do richer people get to pay lower tax rates? Why do they get these privileges?
    Erica Lin period 5

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  25. It's a bit extreme as to how many people are staying at wall street, but they're there because they're fighting for a change. The fact that there's so many people sleeping there, this issue is clearly affecting a large amount of people. All they basically want is for everyone to pay the same tax rates. I think it's quite fair. Why do richer people get to pay lower tax rates? Why do they get these privileges?
    Erica Lin period 5

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  26. I think its great that so many people are taking a firm stand, because what happened with wall street is a huge act that goes against what the US stands for. Its great to see people fight back and be organized with what they're doing. This is a really controversial subject because we have on one hand, people who stand for things that go against the "land of the free" and on the other we have people who are proving that the US is the land of the free but then more is added to the situation when police are harming people who aren't doing any harm to any one person. Regardless, i'd still have to side with the protestors.

    -Julie S. Shin per 5

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  27. I think this whole thing is really interesting, but also crazy because people have been out there for days and days. That's how you know these people are really serious about this and want to get a certain message out there. I think it's also interesting how different people are protesting about different concerns to provide a more profound message to say that there's more than one issue that needs attention. Also, I think it's crazy how people were being harmed by the police as they were protesting peacefully. Protesting is a right that everyone's entitled to. So, I really disagree with how the police handled some of this. Jake, period 5

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  28. This whole wall street issue is insane because of all the people that have been attracted to this issue. Hundreds of people have been staying at the park and protesting for many days straight. This issue really shows how hard it is out there to find a job. Many people are unemployed out there rite now. It is good that these people are protesting out there becuase it can help out everyone.
    - Pranav Nair

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  29. I have heard things about this protest, but I was never sure as to what it really was about. After reading this article, I understand that the people simply want fair tax rates, and for them to be equal, but I think that the whole protest is getting out of hand and the protesters are somewhat forgetting what their true reason for fighting is. It is beneficial for the people to be protesting because unfair taxes have been a rising issue for a while in the U.S.
    Kara Curtin period 7

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  30. Matt, Period 7
    The people in the article are said to be protesting the "inequality in this country," but I think that's kind of ridiculous. If they mean economic inequality, they're just complaining that they haven't made their big break. Most of these kids are college dropouts, or kids who didn't even plan on attending college in the first place, so aren't they to blame for their own economic falling? They had a chance become educated and get a good job, but instead they want a protest to do all the work for them. I don't think the days in the park are solving anything, except making themselves look like idiots. After reading the article, I'm almost positive that half of them aren't even sure of what they're protesting, and they're just doing it to look cool, or something ridiculous like that.

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  31. The people who are protesting are fighting for the right reasons but in the wrong way. They are being immature. The fact that the cops are having to spray people with pepper spray is enough. Even though the people are not harming anyone, it is still a hassle for the NYPD. The people who are protesting will definitely make a change if they stay there long enough. - RENE SINGH PERIOD 5

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  32. Im not sure why these people are so concerned with what the rich have and how much taxes they are paying. The reason those people are rich are because they either earned their money or someone in their family worked hard in order to obtain a fortune. These people should work hard in order to recieve the privilages given to the rich instead of wasting their time sleeping on a street corner.
    Vikram Reddy Pd. 7

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  33. i think that its amazing to see how many people are protesting and making the issues more well known. i think that its insane how many people are showing up for it and sleeping there too. i do hope that this will help and make a change to the taxes. -AS

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  34. i think it's pretty cool to see people fighting for what they believe in. obviously what they are doing is affective since it is bothering the police enough to have to take more of a serious action to try to make the protesters stop. i think its pretty crazy how long these people protested for and the way they are doing it. some people even slept in theses parks just to show how much how much more of and issues is for what they are fighting for. i do agree withwhat they are fighting for and i do think paying the same tax rates are pretty fair.
    maria d. period 5

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