Occupy Wall Street

[JLum]

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Here's a good, maybe not 100% accurate, description of what you are suggesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolationism

You are a joke. Ron Paul has received more donations from active military than all other GOP candidates combined. Apparently our military agrees with his stance. Stop trying to deceive others. Anyone seeking truth read this post on the issue:
http://twentiesfreedom.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/ron-paul-puts-america-first/

 

[yappy]

I think this movement in Wall Street has a lot to do with income disparity.

I know, I know, you get what you earn right? But what if there is more to it than that? I tend to disagree with this idea that the market (in our mixed economy) will always favor the people who add real value and are essential to the growth and health of our economy. I think alot of good professions are not as well off as they once were. This is what I think people are pissed about; you go to work, you make your company money (record profits actually), few profit, you get the shaft.

I think our economy would do better if people who added a lot of value to our economy got paid better for their contribution. Think about this for a moment; imagine what aggregate demand would do if there were more money in the hands of people who will actually spend it on goods and services? Our GDP would go through the roof. I'm not proposing any mechanism for this to occur because I don't know of any; but I think that's why people are protesting.

ST2, former.

Nice man, I'm a former PJ.

 

[JLum]

Here is another video that covers the entire history in explicit detail:

The Money Masters: How International Bankers Gained Control of America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXb-LrVkuwM

Excellent posts, thanks for the help. I don't have many pet peeves, but people who spread ignorance happen to be one. Here is another excellent movie on how the money is created and credit provided.
http://twentiesfreedom.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/the-american-dream/

 

[JLum]

I think this movement in Wall Street has a lot to do with income disparity.

I know, I know, you get what you earn right? But what if there is more to it than that? I tend to disagree with this idea that the market (in our mixed economy) will always favor the people who add real value and are essential tothe growth and health of our economy. I think alot of good professions are notas great as they once were and this is what I think people are pissed about;you go to work, you make your company money, everyone profits, you get theshaft.

I think our economy would do better if people who added a lot of value to oureconomy got paid better. Think about this for a moment; imagine what aggregatedemand would do if there were more money in the hands of people who willactually spend it on goods and services? Our GDP would go through the roof. I'mnot proposing any mechanism for this to occur because I don't know of any; butI think that's why people are protesting.



Nice man, I'm a former PJ.

But it's not that people are necessarily getting paid worse, it's that inflation has destroyed the value of their dollars. Sure that sounds great to pay people more but inflation is the true enemy of the hard-working professionals. Inflation is the direct result of fraudulent spending by the Federal Reserve.

But I agree that people who contribute to science, technology, or professional positions get little respect and measly compensation.

 

[charlestweed]

Oh is that why? Because policing the world has helped protect our borders? Goodness... The UN is corrupt, look at who founded it. No one is required to join any global organization. It's none of our business who joins the UN, we should be running from it.

It is far better to fight our enemies in the foreign lands than in our own soil

I agree that we the huge problems at our southern border. Unfortunately, neither parties will do anything about it because of the fear of losing the Hispanic votes. That’s how Sen. Barbara Boxer won her re-election and Jerry Brown became our governor. Jerry Brown recently signed the California Dream Act into law😱.

 

[SEAirLand]

You are a joke. Ron Paul has received more donations from active military than all other GOP candidates combined. Apparently our military agrees with his stance. Stop trying to deceive others. Anyone seeking truth read this post on the issue:
http://twentiesfreedom.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/ron-paul-puts-america-first/

Probably because there were no other valid candidates. Unless you were a fan of Sarah Palin?

I'm also former military. So I'm sure I have a little bit better insight into the honor and motivation of the honorable men and women that have fallen, the effects of these conflicts (by way of friends still in) and the motivation of wanting to do a job until completion. And doing it right. Whether it was under "proper" pretenses.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

It is far better to fight our enemies in the foreign lands than in our own soil

Agree 100%. Or is this an "ignorant" opinion? Maybe we should just tuck tail and wait for them to attack us here?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

And just so you can read your own hand writing, you did indeed state that a psychology degree was worthless.

You lack understanding that not everyone can be a dentist, engineer, or accountant. What should they do? Go 50k in debt for a worthless Psychology degree?

______________________________________________________________________________________

Lastly, I just enjoy the fact that comments here are slammed as ignorant and not participating in moving the thread forward if it doesn't coincide with the OP's thoughts or his God, Ron Paul.

 

[SEAirLand]

Nice man, I'm a former PJ.

Good group of guys. Worked with PJ's and CCT in Italy in 93' - 95'.

 

[JLum]

Probably because there were no other valid candidates. Unless you were a fan of Sarah Palin?

I'm also former military. So I'm sure I have a little bit better insight into the honor and motivation of the honorable men and women that have fallen, the effects of these conflicts (by way of friends still in) and the motivation of wanting to do a job until completion. And doing it right. Whether it was under "proper" pretenses.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Agree 100%. Or is this an "ignorant" opinion? Maybe we should just tuck tail and wait for them to attack us here?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

And just so you can read your own hand writing, you did indeed state that a psychology degree was worthless.


______________________________________________________________________________________

Lastly, I just enjoy the fact that comments here are slammed as ignorant and not participating in moving the thread forward if it doesn't coincide with the OP's thoughts or his God, Ron Paul.

So what is completion for our military conquests? define completion. Who would attack us here? You are under the impression that the world has it out for the USA. More ignorance. People dislike us because we think we can rule the world and police other nations.

Yes, once again, I stated that the degree was worthless. As I previously stated, psychology definitely serves a purpose. But the degree won't guarantee anything for those that hold it. Stop taking my comments out of context for the benefit of your ignorance.

Only those who have posted ignorant things and endorsed blatant lies are labeled ignorant. Many have posted excellent ideas and expressed thoughtful ideas. My God is Jesus Christ. Ron Paul simply stands for the greatest good for the greatest number of people, so I support him. He, as a human, is no better than any other. I'm sorry I have offended you by refuting your ignorant statements. I wish you the best.

 

[yappy]

Just wanted to add that a family member of mine has done very well in privite practice and being an owner of an industrial pysch company. For many people a career as a psychologist can work out pretty well.

Yes, once again, I stated that the degree was worthless. As I previously stated, psychology definitely serves a purpose. But the degree won't guarantee anything for those that hold it. Stop taking my comments out of context for the benefit of your ignorance.

 

[JLum]

Just wanted to add that a family member of mine has done very well in privite practice and being an owner of an industrial pysch company. For many people a career as a psychologist can work out pretty well.

That requires a Ph.D to practice. My statement earlier said that psychology is a very common undergraduate degree which guarantees nothing. There are people with no degrees who run very profitable companies. That doesn't change the fact the a psychology degree is a long way from job security. Whether we are talking of psychology or business administration or other common degrees makes no difference. Many end up flipping burgers, a sad alternative. Congrats to your family member. A friend of mine owns a multi-million dollar web based company without any college education. That doesn't mean this is the norm.

 

[Bereno]

Holy ****. There is so much venom in this thread...

OP: I don't really disagree with you, but stop being so arrogant and self righteous. I am NOT saying that you are, that's just how you are coming across. Its OK to say, "well I disagree, and here is why..." instead of calling someone ignorant and a liar. Keep it simple and tactful.

Others: stop getting your panties in a bunch. Stop attacking his points of view; there is nothing wrong with them. Don't be so dumb as to jump all over what he says and try to disagree with all of it. Once again, I am not saying you do disagree with all of it, but its coming across that way, and that's just silly.

+1 for people acting gracefully 👍

 

[SEAirLand]

Military conquests, Ignorance, all negative wording to push your opinion on people.

Honestly, you should just look yourself in the mirror before you start doling out names toward people.

You asked for opinions and I've stated mine. And you dislike it. So, you do what most people who have no other intelligent recourse, you defame and slander. You manipulate the situation or words, such as the case of my example of hard work and perseverance with the illegal immigrant by stating that now I support illegal immigration. How shallow.

Have a good day, enjoy the growth you assuredly will go through as you progress in life.

Or, to use your own words again, don't be too butt hurt by all this...

So what is completion for our military conquests? define completion. Who would attack us here? You are under the impression that the world has it out for the USA. More ignorance. People dislike us because we think we can rule the world and police other nations.

Yes, once again, I stated that the degree was worthless. As I previously stated, psychology definitely serves a purpose. But the degree won't guarantee anything for those that hold it. Stop taking my comments out of context for the benefit of your ignorance.

Only those who have posted ignorant things and endorsed blatant lies are labeled ignorant. Many have posted excellent ideas and expressed thoughtful ideas. My God is Jesus Christ. Ron Paul simply stands for the greatest good for the greatest number of people, so I support him. He, as a human, is no better than any other. I'm sorry I have offended you by refuting your ignorant statements. I wish you the best.

 

[JLum]

Military conquests, Ignorance, all negative wording to push your opinion on people.

Honestly, you should just look yourself in the mirror before you start doling out names toward people.

You asked for opinions and I've stated mine. And you dislike it. So, you do what most people who have no other intelligent recourse, you defame and slander. You manipulate the situation or words, such as the case of my example of hard work and perseverance with the illegal immigrant by stating that now I support illegal immigration. How shallow.

Have a good day, enjoy the growth you assuredly will go through as you progress in life.

Or, to use your own words again, don't be too butt hurt by all this...

No, you stated ignorance. Then you got offended when I stated facts and called you out on it. Best of luck to you! Hopefully you come to a better understanding of the current issues here in America.

 

[JLum]

Holy ****. There is so much venom in this thread...

OP: I don't really disagree with you, but stop being so arrogant and self righteous. I am NOT saying that you are, that's just how you are coming across. Its OK to say, "well I disagree, and here is why..." instead of calling someone ignorant and a liar. Keep it simple and tactful.

Others: stop getting your panties in a bunch. Stop attacking his points of view; there is nothing wrong with them. Don't be so dumb as to jump all over what he says and try to disagree with all of it. Once again, I am not saying you do disagree with all of it, but its coming across that way, and that's just silly.

+1 for people acting gracefully 👍

I won't disagree, at times I am harsh. No one else is attacking anything I have said. That is because objective truths exists, I simply aim to convey that which is true. Perhaps a gentle rebuke would serve the greater good.

 

[SEAirLand]

No, you stated ignorance. Then you got offended when I stated facts and called you out on it. Best of luck to you! Hopefully you come to a better understanding of the current issues here in America.

Please quote me where I called you ignorant or utilized the word BEFORE you began to spout it... I'm intrigued to know where this occurred.

Or, are you stating that I said something that differed from you, and in your wisdom deemed it to be ignorant.

Do clarify.

 

[JLum]

It is not wisdom which deems ignorance, but fact. Here are examples of ignorant statements:

Your reasoning behind the massive support of Ron Paul by active and inactive military. "Probably because there were no other valid candidates. Unless you were a fan of Sarah Palin?" The internet is full of military support testimonies in favor of Ron Paul. Many troops just understand we are fighting foolish wars, as does the public. That is why the overwhelming majority desires the end of our current wars.

Your ignorance regarding the Occupy Wall Street movement. "I cannot tell you how sick this movement is." How sick it is? Many intelligent, hard working people are a part of it. Just google their testimonies. There is some misguidance, but it certainly is not sick. That is a gross generalization of a grassroots movement.

Your inability to read my posts which agreed with you on certain topics, combined with your false attempts at misconstruing what I wrote. Here you imply I am trying to manipulate someone or something: "I'm sorry that I don't manipulate words or attempt to legalize a redistribution of wealth. I'm sorry that I'm old school and believe that people EARN what they have and that I'm where I am because I have busted my but and NO ONE has given me what I have earned. Nor did I manipulate the system to gain something from someone else."
When what I said was: "God given rights, an astounding Constitution, a representative Republic, and intelligent citizens are why I began writing. They are the only things which made America special. I certainly don't disagree (with you)."

Your foolish views on continuing the never-ending wars on faulty premise: "Not to mention, all that has been sacrificed will be for naught if we just pack up and leave." Well what has been accomplished in ten years that warrants continued warmongering??

Your false accusations against Dr. Paul's foreign policy which advocates a strong domestic defense. Something that Conservative Republicans have always valued. Instead you ignorantly label that which you don't understand as "isolationism."

I am sure there are other points which are out right false, but it matters not. I do regret posting in a manor which encourages further strife, but I do not retract any statements. I wish you the best.

 

[yappy]

lol. Ron Paul fan boy is on a tirade!

A true believer. The notion that you think your position is the objective, absolute truth is pretty amazing.

 

[spud daddy]

lol. Ron Paul fan boy is on a tirade!

A true believer. The notion that you think your position is the objective, absolute truth is pretty amazing.

A trait many Ron Paul worshipers share.

 

[SEAirLand]

A trait many Ron Paul worshipers share.

And my whole point which was lost on him wasn't the message. It was the messenger. I agree with nearly all of what he is saying, just not the way he is saying it. Or, to clarify, how it is being said. Cramming things down peoples throat will not get you to your objective.

 

[JLum]

lol. Ron Paul fan boy is on a tirade!

A true believer. The notion that you think your position is the objective, absolute truth is pretty amazing.

LOL, I don't think everything i have to say is the objective truth. Just that many topics have a right and a wrong. Perhaps I was a bit overstated

 

[JLum]

A trait many Ron Paul worshipers share.

Greetings Big Daddy Spud,
Do you have an opinion on anything being discussed? Or do you just dislike the fact that Ron Paul speaks the truth?

 

[charlestweed]

@ JLum, there are actually more similarities than differences between us. We both want our current President to be replaced. The WallStreet protestors want the death of Capitalism. Capitalism, though not a perfect system, is far better than the alternatives. Capitalism is what makes this country the envy of the world.

@ SeaAirLand, thank you, sir, for serving our country. The courage and hard work of our men and women in the military is the reason we can enjoy our freedom in this country…freedom to run our businesses…freedom go to the parks, to the malls etc. I see that you and I are the same age. Good luck with your dental school application.

 

[JLum]

@ JLum, there are actually more similarities than differences between us. We both want our current President to be replaced. The WallStreet protestors want the death of Capitalism. Capitalism, though not a perfect system, is far better than the alternatives. Capitalism is what makes this country the envy of the world.

@ SeaAirLand, thank you, sir, for serving our country. The courage and hard work of our men and women in the military is the reason we can enjoy our freedom in this country…freedom to run our businesses…freedom go to the parks, to the malls etc. I see that you and I are the same age. Good luck with your dental school application.

But your making harsh generalizations of what "Wallstreet protests" want. So I don't agree. I know some who are part of the movement who want nothing more than limited government and free markets. So your statement in its entirety is not true.
Yes I want Obama out. But that solves nothing if he is replaced by another neoconservative who serves the interest of the global banking cartel.

I am sorry if my posts were harsh or disrespectful. I just hope you will read over some of the links and information that is in this thread. Perhaps there are some things you could better understand. Learning is a never-ending process for us all.

 

[Masticate3Xaday]

We would get out of this economic crisis a lot faster if each of us stop looking at others (the top 1% earners or the government) and ask when will they change things for us. And instead, each of us should start saying to ourselves "I will bear the responsibility for who I become and for the quality of my own life."

I couldn't agree more with Herman Cain's statement "Don't blame Wall Street. Don't blame big banks. If you don't have a job and you are not rich? Blame yourself. " And Mr. Cain went on to explain: "when I was growing up, I was blessed to have had parents. That didn't teach me to be jealous of anybody and didn't teach me to be jealous of somebody. It is not a person's fault because the succeeded. It is a person's fault if they failed. And so this is why I don't understand these demonstrations and what is it that they're looking for."

Yup nothing to complain about here:

Here is a goal for you.

Goldman Sachs takes eToys public in 1999, manages eToys into bankruptcy March 2001. Plays a trick on the court and gets the DE Law Firm MNAT to be eToys bankruptcy counsel. But wait, this cannot be, because www.MNAT.com is also (secretly) Goldman Sachs attorney in DE.

But they get away with it, Goldman Sachs took eToys public and gave eToys $16.50 per share, but the stock went above $78 = where did the rest of the money go?

eToy sued Goldman Sachs to ask that legitimate question, but MNAT, while supplying erroneous affidavits to the DE Federal Court stating it did not have any connections to Goldman Sachs, then picked a cohort in crime - Paul Traub - to prosecute Goldman Sachs.

Capone picked Frank Nitti

The NY Supreme Court case 601805/2002 lasted 8 years, but then - Miracuously, Goldman Sachs is saved - because Paul Traub failed to prosecute Goldman Sachs.
We go to find the reasons why, as MNAT has no power in NY.
So the case is closed and put entirely Under SEAL.

But MNAT was caught in the lies of telling the court they had nothing to do with Goldman Sachs and actually confessed when we deposed them on the issue February 9, 2005.
http://petters-fraud.com/MNAT_deposition_Feb9_2005.pdf

So why hasn't MNAT and Goldman Sachs been investigated and prosecuted.
Because the US Attorney at the time - Colm Connolly - was actually a partner of MNAT in 2001, the very year the crimes of perjury and fraud transpired.

But you won;t see much about that. We have been reporting it all over and Occupy marches and others started telling the story. So the Dept of Justice federal archive links began removing the proof of the crime by the UNethical Colm Connolly.

http://www.justice.gov/archive/olp/colmconnollyresume.htm

But we have copies
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6216888996_bb642b6df6_m.jpg
It will only be a matter of time before they vanish too.

G-d bless the protestors...

This protest is about special interest group money running our government. Politicians on big banks' payrolls is a scourge on our society and has turn this so called 'free society' into nothing more than a Potemkin Village of democracy which has also transformed the US into a plutocracy. You really don't have a clue as to how much wall street has infiltrated our government do you? I'm extremely glad the American people have finally started to awaken from their slumber and are realizing that our entire system is rigged. It's time we started rebelling against a corrupt system like the people of Iceland did after their corrupt banking system pushed their country onto the verge of collapse.

 

[JLum]

Masticate,
This entire thread I have been fighting for what you just said, albeit a bit too vehemently. Glad to see someone else who is aware!

Instead I find myself growing oh so aggravated at foolish statements and the same political rhetoric which has led to our demise. Occupy Wall Street has some excellent ideas and some ignorant ones. But at least people are finally fed up enough to do something. People actually think that replacing Obama with Rick Perry or (insert most GOP candidates here) will solve something!? In this very thread someone stated that they don't care where the big banks get their money, so long as the lending continues!

Keep fighting brother! "If there was hope, it must lie in the proles." George Orwell in 1984

 

[charlestweed]

If the main theme of this demonstration is about anti crony capitalism, I am all for it. However, this movement seems to be more about the class warfare and anti-capitalism. This is why it gets the support of people like Michael Moore, George Soros and Nancy Pelosi. Could it be due the lack of leadership and one clear central message?

 

[JLum]

If the main theme of this demonstration is about anti crony capitalism, I am all for it. However, this movement seems to be more about the class warfare and anti-capitalism. This is why it gets the support of people like Michael Moore, George Soros and Nancy Pelosi. Could it be due the lack of leadership and one clear central message?

As I have stated multiple times in this thread, there are parts of the movement which oppose capitalism and are mislead in their anger. Certainly, lack of leadership and a definitive message could be inhibiting the movements progress.

 

[timwatley]

I don't think he's necessarily pushing his ideas on anyone...just more in disbelief that people are STILL buying into the candidates the media claims as frontrunners. When was the last decent president we had? I'd argue Reagan. It's been a **** show since then. So, basically for our entire lives we've seen ****ty presidents in office. They get into office because 90% of Americans think what the media tells them to think. Frankly, I think
most Ron Paul supporters are trying to gently nudge people away from the way most people view politics. Most people concentrate on abortion, gay rights...etc. In reality these issues should be left up to individual states. The government needs to be afraid of the people, not the other way around.

 

[persenmi]

If anything I am stoked about the Occupy Wall St. movement because it is a perfect segway into the topic of how the Federal Reserve (or any central bank) is a parasite sucking the wealth out of a nation.

Here is the answer:

1) Abolish the Federal Reserve and restore the money and credit creation to the US Gov. (a gold backed currency won't work b/c the elite already have all the gold😡, thus, their manipulation will continue)

2) Reinstate the Glass-Stiegel act to reign in the corruption on Wall St.

Free market capitalism is not the problem, its the solution. We've lost it and we need it back.

Also, beware of agents like Moore, Soros, and Palosi. They seem like insiders who are trying to derail this potentially potent protest.

 

[persenmi]

I don't think he's necessarily pushing his ideas on anyone...just more in disbelief that people are STILL buying into the candidates the media claims as frontrunners. When was the last decent president we had? I'd argue Reagan. It's been a **** show since then. So, basically for our entire lives we've seen ****ty presidents in office. They get into office because 90% of Americans think what the media tells them to think. Frankly, I think
most Ron Paul supporters are trying to gently nudge people away from the way most people view politics. Most people concentrate on abortion, gay rights...etc. In reality these issues should be left up to individual states. The government needs to be afraid of the people, not the other way around.

Ah yes. Jefferson I believe. "When the people fear the Government, its Tyranny. When the Government fears the people it's Liberty." Let's scare the s*#t out of 'em.

 

[Masticate3Xaday]

If the main theme of this demonstration is about anti crony capitalism, I am all for it. However, this movement seems to be more about the class warfare and anti-capitalism. This is why it gets the support of people like Michael Moore, George Soros and Nancy Pelosi. Could it be due the lack of leadership and one clear central message?

But income inequality is a result of crony capitalism. I agree, the movement should make their motives clear, with the primary reason for assembly to rally against corruption of our system and and crooked politicians.


Why did the CFTC over the past 20 years allow big banks like Goldman Sachs secret exemptions from hedging rules? You can read all about it right here in this excellent article that even has a copy of one of the letters:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/152438-cftc-the-key-to-market-manipulation

What does that say about banks like Goldman Sachs that can get the very government institutions that are supposed to be regulating them to bend the rules so that they can gain an upper hand to manipulate the markets? The scariest part is the fact that not even Congress itself knew what was going on in the CFTC until it finally investigated in either 2008 or 2009 (I forget) when those letters granting secret exemptions to big banks finally surfaced. If banks are able to manipulate the financial regulatory agencies that are supposed to be watching them AND can hide it all from the main government eye, that makes those banks more powerful than our supposedly democratically elected government.

And that's just one example. You could list much more. I mean look at the Gramms. Wendy Gramm was head honcho at the CFTC in the early 90s, and while tenured there, pushed for tons of deregulation of trading on the energy markets. She then amazingly landed a job at a now infamous company known as Enron after leaving the CFTC. Of course she was conveniently there when Enron was raking in filthy amounts of cash trading in CA energy derivatives which ended up causing massive rolling blackouts and huge spikes in utility prices after CA deregulated their utilities. To this day, no one was ever thrown in jail for fraud related to CA utilities.

How about Phil Gramm? The senator who vehemently pushed for deregulation of the financial sector and basically single handedly killed off Glass Steagall by pushing legislation (now know as the Commodities Futures Modernization Act of 2000) through at the last minute without any debate at all on the floor right before a Congressional recess. He ended up leaving Congress after deregulating everything and conveniently landed a job working for a big bank that ended up needing a massive tax payer bailout.


How about Meredith Attwell Baker, former hotshot at the FCC who recently approved the Comcast NBC merger? She conveniently left the FCC after approving the deal for the company she was supposed to be monitoring and is now making a hefty six figure salary as a lobbyist for Comcast! The merger means nothing more but higher prices for consumers, less freedom on the internet, and less market competition and opens up pandora's box over who can control information on the internet....and yes it will still affect you with higher prices even if you are not a Comcast internet subscriber.


Personally, I'm glad the uprising against these kinds of things has begun. Crooked capitalism has reached a tipping point and has sunken this country into massive deficits, high unemployment, an increasingly bleak future for our young generation. It is time for the disappearing middle class to put their foot down and smash the corruption plaguing our society and government. It is time to follow suit with Iceland. The middle class continues to get gouged from left and right while our incomes stagnate or decrease. We see never ending financial bubble after bubble and record prices for the commodities that are essential for life because of increasing manipulation of commodities prices on the derivatives markets. It's time for it to stop.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/04/27/how_goldman_sachs_created_the_food_crisis

 

[persenmi]

But income inequality is a result of crony capitalism. I agree, the movement should make their motives clear, with the primary reason for assembly to rally against corruption of our system and and crooked politicians.


Why did the CFTC over the past 20 years allow big banks like Goldman Sachs secret exemptions from hedging rules? You can read all about it right here in this excellent article that even has a copy of one of the letters:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/152438-cftc-the-key-to-market-manipulation

What does that say about banks like Goldman Sachs that can get the very government institutions that are supposed to be regulating them to bend the rules so that they can gain an upper hand to manipulate the markets? The scariest part is the fact that not even Congress itself knew what was going on in the CFTC until it finally investigated in either 2008 or 2009 (I forget) when those letters granting secret exemptions to big banks finally surfaced. If banks are able to manipulate the financial regulatory agencies that are supposed to be watching them AND can hide it all from the main government eye, that makes those banks more powerful than our supposedly democratically elected government.

And that's just one example. You could list much more. I mean look at the Gramms. Wendy Gramm was head honcho at the CFTC in the early 90s, and while tenured there, pushed for tons of deregulation of trading on the energy markets. She then amazingly landed a job at a now infamous company known as Enron after leaving the CFTC. Of course she was conveniently there when Enron was raking in filthy amounts of cash trading in CA energy derivatives which ended up causing massive rolling blackouts and huge spikes in utility prices after CA deregulated their utilities. To this day, no one was ever thrown in jail for fraud related to CA utilities.

How about Phil Gramm? The senator who vehemently pushed for deregulation of the financial sector and basically single handedly killed off Glass Steagall by pushing legislation (now know as the Commodities Futures Modernization Act of 2000) through at the last minute without any debate at all on the floor right before a Congressional recess. He ended up leaving Congress after deregulating everything and conveniently landed a job working for a big bank that ended up needing a massive tax payer bailout.


How about Meredith Attwell Baker, former hotshot at the FCC who recently approved the Comcast NBC merger? She conveniently left the FCC after approving the deal for the company she was supposed to be monitoring and is now making a hefty six figure salary as a lobbyist for Comcast! The merger means nothing more but higher prices for consumers, less freedom on the internet, and less market competition and opens up pandora's box over who can control information on the internet....and yes it will still affect you with higher prices even if you are not a Comcast internet subscriber.


Personally, I'm glad the uprising against these kinds of things has begun. Crooked capitalism has reached a tipping point and has sunken this country into massive deficits, high unemployment, an increasingly bleak future for our young generation. It is time for the disappearing middle class to put their foot down and smash the corruption plaguing our society and government. It is time to follow suit with Iceland. The middle class continues to get gouged from left and right while our incomes stagnate or decrease. We see never ending financial bubble after bubble and record prices for the commodities that are essential for life because of increasing manipulation of commodities prices on the derivatives markets. It's time for it to stop.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/04/27/how_goldman_sachs_created_the_food_crisis

Amen.

 

[duycuonggg]

Wow this thread really blew up pretty fast. Personally, I would like to see our troops come home so that we can stop the war, the killing and the madness. It would also save us a ton of money =). I was surprised to see how many active military members donated to Ron Paul's campaign when I first heard about it. Although I believe in our national protection, I think its safe to say that the soldiers in the Middle East truly know what this war is really about and if they are all giving money to a candidate that wants to pull all soldiers out of all foreign countries immediately, that is saying something. =)

 

[tinman831]

If you'd like to continue the discussion, please head on over to the sociopolitical forum. Closing thread. 🙂