Occupy City protests

[Sundancefisher]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle2202306/

Seeing signs that say down with capitalism...hmmm...are these kids so young that they did not see how well that worked with the Soviet Union?

Is there something wrong with working hard these days to MAKE money? Do they want it handed to them?

Did they even go to school long enough to learn what capitalism is?

Even capitalists can agree...if the Executive run the company into the ground...they should not get bonuses after the fact for getting government bailouts. A lot of capitalists feel too much shareholder value is going to inflated executive salaries. Most capitalists feels...getting paid good money for a hard days work is both fair and correct.

So what do these guys holding anti capitalism signs expect?

[hillbillyreefer]

This morning they have been interviewing lots of these miscreants on the TV. Not one of them can give a reason for the protests. Most of them can't even put together a sentence, we may be doomed, it these twits are our future.

Jason Devine, Calgary East

Jason Devine is the Communist Party of Canada candidate in Calgary East. He is 30 years old, married, and has four boys. Jason was born and raised in Calgary and has lived here his entire life.

Jason is a full-time graduate student at the University of Calgary, currently working on his Master’s thesis in Canadian working-class history.

He is active in different social justice issues, such as the the anti-war movement, and has also been active in the anti-racist movement for many years.

http://www.votecommunist.ca/jason/

This guy is the organizer of the protest in Calgary. Enough said.

I've been following these protests most of the day. Reports I found claim no one showed in Red Deer. The people in Calgary are wondering why only 100 people showed up. It's pretty amusing really, people who are too useless to work are also too lazy to protest.

[Redfrog]

I've seen lots of coverage and interviews but have not heard a single plan to fix things. How do these protestors hope to change things? By flinging themselves to the ground and kicking and screaming?


OH!OH! I've let the plan out of the bag.

[CaberTosser]

Originally Posted by Redfrog

I've seen lots of coverage and interviews but have not heard a single plan to fix things. How do these protestors hope to change thongs? By flinging themselves to the ground and kicking and screaming?



OH!OH! I've let the plan out of the bag.

Maybe their thongs are dirty, and the chafing is infecting something, thus resulting in their misplaced anger and overall dissatisfaction?

[Redfrog]

That would definitely do it.

[molly]

What got my proverbial goat was the story last night about the homeless group allowed to camp in a no-camping area under the guise of participating in today's protest. And then being allowed to stay there till the end of October!! Did you see all the food they were showing off to that "reporter" (for lack of a better name...) ?? I am beginning to think Nenshi is nuts.

[hal53]

Got a kick out of the useless *** on CNN this morning , that was dumb enough to say he quit his job so he could come and join the protest?????......

[drake]

something just occupied my toilet.....man i feel better

[CaberTosser]

While there may be a few people at these protests who hold down a job, the bulk of the attendees are career parasites scrabbling for more handouts. If these people took responsibility for their own success or failure instead of blaming others they'd all be in better positions, as would the nation as a whole. If I can work as much as I do and still be turning work away there's certainly opportunities for these people to earn.

Capitalism works when you are willing to.


I'll agree that some of these big corporation executive types are overrewarding themselves with the shareholders money; but before taking these protesters seriously; let's take a look at their investment portfolio's and see how much in losses they've suffered personally. If they haven't ante'd in, what's he fuss about?

[uglyelk]

Originally Posted by CaberTosser

Capitalism works when you are willing to.

I'll buy the shirt!

[BeeGuy]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle2202306/

Seeing signs that say down with capitalism...hmmm...are these kids so young that they did not see how well that worked with the Soviet Union?

Is there something wrong with working hard these days to MAKE money? Do they want it handed to them?

Did they even go to school long enough to learn what capitalism is?

Even capitalists can agree...if the Executive run the company into the ground...they should not get bonuses after the fact for getting government bailouts. A lot of capitalists feel too much shareholder value is going to inflated executive salaries. Most capitalists feels...getting paid good money for a hard days work is both fair and correct.

So what do these guys holding anti capitalism signs expect?

How many billions of dollars in bail outs should the tax payers saddle up for before it's clear that what was once a capitalist system is no longer?

[IR_mike]

Are the Calgary riot police accepting any new or temporary members?

Its been a long time since I got in on a good old fashioned hippy skull thumping.

Way to long.

[BeeGuy]

Originally Posted by IR_mike

Are the Calgary riot police accepting any new or temporary members?

Its been a long time since I got in on a good old fashioned hippy skull thumping.

Way to long.

Probably about as long as its been since you read a book hunh?

[IR_mike]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

Probably about as long as its been since you read a book hunh?

I red one yesterday.

[tonka]

Ya I saw them in person as I was working OT downtown. Every tower had extra security on staff, and all outer doors where locked down. Turned out they walked from one end to the other and caused little delay over all.

[eastcoast]

Originally Posted by IR_mike

I red one yesterday.

read.

[walking buffalo]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

How many billions of dollars in bail outs should the tax payers saddle up for before it's clear that what was once a capitalist system is no longer?

Thanks BeeGuy, for introducing some facts.

Calgary and Canadian citizens have not been raped by gov. bailouts without some lube being applied. Unlike most citizens of the US.

Keep some oil nearby, Remember Bill 36 is the LAW now in ALberta, and we get to pay to be the female dog.

[BeeGuy]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

How many billions of dollars in bail outs should the tax payers saddle up for before it's clear that what was once a capitalist system is no longer?

How many billions of dollars of Quantitative Easing (Inflation) which effectively reduces purchasing power and wages should tax payers saddle up for before it's clear that there are big problems?

Of course the protests aren't as well attended in Canada, and especially Alberta.

We are always a step behind the states.

If things here were at a crisis level like they are there, and if we had a larger population to draw from, the protests would be much more well attended.


I can understand why it is difficult to understand why these people are protesting, from the perspective of Alberta.

Alberta has LOTS of jobs, and LOTS of opportunity. It is among the wealthiest places IN HUMAN HISTORY and will continue to be one for some time to come.

Go to Detroit to make a living and see how long you can make those truck payments, regardless of how hard you work.

[hillbillyreefer]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

How many billions of dollars of Quantitative Easing (Inflation) which effectively reduces purchasing power and wages should tax payers saddle up for before it's clear that there are big problems?

Of course the protests aren't as well attended in Canada, and especially Alberta.

We are always a step behind the states.

If things here were at a crisis level like they are there, and if we had a larger population to draw from, the protests would be much more well attended.


I can understand why it is difficult to understand why these people are protesting, from the perspective of Alberta.

Alberta has LOTS of jobs, and LOTS of opportunity. It is among the wealthiest places IN HUMAN HISTORY and will continue to be one for some time to come.

Go to Detroit to make a living and see how long you can make those truck payments, regardless of how hard you work.

The purpose of these protests is to encourage governments to take from the working classes, and corporations. Then to redistribute the wealth to the people who won't work. I think it was tried before look up the USSR, maybe try Cuba. How is it/did it work out for them? Have a look at the workers utopia of China, massive poverty and massive wealth. The wealth is concentrated into the hands of a few by the government, their system is worse than ours. You need to have friends in government to be successful.

The North American economy is getting dangerously close to the brink. We have about 46-48% of the people who pay zero taxes. A large percentage of those people live off our generous social programs. Once these people have a majority the destruction of the economy is imminent, they can run government, creating even more generous social programs and larger proportions of wealth confiscation. When that happens are in a similar situation to Greece.

[eastcoast]

Originally Posted by hillbillyreefer

The purpose of these protests is to encourage governments to take from the working classes, and corporations. Then to redistribute the wealth to the people who won't work. I think it was tried before look up the USSR, maybe try Cuba. How is it/did it work out for them? Have a look at the workers utopia of China, massive poverty and massive wealth. The wealth is concentrated into the hands of a few by the government, their system is worse than ours. You need to have friends in government to be successful.

The North American economy is getting dangerously close to the brink. We have about 46-48% of the people who pay zero taxes. A large percentage of those people live off our generous social programs. Once these people have a majority the destruction of the economy is imminent, they can run government, creating even more generous social programs and larger proportions of wealth confiscation. When that happens are in a similar situation to Greece.

so working for less while the corporations make record profits isn't part of it?

[blackpheasant]

Originally Posted by eastcoast

so working for less while the corporations make record profits isn't part of it?

Lazy Slobs will make less no doubt about it...

[BeeGuy]

Originally Posted by hillbillyreefer

The purpose of these protests is to encourage governments to take from the working classes, and corporations. Then to redistribute the wealth to the people who won't work. I think it was tried before look up the USSR, maybe try Cuba. How is it/did it work out for them? Have a look at the workers utopia of China, massive poverty and massive wealth. The wealth is concentrated into the hands of a few by the government, their system is worse than ours. You need to have friends in government to be successful.

The North American economy is getting dangerously close to the brink. We have about 46-48% of the people who pay zero taxes. A large percentage of those people live off our generous social programs. Once these people have a majority the destruction of the economy is imminent, they can run government, creating even more generous social programs and larger proportions of wealth confiscation. When that happens are in a similar situation to Greece.

This is absolute nonsense.

[hillbillyreefer]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

This is absolute nonsense.

Do explain it to me.

[tonka]

Well a few facts for those that care to listen.
The middle class has seen a decline of 30 % since 1970 both in size and buying power.
The wealthiest 5% own 80+ percent yet pay 75% of the taxes. At what point can people only give so much? The middle class pass more than their share off the taxes, why not the wealthy 5%?
I make a damn good living, I go to school full time and still make enough part time in the winter to cover all my bills, (mortgage, insurance, utilities). and have money left over to contribute to my savings. I am lucky most people I know in school struggle to pay tuition, bills ect, even with loans and a part time job.
Most people on this site have disposable income, and make an above average wage. Your not the people being protested against. Did you know less than 3500 people sit on and control most of Canada's corporations and thus the economy?
We have problems, the need fixing.
Most importantly its their right to voice their opinion, it what makes Canada such a great place, for better or worse anyone can protest and voice their opinion.

[eastcoast]

Originally Posted by tonka

Well a few facts for those that care to listen.
The middle class has seen a decline of 30 % since 1970 both in size and buying power.
The wealthiest 5% own 80+ percent yet pay 75% of the taxes. At what point can people only give so much? The middle class pass more than their share off the taxes, why not the wealthy 5%?
I make a damn good living, I go to school full time and still make enough part time in the winter to cover all my bills, (mortgage, insurance, utilities). and have money left over to contribute to my savings. I am lucky most people I know in school struggle to pay tuition, bills ect, even with loans and a part time job.
Most people on this site have disposable income, and make an above average wage. Your not the people being protested against. Did you know less than 3500 people sit on and control most of Canada's corporations and thus the economy?
We have problems, the need fixing.
Most importantly its their right to voice their opinion, it what makes Canada such a great place, for better or worse anyone can protest and voice their opinion.

absolutely the right to protest is an esential right in this country,if you like the message or not they have the right to do what they do.

[BeeGuy]

Originally Posted by hillbillyreefer

The purpose of these protests is to encourage governments to take from the working classes, and corporations. Then to redistribute the wealth to the people who won't work. I think it was tried before look up the USSR, maybe try Cuba. How is it/did it work out for them? Have a look at the workers utopia of China, massive poverty and massive wealth. The wealth is concentrated into the hands of a few by the government, their system is worse than ours. You need to have friends in government to be successful.

The North American economy is getting dangerously close to the brink. We have about 46-48% of the people who pay zero taxes. A large percentage of those people live off our generous social programs. Once these people have a majority the destruction of the economy is imminent, they can run government, creating even more generous social programs and larger proportions of wealth confiscation. When that happens are in a similar situation to Greece.

Your original hypothesis is entirely false. This is not the purpose of the protests at all. People are demanding corporate and governmental accountability and responsibility.

They are protesting the control of the financial system (national and global) by incorporated centralized banks. Why do you think we only go to war with countries with National Banks?????

/response



It is very interesting that several people have suggested that these "lazy university students just want handouts."

These young university educated people are what drive the economy forward.

As I suggested in a previous post, if you lived in Detroit, or Pittsburgh, or Baltimore, it likely wouldn't matter how hard you worked because there are NO OPPORTUNITIES.

Remember what happened in the early 1980's in Alberta? Oil crashed and so did Alberta. Unemployment was above 10%.

I'm betting a lot of the accusers here have seen EI for periods in their life.

[hillbillyreefer]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

Your original hypothesis is entirely false. This is not the purpose of the protests at all. People are demanding corporate and governmental accountability and responsibility.

We live in a democracy. Vote. Seems simple, but with a 60% or less voter turn out, that is not happening.

They are protesting the control of the financial system (national and global) by incorporated centralized banks. Why do you think we only go to war with countries with National Banks?????
I thought we only went to war for oil(sarcasim). Right I did hear one person complain about banking fees. You know all those people the banks employ? The ones that work and pay taxes, billions in taxes (including corporate taxes). Guess what, if they weren't making money none of those people would have jobs. Less taxes available to redistribute through our social programs. Who would you prefer to run the banking system?
/response



It is very interesting that several people have suggested that these "lazy university students just want handouts."

These young university educated people are what drive the economy forward.
The ones that get jobs, and create something of value to society help drive the economy. The ones that sit around and moan about not getting enough handouts are a drag on the economy. It makes no difference if they are university students, or a crackhead, they are a drain on the economy. I'm sure there are a couple productive crack heads too.
As I suggested in a previous post, if you lived in Detroit, or Pittsburgh, or Baltimore, it likely wouldn't matter how hard you worked because there are NO OPPORTUNITIES.
My responsibility is to my family first, then my community,and it expands from there. You can feel responsible for the people in Detroit, Pittsburgh, or Baltimore, if you wish.

Remember what happened in the early 1980's in Alberta? Oil crashed and so did Alberta. Unemployment was above 10%.
And that was thanks to government intervening in an economy. If government was out of it much less damage would have been done. I guess I agree with some of the positions of the protestors, but for entirely different reasons.
I'm betting a lot of the accusers here have seen EI for periods in their life.

So what is your point. No one says we are getting rid of EI, did they?

[uglyelk]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

As I suggested in a previous post, if you lived in Detroit, or Pittsburgh, or Baltimore, it likely wouldn't matter how hard you worked because there are NO OPPORTUNITIES.

The world doesn't owe them a living.

If there are no opportunities where one lives...move...it ain't rocket science.

So they went to school and learned some skills that they can't market.

Find a market or develop some new skills but don't waste our time by crying and protesting.

You reap what you sow, sounds like a bunch off tools looking for a ride on the pigs back!

[209x50]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

How many billions of dollars in bail outs should the tax payers saddle up for before it's clear that what was once a capitalist system is no longer?

Here in Canada? None i believe. This is so non applicable and the protests as well in Canada and the link shows that. Career parasites, good one!

[beansgunsghandi]

Originally Posted by 209x50

Here in Canada? None i believe. This is so non applicable and the protests as well in Canada and the link shows that. Career parasites, good one!

You're not well informed on the Canadian bank bailouts. We, the taxpayers, bailed out the big five banks in Canada to the tune of 75 BILLION dollars. Slightly different structure, but same basic deal as the US.

"News item: Big Five banks tapped Fed for $111 billion funds during financial crisis

I’m reminded of Bill Clinton’s infamous line: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky.” Thanks to the U.S. Federal Reserve, the proverbial blue dress has now been found.

It was about a year ago that I wrote a post about the $75 billion financial assistance program that the Canadian government provided to the Canadian banking fraternity between September 2008 and March 2009 (see prior post “No Canadian bank bailouts? Says who?” December 10-09). Not that the program wasn’t vital to stabilizing the domestic banking system, but I was annoyed about the crowing that “Canadian banks didn’t need any help”.

The disclosure this week from the U.S. Fed is remarkable (via the Globe and Mail), and we’ve now learned that the U.S. government provided an additional $111 billion of financial assistance to Canada’s five largest banks. That’s on top of the $75 billion Canadian government capital relief program via CMHC.

A pseudo injection of $186 billion of capital — in the form of transferring assets to governments in exchange for cheap cash — seems like a whack of money for an industry that obstensiby required no public support during the recent financial crisis:

There is ony a subtle distinction between injecting capital into a bank and relieving it of assets so that it can avoid a capital injection. Kind of like your Mom/Dad temporarily buying your bike from you when you ran out on money in University, and then selling it back to you six months later when you were flush from a summer job.


Read more: http://www.wellingtonfund.com/blog/2010/12/02/canadian-bank-bailout-total-touches-186-billion/#ixzz1axSV1fKs

And: "“It (IMPP) supported the banks at a critical juncture in the global financial crisis, and played a big role in keeping mortgage rates from flaring higher late last year, when many global borrowing costs were surging.” Douglas Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, Bank of Montreal quoted in the 2009 CMHC Annual Report, page 69."

Lots more out there. In the US the banks got the Troubled Asset Relief Program that is still hiding many billions of dollars of bad debt. Here in Canada we just took those pesky weak loans off their books. Like the guy above says, not much difference.

I travel a lot in the US; there it's easy to see people are hurting. Here in Alberta it's less obvious for sure, but don't judge the world by what's going on here. We're sitting on huge pile of natural resources, that does change things a bit...