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Forum Post: Letter by Dennis Kucinich addresses OWS

Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 28, 2011, 7:51 p.m. EST by alternateu (29)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

from www.kucinich.us:

Occupy

Friday, 28 October 2011

Dear Friends,

An Iraq War veteran who survived two tours of duty gets his skull fractured in ... Oakland! 53 activists arrested in Atlanta. SWAT teams deployed to boot out peaceful protesters.

Recent actions against Occupy protesters are irresponsible and tragic. They're an assault on our democracy. These protesters are bravely exercising their right to freedom of expression, to bring attention to a political and economic system that's rigged against most Americans. I stand with them; and, all Americans -- left and right -- should join me in protecting their freedom to non-violently create change.

This isn't a Democratic or Republican movement. It's not about one party or one policy. It's about standing up to a financial system that's completely backwards. Wall Street banks get billions in bailouts and emerge with massive profits. Most Americans see a program of austerity in a painful economic climate -- benefit cuts, high unemployment, declining wages, and crumbling infrastructure. Congress moved swiftly to "save" banks (something I strongly opposed), and now Congress is paralyzed, unable to create jobs and to save our middle class.

It's no surprise Americans are standing up. Our country's economic policies have consolidated and accelerated wealth to the top. One percent of Americans now control 42% of our wealth. It's not radical to think this is out of balance or to demand a government that is of the people and for the people. I've been to these protests, and I can tell you they're filled with honest, hard working Americans who are concerned with the direction of our country and our economic future.

I am deeply concerned. I'm concerned about an economic system which tethers job creation to China and big banks. We shouldn't have to borrow money from China -- or Japan or South Korea -- to get out of this ditch. We should stop the Fed from giving billions to the big banks. We have to take back the power to manage our own economy, to regain control over our monetary system, consistent with the U.S. Constitution. That's why, one month ago, I introduced the National Emergency Employment Defense (NEED) Act. The legislation would put the Federal Reserve under the Department of the Treasury, and it would help us recapture control of our financial system. As part of the NEED Act, Congress would use its constitutional power to invest in America, creating millions of jobs by putting billions of dollars directly into circulation. And since this money is adding real, tangible value to our national wealth, it will not generate inflation.

We need a financial system that is of the people and for the people. We need to take it back from the big banks. We need economic and social justice. I will continue to support the Occupy movement. I will continue to fight for legislation, including the NEED Act, that sets America on a path of jobs for all, health care for all, education for all, retirement security for all, and peace.

Let's keep this movement alive. Let's keep fighting for economic and social justice. Keep occupying Wall Street. And, with your help, I'll keep occupying Congress.

With respect, Dennis Kucinich

13 Comments

13 Comments


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[-] 1 points by michael4ows (224) from Mountain View, CA 12 years ago

cool... at least one sitting congressman is listening... he's kind of 'out there' in many respects and my impression is that he's generally out of step with the majorities... but hey... its a start.

[-] 1 points by davebrestensky (59) 12 years ago

Thank You Mr. Kucinich.

[-] 1 points by alternateu (29) 12 years ago

is this true? what does he say about this one?

[-] 1 points by alternateu (29) 12 years ago

form all: check out Dennis' position/reforms recommended on all of the "issues" - section of his site.

[-] 1 points by demonstrator (167) 12 years ago

glad you are here- dennis

[-] 0 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 12 years ago

Dennis,

Thank you for that letter. I know it is sincere. I have great respect for you and can't wait for you to announce that you are BREAKING with the hopelessly corrupt "Democratic Party".

Why not do that right now and officially join OWS as an independent?

Sincerely,

TIOUAISE