Occupy Chicago

10/10/2011 

Holding up a sign that said "Tax all financial speculation,” Navid Moralles, a South Side resident, was one of the many protesters outside the Bank of America branch on Jackson and Lasalle streets on Monday.

Part of the Occupy Chicago movement, she said her main complaint is that 99 percent of the working class pay 20 percent of the federal taxes, while the wealthiest 1 percent pay only 5 percent of total taxes.

Occupy Chicago is part of a national movement in cities across the United States. 

The movement was launched last month in Manhattan, where it was given the name Occupy Wall Street. 

Protesters have called for more jobs, higher taxes for the wealthy and more financial assistance for the middle class.

The Occupy Chicago movement has demanded an end to tax cuts for the wealthy that were passed during the administration of former President George Bush. Other demands include a full investigation of Wall Street practices that led to the financial crisis of 2008, more limits on the influence of lobbyists, more regulatory power for the Security and Exchange Commission and a repeal of the Citizens United v. U.S. – a Supreme Court ruling that enables corporations to make unlimited campaign contributions.

Andy Jones, another protester, said that in 2008, corporate banks “stole money” from investors. “They were given money and haven’t reinvested it in the economy,” Jones said.

Members of the Occupy Chicago committee conduct meetings daily at 1:30 and 7 p.m. They generate a list of grievances and vote on ones to focus on. 

 “Our country is spiraling out of control, it’s time people wake up and realize that we do have the power to change, before it’s too late,” said Des Plaines resident Don McCollough. McCollough works third shift, and has been protesting for four days. 

This protest started out with just a few protestors and has escalated to hundreds and continues to attract more people. 

People will continue to voice their opinions until they feel a difference is made.