Protests Grow By The 99%

The protests by "the 99%" against the buying of America by the richest 1% continues in New York. But it is no longer just a few hundred. Now it is a few thousand, and yesterday at least a dozen unions joined the protest. That means the middle class is paying attention. In addition, the demonstrations have spread to other cities across the nation. We may actually be witnessing the birth of an actual grassroots movement -- and one that is badly needed in this country.

Meanwhile, MSNBC talking-head Dylan Ratigan has been at the demonstrations for the last few days. He recognizes that one of the core beliefs of the demonstrators is that the richest 1%, through the corporations, have bought the federal government and now dictate what laws will be passed and what candidates will be elected. So he has made a concrete proposal -- a constitutional amendment to take the money out of elections. It wouldn't solve all of America's problems, but it would be a good first step. Here is his proposed amendment:

"No person, corporation or business entity of any type, domestic or foreign, shall be allowed to contribute money, directly or indirectly, to any candidate for Federal office or to contribute money on behalf of or opposed to any type of campaign for Federal office. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, campaign contributions to candidates for Federal office shall not constitute speech of any kind as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or any amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Congress shall set forth a federal holiday for the purposes of voting for candidates for Federal office."

He is asking people to sign on to his amendment proposal. When I last checked over 110,000 people had signed on (and I added my name). That's a pretty good start, but it is not nearly enough to get the attention of the politicians. It would probably take 10 times that number to get their attention. If you would like to add your name (and I hope you will) you can go to this webpage --http://www.getmoneyout.com/?recruiter_id=110982.

But whether you sign on to Ratigan's proposed amendment or not, I urge you to give the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators (the representatives of the 99%) whatever support you can. It's important to the re-establishment of the American democracy. The richest 1% have ruled this country for long enough.