Occupy Wall Street: Live Blog
By: This is a live blog of CNBC's "Speaker's Corner" hosted in New York City where the group, Occupy Wall Street has set up camp.
On September 17, 2011 a loosely organized group calling themselves Occupy Wall Street gathered in NYC to protest corporate greed, social inequality and other divisions between the rich and the poor.
On the group’s Web site, Occupywallstreet, they describe themselves as a “leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions.
The movement has spread from a few dozens to hundreds and has spread from New York to many cities including, Los Angeles, Tampa and Portland, Oregon.
There are many questions about the group and about the group's goals. It is our goal here at CNBC to give them a chance to share their voices and for those who want to learn more about the group, to hear what they have to say and what they're hoping to do in this live blog.
This post will be updated frequently so please refresh and check-in regularly. All times are Eastern. The most recent post is here at the top.
4:43 PM - The Final Voice
Today's final speaker at CNBC's Speaker's Corner says we need to bring all the jobs back to the US AND - he says to the Republicans -- "you gotta give Obama a chance...he's not the 'best'...but he's the only one we got." He ends, saying "you gotta give the guy a chance, please."
4:41 PM - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Latest speaker says this is a good protest - and yet it's not a good protest. He says folks don't understand what they're protesting, they don't understand the message. He says what's needed is an inspirational speaker to help deliver the message.
I'm thinking since he's not getting off the podium that he might see himself as that inspirational speaker....just sayin'.
4:39 PM - Single in the Suburbs
Latest woman introduces herself as "I'm a single woman from the suburbs." She says the politicians are the puppets to the Wall Street masters.
4:38 PM - Obama's Not a Magician
Obama supporter tells folks basically to "get real" saying Obama doesn't have a magic wand he can't perform magic.
4:37 PM - Where's the Hope, Where's the Change?
Molly is outraged that the 1%'rs hold all the money and don't pay their fair share. She calls out Obama saying "we want more."
4:35 PM - 9/11 Not to be Forgotten
Latest speaker wants a full investigation into what caused the Towers to fall, and what led to the attack.
4:32 PM - The Voice You Hear
And we're back up.
Newest speaker says it's important that the movement not have a list of demands because they are "pissed off" (her words, not mine) and they shouldn't have just one or two demands, they have a lot of demands.
4:27 PM - Continuing Comments
Onethezdaz writes:
"What’s wrong with these people?
It’s a “SIN” to make money?
Oh! “Exxon Mobil made $19 billion in profits in 2009. Exxon not only paid no federal income taxes, it actually received a $156 million rebate from the IRS, according to its SEC filings.”
Exon paid no taxes? Bull! The USA has one of the highest corporate tax rates! Taxes were paid, but you don’t like the idea that Exon and others made money when you can’t! What’s the problem, didn’t you ask Exon for a job, or are you one of those still crying at Solyndra’s closed door?
Did you get money back from the IRS?
I did, and taxes were paid! I resent the idea that someone would point fingers at me claiming: “I didn’t pay any taxes and got money back from the IRS”!
I’m not here to defend the “Corporations”, but I am a bit jealous. Remember, this is America where even Steve Jobs started in a garage and ended up with a multibillion dollar corporation! So do the best you can and maybe you can make $19 billion and get a check back from the IRS!"
4:25 PM - From our Twitter Feed
@enslaved_one Never underestimate the intelligence of the American people.
4:21 PM - Do You Hear What I Hear?
Wondering about a lost mic?
We'll be back in a flash - we had to move the microphone ... it'll be up very, very soon.
4:15 PM - And Now, It's Your Turn
Some of you have filed your comments:
flafreethinker writes in: I love this. Wall street and all the lying thieves that destroyed this country that still reside there need to be strung up and hung. Keep up the pressure. I wish I could join you!!!!!!
rmgsara: Doesn't speak alot of the public education in this country considering what these protesters are claiming. There are jobs to fill in this country but people won't work because they fill they are entitled to big bucks. Very few people make big bucks with out working there way up. My question to them if they were making the big bucks would they share and I could almost tell you their reaction would be no I am entitled to it.
Average American: These people are a large part of the segment of our society responsible for our current economic situation. Their whole entitlement mentality led to the Democrats pushing the "fair housing act" under Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton which forced banks to make sub-prime loans! They continue to want something for nothing! They either need to move to Greece and enjoy the fruits of an entitlement society or get a job and contribute to the Greatness of America! Anyone can be a failure but you must work to be a success!
4:11 PM - One, With Everything
A former hot dog vendor is on the podium saying he's been an activist all his life.
Oh no -- he's stopped talking. Now he's singing. Well, in all honesty, it's not really singing, but he's trying...lyrics include a ton of topics: WTC, MLK, freedom, leaders, no leaders, people, no people, making a living, not making a living, Big Brother.
I think he means well.
4:10 PM Keep the Meter Running
Driving in from Long Island, this taxi driver wanted to see for himself what was going on in the City. Says he hasn't seen any evidence of people really talking about "unity" but hopes it'll appear.
4:08 PM - PS 140's Whippersnapper
Young, young, young kid takes the podium -- with an very mature message: He wants peace in the world and prosperity for all.
4:05 PM - The Great Divide
Anthony - a social worker says he's there to speak up about the "huge social divide" that he says is a direct result of the shift of wealth in this country. Anthony says we need to work together so that every child has an opportunity to succeed and that banks are sitting on boatloads of cash and not hiring.
He wonders -- why can't we socialize profit?
4:03 PM - Man Drake
Saying he comes from the Internet...this speaker says he's not going to stand for corporations to steal from us (I think he means...the rest of us who live in THIS world and not in the Internet)
Also says "Anonymous" supports Occupy Wall Street.
4:01 PM - Model Behavior
Woman on the podium now is a model (!) who has just returned from Asia, where there is in her worlds-- real poverty. And global poverty needs to be addressed.
HA- as she steps down from the podium -- she asks to take "a quick picture."
Well, ain't that just something.
4:00 PM - OUCH
Unemployed College Grad says the economy is turning everyone into the incredible shrinking man. Big Biz is cutting too much. We need higher corporate taxes - and prosperity for all. He says folks have short memories
3:59 PM - New York Girl Hearts Change
Wants to see a change. Just got back from Europe and she loves all the change that is going on over there and wants to see it happen here.
3:57 PM - News From NOLA
Doctor from New Orleans says he's not optimistic that the system can continue as it is - he's speaking about the economic and the health system. Saying what is happening now with the lack of equal health care is a "human crime."
3:54 PM - Hey, Is Anybody Out There?
Junior at NYU is wondering who is watching? Who is listening? And then he goes silent.
Wait, that was a dramatic pause.
He's back...talking about his favorite new commercial about a kid with his grandpa. Says he's afraid...he's 20 years old, his life has changed so much and he doesn't know what's going to happen...but hopes he'll live in a world where there's money to be made, a good life to be had and that he doesn't have to worry about his next meal. He wants to tax the rich more. He wants a higher minimum wage -- AND-- he wants to set a MAXIMUM wage - like, maybe only a million dollars a year.
Admitting, he's at a loss for words, he leaves the podium.
3:52 PM - The Renaissance Man
Artist, musician, teacher, actor on the stand now...wondering why "legitimate criminals on Wall Street are not in jail?"
3:51 PM - Where's Hillary
Next speaker says Obama has let him down and he wants Hillary Clinton to run next.
3:49 PM - The Secret's Out
Speaker up now says he wishes he were on Comedy Central. (HEY, I'm sitting right here) Anyway, he says that's where he gets all his news (Thanks). He's a teacher, says he pays 35% of his salary in taxes - he wants more money going to schools and "that the wars have got to stop."
(PS--- I just love Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert as well...our secret)
3:47 PM - We Are the 99%'rs
Brother and Sister act on the podium now...hoping this turns into a "voting block"
3:45 PM - It's The Education, Stupid
Speaker from Newark is at the protest to fight for better education for all kids.
3:44 PM - All We Are Saying...
A huge fan of John Lennon and Yoko Ono wants Peace... and for Yoko to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
3:42 PM - An Immigrant's Tale
Ernie from DR who has been here for 20 years, says about 30% of his pay goes to pay taxes...and can't figure out why the top 1%'rs don't pay their share.
3:41 PM - 'Bout Time
Another California man takes to the podium to say he's so inspired by the movement, urges all to get involved and adds, "it's about time" for this movement.
3:39 PM - It Rots From the Inside
Woman speaking now says she's found a home with the other protestors and says the only hope for us... "Workers of the World Unite" (umm, she quoted there, that's not original). She's calling on the 99%'rs and the working class if they hear of strikes - join 'em...and end capitalization forever!
3:37 PM - OOOPS, It Was Me - Not You
IT team told me to "refresh" and that the feed would come back up....and don't you know it, it worked. I hate that... "refresh" and "clear your cache"
So if you're having problems with the feed remember, Refresh and Clear your Cache. (Just another public service announcement)
3:36 PM - More from our Twitter Feed
@pzul i think the profit motive is okay as long as there is strong regulation to make it fair
3:34 PM - No, It's Not You
Having technical problems with our feed again. BUT...our best of the best IT team is on it. We'll be back up in a jiffy.
3:31 PM - Irish Eyes
Man from Minneapolis on the podium now...and he really likes New York...and New Yorkers. His kids are in college now and he's hoping 1) they'll get a job and 2) they won't be saddled with tons of debt.
He also wants ALL of Ireland to be united....
3:28 PM - Senior Concerns
Woman on the podium is really concerned about her future especially since she lives on her Social Security checks. Took GE's Jeff Immelt to task for what she calls being "the biggest exporter of jobs."
(Note: Jeff is my boss - he and Comcast provide me with a paycheck. And by the way Jeff, I thought you looked great on 60 Minutes last night - just sayin')
3:27 PM - It Ain't All That Bad
Latest speaker wants us all to know, "we don't suck that bad."
Ok, I feel better - that pep talk really did the trick.
3:25 PM - Another Witness
Man on the podium telling us about the "truth and the light" and that the only answer to our problems is "the Lord Jesus Christ."
One of our Facebook friends Robert Spallone, wrote "look , it is a Hank pAULSON LOOK ALIKE"
Thanks Robert - you are totally right.
3:24 PM - An Englishwoman in New York (Thanks Sting)
Taking the stand now - woman calls for better distribution of public funds. She says in England military families are taken care of - unlike the US. Says anyone who is a billionaire and wants more money - "is pathologically ill...they can't use all that money in their lifetime, or their kids' lifetimes." Quotes a study that I don't know about that says the more money you have the more depressed you are.
MONTCLAIR WHIPPERSNAPPER
3:22 PM - Montclair Whippersnapper
On the podium now 7th grader from Montclair speaking, saying that Corporation Greed is the reason the US took a giant ratings hit. Sam says "we need to be here for our country. We need the banks to stop being greedy."
HUGE applause from the fans (me thinks there was a proud mom and dad there)
3:20 PM - Play Nice
Rhonda, holding her baby says she and her husband are both teachers. She's fed up with the attacks made recently on teachers, saying everyone deserves to be paid well, to have benefits, to have good health care.
3:20 PM - Gavin, Gavin, Gavin
Hmmm good thing this is a family-friendly blog. Gavin has quite a sign he's waving there. Says "F*** the CEOs" and his tshirt says, "Commies Aren't Cool"
3:13 PM - A Man of Few Words.
"Mike" is at the mic. (hey, I've been doing this since 10am/et) Anyway...he says he's there to support the movement.
3:10 PM - Dazed and Confused
Calling himself "confused" a young man takes the podium. He has A LOT of questions.
Ummm, my mother always told me, "if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all."
I'm going to leave it there.
3:09 PM - Where are the Jobs
Rachel - a native New Yorker has a question for corporate America, "Where are the Jobs?"
3:05 PM - It's A Big World
A NYU student - a self-proclaimed "human being" says she is there to say that everyone should spend more time around the world - getting to know how others live. This student who calls Oregon home reminds me of "Jackie-O" - very breathy. OK, now she's just listing all the things you need to do..."change how you live, take off your suit, start doing something, take your life back take your life back and do something good with it, make the world a better place, take off your suit, put on a smile."
3:02 PM - Revolution Generation
Man with a big flag "Revolution Generation" says he's there to "feel the energy." Says he's been one of the people "bitchin' and complainin' about the lack of jobs" but now he says he wants to do something positive.
He says giving "Welfare checks to Wall Street is not the answer." Flagman says "we all want to feel good about what we do everyday..to raise our children...and not worry about our kids not having enough money to have a secure future."
3:01 PM - Time Off For Good Behavior
Man says he took time off from work today to protest what Wall Street is doing - stealing jobs from America. (Didn't catch your name - so hopefully the boss won't see you there, man)
3:00 PM - Country Roads
Man from North Carolina talks about this being the greatest experience ever. Says we have to take action against global warming to save the species (he's talking about us), says action is needed now.
2:58 PM - Best Field Trip....Evah
Teacher who brought her class out to the protest to see Civics in action takes to the podium to explain why they're there....uh, to see civics in action. (Love that)
2:56 PM - We'll Take it Live
"Radio Man" on the podium now -- gives us a shout-out (kind of) says thanks to CNBC for covering this protest -- but...... says we were a little late to the protest. Urgest CNBC and the media to dig deeper into the financial crisis.
OK, Thanks Radio Man
2:55 PM - My New Favorite Facebook Fan
Cindy Choi Thanks CNBC for the live stream. Fantastic.
(Thanks Cindy -- I'll make sure the boss sees this)
2:51 PM - Bridge and Tunnel Gang
Brooklyn speaker is very upset with the current education system. Andrew says unless we do something quickly - the education bubble that we have now - will burst... and that people won't be able to afford to go to college. Ends by saying, "If you want a future for your children, then we need to do something about it, now."
2:50 PM - Well, We're Not in Kansas
Woman from Kansas is on the stand now. Wants to see the Bush tax cuts ended. She says she's there to be positive to raise everyone morale and to affect a change.
2:49 PM - Something Different
Young woman on the podium says this protest offers "something different" that offers a chance to have positive change. She says she thinks it'll morph into something clearer - with more defined goals soon.
2:47 PM - Jesus Saves
Man at the podium wants us to know that, "Jesus loves us...trust in Jesus, he's the only answer to our problems."
2:46 PM - Ummm, We Liked Her Too
A "fan" of Erin Burnett really, really X-presses himself.
2:42 PM - More Protests Planned
New speaker says there will be another protest planned to "bring back jobs in America." Is against the free-trade act...says the law only leads to jobs being taken away from the country. Adding, "if we want to put Americans back to work... we need to go to AmericanJobsAlliance.com and vote no on the Free Trade Agreement."
Now that speaker knows how to get his message across said American Jobs Alliance.com FIVE times in less than 2 minutes - future candidates that's what I've been talking about.
