8807
letters and counting!
letters and counting!
My husband's helper | 1
My husband had his own business and attempted to help me start a non-profit for at-risk youth. In doing so the banks flipped us around liked pancakes from pan to pan and we fell further in debt as they told us they would help us establish and build this business to a reality. My husband could not afford health insurance so he returned to the military in an effort to make ends meet. While my business fell through because of the not in my backyard situation in our local government and banks offering loans and then removing them, then talking us into a home refinance. Bank of America and Citibank had a field day with our credit cards and mortgage. I fulfilled my obligation to the 6 at-risk youth I started helping and then closed the doors to the non-profit, my husband found that BoA removed money directly from our account to pay an over due credit card bill and screwed us for the mortgage. We had a right to choose what to pay and the bank took it for the credit card and now seeks after our home because we could not pay the mortgage after being robbed by them. We were given a mortgage reduction opportunity that took us a year to figure out and by the time we understood that we were being charged a late fee for every reduced mortgage payment BoA approved us for, we were $20,000 further in the hole. My husband volunteered to deploy to Iraq to get more money and pay off the debt and not go bankrupt. The month before he deployed two years into this mess we are finally approved for a mortgage re modification and BoA decides to send us to the underwriters. We prepare to seek a loan upon his return in one year to settle our debts and secure our home when BoA announces that we no longer qualify since my husband will deploy and we fall under the soldiers relief act which they claim means they will foreclose on our home in February or when he returns to the states. How is that a relief to my husband who puts his life on the line daily for our country? He may return homeless. I want to fix things and ease his burden when he returns but I am not sure I can. He wants to come home and take down the government so how can I help my husband when the free country he fights for is unwilling to fight for him?
change now | 0
dear sirs we the people need to be heard and take back our economy and the right to have a fair and equal distribution of tax and insurance rates. i believe that this injustice of the rich getting richer has got to end and some solutions will be needed to keep us from going even further into the hole. Steve Lanusse-Siegel Ashland, OR 97520-8719
You CAN do some good. | 0
But not by making as much money as you can any way you can. You know that this can't last, that the game is unsustainable, that we are really all in this together. Make the personal decision to take actions that will benefit the whole planet and all the life on it. This is bigger than any one person or family. Cathie Schneider Squires, MO 65755
Your subject here | 0
Stop ruining our country and this planet. Pay your fair share. Liz Johnson Albany, CA 94706
Our retirement savings | 0
With the recession largely caused by the unregulated dealings of the banks and now their fees for every little things, our savings continue to diminish so the people being punished for the meltdown are the people on Main Street while Wall Street continues to live in ever-increasing luxury. . Millie Brady Indianapolis, IN 46208
Whatever happened to democracy? | 0
It's come to the point where the system you people run is one of the scum by the scum and for the scum and it hopefully will, together with you, soon perish from this Earth. Martha Lyons Monterey Park, CA 91754-2368
Your subject here | 0
Trying to subvert the fight against climate injustice will only put you more directly in the storm's path. Stop paying attention to only money and power. Find a third element, and work as hard as you can to get it into the mix, otherwise the system you rely on to keep you rich is going to have to let you down hard. Lane Butler Tempe, AZ 85281
Get rid of the bum on the plush... | 0
It takes the work of dozens to feed you Wall Street and bank exec. types, but we are told we have to get rid of the "social parasite" who may require a little assistance when the job market dries up. But that toiler has not gotten his due, and you guys get all of what he should have. Forced to ride the skids to find work, or panhandle just to eat, they play on people's shame and guilt. We dismiss them as those "bums" but are they really? The bum on the rods only gets an occasional "bite". Meanwhile, the bankers and financiers are feted, wined and dined. Let's get rid of the weights that crush - get rid of the bum on the plush! Greg 12009
ONE | 0
good day! I'm hoping to reach the human inside your executive shell with these few lines. we are all very lucky to share this amazing life on this beautiful planet together at this moment! I hope that you realize that this earth, as we call it, is one big organism and we as humans have this incredible opportunity to shape life on it in the most profound way! our current economic, social and political system gives the impression that we are all just single, individual beings trying to make it through our relatively brief lifespan on our own. but I'm sure that you also have had glimpses of the magical and inexplicable synchronicities that are very much a part of our lives! unfortunately, some of us have exploited this magic to only better their own existence, and even prevent others from realizing it. I hope that you recognize that now is the time to share in the true bounty that comes with life on earth and embrace all with the utmost love and compassion to bring us all into what some call paradise! thank you for your time and for being here now! sincerely, Andre Kohler Andre Kohler Venice, CA 90291
Occupy the Boardroom! | 0
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAME OF YOURSELVES BUT YOU ARE NOT FOR YOUR BEING GREEDY 24/7 AND NOT CARING FOR THE LITTLE MAN... THE ECONOMY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT BEFORE PRESIDENT OBAMA TOOK OFFICE AND THE PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE JOBS, IT IS NOT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S FAULT OKAY, SO STOP TELLING LIES, YOU ARE DESPICABLE AND LIARS AND YOU ARE CAUGHT UP WITH YOURSELVES... SO GET OFF OF IT AND DO WHAT THE PEOPLE ELECTED YOU TO DO... IF YOU ARE THINKING RE-ELECTION, DON'T... MARTIN M WILLIAMSON MARTIN M WILLIAMSON 10025
Your subject here | 0
Your message here. Tell Wall Street how you feel. Making a profit is acceptable. Accomplishing it by breaking the backs of middle class Americans to get there is not. Use your profits to hire Americans and pay taxes not give outlandish bonuses to executives. Pat Stitzinger Flourtown, PA 19031
Sick Of The Lies and Exploitation | 0
For decades you've robbed the common people with hidden fees and specious investment deals, socializing losses and risks and privatizing profits. You've paid others to exploit tensions between community groups, race groups, lower income groups, labor groups and pretty much any kind of group that didn't have money or power. You've tried to use the media to endlessly spin away your crimes and environmental catastrophies, caused by your greed, indolence and negligence. Did you believe we would just lie down and take it forever while you remove all hope for a better life from our children and grandchildren? No one is threatening you with anything but exposure but that's all that's needed at this point, because the lies and exploitation and crimes are so vast and obscene they can't be allowed to continue. Congratulations on having destroyed the dreams and hopes of a generation of middle and lower income people and crushing the lives and bodies of billions of poor people in the countries you've outsourced our jobs to. Lesley Schultz Oakland, CA 94610
The poor and middle class | 0
CEOs and the corporations they control care only about money - they are greedy and dirtly, they cheat, they lie, they hurt Americans. Corporations must become less greedy and help the 99% of Americans who are hurting - the Americans who have lost their jobs and homes, the Americans who don't have food or shelter. Catherine Neumann Peralta, NM 87042
Your subject here | 0
You are killing the Planet and the People. We Will Stop you. Jean Crawford Albuquerque, NM 87108-1621
Slave Labor | 0
I am sick and tired of the corporations treating us like slaves for the past decade. I am making the same amount of money now that I was making 9 years ago. I was laid off and have had to take over a 20% pay cut. Prior to being laid off our wages were stagnant - going 2 to 3 years with no raises, and then, getting as little as 1 to 3% increases while the CEO's and board members salaries have more than tripled - it is DISGUSTING. We have had our pensions taken away - corporations no longer matching 401K - charging more for health insurance and providing less coverage - and keep hearing the refrain - "be thankful you have a job"! I am SICK of the greed - where is your PATRIOTISM - you are running this country into the ground - do you see what is happening to education - is this what you want - a country full of morons??? You are taking away our quality of life - we are losing our middle class - I no longer consider myself middle class - you have hurt the economy so much by hurting us. There is no longer the American dream. My husband and I are living below the standards we were able to live in in the 80's & 90's - although, we knew once Reagan broke the air traffic controller's union - evrything would be downhill. You are giving jobs to people in other countries and not caring what happens to your fellow Americans. I have worked over 30 years - and I am very scared for my future. My husband is making 40% less that what he used to make after being laid off from his job. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!! The greed of the banks, also - charging for every service - even the ones we do at the ATM machines or online - the interest rates on the credit cards - all of this is legal loan sharking. I am sick of our politicians pandering to all of you and being tied to your purse strings - I am sick of corporations trying to destroy the EPA and its' regulations - do you have other air to breathe, water to drink or another planet to live on? You risk all of that for money???? I am sick of greedy or weak spined politicians who will not stand up to corporations and wall street/banks - you all know what the corporations have been doing to our wages, jobs and benefits and our ENVIRONMENT- and you have stood by and watched and shared in the money off of our misery. All of you and your greed is disgusting. Linda Albers Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Friends and neighbors | 0
Good Day. As I live in California and I know so many that have lost homes and jobs I wasn’t sure who to write. So I chose an investment firm as I lost so much money in my 457 when the fan was hit. I will address the loss of neighbors. My Mom has lost neighbors on both sides of the family home. One home has been for sale for about 2 years, the other was purchased as a short sale by an investor and now has a nice stable public employee owner (hope, hope). My sister and BIL have 3 homes across the street from them that have been for sale for about 4 years, and are barely being maintained. Even the squatters don’t paint. I lost some great friends, they lost their home & dreams & marriage to a short sale…the bright side being I got equals in the new owners. At least 10 other homes around me have been foreclosed, most were rental property-sorely impacting the tenants as well. I like meeting new people as do the rest of my family, but Mom is elderly and really hates having vacant houses next door. Must find another pen pal to talk about loss of jobs, so you don’t get the pleasure of hearing those stories. Though as head of human capital management those may mean more to you.
For Boardroom Executives: | 0
To Boardroom Executives:When a corporation must rely on its extreme greed, While losing sight of fair and square practices,In order to carry on with business activities, Its tactics will surely become its deficits!And you, as a head of such operations,Would hopefully want to stop this,And not be remembered as a top culprit!Sincerely,Sally KlineOne of the 99%.
You Will Be Visited By Three Ghosts... | 0
Hey guy, We used to sort of work together. I used to temp at Goldman Sachs in Manhattan - the location on Old Slip. You know the place? What’s weird is when you cross the street to approach that building, you get caught in this terrible, foul-smelling air current. I always figured it was just the stench from the East River, since it’s so close. Now I wonder if it wasn’t the decaying hearts and souls of the executives who work there. But don’t worry – there’s hope. Here’s some inspiration for you; a classic tale that has been reminding most humans with fully-functioning common sense and decency for decades: “What’s to-day, my fine fellow?” said Scrooge. “To-day?” replied the boy. “Why, Christmas Day.” “It’s Christmas Day!” said Scrooge to himself. “I haven ‘t missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they like. Of course they can. Of course they can. Hallo, my fine fellow!” Hey, Gregory – it’s Christmas day! Your Christmas day! Wake up and smell the stench eminating from your company. You have the power to do good… or at least not to be so horrible. Best, Your former co-worker 11206
Credit Card Interest Rates | 0
Your banks and credit card companies, who had advance knowledge of your plans to hike interest rates, deliberately called customers with good credit for years and those with equity in their homes and encouraged them to increase their debt with you. Things looked prosperous at the time which made this seem like a good time to make some purchases of larger ticket items that had not been readily accessible in the past or to make home improvements. Then with no good reason other than greed your banks and credit card companies decided the change the rules of the game and increase interest rates on the outstanding balances until it was impossible to pay more then the monthly amount and soon became impossible to pay the minimum as interest started compounding itself. Job losses and etc., and companies unwillingness to negotiate with customers until it became a American crisis forced many into bankruptcy and destruction of many good hard working Americans credit and ultimately the credit of America itself. You and your corporate greed are directly responsible for the problems of this great country but as with all evil there is consequences and it looks like you are dealing with the consequences now. Victoria 90746
Fixing America's Public Education System | 0
Nine years ago I was part a of agroup that lauched the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE). The meeting was held at Kykuit, (a location I am sure you are aware of) thanks to funding from the Rockefeller Brothers Foundation. As a young idealist father of an elementary school daughter I thought I could make a difference. For the next seven years AQE used all necessary means to advocate for an equitable settlement to the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit demanding fair school aid payments for NYC school children. After seven grouling years, including an arrest blockading the New York State Capitol, AQE prevailed and a judge ordered $7 billion in additional funding for NYC and other urban and rural districts throughout the State (signed by Elliot Spitzer). Year one and two of the landmark settlement were implemented before the fiscal crisis you created and the butget ax of Governor David Patterson began decimating all the progress that was made. I saw my daughters' class sizes in the Schenectady Public School District grow from the low 20's to now where they are all approaching 35. In tlking to my daughter's teachers they all agreed that increased class sizes were the largest factor in reducing the quality of instruction. We had our billions but had to give them back. Just as the original plaintives of the CFE lawsuit I will never realize the benefits I dedicated years to struggle for. Like many of the 99% the needy students of New York had defeat snached from the jaws of victory. Thank you for all that you do. Douglas Williams 12304
Your subject here | 0
Your message here. Tell Wall Street how you feel. Are you really willing to divide so decisively this incredible democracy because of your lack of imagination. Remember the opposite of beauty is corruption. Oh, by the way, my very young students said this is just like what they are studying about the causes of the civil war. People so interested in money they were really ready to break the country in half. Maybe you should all take a course outside of business. Marcy Gustafson CHICAGO, IL 60660-4219
Thank You For My Lessons | 0
Dear Jay, I just wanted to thank you for giving me a mortgage I couldn’t afford in 2006. I was naive. I had never bought a house before; but, luckily I had a mortgage broker who was making a large amount of money for securing a very high mortgage for me and my family. You see, we lived in Florida, and in 2006, I was afraid, if we didn’t buy a home immediately, we would be locked out forever. Again, I was young and naive and didn’t understand what it would mean for the “bubble to burst.” My mortgage broker assured me that we had sufficient income to buy this house and the bank agreed. We were making about $50,000 annually as a married couple with one child. Our 1200 sq. feet, 2 bedroom/ 2 bath house was $165,000. We thought the right thing to do would be to put our savings into the home and pay 20% down. So that’s what we did. We also put $10,000 in upgrades and repairs, so we could increase the equity in our home. After all, investing money into our home was the safest place to put it, right? It was all relative to the market and the market was doing fantastic. We could even make a money off of our home some day. We weren’t planning this, but what a great option to have. We escrowed our taxes and insurance and our payment was $900 month. A little steep for our modest income, but we were going to make it work, no matter what. They also sold us a 50 year mortgage to lower the payment. But it was a fixed rate and we were told this was what we wanted to have a predictable mortgage, so we felt comfortable. After all, we were going to live here forever or for a long time. And in 10 or so years, we should have some decent equity in the home and might even be able to sell it. But then our taxes went up and so did our insurance and our payment went up to $1700 month. It was also peculiar that only $15 per month of that amount was going to principal and the rest to interest. That’s when I learned that we had a negative amortization loan. We would never really be able to outrun the interest because we would never pay enough on principal. We didn’t have anything extra to send in with a $1700 month payment. Talk about some serious stress at this point. “We’ll just cut back,” we thought. We shut off our cable, Got rid of our cell phones. Bought cheap food. But we couldn’t make it happen. Two years into the mortgage, and after our mortgage had been sold three times, we asked for a loan modification. We were told we aren’t behind in payments, so we have to stop sending them. The representative said we should save those payments because we will use them for a new down payment when we are approved for the modification. So we did exactly as we were told. But, once we were assigned to a modification case worker, we could never get her on the phone. Ever. It took six months for first contact. Then, we were served foreclosure papers. I begged and pleaded and frantically reminded the call center representatives every day that we had only done what we were told. I advised we had saved all of the payments and had six months worth of payments in the bank that I would hand over now. They said they could not accept payments on a property in foreclosure. We hired an attorney and they eventually offered to modify the loan after a couple of years of fighting it, but we would also owe $8,000 in their attorney’s fees. We were not willing to do this since we had only done what they advised us to do. We realized later that we had a mortgage servicer, which was on your side Mr. Bank Official, not ours; so, we were treated like criminals every time we talked to someone at the servicer. You were, after all, the servicer’s client. I was not. Our home has been worth $60,000 since 2008. We put down $30,000, completed $10,000 in upgrades in the first year and paid $40,000 in payments in the first two years before the modification mess occurred. Our total investment: $80,000. The house is worth $60,000 and we now owe more than we financed due to late fees, attorney’s fees and mortgage payments. We have been forced into bankruptcy because there is no other option at this point. Sure, one of the many servicers that have managed our loan has offered us a modification, but we would have to sign our rights to bankruptcy away, pay their attorney’s fees and many other conditions that our attorneys have advised us to not agree to. We take responsibility for not educating ourselves more before we entered into the very serious contract of mortgaging a home. We wish the industry would have taken this contract us much more seriously as well. If they had, they would have denied us the loan, knowing very well that we would not be able to sustain the payments long term. I also wish there were requirements such as classes that better explain things like what a rise in escrow cost might mean for the bottom line of your mortgage payment. We must have asked twenty times at closing what our final payment would be and we were told over and over $900. We were never told that our exemptions were different that the widow that sold us the home, so our escrow would increase for the negative amount as well as an additional collection to pad for the following year. But we should have researched more before entering into such a serious agreement. Thank you again for ruining our financial life. We have gained much experience and, for that, we are thankful as well. We know that owning an overpriced mortgage on a devalued home is not our American Dream. We know that we would will ever borrow money from anyone for anything ever again. We know that our possesions do not define us, but our ability to survive and learn and love does. We know that we are blessed to have jobs and families that love us. We know that we are so sorry you could not take our payments when you made a mistake because we wanted to honor our debts, even if it was a nightmare situation. Most of all, we know that we will be okay because our money and possessions do not define us, but our integrity and compassion does. We wish the same for you and your employees and hope you can some day learn the lessons we have.
1% | 0
should be working with the 99%.
| 0
Marcela Pagan 10459
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