8807
letters and counting!
letters and counting!
I'm impressed with your accomplishments... | 1
Seriously. The work you do for the Families and Work Institute helping to understand the changing nature of work and family life is crucial in seeking innovative ways to address their complex issues. That position is a natural transition to the work you do for the Teachers Network that supports public school teachers nationwide. Circumstances now in this declining economy must prove a tremendous challenge in creating programs to support these two cornerstones of our country. Is it difficult to sit on the board for a company who seems to make these challenges burst at the seams? Do you think there is a direct correlation between a company sitting on its profits and the plights of families retaining work while trying to provide a quality education for their children? I’m trying to educate myself on the issues affecting the world I live in so I’d be interested in your observations. If you’d like to reply my email is [email protected]
Japanese? | 1
Hotsuki san Oh, you’re a Nikkei too? Being Japanese American, my family taught me the importance of school. One thing my family taught me was: 一生懸命勉強する (Isshōkenmei benkyō suru) or study hard. I made my parents proud and got my degree. This is the value taught to me by my parents and their parents before. My mother is an issei and father a nisei, and they felt that what opportunity they missed I could have. Well lo and behold. I am barely making ends meet. I can’t get a decent job that’s usually I see that you are a Morgan Stanley executive. Your parents must be proud of you too. But I wonder if they would be proud of you when they realize that you as an executive took money from your own family member as well as 99% of the working class, bought U.S. bonds, skimmed off the interest and expect them to pay the 2% interest so that M.S. can make a profit at the expense of We the People? Well you know in Japanese, accepting a handout is similar to that of (乞食-Kojiki) or panhandler, and that brings shame. Remember the word (恩-on) or obligation? Well, by taking our money to protect your company, you are obligated to pay back what you borrowed. From the beginning of the (縄文) or Jomon period, Japan always pressed the on. By not doing your share you truly insult our culture my not caring for others. Please turn from your ways and give back to the people. Then and only then can you truly find true happiness.
Response to the Letters. | 0
I feel your passion, outrage, heartbreak and deep sorrow in your letters. Here is an idea: Since our Congress members are PUBLIC servants of, by and for the people, "We the people" should insist on a moratorium on any increases in their salaries, benefits and pensions - largely paid for by taxpayers - until they start legislating in the best interests of the people instead of the corporations! We should also insist on a five-year moratorium on outsourcing of jobs overseas! Karen Rebb Karen Rebb Peoria, AZ 85385
Enter Your Action Subject | 0
america is broken your failures cost the rest of us and you conduct your affairs as though you dont owe anything your debt is way more than you will ever pay if it is possible to force you to pay back the rest of us who lost our jobs because you wrecked the economy you will have to work for the rest of your life to do it its only fair everybody else who owes money has to pay it back why not you john cooper 96772
nonending downward spiral of the middle class | 0
I know from personnal experience that 40 or 50 years ago an early 20s-year-old college educated couple could live in a Riverdale apt. in the Bronx comfortabley, have fun and save one salary for a 20% down payment on a house in Westchester. Not possible today. And don't forget, today's student has loans to pay. Your kids get no loans, a mansion and $$$ for fun. Shame on you for your greed. Start paying some taxes that befit your income. And start paying for useful stuff that serves your country. helen goodspeed 10601
I am the 99% | 0
To make this short and to the point, I make less now than what I did seven years ago. My raises do not keep up with inflation. For the last 6 months I have been selling my blood plasma twice a week just to keep my head above water. I am financially worse off than what I was 15 years ago. At one time I was considered middle class. Linda Trovato 49508
put back my 401k!! | 0
While your company executives have been playing fast and lost with my money I wonder if I'll have to go back to work and leave retirement because of your recklessness.
While you where enjoying cocktails & caviar I worked 33
years swing shift at a natural gas pumping station in the middle of nowhere . I saved put two children through college and was able to retire with what I thought was
plenty of pension and 401k to last into my old age but now that may not be possible.I have lost 2/3 of the value on my annuity and may run out of money by age 65. thanks for nothing and I'll see you on midnight shift I'll call.
T.J. ADAMS
thomas adams
16240
Just and Fair | 0
We thank you for the good you do at times but overall most of what we see is your obsession for profits that overrides what happens to the rest of us when you are reckless with our economy and through poor investments support activities that degrade our environment. You betted against the mortgages that you bundled knowing full well that others would pay for your calculations while you would rake in profits. Where is the ethics here. Where is the moral ground that makes like good for all of us. Face the facts of the majority. It is not good enough to just work for yourselves. We helped you get there in many ways. Don't forget that. Suzanne Kuffler Woods Hole, MA 02543
One more thing ... | 1
Hi Ellen… Remember the stimulus payment in 2010? I forgot to mention that I didn’t get a single dime. After I lost my job I started up a small pet sitting business … because I was self employed and because I didn’t make enough money I didn’t qualify. Can you believe that Ellen. I didn’t qualify! How much did you get? Your friend in peace, Susan
Official Invite | 0
Hi there, i’d like to forward an invitation for you to come to my house for dinner to discuss your inadvertent involvement in the NWO. As a member of the Sheeple that call planet Earth home, i’d just like to thank you for having such a stern lack of conscience and congratulate you on not owning a mind broad enough to correctly evaluate life and morals.Thanks for working against human equality.Regards,Rico Suavez
Missed Opportunities and Relegation to the Third World | 0
15 years ago I was forced out of chemical engineering because DuPont had me blacklisted. Why did DuPont have me blacklisted? Because they threw a hissy-fit after I proved they were racketeering, costing them $1.9 billion in fines, court costs and restitution. But what’s that old saying; no good deed goes unpunished. Seems to be just another sign of our times. But that forced me to find a new career, so I moved into business process improvement and information technology. Funny thing is that since TARP, business has gone right down the toilet. Apparently the entire Fortune 500 views themselves as being “too big to be allowed to fail.” So now I find myself without a paycheck, and in order to keep you guys in the style of life to which you’ve grown accustomed, even my measly food stamps have been cut to where I can now afford only four meals per month. But I have to hand it to you; while I used my knowledge and skills to create economic revitalization for a Massachusetts county, created tools for Fortune 500 companies to hire thousands, perhaps tens of thousands (who keeps track), and thinking I was leaving quite a mark on this nation; you really did leave your mark on this nation—by turning it into a banana republic! The case of Wright v Bank of America et al (5-10-cv-01723) and all those other cases where perversion and obstruction of justice were alleged does not surprise me at all. In addition I’ve also for years suspected drug money laundering for Mexican drug cartels by Bank of America. And as for your mortgage fraud and perjury, I’m anxiously waiting to hear of people getting home from vacations only to find their home completely missing because of your plans to tear down repoed houses—that you have no legal claim to. Today people, in your precious one percent, are crying out that if there was a rocket ship to take them to another planet; they would go. Quite a number of years ago I stumbled upon some peer review articles that answered the last questions I had on how to make such a venture possible. But I took a look around me, saw what was going on, thought of the words of Dr. Robert Oppenheimer, as he wished ‘he could put the genie back in the bottle’ after creating the atomic bomb, and decided; the human race simply was not ready to responsibly manage such a vast expansion in new technologies that this discovery would produce. Such an advance would only hugely multiply the already crushing affliction from the loss of those stolen opportunities and futures. As such, I chose the least afflicting course of action to the human race—I chose not to allow the genie out of the bottle; I decided to take this advance to my grave. And my experiences during and afterwards have amply proven my decision was correct. In my book, the fact that you took TARP is proof you are utter failures. In previous generations, after a corporation pulled such boners as to put you in that position, would have done the honorable thing; restructured—that’s what Chapter 11 is for. But not you guys; and that’s proof that digging ditches is too good a job for you!
Let's Chat!! | 0
I am a 27 year old from Texas, recently graduated with my Master’s of Science degree and $105,000 in debt because I borrowed student loans to cover the cost of attending a public university. I am fortunate that I had 8 job offers and was able to pick among them for the job I would enjoy most - but I wonder how long I will have my job, how long I will have semi-affordable health insurance, if I will be able to put new tires on my car, cover my copays/coinsurance, and make my student loan payments every month. I was raised to treat others as you would like to be treated, and to find something I enjoy doing that benefits society. I cannot say that I wish I was rich, or had majored in finance because I would not be able to live with myself if I was like you - stealing from the poor to amass a ridiculous amount of wealth. Do you have children, grand children, nieces or nephews? The actions you take today will determine the world they grow up in. How would you explain to them that your ability to own a corporate jet and afford a life of luxury is more important than the the health and welfare of our children? What lies do you tell yourself so you believe that your excess is more important that the millions of children that do not have enough to eat tonight? I’m very curious how you live with yourself - you and your 399 friends at the top are a disturbing social experiment of how greed erodes humanity. It is time to clean house, we will not let your greed plague our democracy. Best wishes, Erin
Thanks to you, my son now looks like the Sasquatch! | 0
My son and his wife gave me my first grandchild almost three years ago - just in time to be sent out to drown in the tsunami of greed and thievery that destroyed the entire global economy. My son’s middle-management three-year job in retail was annihilated, along with the 99%ers’ “disposable” income to pay for anything beyond housing, food, transportation and outstanding credit loans - IF we’re lucky. My son is not so lucky, because my grandson has autism, his mother stays with him full-time. There is no income-earner in a family with an autistic child. Let that sink in. Not that you care, but you can’t blame me for trying. So, after almost a year of searching, my son’s given up on finding a legitimate job, though he still goes through the motions and lets his hopes grow, then get dashed again. He has ended his battle with razor-bumps, and grown a full beard. He looks awful, just like a Sasquatch, but it completely reflects his disillusion, at 32, with the entire system of multinational corporate welfare capitalism. Congratulations, sincerely, on destroying whatever faith we had in the American Dream and in the Masters of the U.S. Economy. I would not invest one dime in a 401k to be sucked into Wall Street profits even if my employer matched it 4-1, ever again, as you destroyed my savings with your gambling. Our family will never, ever trust you people with our retirement again. Naturally, I tweet and FB that sentiment, daily, and will do so until my son finds a reason to shave again. How I miss his handsome face! Hmmm, I just got an idea! Maybe I should stop stripping off my post-menopausal moustache and goatee until he shaves! I’m sure I can grow all that hair before you addicted-to-greed people let Americans work again, after WE paid for all your gambling losses. Woot woot! Here comes the Bearded Raging Granny! Keep America Beautiful!
Thank you for the help ....NOT | 0
we have been trying for a home modification ,not because we are not hard worker because we are .I work 40-70 hr a week ..my daughter has cancer ..my husband gave up his insurance so we could help pay her med cost … Than my husband got cancer … So thank for all your help ….NOT
THE "LIMITED" GOVERNMENT & EXACERBATED CORRUPTION! | 0
This is an addendum to the l4 reasons why Corporate/Benking CEOs need to modify their behaviors in order to save our democracy. In my opinion: The "limited government" ideology is a "ruse," because where is the couterbalance to large corporations & banks if the government is so small that it can no longer fund watchdog regulators to monitor their activities. The "limited government" ideology means defunding government-funded public sector programs and institutions so that large corporations can privatize them and gain total control of The Common People, our democratic government, our U.S. Constitution and our democracy itself. Government defunding means: Public Education, museums & libraries, public radio & television, highways & roads, air traffic control, the veterans administration, the police & fire departments, sanitation collection, home mortgage tax deduction, unemployment insurance, tax-free health insurance benefits through employment, social security, medicare & medicaid (also pays for nursing home care) our infrastructure projects, our federal agencies. AND our PUBLIC SERVANT Congress members who receive taxpayer-funded salaries, benefits and pensions. All of these programs, institutions, Congress would be privatized and under the control of Corporate/Banking CEOs. America is already suffering from intense corruption-connections between government-corporations. Can you imagine what it would be like with total control by CEOs? This "Limited government" ideology would exacerbate corruption, because The People's voice & power would be replaced by corporate CEOs' power, money and control. Congress members would be doing the bidding of corporate-banking CEOs vying for the bids that would replace the public programs, institutions and agencies with privatization schemes. It is vital that we get this corrupt money out of the political system and restore our democracy. One step closer to that goal would be a Constitutional Amendment that would overturn/invalidate the disastrous "Citizens United" ruling and replace it with public financing only. A Constitutional Amendment and public financing of political elections would curtail CORRUPTION and restore DEMOCRACY! Corporate & Banking CEOs: If you love our democracy, you will modify your behaviors, and also accept an increase in your taxes commensurate to the times we are living in - of extreme hardship for millions of people and several wars abroad. Do your patriotic duty and cooperate with the People's Government. Thank you. Karen Rebb Peoria, AZ 85385
Jobs | 0
I'm a great software engineer with marketable skills and I can't find work. I've run out of unemployment. The trickle down from cutting taxes for the wealthy didn't happen. They have a lot more money, and America has a lot less jobs. Don't put the wealthy above America. Be a patriot. Vote for America, not for the wealthy. Patrick Horgan 94086
Poppycock | 0
'The Fountainhead' is about artists, not bankers; and 'Atlas Shrugged' is the confused drivel of a deranged mind. As an agnostic, I share your atheist's dilemna as to how to deal with no rules, but it's obvious to me that kindness and cruelty do, nevertheless, exist, as does self-interest. Therefore the Golden Rule is necessary to life on Earth, and Milton Friedmanism is hogwash. I redirect you to the story of Midas. Mabel Crabtree 27278
Time for Tax Fairness | 0
I support the Occupy Wall Street movement because of its concern for the middle class's needs, and for a more fair system of financial regulation and taxation. Maurice Harris 97401
really | 0
so many people can’t sleep nowadays. just wondering how you’re doing?
The Power of Fear | 0
Dear Heidi: It’s weird that no matter how many ways I try to get to know more about you- all I see in any search is something about your accomplishments on Wall Street, with the exception of today… I see that you were a history major at Princeton. I think that I also read that you got your PHD in history at Yale. Not the sort of degrees that I think of when I think Titan of Wall Street- but scored points in my book as a fellow Liberal Arts major. It also got me thinking about my favorite teacher in high school, my Latin teacher, Mr Thompson. Allow me to indulge… he was a crusty old man that befriended his students with humor and wisdom. He gave everyone a nickname…mine was Lisa Pisa (because he said that I was like the Leaning Tower of Pisa- a little bit off). When I graduated, I found the coolest antique print of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to give to him as a parting gift. Lucky for me, our lives continued to intersect up until the day that he died. I went on to Indiana University and my first job out of college was with Good Morning America in LA. Ironically, Mr Thompson had retired to LA a few years earlier and we would go to dinner occasionally- the opera- and even though I was able to now legally drink with my Latin teacher- we maintained a student/mentor relationship. Some of the most profound words of wisdom that he shared with me were: “Never be afraid.” “Fear is the most destructive force in the world.” I truthfully had no idea what he was talking about at the time- I was still in my—I’m a badass and bad things could never happen to me part of my youth- evidenced by my love of roller coasters, at that time. I eventually left LA, moved to Pennsylvania, got married, had kids. I would suggest that my biggest fear while on my journey was being poor- especially, when other human beings were dependent on me. Guess what happened? I went through a period during that time that I was poor. Poor enough that my kids had to get healthcare from Medicaid. Then my first husband got a great job in Florida and we moved to Boca Raton. Guess who was also in Florida by that time? Mr Thompson! Life improved greatly- and I have remained blessed to this day. Guess what the lesson was: I was poor and the world did not end- I actually had many happy times. Do I want to go back? No- but I’m not afraid. I was driving to Miami for work today (about an hour’s drive which gave me time to think), and in trying to understand why the top 1% can act so ruthless and heartless. I would suggest it is out of FEAR. People will do some awful shit to avoid their fears. While having money does not buy happiness- it definitely means that you are not poor. It probably means that you have power. There are also cultural taboos around money and assumptions that if you have money you are good and if you do not it is somehow your fault and you are bad. Just listen to Herman Cain. So how is this relevant to this moment in history (cause I know you like history) and the #occupy movement? A whole lot of people are poor today. They have lost their homes- they have lost their jobs- they seem to have lost everything and have nothing left to lose. They are pissed and they are not afraid to speak truth to power anymore. It’s a beautiful thing. And P.S. a total side note: if you are friends with that asshole from Goldman Sachs that said they are doing “Gods work,” tell him he’s a fucknut. I spent the afternoon in the emergency psych unit with nurses at Jackson Memorial Hospital late this afternoon and trust me….. they are doing God’s work—- for a fraction of the cost.
Using MY Money to do Things I Disagree with | 0
There is this idea in America that one is able to use money to express their ideals. However, the banks that finance environmentally degrading practices like mountain removal are NOT using my money in the way that I would like. If it were up to me, these banks would not have access to my money. Unfortunately, I had to conform to the American ideal that one should attend college, which has forced my into $160,000 worth of debt at the age of 26. This $160,000 was provided through the big financial institutions, so that not only are they ruining my life and my ability to live the "American Dream", they are destroying the planet that me and my future little consumers (and sufferers of student loan debt) live on. Banks should stop ruining lives and the environment! Kris Glover Philadelphia, PA 19107-5658
Occupy the Boardroom! | 0
I am 26 years old, and am already over $160,000 in student loan debt. This debt is crippling and prevents me from moving forward with my life. Unfortunately, I am not the only young American in this position. Thousands of 20 somethings are beholden to their student loan debt. The higher education system in our country is broken; no longer are educational institutions places for learning, as well as personal and societal benefit. They are mere businesses that impair students and straddle them with debt before they even get to do the things that are associated with living the "American dream". Kris Glover 19107
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