8807
letters and counting!
letters and counting!
delayed retirement | 0
Dear Executives, Because of your total disregard for others, I, currently age 68 will have to work for at least 2 more years to be able to retire. My mutual funds have tanked! Because of you and our legislators, my future is looking bleak. You need to take responsibility for your actions like the rest of us. Shame on you. Sincerely, J. Starratt Jeanette Starratt 94061
My story | 0
To: Gregory K Palm, Goldman Sachs
Just before my daughter graduated from high school in 2008, she had a healthy college fund. It was not a huge fund but we had worked hard and set aside enough to pay for her tuition and some of her living expenses. She chose a prestigious school out of state and received a Presidential Merit scholarship. Her hopes were that she could concentrate on her undergraduate education, making the most of her studies, which would rocket her via scholarship into graduate school and be on her way to a successful career. The story didn’t happen that way. As the stock market crashed, so did her nest egg. She’s had to work two part-time jobs to pay her living expenses in order to save her college fund for tuition. In addition, every year she is borrowing the maximum amount of student loan that is available to her. The result? She still can’t afford to pay for her senior year of college. She is considering transferring to a local college in order to graduate. So long, prestigious school diploma. On the day that she graduates, she will be $30,000 in debt. At the same time that tuition expenses gobbled up what was left of our daughters college fund, banks were bailing each other out and helping themselves to federal tax dollars like it was land rush. As each semester passes and she goes further into debt, top bank executives give themselves another million-dollar bonus. Unfortunately, here at home, we can’t help her out because our own savings has dwindled. Our home is not worth what we owe for it, so we can’t even reduce our expenses. Our situation is not unusual. It is the situation of the majority of Americans. You did this to American citizens. You did this. You need to fix it.
Fairness | 0
You need to be responsible for paying the taxpayers back for bailing you out. AT least start up jobs, if you really are job creaters, where are the jobs, we haven't raised your taxes so what is your excuse. BE RESPONSIBLE!!!!!!!! Judy Engardio 95457
Thanks for the student loans!!! | 11
To: John G Stumpf, Wells Fargo
Hello, I'm a slave to my Wells Fargo student loans. I know I have very few rights regarding my student loan, I'm stuck with it, and that's that. I have put some in forbearance and I've had them in deferral. Right now I'm in grad school so at the moment I'm not paying for them. I am always afraid to look at them, but last I remember my interest rate was around 12%. Yeah, that's not so good. I just refinanced my house and now my mortgage is actually less than what my monthly payment will be. Before I started grad school I had open heart surgery and lost my job. I had to pay for those loans with my unemployment, I had nothing left. Every cent went to you. You didn't force me to get these loans, a few unfortunate events in my life while in undergrad forced my hand but I think if I would have known what my payments were going to be, what I'd get paid after school, and the job forecast, there is no way in hell, I would have dropped out of school. Perhaps you can implement more policies to help people when they are having a hardship, and perhaps you can better educate students before they take out private loans from your institution. Oh and you recently bought my bank, so I guess congratulations on that. I'm making you rich and you are making me poor. Thanks. Love, Michelle
Alumni network | 2
To: Vikram S Pandit, Citigroup
Hi Mr. Pandit, I thought I'd just drop you a quick note, from one Jumbo to another. I'm not crazy about this whole Occupy business, but it does intrigue me. You hit the nail on the head when you said that "trust has been broken between financial institutions and citizens of the US," though I would have been tempted to use more colorful language. I was pleased by this statement, if for no other reasons than its accuracy and brevity, and I also appreciated that our fellow Jumbo, Jamie Dimon, encouraged people to "listen [to OWS] and not just have a knee-jerk reaction." I also liked that you said you'd like to speak with protestors over the phone. That's pretty admirable of you! I'm no organizer, but I'd love to chat. Maybe we lived in one of the same dorms at Tufts (they haven't done much construction on them since well before you graduated) or perhaps have a favorite Davis Square eatery in common. I'm writing you this message for one simple reason: I'd really like for you to throw your intellect and the weight of your position behind an effort to fix this mess. I don't care at all about there being a 1% and the distribution of wealth -- cue comments about the (not always so) invisible hand of capitalism -- but I'd really love for this mess to be gone, and I imagine you would as well. On that note, Simon Johnson, who I bet you love, spoke on campus about a month ago. During his talk, which was extremely energetic, enthusiastic, and very pointed, he said rather unequivocally that (to paraphrase) 'CitiBank is going down, and if you know your economics and understand the current climate, that's not even an interesting prediction.' If that happened, that'd suck both for you and for me, as well as for pretty much every other person tied up with Citigroup in some way. Don't let it happen, Vikram! Please try to fix this godforsaken mess. I hope all's well with you.
Give Them Hell | 1
To: Joe L Price, Bank of America
Mr. Price, I am one of the minorities in this country who pay taxes and work hard to pay for all of the foolish slobs who are "protesting" business men like yourself. Don't be discouraged, there are still students in this country who are not fools. I am only 21 years old. Basically debt free and cash flowing college. So I think I just want to thank you for providing banking services to the US of A. Go Capitalism From the Great Republic of Texas
Alumni network | 5
To: Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase
Hi Mr. Dimon, I thought I'd shoot you a quick note, from one Jumbo to another. This whole Occupy business is both interesting and amusing to me, and while I'm sure it just pisses you off, let me elaborate a bit more. Also, I know this message is a touch long, but I bet you can speed read. Do it for our university bond, or whatever. Regarding my interest: people seem to be actually invested (ha! That was a wonderful pun.) in the whole movement. Regarding my amusement: greed, unequal distribution of wealth, and the whole 1% business isn't going to change. You know this, I know this, the rest of the 1% knows this, and people who are even moderately informed about a) the West b) capitalism or c) history could/should come to this conclusion. In that light, I'd ask you to lighten up some. Simon Johnson, who I'm sure you love, spoke at Tufts about a month ago and had some delightfully choice words to say about your bullying of lawmakers and statements that certain proposed regulations were "un-American". Invoking "un-American"? Really? Jamie, if I can call you that, you should stop the whole public bullying of lawmakers/generally being a bit of a dick. You don't have to be! You should just mellow out and enjoy being in the 1%. Give just the tiniest bit of ground to placate everyone and things will go back to the way our system intends them to be. Accept a teensy bit of regulation, a bit more oversight, whatever it may be -- you and I both know JPMorgan Chase will be fine. You'll be fine too. There's an amusing article in the NY Mag archives from 2008 (here you go -- http://nymag.com/news/features/45320/) that describes "How Jamie Dimon resisted the quick and dirty temptations of Wall Street and put himself in perfect position for the deal, or maybe steal, of the century." Another nice feature about you appeared in BusinessInsider this summer that told a story about "the man who only knows first place" and his "fabulous life." I read this article and I thought 'man, this is one smart guy. He does sound pretty awesome.' Perhaps you are awesome! At the very least, you're really smart. I mean, graduating Tufts summa cum (though let's be honest -- it was way easier to get in back in the 70s than it is today) and then being a Baker Scholar at HBS? Not too shabby. So how about you put your intellect to good use, and instead of throwing your clout around in a destructive manner, take some steps to save Wall Street from further disaster. I have no idea what those steps should be, but I trust that you could take a good crack at a first draft of repairs. So come on, Jamie, you economic badass, ladies' man, and academic superstar! Fix this gigantic steaming mess of shit. Please.
Dexia and the French Taxpayer's Bailout | 3
To: Lloyd C Blankfein, Goldman Sachs
Hi Lloyd, I'm a bit late in looking at the Times today, but I am so glad I made time! Why I'm so delighted to read that the French taxpayer will make Goldman Sachs whole through a massive bailout of Dexia. The Times article states, "The debate centers on how much of a burden taxpayers should bear to support banks that made ill-advised loans or trades." Oh that Gretchen Morgenson. How much, she asks? That's not a serious question! Why we all know that the taxpayer should ALWAYS bail out any large bank that makes ill-advised loans. At least 100% (but quite possible more, you know, to make up for all that pain and suffering you go through waiting for our check to arrive). That's our role, our function in life. And there's nothing we love more than watching our jobs disappear, our 401Ks plummet, and our Social Security threatened so that we can support you and your friends in the lifestyle to which you're accustomed. Well, got to run. I'm anxious to post Gretchen's article to my Facebook page. I always remember you there, too, Lloyd, so no need to be jealous if every now and then my posts are about her, or Paul Krugman. Ta ta for now!
You still have time. | 1
To: Jimmy Lee, JPMorgan Chase
Dear Jimmy, I know it means a lot to you to hold the position that you do. The money you make from your job says to the world that you are an important person. The secret that you and I both know is that you are not your job or the money you make. When you lay on your death bed, will you be pleased with the way you spent your time on this earth? I do not wish you harm or a speedy demise so please don't be alarmed. I wish for you the same thing I wish for all of mankind. I want us to exist in peace. That is why I worry about you. Such self-serving behavior can only bring you pain in the end. I am sad that you have "rational" explanations for all of your actions. You will not see that your actions have caused harm and suffering to others. You will, however, have to face the truth one day.
Occupy Wall Street | 3
I am tired of reading and hearing how the wealth of the top 1% trickles down to us all. If what we have been experiencing this past decade represents the trickle down of wealth, then I would like to know how much worse it would be if you were taxed for some of that wealth! Ruth Silverman 11566
Your subject here | 1
I hope the justice department comes after all of you for the bad things that you have all done and continue to do. Francisco Herrera Marengo, IL 60152
We have to do better than this | 1
To: Timothy J Sloan, Wells Fargo
I have been a Wells Fargo customer for decades and hope that Wells Fargo will stand as a leader in restructuring the financial future of the world. We are at a cross road in human existence; one that may determine the survival of life on the planet. I believe you have an opportunity to take the financial high road in understanding that banking and investment institutions are best served when all people have sufficient means to meet their needs and that greed robs each of us of sustenance either in goods or in spirit. As we stand on this point of history, we need to find ways to make positive changes that will lift up our brothers and sisters. None of us needs great wealth. Each of us needs love, food, water and shelter. Will you stand with me to bring about something greater than either of us? Will you take the road that brings an end to poverty and injustice? Are you ready to say that each person on the this small planet has a right to live in dignity? I hope your answer is yes. I hope you will be part of a new and peaceful world.
European derivatives | 1
To: Joe L Price, Bank of America
I have to question BofA's financial security in moving the Merrill Lynch's exposure to European derivatives under its own umbrella. It might look like a good idea in the short term, however, with the fragility of the US economy and the poor outlook for job creation, it doesn't seem that the fed will have sufficient resources to cover losses incurred if the financial instruments representing nominal value greater than the US GDP should fail. It seems that BofA and Citi are on the verge of collapse. Maybe it is time to return to classic capitalism and to understand that regulation benefits all of us. Reasonable, conservative business practices that are thoughtful of the needs of all people bring real wealth over the long term. Sustainable, equitable, humane. It is time for a change of heart.
I hope you enjoyed your ride so far... | 2
To: Joe L Price, Bank of America
It is about to end. your greed is going to do you in. Have a nice day! The 99%
cost of living? | 1
To: Elaine Chao, Wells Fargo
How much do you spend on your housekeeper? I wonder what the ratio is between your week of work and your housekeeper(s) in terms of payment. The reason why I ask this question is for you to come to terms with why OWS has such an impact on all of us normal folks
You're the BIG wiener! Ummm, I mean winner! | 3
To: Lloyd C Blankfein, Goldman Sachs
Why should anyone be angry at Wall Street? I mean, after all, it is just a street. Sure, somebody that works over there must have known about the alphabet soup of mortgage based investments. But, isn’t that the point of capitalism just to make money and nothing else? There are winners and losers. Goldman Sachs – 12, Americans – 0. Oh yeah, bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter, right? Credit cards! Pure genius! Where would we be without them? I guess we would still be living in a CAVE? “Short selling” the housing market, BOOM. Score a few more points on that one GoldMAN! Farmers and Second Grade Teachers are so 1979. Can those losers dice up ten-thousand dollars and sprinkle that on their side salads at McDonalds? "LOSERS" just hold up signs and the "smart" people buy the referees. I guess we better get out our VISA and get with the program because life doesn’t take American Express.
Why? | 0
To: Gregory K Palm, Goldman Sachs
Mr. Palm, Do you have significant influence over economic inequality in the US? What can you do to influence policy or decision making to help provide opportunities for the poor, the uneducated, the neglected - for those in need? Life is about service to others. I struggle to remember this sometimes, but I think it's something we ALL need to think about. God bless.
Hey there. | 2
To: William H Gray III, JPMorgan Chase
Ummm so ya I am a person of color and I am just curious to know if society needs a oligarchy to function. Now I'm middle class I am not that bad off but I'm lucky. As you must know many Hispanics and Blacks statistically have less wealth accumulation, worse health, and overall lower life expectancy than Whites. Why do you feel that you can deny the fact that you had help and opportunities that you now willfully deny others through your institutional rules?
Foreclosures/Loan Modifications | 1
You Bankers and Investors think you are getting over now, but remember what goes around comes around. Your day is coming. Live well now because in the future you might not be doing so well. God says vengence is mine. Beverly Roberts Los Angeles, CA 90044
Considerations | 3
I invite those in leadership or management positions to consider who they have been being in the world and what the costs of who have they be being and what they have done or not done has had on themselves and others in the world. This is not an invitation to look for all the good you've done to prove that you are a good person. This is an invitation to consider what you do not want to look at or see, like what the costs and actual impacts have been that have not been actual contributions or in alignment with who you authentically could be. Then I invite you to consider what else is possible--like what authentically inspires or moves you that does not look, sound, or show up as, for examples, greed, exclusivity, superiority, inferiority, poverty, or lack. What could you actually create as a future that would be workable for both yourself and others in the world? Michael Beauchamp Los Alamos, NM 87501
Monies lost in 401k | 2
Thanks to you Bankers, My Retirement has been compromised which means the quality of my life and the lives that my life touches will be LESS than it would have been had you been more responsible with my money. My husband and I played by the rules. We helped support you. Fortunately, We have awoke to the realization that you do not deserve our loyaly. Therefore, we share our story with people in the grocery stores, drug stores, picnics, school functions the places where we volunteer, anywhere we have an audience. We tell and or remind people of the terrible atrocites that you have inflicted upon us THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. jacqueline wayland 21221-5254
Enough is enough | 2
Learn to share - not just with other humans, but with all of life. Quite eating up the planet. You are way too fat as it is. Cathie Schneider 65755
GREED | 2
I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN. I AM NOT HURTING TOO MUCH; I CAN SURVIVE. I CAN LOOK BACK TO THE PAST AND REMEMBER WHEN LIFE WAS BETTER FOR ALL. EVERYONE MADE MONEY AND HAD A DECENT LIFE, INCLUDING ALL OF YOU. THEN THE GREED CREPT INTO THE ECONOMY. THAT IS WHAT I RESENT. HOW CAN YOU ALL SLEEP AT NIGHT; IT'S INCREDIBLE. THAT'S WHAT I THNK WHEN I GO TO SLEEP AT NIGHT. HOW CAN THEY SLEEP AT NIGHT. THIS IS THE DISGRACEFUL LEGACY YOU ARE LEAVING ON YOUR COUNTRY. Theresa Cerrigone 11358
BILLIONAIRES PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE | 5
I support the Occupy the Board Room initiative 100%. And so should you. The only way to keep a country stable and producing at peak performance for a capitalist economy is for the wealthiest to seek balance in financial matters. If you do not give back to the country that has given you so much, you will destroy it and yourselves along with it. READ HISTORY. I'm sure you have access to books in one of your eleven homes. Martha P Nochimson RIVERDALE, NY 10471
Sociopathic hellspawn | 16
You criminals wiped out my retirement I'd spent years building. May you burn in hell for all eternity!!! Steve Sturgill 40299
There are more posts. See the most recent.