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Seniors join Occupy Chicago rally to protest cuts

Utility Man

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Below is a link to a news video I found at The Chicago Tribune about seniors attending the protest.

Seniors join Occupy Chicago rally to protest cuts(E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune.

Several hundred senior citizens and advocates for social services rally.........

[video]http://www.chicagotribune.com/videogallery/65926361/News/Seniors-join-Occupy-Chicago-rally-to-protest-cuts[/video]


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Below is another news story and video related to the seniors in Chicago.

Seniors block busy Chicago street to protest cuts to social programs By Eric W. Dolan

Chicago police on Monday issued citations to 43 senior citizens and their supporters who linked arms to block an intersection near the city’s financial district.

The action was part of a protest against proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare and other benefits.....



This news sure grabs my attention and it sort makes me wonder, if seniors often need others to help with simple daily chores like going to the store or taking out the trash, maybe that's part of the reason why there isn't a heavier senior presence on a daily basis at these protests, surely it could be very hard on a senior to even attend a protest let alone occupy or live at one.

What are your thoughts or comments ?
 
Hopefully they don't get to violent.
I live in Chicago and actually witnessed this situation first hand yesterday. It was extremely depressing. A couple things bothered me while I was watching this scenario unfold:

1. First and foremost, while not empirical, if our eldest citizens are raising an issue shouldn't we be paying attention?
2. The fact that the CPD handcuffed these people was just a disgrace, seriously what threat did they pose?
 
These seniors definetly were hippies or hippie sympathizers. I bet their trying to live back their golden age of free love and drugs.

Anyways if I was old I wouldn't give a damn about the politics. As long as I can still drink alcohol and watch Jerry Springer I'll be all good.
Protesting is just way too much work. And It always seem weird to me when old people have a different view point then Die hard patriotic American who, if the government asks to jump they go "How high?" And if the government changes a law they don't ask why. Which is pretty much all my grand parents. And to just see senior citizens have differing view points is shocking...
 
These seniors definetly were hippies or hippie sympathizers. I bet their trying to live back their golden age of free love and drugs.
I really hope this was a lame attempt at humorous sarcasm.

Anyways if I was old I wouldn't give a damn about the politics. As long as I can still drink alcohol and watch Jerry Springer I'll be all good.
Protesting is just way too much work. And It always seem weird to me when old people have a different view point then Die hard patriotic American who, if the government asks to jump they go "How high?" And if the government changes a law they don't ask why. Which is pretty much all my grand parents. And to just see senior citizens have differing view points is shocking...
I don't even know how to reply to this..... I'm not sure if you are of the opinion that all old people think alike or if you are implying that they ought not disagree with your impression of how old people ought to think/act.
 
1. First and foremost, while not empirical, if our eldest citizens are raising an issue shouldn't we be paying attention?

Just because people are old doesn't mean they get anymore attention than anyone else. If they are crying for free things they will get the attention those kind of cries usually get from anyone else.

2. The fact that the CPD handcuffed these people was just a disgrace, seriously what threat did they pose?

They blocked an intersection. That will get you arrested everytime without fail. The only reason you block an intersection is to get attention as everyone is aware going in they will get arrested for it.
 
1. First and foremost, while not empirical, if our eldest citizens are raising an issue shouldn't we be paying attention?

If anyone is raising an issue we should pay attention. And obviously we knew this was going to happen since its social security and Medicare or medicaid being cut. Surprise, surprise, old people.

These are protester comments 'Don't cut Medicare and Medicaid,' and 'make the rich pay their fair share.'"
The rich don't pay their fair share already? People act like the rich don't pay... Why the Rich Pay 40% of Taxes - The Wealth Report - WSJ
Now, I really have no beef with these people I just wish people would learn how much the rich already pay. And stop using that line.

2. The fact that the CPD handcuffed these people was just a disgrace, seriously what threat did they pose?

They pose barely any threat but the laws the law. And so we just let senior people do what they want.... cuz their old? Not to sound heartless. I'm not I love old people.

I really hope this was a lame attempt at humorous sarcasm.
What else was it?

I don't even know how to reply to this..... I'm not sure if you are of the opinion that all old people think alike or if you are implying that they ought not disagree with your impression of how old people ought to think/act.

I am implying that old people ought not to shatter my perception of em.

If you want to know my opinion on this protest... I am against Social Programs.
I believe in Privatizing things and what not.

Privatize Social Security already!
 
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Not only young people are affected by the idiot gene. Old people have it as well.
 
Just because people are old doesn't mean they get anymore attention than anyone else. If they are crying for free things they will get the attention those kind of cries usually get from anyone else.
fair enough, I just find it odd that so many people here are ready and willing to defame those defaulting on mortgages yet don't give a wit about our collective contract to those that came befor us.... I.E. we cant afford it now.... its ok if we default on our promise.

They blocked an intersection. That will get you arrested everytime without fail. The only reason you block an intersection is to get attention as everyone is aware going in they will get arrested for it.
No it won't. I participate in critical mass every month (its a monthly bike ride through numerous cities throughout the world) that ties up traffic, block intersections, makes people perturbed, etc... and for the last 5 years I have never seen anyone get arrested for "blocking an intersection". As a matter of fact for the past 3 years the CPD actually rides with us and blocks the intersections for us. We get no permit, it is completely without central organization, and there have been no efforts by Chicago to disrupt our ride. In the summer it is not uncommon for the length of the "mass" to reach 3 or 4 miles in length and sometimes making people wait at an intersection for more than 2 hours.

Point being you are wrong. you will only get arrested if the city decides you will. people may not like what we do but the fact that we space it out, and limit it to the last Friday in every month probably lends to the "leniency", not to mention that Daley wanted to see less cars and more bicycles. We are still waiting to see how Rahm will address our peacefull civil disobedience. So far it has been positive.
 
It sucks that people have to take cuts and have their money taken away from them. Hell, those people worked their assess off in their lifetime... well at least you would hope. I don't know what all our government spends but I think we should even out the cuts as best as we can. Even cutting our military which they have by the way. And before we ever dare cut something as important as Social Security and medicare to get rid of waste as much as possible first. I think everybody would agree on that.
 
If anyone is raising an issue we should pay attention. And obviously we knew this was going to happen since its social security and Medicare or medicaid being cut. Surprise, surprise, old people.
I am not sure I understand.... are you saying we should listen or dismiss them (your last words in this sentence: "Surprise, surprise, old people.")

These are protester comments 'Don't cut Medicare and Medicaid,' and 'make the rich pay their fair share.'"
The rich don't pay their fair share already? People act like the rich don't pay... Why the Rich Pay 40% of Taxes - The Wealth Report - WSJ
Now, I really have no beef with these people I just wish people would learn how much the rich already pay. And stop using that line.
You really have no concept of mathematics do you.



They pose barely any threat but the laws the law. And so we just let senior people do what they want.... cuz their old? Not to sound heartless. I'm not I love old people.
Perhaps you misunderstood my point..... I was wondering why CPD felt threatened enough to have to handcuff them.


What else was it?
dunno.

I am implying that old people ought not to shatter my perception of em.
Why not? I will assume another attempt at humor.

If you want to know my opinion on this protest... I am against Social Programs.
I believe in Privatizing things and what not.

Privatize Social Security already!
I was going to reply snarkily, but decided against it. I will relate some things here in Chicago. Parking on city streets got privatized, cost of parking went up 300% with no discernible benefit to the public, The Chicago Skyway (toll road to Indiana) got privatized and cost to travel went up around 150% without any discernible benefit to those that use it. Can you explain to me how (or just provide me an example) a publicly held asset ever becomes better for the public when it became privatized?
 
You really have no concept of mathematics do you.

:lamo
Dude.... Maybe you should ummm... think about how small the group of rich people are... and the look at the portion of the income tax they pay. Now, if were going to tax people it makes sense to tax the rich because they have mo' money. But they pay their fair share. And in my opinion if we have a tax... and you don't pay taxes you shouldn't have a voice in the government. Unless of course your retired... which would make sense.

I am not sure I understand.... are you saying we should listen or dismiss them (your last words in this sentence: "Surprise, surprise, old people.")

I'm saying that we should listen. And that I kind expected this was going to happen. No one wants to take any cuts. No one wants anything they have to be cut. No, Instead lets tax errybody!

Perhaps you misunderstood my point..... I was wondering why CPD felt threatened enough to have to handcuff them.


That's what you do to bad people.

Why not? I will assume another attempt at humor.

No, of course not.
 
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I was going to reply snarkily, but decided against it. I will relate some things here in Chicago. Parking on city streets got privatized, cost of parking went up 300% with no discernible benefit to the public, The Chicago Skyway (toll road to Indiana) got privatized and cost to travel went up around 150% without any discernible benefit to those that use it. Can you explain to me how (or just provide me an example) a publicly held asset ever becomes better for the public when it became privatized?

Well Social Security sure as hell don't work. Maybe, we should try something new.... like... Privatizing Social Security. And if that **** don't work well hell we had a good run.
Decide for yourself... Privatize Social Security
 
Below is a link to a news video I found at The Chicago Tribune about seniors attending the protest.




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Below is another news story and video related to the seniors in Chicago.



This news sure grabs my attention and it sort makes me wonder, if seniors often need others to help with simple daily chores like going to the store or taking out the trash, maybe that's part of the reason why there isn't a heavier senior presence on a daily basis at these protests, surely it could be very hard on a senior to even attend a protest let alone occupy or live at one.

What are your thoughts or comments ?


Your exactly right...I live in fla, in an area with the majority of the population babyboomers and vets...and I cant find one that is happy with the teaparty rhetoric...thats why scott is in the low 30s of favorability.
These new conservatives need to watch more that just foxnews and read more than just the drudge report....which is one of the only news outlets that didnt report on the total utter spanking Kasich just got by public workers in Ohio...
Look out for seniors next election cycle...
 
Well Social Security sure as hell don't work. Maybe, we should try something new.... like... Privatizing Social Security. And if that **** don't work well hell we had a good run.
Decide for yourself... Privatize Social Security

It has actually worked perfectly and has the overwhelming support of the American people.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/145790/americans-oppose-cuts-education-social-security-defense.aspx

Despite the constant drumbeat of propaganda from the right, 64% are opposed to any Social Security cuts.
 
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Seniors have known for years the system of Government welfare was untenable. Social Security, Medicaide and Medeicare CANNOT CONTINUE. 60% of the Federal budget is spent on those three alone.

The cuts MUST happen, seniors have only themselves to blame for not voting more intelligently when they were younger.
 
It sucks that people have to take cuts and have their money taken away from them. Hell, those people worked their assess off in their lifetime... well at least you would hope. I don't know what all our government spends but I think we should even out the cuts as best as we can. Even cutting our military which they have by the way. And before we ever dare cut something as important as Social Security and medicare to get rid of waste as much as possible first. I think everybody would agree on that.

social security was never intended to support people in their old age. it was intended to be a supplemental income. If you didn't plan ahead and you thought you could live off of SS alone, you were an idiot.

Like my grandfather always said, "I worked my ass off all my life so that I wouldn't have to depend on social security"
 
Well Social Security sure as hell don't work. Maybe, we should try something new.... like... Privatizing Social Security. And if that **** don't work well hell we had a good run.
Decide for yourself... Privatize Social Security
IF we privatize SS, the Wall Street sharks will get richer and richer on the backs of workers trying to save for retirement. There are too few regulations to protect the individual from these professional crooks. Even when we prosecute one of the crooks, the penalty/punishment is not enough to keep others from doing the same thing.
SS does work, but it was never meant to be the only income for retirees.
 
Seniors have known for years the system of Government welfare was untenable. Social Security, Medicaide and Medeicare CANNOT CONTINUE. 60% of the Federal budget is spent on those three alone.

The cuts MUST happen, seniors have only themselves to blame for not voting more intelligently when they were younger.
and who should we have voted for that would have made things better? who should we vote for next? Conservatives are whining about what it cost but have done nothing to make the situation better. Likewise the liberals.
 
Perhaps you misunderstood my point..... I was wondering why CPD felt threatened enough to have to handcuff them.

First, it's probably procedure that when one is arrested in the street and put in a wagon, one is handcuffed. Next, these people delighted in being handcuffed. That's what true civil disobedience is all about. Peaceful demonstration violating private space followed by arrest. Grams and Gramps get it. The others? Notsomuch.
 
First, it's probably procedure that when one is arrested in the street and put in a wagon, one is handcuffed. Next, these people delighted in being handcuffed. That's what true civil disobedience is all about. Peaceful demonstration violating private space followed by arrest. Grams and Gramps get it. The others? Notsomuch.

grams and gramps were in their 20s back in the 1960s. they know what protesting is all about. these young turds who have never done anything with their lives except complain haven't got a clue
 
grams and gramps were in their 20s back in the 1960s. they know what protesting is all about. these young turds who have never done anything with their lives except complain haven't got a clue
the older ones are also very aware of how much we have lost to the greedy on Wall Street. As much as I would have liked having my FICA money to invest for myself, I haven't really lost anything to SS, but I have lost on Wall Street, to greedy CEO's who lied about their earnings, getting people to invest in crashing businesses.
The banking and insurance industries are just the latest to skim too much off the top of the funds they hold in trust.
 
Well Social Security sure as hell don't work. Maybe, we should try something new.... like... Privatizing Social Security. And if that **** don't work well hell we had a good run.
Decide for yourself... Privatize Social Security

I'm sure there are lots of investment banks salivating at the opportunity for privatized social security.
 
IF we privatize SS, the Wall Street sharks will get richer and richer on the backs of workers trying to save for retirement. There are too few regulations to protect the individual from these professional crooks. Even when we prosecute one of the crooks, the penalty/punishment is not enough to keep others from doing the same thing.
SS does work, but it was never meant to be the only income for retirees.

ALL of my retired relatives' 401k or whatever the instruments they have their funds in, took tremendous hits in 2008. All have had to rework their plans in order to make their funds last. Imagine if that had been the entire SS fund? I have to think they and all current retirees would be in dire straits. The stock market is not a guarantee like SS funds are, or are intended to be. It's a safety net and should remain that way. The stock market crashes have proved that.
 
grams and gramps were in their 20s back in the 1960s. they know what protesting is all about. these young turds who have never done anything with their lives except complain haven't got a clue

Thats bs...theres millions of boomers raised in the 60s that were in nam and and most of them did ALOT with their lives...the boomers are the RICH today and all the CEOs...
 
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