OccupyBirmingham supports human need, not corporate greed. We come from all backgrounds and all walks of life. We’re not jealous of the 1%, against genuine capitalism, nor are we asking for handouts. We want government and corporate corruption replaced with fairness and a level playing field for all citizens. We want America to be a land opportunity for all, not just the super rich.  We want both corporations and government to be held responsible and accountable for their continued negative impact on our society. We are partnered with no political party. We will not be silent.  We are the 99% of America whose future has been gambled away in a Wall Street casino of corporate avarice.

Wealth and Income Inequality 

In America, 1% of the population earns 25% of all income and controls 40% of all wealth. In the last 20 years, CEO pay has increased by 298%, while workers pay has only grown by 4%.  This disparity is rapidly growing to historic highs and is untenable for a healthy, functioning society.

Democracy for Sale

The 1% and the corporations they control use their vast wealth to influence the political process through campaign contributions and lobbyists for their own interests, drowning out the voices and votes of 99% of Americans.  This corporate cronyism, now unchecked due to the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United ” decision, breeds blatant political corruption at all levels of government.

Criminal Corporate Greed

The worldwide economic collapse of 2008 was brought on by the greed of leaders of large corporations and financial institutions. The worst were bailed out with taxpayer funds, directly benefiting the top 1%, while average Americans, the 99%, have been left to pick up the tab – with the highest unemployment and the largest recession in over 70 years.

Betrayal of the American Dream

Ordinary working people, students and retirees — the 99% — have held up their end of the bargain as good citizens, but have found their job prospects, purchasing power and hopes for the future significantly eroding over the last 30 years, while the 1% have profited and benefited enormously.

Wall Street Assaults on Birmingham

Not only are families in Birmingham suffering from lost jobs, but also from corporate-based attacks on human rights.  Mortgage foreclosures, predatory lending (greater debt), the Jefferson County sewer and financial crisis are direct results of “interest rate swap” deals initiated by JP Morgan Chase and others – netting them as much as $100 million in excessive fees.

Join us and MAKE your voice heard!

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Are YOU in the 99%?

  • Do you think it’s right for 1% of Americans to receive 25% of all income and control 40% of all wealth – and to intentionally use it to politically and economically oppress the other 99%?
  • Do think it’s right that CEO pay has increased by 298% in the last twenty years, while workers pay has only grown by 4%?
  • Are you worried about who is funding our elections and influencing our government?
  • Do you feel like your voice is being heard in our political system?
  • Are you tired of corruption running rampant and rarely challenged, stopped or appropriately punished?
  • Does it bother you that significant political decisions are based more on financial gain than the good of America as a whole?
  • Are you concerned about the reemergence of monopolies and with them, the lack of choices and competition in the market place, while our government allows and often encourages these corporations to become “too big to fail”?
  • Did you or someone you know take out a mortgage they couldn’t afford without being informed enough to understand that – and are now losing their home?
  • Are you bothered that essential Jefferson County services are being cut and sewer rates are climbing, while Wall Street banks raked in as much as $100 million from us in excessive fees on disastrous, immoral credit deals?
  • What if Alabama’s new immigration law (HB-56) doesn’t save or create jobs, but instead strains education, police and foster care services that are already stretched thin, and costs us millions in legal fees and lost conventions, business and trade?
  • Do you live paycheck-to-paycheck and worry that the typical payday loan borrower pays back $793 in fees and interest to the lender, all for the privilege of receiving $325 in cash?
  • Are you a student or know a student who will graduate with massive student loan debt yet face significantly diminished job prospects?
  • Do you care about the U.S. Constitution?
  • Are you sick of feeling pessimistic and helpless?
  • Are you ready to take a stand and exercise your right to free speech to affect some real change?

Join us and MAKE your voice heard!