Occupy Wall Street Is Getting Ugly

[MadMarketScientist 11]

Hi,

 

The police are faced with a wall of protesters and separate themselves by an orange mesh barrier. The women who end up on the ground, pepper-sprayed and blind, seem to have been just standing there. Their screams seem to make even the police question their actions.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moD2JnGTToA]Occupy Wall Street Is Getting Ugly[/ame]

 

Wow is this demo really going to work, 2011 is turning out to be the year of revolutions ...

 

MMS

[MightyMouse 12]

Hi,

 

The police are faced with a wall of protesters and separate themselves by an orange mesh barrier. The women who end up on the ground, pepper-sprayed and blind, seem to have been just standing there. Their screams seem to make even the police question their actions.

 

 

Wow is this demo really going to work, 2011 is turning out to be the year of revolutions ...

 

MMS

 

I can't stand when college kids try to get in the way of good old fashioned oppressive American capitalism.

[Tradewinds 12]

Wow is this demo really going to work, 2011 is turning out to be the year of revolutions ...

 

People need to think about the mentality of the police force. If that situation was in a dictator country, the police would be shooting people for walking down the street. So the matter of degree is different, but the mentality is the same. The mentality of the police is about the same as snipers shooting people at random. The matter of degree between pepper spray and a bullet through your head is different, but the mentality behind the action is similar. And it's the mentality that determines what the future will be.

 

But even though I think the police in this situation are wrong, I also think that if people want real change, their efforts are better spent calling their local politicians rather than protesting. You can protest all you want, but voting the right candidate, and the consumers changing their buying habits has real consequences.

 

Actually, the people need their own independent media company.

[Tams 20]

[pa18 10]

I also think that if people want real change, their efforts are better spent calling their local politicians rather than protesting. You can protest all you want, but voting the right candidate, and the consumers changing their buying habits has real consequences.

 

... does calling your politician really really work? the cancer has spread too much so cutting it out is the only solution

 

btw that vid is pretty disgusting displaying use of one paid arm herd against another

 

just rambling ehhh .....

[MadMarketScientist 11]

I also think that if people want real change

 

Look at Egypt this year .. the Facebook protests got real change - if enough people demand change it will happen. Nothing would be better for the average citizen than sweeping change to Wall Street. It may happen if this protest continues to grow.

 

MMS

[jpennybags 11]

There are always two sides to every story.

 

Kind of looked like to me that the police were reinforcing a barricade that had been breached moments before the video was taken (the portion that was shown). Possibly someone on either side had forgotten the rules of engagement of peaceful protest… don't know… never will. There were too many officers in that area for just a standard situation… something must have happened. Also noticed that it was two officers that walked up on the barracade, and the second officer sprayed the crowd ("lone gunman"… lol). The second officer by all appearances was an older gentleman… probably "old school" and way fed up with the "hippy" protester nonsense. The first officer seemed a bit surprised by the actions of the second, as did all the officers standing there… all seemed a bit bewildered by the situation… but hey, what are you going to do… things get out of hand at protests. I did make note that it was "protest over" afterward. Not to say that they were treated fairly, but the it was definitely the end of the game.

 

I'm never impressed when I see children in the crowd at these things… it lends credence to the notion that many idiots, deadbeats, and thrill seekers attend these things (who brings their children… are you kidding). Possibly that's why things get out of hand… folks not all that bright with divergent motivations… crowd mentality in full force… at the other end, a bunch of public employees just trying to do their jobs. Seems a bit silly to me.

 

I've a great deal of respect and admiration for those in Egypt and in other countries. For any of these protesters to make reference to anything of the "arab spring"… nonsense. It fills me with a bit of despair to hear it. I would like to be able to expect more understanding from free men.

 

Anyway, sorry the chicks got maced… I'm sure it hurt. Protests get out of hand sometimes, don't bring your kids.

[Tradewinds 12]

... does calling your politician really really work?

 

Yes, I believe it does. But most people have real fear of actually getting involved.

[Tradewinds 12]

Look at Egypt this year .. the Facebook protests got real change - if enough people demand change it will happen.

 

Definitely. One interesting thing about the protests, Facebook, and electronic communications, is that there were a few people organizing the movement. The communication and coordination are one key. Any movement needs to be coordinated, or just so liked, that it takes on a life of it's own.

[MightyMouse 12]

People need to think about the mentality of the police force. If that situation was in a dictator country, the police would be shooting people for walking down the street. So the matter of degree is different, but the mentality is the same. The mentality of the police is about the same as snipers shooting people at random. The matter of degree between pepper spray and a bullet through your head is different, but the mentality behind the action is similar. And it's the mentality that determines what the future will be.

 

But even though I think the police in this situation are wrong, I also think that if people want real change, their efforts are better spent calling their local politicians rather than protesting. You can protest all you want, but voting the right candidate, and the consumers changing their buying habits has real consequences.

 

Actually, the people need their own independent media company.

 

The protest is exactly the right way to do it. I hope they have the impact they seek.

 

The police are doing their jobs and taking orders. Most of the police are middle income blue collar employees living in the 5 boroughs and all have been impacted by the same issues that the college kids are protesting against. They are typically less than 50 years old, and have bought homes in the last decade and are underwater. Given a choice, they would be on the same side as the kids.

 

The police are being made to deal with it and no politician wants to touch this. Speaking against the protestors would support the idea that govt is in bed with Wall St. Speaking in favor of the protestors, would ensure that you never get elected again. It really is the beginning of the perfect storm.

 

The protests in Egypt which lead to the changes were due to the fact that food prices had risen so high because of The Bernank printing presses, that Egyptians could barely afford to feed their families. What do you have to lose if you are already starving?

 

It may not seem that bad here in the USA, but for those who are impacted, it is very bad. These kids are right in the sweet spot of it all. Loaded with student loans, needing to make payments, and unable to find work, yet Wall st firms are able to pay record bonuses because they were bailed for making bad decisions. In fact, bad trading decisions.

[maxima 10]

it seems TL is turned into socialists gathering. yep lets rewrite the laws because you average middle class are afraid of everything. and then the new laws ruin the basics of this society you will scream even more but at that time it will be too late to do anything about it.

[MightyMouse 12]

it seems TL is turned into socialists gathering. yep lets rewrite the laws because you average middle class are afraid of everything. and then the new laws ruin the basics of this society you will scream even more but at that time it will be too late to do anything about it.

 

Are the basics of society that corporations are well represented and the citizens are not?

 

What are the basics of the society that will get ruined?

 

You must have something in mind or you wouldn't mention it.

[Tradewinds 12]

it seems TL is turned into socialists gathering. yep lets rewrite the laws because you average middle class are afraid of everything. and then the new laws ruin the basics of this society you will scream even more but at that time it will be too late to do anything about it.

 

Which laws are you talking about? Without more specific information I have no way of judging what you are saying. What I typically see is that multiple people from multiple perspectives are all saying that there is a problem but no one will actually tell me what the problem is or give a suggestion as to how to fix it. I don't understand.

 

• Democrat tells me there is an unemployment problem.
  
• Republican tells me there is a unemployment problem.
  
• Liberal tells me there is an unemployment problem.
  
• Conservative tells me there is an unemployment problem.
  
• Independent tells me there is an unemployment problem.
  
• Etc. Etc.
  

 

They all tell me there is an unemployment problem, as if I didn't already know that. Nobody will tell me how they are going to fix it. It's normal behavior. This is the typical behavior of the vast majority of people. Complain but don't really explain. Complain but don't explain. Complain but don't explain.

 

Wall Street, to a large degree, is probably an easy "scape goat" target for people who are trying to address our economic problems. Wall Street is just the investment tool. Wall Street doesn't dictate to management or investors how to behave or how to handle personal or company finances. Don't blame the hammer for breaking your window. Blame the person who took the hammer and used it to break your window.

 

I think a huge part of our economic problem is the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Chinese Currency. (RMB)

 

Renminbi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Congress Tackles Chinese Currency Manipulation | Fox News

[todds 10]

As traders we should be very concerned about the protests happening on Wall Street. Many of those people have no idea what they are protesting against or how the changes they want will effect society. They know nothing about markets and nothing about how to "fix" our economic problems. They wont just be satisfied with slight adjustments to Wall Street, they want it shut down. If they got what they wanted, everyone on this site would be devastated. It would either mean the end of trading or much more expensive trading due to things like transaction taxes.

 

Thankfully the protests are still small and ineffective. As the economy worsens, and it will, these protests will gain momentum. They will blame everything on the Wall Street "fats cats" and their remedies will involve heavily regulating, or worse, dismantling the free market. As history has shown these remedies will not work.

 

As traders, we should know better. We understand that markets go up and markets go down. We understand that the market is fractal. There are infinite time frames for this up and down movement. Zoom out on your chart and look at the Dow over the past 100 years. The greatest impulse move in history created by the greatest credit expansion in history fueled by the greatest population bubble in history (the baby boomers) is going to be followed by the greatest correction in history. There is not a damned thing any politician or protester can do about it. The markets are returning to their trend lines after an historic move away. Unfortunately this correction will be painful. Ignorant, French Revolution-like mobs like those on Wall Street will call for metaphorical heads to roll. Those heads will include everyone who trades for a living, like you and me.

 

In my opinion these times are the most perilous in my lifetime for traders and for the free markets. Don't let the idealists on Wall Street fool you.

[pa18 10]

I do think these protests are about bringing immoral crooks to justice, shutting down WS is like suicide and as a species we're not evolved to live without the element of $ yet.

 

Comon, let's see it as it is --- Wall Street is in control, that means money supply; so control of Government hence control of sheeple. I hope these protests are the start of something big to regain something call ... "freedom" ... which imho is an illusion right now

[jpennybags 11]

Below is a link to the manifesto (for lack of a better term) of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. I'll back out of the thread with a quote:

 

In a revolution, as in a novel, the most difficult part to invent is the end. Alexis de Tocquevill

 

Declaration of the Occupation of New York City | NYC General Assembly

[jackb 10]

it seems TL is turned into socialists gathering. yep lets rewrite the laws because you average middle class are afraid of everything. and then the new laws ruin the basics of this society you will scream even more but at that time it will be too late to do anything about it.

 

But your comments show that you're the average one...(yes, I'm being generous).

[MightyMouse 12]

As traders we should be very concerned about the protests happening on Wall Street. Many of those people have no idea what they are protesting against or how the changes they want will effect society. They know nothing about markets and nothing about how to "fix" our economic problems. They wont just be satisfied with slight adjustments to Wall Street, they want it shut down. If they got what they wanted, everyone on this site would be devastated. It would either mean the end of trading or much more expensive trading due to things like transaction taxes.

 

Thankfully the protests are still small and ineffective. As the economy worsens, and it will, these protests will gain momentum. They will blame everything on the Wall Street "fats cats" and their remedies will involve heavily regulating, or worse, dismantling the free market. As history has shown these remedies will not work.

 

As traders, we should know better. We understand that markets go up and markets go down. We understand that the market is fractal. There are infinite time frames for this up and down movement. Zoom out on your chart and look at the Dow over the past 100 years. The greatest impulse move in history created by the greatest credit expansion in history fueled by the greatest population bubble in history (the baby boomers) is going to be followed by the greatest correction in history. There is not a damned thing any politician or protester can do about it. The markets are returning to their trend lines after an historic move away. Unfortunately this correction will be painful. Ignorant, French Revolution-like mobs like those on Wall Street will call for metaphorical heads to roll. Those heads will include everyone who trades for a living, like you and me.

 

In my opinion these times are the most perilous in my lifetime for traders and for the free markets. Don't let the idealists on Wall Street fool you.

 

As traders who know better, we should want what's best for our countries.

[juniorh 10]

 

Malcolm's qoute says it all. Not heard anything about this demo on any UK main stream news channels and definitely not seen it on BBC state tv.

Edited October 2, 2011 by juniorh

[todds 10]

Yesterday I said this:

 

...Ignorant, French Revolution-like mobs like those on Wall Street will call for metaphorical heads to roll...

 

Today I saw this:

 

Roseanne Barr: Behead Bankers, Rich Who Won't Give Up Wealth | RealClearPolitics

 

I didn't figure Madame Defarge would rear her ugly head so fast. I hope she was kidding.

[Brookwood 10]

I can't understand why the very serious people won't float the idea of repealing the repeal of the Glass-Steagall act. Actually, I have a few ideas why not, but traders could still make plenty of money- they just wouldn't be able to max- out their leverage by using the US GDP as their collateral. I'm old enough to remember "The Savings and Loan Crisis". Even as a lad I could see how "deregulation" worked: spend tons of money to elect a "market friendly" politician. He in turn allows you to use FDIC insured deposits to bet on everything this side of a cock fight. It's win/win for our noble Galtian Overlords- when they lose all the money- hey its insured, ultimately in some form by taxpayers. Which is a long way of saying when risk is socialized and reward is privatized you've got a big problem. Trust me, you don't want to see the USA with no middle class, and that is not a hypothetical situation- it's happening now, and fast. I for one am not looking forward to The New Feudalism which, without any countervailing force, will be the new normal.

So if a few hundred "hippies" gather in the park as a protest, I say more power to 'em. Remember that the US is also a Democracy- or supposed to be- not just a Capitalist Utopia. (Of course there are other forces at work than just lack of regulation...)

Unfortunately many people of more modest means are programmed to believe they are just a clogged toilet away from being rich themselves, but that is a post for another day.

Edited October 4, 2011 by Brookwood
spurious punctuation

[laurus12 10]

I liked this one.

 

Moore: The Rich Are Out Of Control, Kleptomaniacs, Sociopaths | RealClearPolitics

[Tams 20]

Hi,

 

The police are faced with a wall of protesters and separate themselves by an orange mesh barrier. The women who end up on the ground, pepper-sprayed and blind, seem to have been just standing there. Their screams seem to make even the police question their actions.

 

 

Wow is this demo really going to work, 2011 is turning out to be the year of revolutions ...

 

MMS

 

Bloomberg, the mayor of NYC, is from wall street.

 

He is not going to let anybody disturb his turf.

 

NYC police are goons. Legal goons; they perform a duty, no different from mafia goons.

[Brookwood 10]

Bloomberg, the mayor of NYC, is from wall street.

He is not going to let anybody disturb his turf.

 

A friendly gift from Jamie Dimon to Bloomberg--->

[Tams 20]

A friendly gift from Jamie Dimon to Bloomberg--->

 

there is a reason for everything... LOL

 

good find. never knew that.