Band of Rebels "Raising Cane" on Tax Day
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Two years ago a group of mostly retirees and grandparents formed out of concern for the future of their children and grandchildren. The threats identified were out of control corporate greed, income inequality, the the eroding of our cities, neighborhoods, and environment. Since then the group could be seen with signs most Mondays at noon in front or a local bank protesting the use of taxpayer funds to bail out big banks, only to have them to continue to foreclose on homes, often illegally. They have joined forces with other activist groups like Take Back the Land, Occupy Wall Street, Metro Justice, Rochester Red and Black, Rochester Against War and local labor unions to call attention to the misappropriation of our tax money to the benefit of the wealthy and well-connected.
Recently the focus has shifted to opposition to "austerity" and proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare. On Mondays now the group is more likely to be seen in front of the Federal Building on State Street with their message. The Federal Building is home to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, as well as Representative Louise Slaughter's offices.
In a recent editorial Rebel member Mike Connelly wrote "The national mythology about the economy given by the mainstream media can be summarized as a discussion whose terms are “austerity” and … “austerity.” Not “versus full employment” or “jobs” but how much austerity, when, and for whom." There are alternatives that are not even on the table to discuss. For instance ending the war in Afghanistan, ending drug prohibition, ending subsidies to profitable corporations like Exxon-Mobil, or canceling orders for military aircraft that the Air Force says it doesn't need. Any one of these measures alone could make up for the proposed cuts.
Another important message that news media is refusing to report is that Social Security and Medicare have nothing to do with the deficit. Both are funded by a separate payroll tax. Using Europe as an example, many leading economists warn that austerity will cost jobs, not create them. These economists like Joseph Stiglitz, Paul Krugman, and Clinton Treasury Secretary Robert Reich, are outcasts in the corporate-run "news." The complete text of Connelly's article can be seen here:
http://band-of-rebels.com/2013/04/11/rebels-speak-out-austerity-or-jobs-...
Band of Rebels was started by senior citizens but is not limited by age. Anyone interested is encouraged to join and participate. This is about our future, not our present.
April 15, Tax Day, falls on a Monday this year. The Rebels will be out in front of the Federal Building at noon and would like everyone to join them. Let your elected officials know. We need jobs not cuts. Hands off Social Security and Medicare. The group's web page has additional resources plus an easy way to contact your elected officials.
