Why the Wall St protests are important - My Great Grandfather is my Example

[rpannier]

No. Not as a protester but from the other side.

My family has money and they have run a corporation in Pennsylvania since the late 1800's.
My great grandmother hated Roosevelt. My great grandfather was more compromising -- voted for Roosevelt 3 times (32, 40 and 44)

This story was told by my grandfather.

In 1935, my great grandfather (William Jr), his brothers, along with my grandfather, his brothers and cousins were discussing unionization of the plant and whether to grant a pay increase.
My great grandfather was in favor of both. His brothers were either against both, or okay with the raise, but against the union.

Finally, his brother Phillip pressed William about why he was willing to give up so easily.
William grabbed a newspaper, shoved it in Phillip's face and yelled, "God damn it! Do you read the papers and listen to the radio?! People are desperate. They're angry! Damned angry! One day they're going to come looking for the cause of their plight and you know who the hell it's going to be? US! Every damned one of us. When that day happens and they come marching with their pitchforks and torches I want to have my workers tell the mob how good I was to them. You can be rest assured that if we don't give them what they want, when that mob comes, I'm going to push every last one of you sons-of-bitches into that mob to give me time to get away."

The company gave in on both demands.

The Moral: It may take a long time, but if you scare the be-jesus out of the wealthy, they will finally cave. But it's only at that moment that they will.
The marches on Wall St. are a good. But, it will not be the end. And we just have to press harder.

on note to those who are wondering: When my grandfather died, my father sold his share of the company to his uncle. So I don't have any stake in the company any more.

[cyclezealot]

1. Your story deserves a thumbs up..

No doubt FDR saved capitalism from itself.. It's time to organize..Last night on Keith Olbermann, he announced an Occupy Wall Street rally in DC on the 6th of Next month. This is a make or break event.. All groups need join Occupy Wall Street. Labor, the unemployed, civil rights groups.. Should we unite, Wall Street will finally realize , not everyone can be bought. And they aren't the only players in the United State's setting economic policies..