Public Comment

I am delighted to report that at Monday's rally at the Bank of America in Albany over 70 of us participated, giving out leaflets, talking to people passing by, carrying informative placards, and not least, providing music led by Hali Hammer which expressed our political concerns with intelligent and meaningful lyrics. 

Many who showed up did so for the first time. And very obviously, the public resonated with what we were complaining about. Drivers honked their horns while others signaled approval with their thumbs up, and also we talked with people going into the bank. Among our aims is to do what we can to assure that the bank does not earn a profit by dealing with the public in a predatory and unprofessional way. We are particularly concerned about the bank unjustifiably foreclosing on home owners and its failure to modify home mortgages so that they are affordable to distressed home owners. We are interested in these issues because it is relevant to our main mission, which is to address the issue of inequality and its consequences for the 99 percent. 

Our rally has already had some impact. We sent a small delegation into the Bank to complain that we hadn't received a response to written concerns we submitted. Unlike our last visit, when the manager refused to speak with us, he was conversant and promised to contact his superiors to urge that they respond to us right away. Of course, we will follow up. 

Next Monday, which is Memorial Day, (May 28th) we will be having our usual Monday rally from 5-6pm by the Oaks Theater.