Actions to hit banker bailout

WW photos: Monica Moorehead

Called on an emergency basis in response to the $700-billion bailout of the banks and the ever-increasing hardships facing working and oppressed people, a meeting of 100 activists and organizers was held here at the Solidarity Center on Oct. 4.

The meeting, which was attended by a large number of youth, trade unionists, community and anti-war activists, focused on building a movement in New York and nationally to counter the economic attacks on poor and working people

by the banks, Wall Street, and federal and local governments.

The urgent necessity for a people’s fightback against foreclosures, evictions, job losses, budget cuts and more was expressed by numerous participants. The event followed a series of emergency protests that occurred on Wall Street in previous weeks, as well as national protests on Sept. 27, all demanding money for people’s needs as opposed to capitalist greed.

As the next step forward, a proposal initiated by the youth group Fight Imperialism, Stand Together (FIST) was approved, which calls for nationally coordinated, local actions from Oct. 24 through 27. Initial endorsers include the Ad-hoc National Network to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions, Moratorium Now! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions (Michigan), Troops Out Now Coalition and the Women’s Fightback Network.