Invest in America
Responsible Lending
THE BIG PICTURE
For too long, Wall Street barons have written the rules by which they play. Allowing the fox to guard the henhouse eventually led to a worldwide economic meltdown that cost Americans millions of jobs, trillions of dollars in pension funds and plummeting home values. Now the banks that were bailed out at monstrous taxpayer expense are returning to profitability while continuing to foreclose on homeowners, charge exorbitant interest rates on credit cards, push students into lifelong debt and pillage seniors’ retirement savings. Meanwhile, the Wall Street barons have suffered few consequences and little has been to alter the power dynamics between Wall Street, Washington and Main Street.
The abuse by Wall Street and the culpability of Washington’s political leaders has led to unprecedented levels of resentment toward Wall Street on behalf of the American Public. In fact in a recent poll, 77% of Americans support tougher rules for Wall Street. This overwhelming urge for finance industry reform eventually culminated in "Occupy Wall Street” and in no time at all the demonstrations spread like wildfire to over 1000 cities in 82 countries.
WORKING FAMILIES WIN IN ACTION
The Occupy movement, coupled with ongoing work of organizations like Working Families Win and its allies has the potential to fundamentally change policies that regulate the American financial. As community activists we know this can change can happen. We can transform today's broken financial system into a fair, responsible and transparent market that builds a stronger economy for all.
In order to visibly alter the power dynamics between Wall Street, Main Street and Washington, activists must force Wall Street giants to change their own practices, then work with Washington leaders to make changes permanent. Working Families Win is participating in local actions that build on the Occupy Wall Street momentum and deliver tangible benefits to Working Families Win constituencies.