This article features a samplng of these endorsements and statements of empathy and support for the Occupy Wall Street Movement, also known as the 99 Percent Movement. Also read: From President Obama
"I think it expresses the frustrations the American people feel, that we had the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression, huge collateral damage all throughout the country ... and yet you're still seeing some of the same folks who acted irresponsibly trying to fight efforts to crack down on the abusive practices that got us into this in the first place..." --- October 6, 2011 Press Conference From Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Paul Bernank
"Well, I would say very generally I think people are quite unhappy with the state of the economy and what’s happening. They blame, with some justification, the problems in the financial sector for getting us into this mess, and they’re dissatisfied with the policy response here in Washington...
"I can’t blame them. Certainly 9 percent unemployment and very slow growth is not a very good situation." --- Congressional Testimony, October 4, 2011
From the Los Angeles City Council, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa"Protesters who have gathered in front of City Hall in Los Angeles to show solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protesters in lower Manhattan received 100 rain ponchos from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Wednesday morning...
"The mayor of the city is not the only official to support the demonstration. Seven of the 15 councilmembers on Wednesday voted to support 'peaceful and vibrant exercise in First Amendment Rights carried out by Occupy Los Angeles'." --- Los Angeles Times, October 5, 2011
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi"The focus is on Wall Street and justifiably so. The message of the American people is that no longer … will the recklessness of some on Wall Street cause massive joblessness on Main Street...
"God bless them for their spontaneity. It’s young, it’s spontaneous, it’s focused and it’s going to be effective." --- Comments to Press, October 6, 2011
From Sen. Russ Feingold, former three-term senator from Wisconsin"I’m really encouraged by what I’m seeing. People around the country are finally organizing to stand up to the huge influence of corporations on government and our lives. This kind of citizen reaction to corporate power and corporate greed is long overdue." --- Washington Post, October 5, 2011 From Richard Trumka, President of AFL-CIO, representing 11 million U.S. workers
"I think it’s a tactic and a valid tactic to call attention to a problem. Wall Street is out of control... We need to bring back balance to the financial economy, and calling attention to it and peacefully protesting is a very legitimate way of doing it.
"I think being in the streets and calling attention to issues is sometimes the only recourse you have because, God only knows, you can go to the Hill, and you can talk to a lot of people and see nothing ever happen…..."--- C-SPAN interview by Brookings Institute, September 30, 2011
From Vice President Joe Biden"What is the core of that protest, and why is it increasing in terms of the people it's attracting? The core is the bargain has been breached with the American people. The American people do not think the system is fair or on the level." Comments to Press, October 6, 2011 Rep. Barney Frank, 15-Term Congressman from Massachusetts
"I certainly welcome the energy, I would just like to see it better channeled. The problem is, it’s going to get dissipated real fast if the energy is not channeled...
"If I thought there was no chance at success, I wouldn’t urge people to do it... I’m of the opinion they represent a good deal of public opinion." --- National Review interview, October 5, 2011
Related - Also read Occupy Wall Street Movement Could Influence 2012 Elections
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