The Real State of the Union: 99 Percent Are Suffering While 1 Percent Prosper
Lawmakers Must Stop Pandering to their Wealthiest Constituents
January 25, 2012
WASHINGTON—In the aftermath of President Obama’s State of the Union address, we would all do well to remember why we need bold investments in our economy to lift millions of Americans out of poverty, out of unemployment and toward a future where we all have enough to thrive.
Since December 2010, Congress has done little but pander to the interests of the top 1%, entertaining proposal after proposal that would put all sacrifices on the backs of working families. We congratulate the President on standing up to plans of the GOP Congress to slash essential programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
“The economic crisis, started by big banks and corporations greedy for more profits, has led to the financial ruin of countless Americans,” said Deepak Bhargava, executive director of the Center for Community Change. “Corporations have remained profitable in this crisis by downsizing, at the expense of countless workers, or by sending jobs abroad where labor is cheaper. Lost jobs have meant lost revenues for local governments, which has translated to lost essential services. Corporate greed has reduced the American dream to a hollow nightmare for most of the 99%.”
“We call on Congress to heed the call of President Obama and act courageously to help get Americans back on their feet. An America sacrificing the interests of the 99% in favor of discredited policies that benefit only the wealthy is an America on the wrong track,” Bhargava said.
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The Center for Community Change is a national nonprofit that strengthens the leadership, voice and power of low-income communities and communities of color nationwide to confront the vital issues of today and build the social movements of tomorrow.
