Comments for Resource Generation Blog

Comment on Tax Team Members Reflect on Posting Their Pictures by Karen Pittelman

Karen Pittelman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:26:14 +0000

I think Mac and Sophie–and many other members of RG–are definitely saying “that they are working to do away with that inequity.” Exposing the way that class privilege works is one way of using our experiences to help challenge the systems that granted us that privilege in the first place. I don’t think that acknowledging class privilege re-inscribes it. In my experience, the problem comes from covering it up and pretending that unfair advantages are just the result of merit and hard work. The tumblr blog is about standing as allies together with the 99%. But I agree, we certainly don’t deserve any special recognition for this, and, as Sophie says above, “1 percenters have always held the media spotlight because of our privilege, and I think that we on the tax team need to use that attention strategically to shift awareness to where it belongs: the most disenfranchised of our society.”

Comment on Tax Team Members Reflect on Posting Their Pictures by Darien

Darien — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:16:54 +0000

I am not part of the 1%. In fact, I hold a position somewhere among the bottom 1/4 of the 99%. My question, are declarations like these productive in addressing income equality in this nation in anyway? Is it helpful having a conversation with those of us who are less lucky, about your power, privilege and resource? When you say “I stand with the 99%” are you saying you are working to do away with that inequity? Do away with your privilege? And if so do you feel you deserve special recognition in the movement? These proclamations serve to reinsert hierarchy back into the system Occupy is trying to change,no matter your intention. Each of you is willingly part of the 1%. What is your statement worth?

Comment on Towards Homefulness: The POOR Magazine Solidarity Family by tiny

tiny — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:46:30 +0000

A beautiful story of revolution, reparations and rebellion- helping us transition into the time of PAchamama’s shift -love u lex!!1

Comment on New Paradigms: How Mission Investing is Transforming Philanthropy by Jacqui MacNeill (Escents Aromatherapy Essential Oils)

Jacqui MacNeill (Escents Aromatherapy Essential Oils) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:56:03 +0000

I like the underlying thought behind mission investing. I definitely try to invest in companies that are in line with my values, but I do see where Brian is coming from when it comes to investing in riskier companies. When people only have so much to invest, they want to make their investments count.

Comment on About by Marty Wilson (Chandler, AZ)

Marty Wilson (Chandler, AZ) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:21:02 +0000

Interesting that ‘Thrive’ is alluded to in the previous message… I am a little older than most of you, but still kicking. I am also pretty much the farthest person to be a member of RG (due to finances), although I would have loved to be a part of the 1% (who wouldn’t?). I am in the middle of refinancing my home, due to a job loss and have scaled way back. I found you guys via Elspeth’s amazing commentary on NPR. Keep up the great work. I am ‘visualizing’ wealth and consider myself very lucky in many ways. Although, I’d like to have health insurance and a few items that would add to my and my family’s quality of life. I appreciate all you guys are doing – you add a great richness to the debate regarding the Occupy Wall Street Movement and the current state of US affairs.

Comment on Zeph’s Story by Theo

Theo — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:11:05 +0000

Zeph, thank you so much for this post. I could relate to so much of what you wrote, including your “real education” and your dynamic with your family, and really appreciated your honesty. I have enjoyed what you have brought to RG spaces though the years as well as seeing your work now and then! I have been learning similar lessons around supporting individuals and communities and love how you describe this funding as an investment. I also love how your father indirectly helped you see it this way! Thanks for sharing your experience.

Comment on The 1 Percent Stands for Tax Justice by Brien

Brien — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:53:33 +0000

Would Resource Generation members consider working with OWS to obtain (rent/lease) a legal protest site near Wall Street … e.g., lease Zuccotti Park from Brownfield or find some other suitable location? That would be a fantastic blend of support.

-B

Comment on New Paradigms: How Mission Investing is Transforming Philanthropy by Brian Farinholt

Brian Farinholt — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:32:38 +0000

Hello Sonja,
I am also not part of the 1%. I am 39 years old from Virginia and chose long ago to shun a life of credit (my father’s advise).
I was trained as a Forester but have always wrestled with the financial motives which overwhelmingly drive my profession. Finding employment on the side of conservation and preservation has been difficult for me, with a research position in the US Forest Service being the closest. I felt apprehension at leaving my government health insurance. Fear to take a risk to better myself and my surroundings because of the uncertainty health insurance companies wield over most Americans. I have delayed leaving jobs for this reason alone, losing years in my search for something worthwhile and never really considering having a business of my own.
I have also wrestled with the issue you raise above. I have tried to invest as much of my personal capital as I could (paying myself a mortgage payment even though I did not own a house) never having made more than $30,000 in a year. But I find myself conflicted by my planners advise, as investments in heavy equipment companies, power companies and Chinese railroads do not reflect my values. I justify to myself that I do not have the capital available to invest in riskier ventures that might be more suitable to my personal values.
I have learned several things from your post, as my knowledge of philathropic ventures is nonexistent. I have found parallels in your comments on mission related investing and my own shortcoming in “putting my money where my mouth is” (pardon the cliche).
I just learned of your group and its activities and I am in awe and also perplexed by its existence. My level of cynicism has been rapidly approaching critical mass, but seeing this website has given me a day of respite.
Thank you for your work towards creating a baseline living condition for everyone living in such a wealthy society.

Comment on The 1 Percent Stands for Tax Justice by gamesman

gamesman — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:44:08 +0000

Hi, I posted the following comment on MarketPlace where I heard your piece today. While tax reform may be needed and it may be necessary to increase taxes on the rich, I believe that’s not the major problem.

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Unfortunately, I think the outrage is not about the inequality in itself, but about the theft. The American meritocracy is broken. People with connections and political contributions can enrich themselves at the expense of society to a greater degree now than any time in the postwar period. What we need is to make sure the wealth only goes to those who deserve it by strengthening institutions that promote financial and political transparency. E.g. making the bond markets transparent so investment banks stop making huge profits based on lack of price comparison. It would also be nice to act on evidence the government already has to go after illegal acts by major banks during the housing boom (“liars’ loans”.) Redistribution is not the way. Every time you declare a new positive right (as opposed to a negative one such as the freedom of speech,) you are compelling someone to work to pay for that “right.” If I may speak for the 99%, I say all we want is no more than what we deserve.

Comment on The 1 Percent Stands for Tax Justice by Daniel Wayne Butler

Daniel Wayne Butler — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:19:24 +0000

From one of the 99%, “I Love what your doing here, Thank You.”

Sincerely,

Daniel Wayne Butler