Occupy Wall Street (OWS) is a movement by the 99% of American citizens against corporate America and their control of jobs, the government and wealth. The movement, which started about five weeks ago, is taking place all across America and the world.
On Tuesday, October 25, filmmaker Michael Moore appeared on the Piers Morgan Tonight show in a town hall forum to discuss OWS. Moore quipped at the beginning of the show, “America’s Got No Middle Class,” as a play on Morgan’s role as a judge on “America’s Got Talent.”
“One percent has 40 percent of the wealth,” said Moore on why OWS protesters are protesting. “46 million Americans are living in poverty … 50 million have no health insurance. The number one reason for bankruptcy is medical expenses.”
Moore attributed the reason for the loss of the middle class on the one percent. “The one percent took away from the middle class because they didn’t have enough money. Capitalism has become a system of greed,” he said. “(corporate America) has dumbed down and numbed down the people so much that they have no fear.”
Moore blames 100 percent of the fault on corporate America. “I don’t blame the government because the government is paid for by corporate America. They’re just the employees. You can’t blame them.”
Mark Weber, a journalist with a Master’s degree, said, “When I look on Craigslist everyday … everyone wants me to do work for free. There are no jobs out there. Computers have changed the world. And hen you add in China … and there’s not much left for American’s to do.”
Moore responded, “Technology is a good thing, it moves society forward. In the old days they would reinvest in. My personal theory is they haven’t done that because they know the other shoe hasn’t dropped.”
Later, Moore continued on this theme by saying, “If I were president, I would say our jobs are a natural resources, a national treasure. I would say you can’t take it some place else. I would make it illegal.”
Julie Flowers said, “I’m in the middle class. Am I better off being poorer so I can get government assistance?”
Moore replied, “No, you don’t. Americans getting food stamps and welfare are getting nothing. You don’t want to look backwards, you want to look forward.”
Moore wrapped up the show by saying, “We can fix this.”