From Komodomedia:
With anti-Wall Street protests spreading across the globe and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid claiming “private sector jobs have been doing just fine,” recent Census data shows that federal wages have helped make Washington the nation’s wealthiest metropolitan region last year.
Washington edged out San Jose, home to Silicon Valley, with a median household income of $84,523 last year -- well above the national median income of $50,046 and slightly more than San Jose’s median household income of $83,944.
I do business in Washington D.C.
Every time I'm there, I marvel at its cleanliness. It's vastness. Also its excess. I was at a trade show event recently and spoke to a woman who managed a government department there. It's sole function was to create loans for South American countries. She mentioned that her department was small. They employed ONLY 48 people. Meanwhile, small businesses all over our country have no avenue toward loans to either continue their businesses or start new ones.
In addition, and maybe it's me, but I would call an organization that has 48 employees and millions in budget a small outfit.
Nonetheless, the point I make is this:
I am a democrat. Always have been. I think it is our government's duty to help those who cannot help themselves. But the reason most in Washington don't hear us is they have absolutely no idea what common life is like.
They move back and forth in limos.
They have cushy pensions, healthcare, and lobbyist jobs waiting for them when they're out of their government position.
They live in a city where few are unemployed compared to the rest of the country and most government departments are comfortable.
People keep their jobs a long long time.
Free food. Free drinks. Free lodging much of the time. While some may complain that their $200,000 salaries are too small to manage their expenses (Sean Duffy), hardly any of them would appreciate or want OUR situations.
OWS is a good start at getting these people's attention, but it's doubtful they will make any change in their M.O. EVER.
The most important part of this movement HAS TO BE to run the current crop of politicians out of office (short of the few, like a Dennis Kusinich, who truly is for the people) and prop those up who will adhere to our demands (healthcare for all, a reasonable minimum wage, financial regulation, accountability, etc.)
It's no wonder Washington is one of the wealthiest places in the country. And it's no wonder they have no interest in helping any of us. Most of them are that 1% that want lower taxes and nothing substantial to change. Why else would they be pushing an agenda that most of the American people - and even many wealthy - are against?