In Fresno, California on Saturday, 40 or more protesters of all ages, greatly aided by an energetic, creative contingent from Occupy Fresno, gathered in front of a large Chase Bank and chanted "Banks got bailed out, We got sold out!" They also said: "Take your money out, Take your money out!" and advised people to use credit unions and small, local banks. They held signs, beat makeshift drums, and distributed materials for an hour.
One of the handouts said this:
SUPPORT THE ROBIN HOOD TAX! For every cut announced, think "Could a tax on banks have paid for that?" The Robin Hood tax is simple: a 1% tax on all international financial transactions by banks. This is not a tax on imports and exports or on individuals, businesses, or consumers. It is a bank tax on transactions involving overseas investments like derivatives trading, currency trading, investments in stocks and bonds, and credit default swaps. It will raise hundreds of billions of dollars per year in the U.S. alone. Don't you think it's time that the banks started to give a little back, especially when we, the taxpayers and account holders and borrowers, have given them so much? For more information please go to robinhoodtax.org.
The financial transaction tax was the subject of a sign:
Other signs and protesters:
T-shirts announced affiliations:
and on the back:
And this political party:
There were signs from the PDA (Progressive Democrats of America), and PEACE Fresno was there, as usual.
People trying to give the financial transactions tax handout to passengers in cars were warned by a police officer not to step off the curb -- it's a safety issue, he said. But this lady made use of crosswalks to legally walk in the street.
This was not the first demonstration at large Fresno banks and probably not the last.