We Are the 99 Percent — And We’re Not Confused

Now that reporters are starting to check out the occupation near Wall Street (it took only three weeks), they have begun echoing the notion that protesters don’t know why they’re there. As Jared Bernstein of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities huffs in a pro-demonstration article, “Do these news analysts think it’s a coincidence that they’re occupying Wall St. as opposed to Columbus Ave. north of 79th?”

But what do they want? cry reporters and pundits.

They want justice. They want opportunity. They want to pay the rent.

In times like these, it’s best to cut out the middlemen, which is why you should check out “We Are the 99 Percent,” a Tumblr blog collecting the personal stories of people who are hurting and who are fed up. They don’t seem at all confused about what they want. — PZS

(Hat tip to Glenn Greenwald.)

Anonymous post on We Are the 99 Percent:

This is the last bill i, at 21, can afford. On the front is a water charge for $42.43, i have $47 to my name. I make $7.25 an hour. Minimum wage is $8.00. But lucky for me, i make 10 cents commission per sale which makes my wage legal.

I have $65,000.00 in student loan debt because i was told it’s the only way to get a job. I graduated with a 3.87 GPA. And this is what i make, $180 a week.

Next month, I’ll be homeless despite my best efforts, even while my boss drives a 2010 BMW.

Luckily, I AM THE 99%

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