George Goehl, executive director of National People's Action
George Goehl, a member of a broad coalition behind the organization of the Showdown in Chicago, which will take place October 25-27, sees this action as a way to target the banks and direct a message to Congress that they need to stand up for the American people and pass real reforms.
The Showdown in Chicago aims to convince Congress to put more support behind the creation of a strong Consumer Financial Protection Agency. It will also urge leaders to break the stranglehold on democracy that a handful of banks, which dominate the financial market, currently possess.
"More than anything we've got to get the attention of our elected. Thus far we haven't seen the administration or Congress really take on the financial industry and say no to the lobbying and campaign contributions and stand with the American people, says Goehl.
Goehl explains retirees, family farmers, urban/rural renters, homeowners, young and old people, and others who are not necessarily professional activists will be coming together for the Showdown.
People from 20 states and from 40 to 50 organizations will participate in actions during the American Bankers Association convention:
"[On Sunday] there will be a People's Commission where a panel of everyday Americans will hear testimony from everyday Americans ---people affected by shrinking pensions, foreclosures, unemployment, state budget cuts, etc., says Goehl.
He continues, "On Monday, there will be a demonstration at the Chicago headquarters of Goldman Sachs and then a demonstration at the American Bankers Association.
And finally, "On Tuesday, the numbers will grow much larger in a march of over 5,000 people, [which] will take off from Stetson and Wacker and head to the Sheraton Hotel."
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