Bank vs. America: Wednesday in Naperville

There's a showdown between the 99% and Bank of America next week. People are protesting at the the BofA shareholders meeting in Charlotte and at solidarity actions nationwide. There's a protest in Naperville at 4:30 PM. Can you make it? RSVP for the Protest!

Dear MoveOn member,

Given recent history, Bank of America should be rebranded "Bank vs. America."

While our economy tanked, BofA made billions in profits by dodging taxes, illegally foreclosing on homes, and squeezing customers—hitting communities of color especially hard.¹ 

But this spring, tens of thousands of people were trained to fight back against Bank of America and big corporations. Next week, at the annual shareholders meeting in Charlotte, NC, local progressives are blending street theatre with protest to get the attention of top BofA executives and the media. BofA's so nervous about bad publicity that the city of Charlotte will enforce a draconian protest law that allows police to search someone for having a bike helmet or magic marker.²

We know that Bank of America is susceptible to public pressure. (Remember when they tried to hike debit fees?)³ If we all speak out against BofA on the same day, we can ratchet up the pressure by drawing more media attention and scrutiny to them. That's why, as part of the 99% Spring, progressives are organizing protests at Bank of America branches throughout the country on May 9. 

There's a protest in Naperville on Wednesday, May 9 at 4:30 PM. Can you make it?

Yes, count me in for the protest!

To show Bank of America that we won't take more of the same, May is "Move Our Money" month for the 99%. We're withdrawing our hard-earned money and switching to community banks or credit unions instead. Big Banks stand to lose $185 BILLION over the next year because of customer defections—and BofA is particularly vulnerable.⁴ Bank CEOs aren't responsive to pleas for help from struggling homeowners—but we'll get their attention when we put a dent in profits and a spotlight on their greed.    

Can you stand with the 99% at a Bank of America protest in Naperville on Wednesday, May 9, at 4:30 PM?  

Yes, I want to RSVP!

Thanks for all you do.

–Elena, Victoria, Ryan, Wes, and the rest of the team

P.S. May is "Move Our Money" month. To learn how to move your money (or document money you've moved already), click here. 

Sources:

1. "Why Mobilize," Unity, accessed May 3, 2012
http://theunityalliance.org/why-mobilize/

2. "Duke Energy, Bank of America shareholders meetings to fall under strict security rules crafted for Democratic National Convention," Charlotte Business Journal, April 30, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275098&id=40666-21598997-i75b1px&t=4

3. "Bank of America drops debit card fees," USA Today, November 1, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=274792&id=40666-21598997-i75b1px&t=5

4. "Move Your Money: Faith Leaders, Activists To Target Wall Street Banks Throughout Month Of May; USA Today, Think Progress, May 2, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275196&id=40666-21598997-i75b1px&t=6

 

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