Mr. Applebaum,
I've been reading the articles and have seen quite a bit of discussion going on regarding this movement. I am so thankful for all of it!
I was wondering if there were any plans in the works for something bigger. Is anyone talking about organizing any rallies? Something that could put our voice out there all at once? A PEACEFUL demonstration of what we're all currently dealing with?
I think your website is great. I think the articles and discussion that have circulated are informative - even the ones that aren't completely accruate; at least we've got people talking.
I also think sending letters to our congressmen and elected officials is great, but I'm realistic (or cynical, depends on which way you look at it, I guess). I wonder how many of those letters only make it as far as the circular filing system.
What about some demonstrations, rallies, something to get us all out there and tell our stories? Is this something you're looking into for the future? Has anyone voiced any interest in that? I'm up for it if everyone else is...
... Obama will be at the University of New Orleans this Thursday afternoon (10/15), and I'd like to park my wheelchair up front, wearing a snorkle and with a sign: "Drowning in Student Loan Debt" and "Need what you gave to GM for Michigan union votes". The Secret Service would probably wheel me out of the back door...
I believe the poeple need to move from the written protest, to the verbal protest. The US government thrives when it knows its citizens are glued to the screen, typing away. But once the citizens rise from their chairs, it's a whole different story. The government should be afraid of its people, and not the other way around. This protest should not be limited to DC. People in all capitals of all States should unite.
There should be more rallies for our citizen rights, not just gay pride parades.
Get someone to put up a Youtube clip that puts the word out, Spread the word get people to rally on the internet half the work is done already with this site.
Anyone have any video editing skills?
Im a video editor with a girlfriend drowning in debt. Anything I can do to help would be great with me.
I am one of the people I've contacted many people and I do website thru my company and it can link to any space out there.. Please help us I know Kanye West is being blasted on youtube.. Robert needs you I need you. I have huge battle with Sallie Mae as I have MS I know I'm a broken record, we need exposure I have also been tentively give a Leukemia diagnosis and that is cancer and life threatening, so that if I were to go on disability they can deduct from it to make payments.. consolidated loan will want a co-signer and I will now do that soo... we need you help. Thanks you Diana
I've been trying to find someone. . .anyone willing to put something clever together for posting on youtube, to no avail. I envisioned something animated and fun. .. but I'm not wedded to any one particular idea. I just want something that has the potential of going viral and which puts some visuals with the statistics. So. . .is that something in your repertoire?
i see the petition Kevin Bartoy started has surpassed the 50,000 signature goal. Did anything become of this since?
Edit - I see he increased the goal to 55,000 now.
perhaps something can be done country wide but without a "gathering" in one central location due to the fund issue for many people. if something is done collectively all over the country and you get some media attention to it, perhaps it could pose the same message as the march could.
There have been a couple of people who have expressed interest in the past about marching on Washington or something similar. My concern is that nobody would show up. The target demographic for this movement is, by definition, unable to pay for extras like trips to D.C. and, as such, I'd be afraid that, despite the best of intentions, it would be a bust. I'd be happy to be proven wrong though.
I agree with Robert that many of us are strapped with debt, especially with the student loan debt, and with the economy tanked it isn't easy to come up with funds to travel at this time for many, including myself. Though there could be ways to accomplish this, and we need to keep the movement going and the ideas rolling in. I think we are going to reach a crossroad where we will need to take another leap if this process stalls. Lets keep thinking and sharing ideas. For example, maybe someone out there has a relative, friend, or wealthy counterpart that is willing to help us get an add on TV. We need to keep up this fight and challenge ourselves to think of ways to reach a Congressperson or someone who will pave the way for reform... real reform of this corrupt system. Keep those ideas flowing. One never knows what perserverance will unfold.
Don't kill the idea before it even gets off the ground. I would bet that there are enough (out of millions) people out there strapped with student loan debt who are also unemployed that many of us (including me) might be willing to give up a week to travel to Washington. But we need BUSES. How about Jan 20th? Marches on Washington have happened before and they raised the money some how to do it, IT CAN BE DONE (i don't know how at this point, but....).
I agree with kofixg1 (sorry I dont know your name). Some people threw out the date January 20th, I think that is an awesome date to shoot for.
There were many people with different economic backgrounds that were able to come up for the 2009 inaguration, I believe that if we organized ourselves we can do the same. This is just as serious. The money can be raised!
Maybe start regional chapters? Regional Conversations?
1.Pick a strong date that congress will be in session.
2. Pick a date that we can agree to meet with some leaders, and rally in Washington, DC or on other local capitals steps.
3. Start asking friends/family members if they are aware of any one who runs/owns bus companies.
4. " " figure out lodging/food (since many people participating will need assistance finacially to begin with).
.......
Just some ideas gang. I am willing to assist.
I will March, I will do you a YouTube video, I will email whoever I need to email. A friend mine also suggested we contact local cable stations al lover and get on the air.
I think street teams are great, regional meetings, national meetings whatever we can do to reach out and be heard.
Most of use would agree that-for most of us our livelihoods are at stake as well as the future for student loan lending.
Leni
Hmmm... Good point. Maybe something on the local levels in a couple different locations at the same time would work better.
I would just love for a large group to show up and dump a huge stack of personal letters detailing each person's own experience on some officials desk. I would gladly write out my personal story and hand deliver it in order to get someone's attention about what a lot of us are going through.