Call to action: ABA (banksters) annual convention in Chicago this weekend 10/25-27/09

http://action.seiu.org/page/s/abarsvp

Tell Big Banks: We Need to Talk
Take Action

Demand a meeting
Join us in Chicago

On October 25th, America's bailed out banks will be meeting at the ABA convention in Chicago. These are the same banks that drove America to financial meltown, and are now using our tax dollars to lobby against reform. That's why thousands of Americans are also going to Chicago, to demand a meeting with the big banks of the ABA.

The Big Bank Track Record
The damage big banks have done in just one year is hard to comprehend. Take a look at the numbers:

The financial sector has taken $4.7 trillion. in taxpayer dollars over the past year.
The bank-driven economic crisis has cost American families $11 trillion in wealth - nearly 18% of our net worth.
The crisis isn't over, but banks are already back to their old ways - setting aside $74.4 billion for bonuses in the first half of 2009 alone.
They continue to hit their costumers with outrageous fees. Americans will pay more than $38 billion in overdraft fees alone in 2009 (that's $125 for every man, woman, and child in the US).

Read more about the big banks lobbyist - the ABA.



Join us in Chicago to protest bank greed.
On October 25-27th, the ABA is holding its annual convention in Chicago. It's the most important meeting of the year for the financial industry - where they set their agenda for the next 12 months.

That's why thousands of taxpayers will also be in Chicago, protesting the irresponsible behavior of America's banks and demanding that they stop using our tax dollars to lobby against financial reform.

Will you join us in Chicago for the largest protest of big bank greed since the financial crisis began?

Here's a list of events you're invited to join:

October 25, 2009
WHAT: Taxpayers put big banks and Wall Street on trial for breaking their commitments to the American taxpayers.
WHO: Hundreds of taxpayers from across the country who’ve lost their jobs, homes, and retirement security because of the economic crisis, workers, community leaders and allies, and academics.
WHERE: 4:15 PM CDT
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive

October 26, 2009
WHAT: Demonstrations around American Bankers Association conference highlighting continued bank greed at the expense of America’s economy.
WHO: More than 1,000 retirees, family farmers, clergy, workers, students, homeowners, and community allies.
WHERE: To be announced

October 27, 2009
WHAT: Taxpayer march on American Bankers Association conference to demand banks stop lobbying against needed financial reform.
WHO: More than 5,000 workers, clergy, and community allies and leaders from 20 cities.
WHERE: March begins at 10:30 AM CDT at Intersection of Wacker and Stetson.
Rally at 11:00 AM CDT at the Sheraton Hotel, 301 E. North Water St.


Who is the ABA?
The ABA is the lobbying arm of the American banking industry. Its members include the big banks that caused the economic crisis that has resulted in widespread economic devastation and led to the $4.7 trillion in banking industry bailouts and backstops using taxpayer dollars.

Meet the big banks of the ABA:

Bank of America
Citigroup
Goldman Sachs
JPMorgan Chase
Wells Fargo