In Michigan, the economic collapse caused in good part by Wall Street greed continues to cause suffering for unemployed workers and struggling families, while the top 1% are doing better than any time in history. Our Governor and Lansing politicians just don’t seem to get it. This year, while corporations got a $1.8 billion tax cut, the rest of us were made to shoulder the burden with higher taxes, less services and now we face even more cuts. All of this was done with the promise of more jobs. We’ve seen no jobs, only more suffering: more unemployment, more poverty, and more slashing of the safety net - and now politicians in Lansing and Washington are talking about more tax giveaways to the top 1% and cuts to our Social Security and Medicare. People in Michigan are rising up to say stop. We are rising up because we have a voice. We realize there is more that unites us than divides us. These are hard times. Anger, sadness, fear, hope - all that emotion and energy - let’s work together and channel it into action. These are our stories. WE ARE MICHIGAN’S 99%.

18th November 2011

Photo with 3 notes

I am a 25 year old college grad with serious health needs who has been kicked off my parents health insurance because I “made too much money,” yet I didn’t make enough money to move out my momma’s house.

I am a 25 year old college grad with serious health needs who has been kicked off my parents health insurance because I “made too much money,” yet I didn’t make enough money to move out my momma’s house.

Tagged: 25

18th November 2011

Photo with 2 notes

I have a son in college, will he have a job after graduation?

I have a son in college, will he have a job after graduation?

18th November 2011

Photo with 2 notes

Lost wages & benefits.  Looking at a taxed pension :(

Lost wages & benefits.  Looking at a taxed pension :(

18th November 2011

Photo with 6 notes

I am 25 years old from Southfield working on completing my college degree.  I have a decent job with out finishing my degree, but how will I pay my large student loans off when Jobs are not increasing pay.  And I have a family to support.

I am 25 years old from Southfield working on completing my college degree.  I have a decent job with out finishing my degree, but how will I pay my large student loans off when Jobs are not increasing pay.  And I have a family to support.

Tagged: 25Southfield

18th November 2011

Photo with 7 notes

I live in Traverse City.  I work in a warehouse 40 hours a week.  I work overtime every chance I get.  I only make $19,000 a year.  It makes it hard to eat and sleep. I have no insurance and no savings.  I want something better for my kid.

I live in Traverse City.  I work in a warehouse 40 hours a week.  I work overtime every chance I get.  I only make $19,000 a year.  It makes it hard to eat and sleep. I have no insurance and no savings.  I want something better for my kid.

Tagged: Traverse City

18th November 2011

Photo with 3 notes

I am 26 years old.  I am from Detroit, MI I am here because I am jobless, homeless, and soon to be hopeless.

I am 26 years old.  I am from Detroit, MI I am here because I am jobless, homeless, and soon to be hopeless.

Tagged: 26Detroit

18th November 2011

Photo with 2 notes

My name is Colin.  I am 22 years old.  I am here b/c I have bipolar disorder.  I am from Saint Clair Shores originally but I have moved 8 times since high school.  I am in student loan debt and unable to get a steady job to keep a home or my disorder in check.  We all deserve a future where debt isn’t square 1 and the rest of life isn’t paying it back.

My name is Colin.  I am 22 years old.  I am here b/c I have bipolar disorder.  I am from Saint Clair Shores originally but I have moved 8 times since high school.  I am in student loan debt and unable to get a steady job to keep a home or my disorder in check.  We all deserve a future where debt isn’t square 1 and the rest of life isn’t paying it back.

Tagged: 22Saint Clair Shores

18th November 2011

Photo with 3 notes

Hi I’m Benjamin from Austria.  Really appreciate the effort everyone is puttin in the movement.  Together we can make it!  Keep it up!

Hi I’m Benjamin from Austria.  Really appreciate the effort everyone is puttin in the movement.  Together we can make it!  Keep it up!

18th November 2011

Photo with 4 notes

I am 26 yrs. old.  I live in Allendale, MI.  I served as a medic in the Army for 4 years.  When I moved back to Michigan, I immediately began searching for a job.  I dilligently searched for a year.  No one cared about my military medical training.  I decided to go to school.  I enrolled, and being a single mom, I applied for state aid for day care.  I could not afford to live on a part-time salary when I was in school full time and paying out of pocket for day care 40+ hours a week.  The state denied my request because of $700/month I received from the GI Bill.  I could not afford school, then, because I was a single mom and a veteran.

I am 26 yrs. old.  I live in Allendale, MI.  I served as a medic in the Army for 4 years.  When I moved back to Michigan, I immediately began searching for a job.  I dilligently searched for a year.  No one cared about my military medical training.  I decided to go to school.  I enrolled, and being a single mom, I applied for state aid for day care.  I could not afford to live on a part-time salary when I was in school full time and paying out of pocket for day care 40+ hours a week.  The state denied my request because of $700/month I received from the GI Bill.  I could not afford school, then, because I was a single mom and a veteran.

Tagged: 26Allendale

18th November 2011

Photo with 4 notes

I am 55 years old and underemployed and uninsured.  I have four college degrees and working two part-time jobs.  I will never be able to retire because I have no savings.  I am looking forward to getting health care when the Health Care Law goes into effect.

I am 55 years old and underemployed and uninsured.  I have four college degrees and working two part-time jobs.  I will never be able to retire because I have no savings.  I am looking forward to getting health care when the Health Care Law goes into effect.

Tagged: 55