from the OB Rag
by Staff on April 21, 2011
Protesters say its unfair for Bank America to pay zero taxes despite large profits and taking over $1 trillion in federal bailout funds. Photo (c) 2011 by Merton Gaudette.
While the TEA Party calls for tax cuts and slashing services, a new taxpayers’ movement is outraged by some of America’s biggest corporations paying zero taxes while reaping huge profits. Now a national movement calling for corporations to pay a “fair share” has reached the streets in San Diego.
By Maria Yushinsky / East County Magazine / April 20, 2011
Photos by Merton Gaudette (c) 2011
Following the deadline for taxpayers to send in payments to the I.R.S., taxpaying members of U.S. Uncut San Diego, MoveOn.org and other community groups gathered at the San Diego Civic Center on Monday, the 19th. Their goal?
Bringing to light the fact that some U.S. corporations are not paying their “fair share” of taxes and that working people of America are paying the price through cuts in social programs and essential services, say organizers.
Senior citizen wants to see “deadbeat” corporations pay a fair share of taxes, rather than cut Medicare services or Social Security benefits.
Photo (c) 2011 by Merton Gaudetteth.Approximately 75 protesters including East County residents marched from the Civic Center to the Bank of America building on B Street, chanting and carrying signs. Amid shouts of “I pay, YOU pay, why doesn’t B of A?” leaders attempted to deliver a tax bill to the branch manager for $3,950,000,000 – the amount the group says Bank of America should have paid in taxes since 2006.
Bank America paid zero in federal incomet taxes this year—yet did receive over a trillion dollar bail-out from the federal government. Numerous other U.S. corporations also pocketed billions in profits while paying little or no income taxes.
The corporations contend that raising their taxes would hinder job creation. But critics note that corporate tax rates have been higher in the past, during times of economic strengTaxpayers in the crowd urged the public to close accounts at Bank America to protest its refusal to pay taxes.
For more information including how to join the movement to end “corporate welfare”, visit US Uncut San Diego on Facebook (US Uncut | San Diego) or visit the website at www.USUncutSD.org.
