We've been super excited about the Occupy Wall Street stuff going on the last few weeks.

Here in San Francisco, things have been heating up as well - with Occupy SF facing opposition by the police and the city. This week, labor, community-based organizations, and non-profits are coming together to support the the Occupy movement, joining forces for a big rally and protest on Wednesday October 12, using the slogan "Foreclose on Wall Street West." I've been really impressed with the impromptu coalition of veteran organizers and concerned organizations - many of which have been working on these issues for years.

We've been working a little bit with the coalition in the subgroup messaging and media outreach. Here's an excerpt from the "Why" section of the website:

Why Banks? Why Now?

BECAUSE it’s time to take action against the greed and corruption of the wealthiest 1% of America, who control the vast majority of our nation’s wealth.

BECAUSE while the rest of us struggle, surviving on less and less, the big banks profit more and more. They are getting rich by taking all we have. We have paid with our lives and livelihoods so that a select few can be the richest in the world.

BECAUSE banks are a clear example of how corporations have used loopholes to avoid taxes and have ruthlessly foreclosed on struggling families, all the while paying their executives enormous salaries and bonuses.

BECAUSE Wall Street and the financial sector received a bailout from the government, but the economic crisis continues for families, and we are struggling. We need employment, debt/mortgage relief, and healthcare.

BECAUSE although the current economic crisis has broad reach, we recognize and call attention to its disproportionate impact on communities of color, poor folks, the unemployed, immigrants, and the uninsured.

BECAUSE big banks are to blame for wrecking the economy and causing untold hardship. They gambled away our savings and our homes, yet we got stuck with the bill. We are tired of paying for their mistakes.

BECAUSE all around the country, people are standing up and demanding accountability from banks, corporations, and from our governments. We recognize that we are not alone, and that together we have power.

What do we want?

We want a new bottom line--an economy that works for all of us. Our bottom line means good jobs, healthy communities, and a government that fights for everyone.

We want banks, corporations, and wealthy individuals to pay their fair share in taxes, and we want to hold them accountable for their role in causing this economic crisis.

We want hope for the future.

We hope to see you all out in force on October 12, or at an "occupation" near you. For more information, check out: We are the 99% • Occupy Wall Street • Occupy Together • Make Banks Pay • New Bottom Line • Occupy SF