Occupy Providence Outraged by State Staff Salaries
Friday, November 04, 2011
Protestors at Occupy Providence today were shocked and outraged over what the highest paid Rhode Island state staffers are making. GoLocalProv’s review of new payroll data earlier today reported that nearly fifty state staffers are making six figure salaries while the average Rhode Island family makes about $53,000.
“I think it’s obscene,” Providence resident and protester Chris Tidedo said. “These people are public servants. Aren’t they in the same position as teachers?” We expect teachers to do more work for less. It’s not fair; it’s ridiculous… Who are they to be King Tut?” Many of the protestors echoed this sentiment, angry that government staff should make more than other hardworking Americans.
Now more than two weeks old, the Occupy movement in Providence remains a force in the state and its voice doesn’t appear to be fading. All week, the group, which has vowed to remain in the park even when the city moves forward with eviction, has organized protests and rallies in and around the city. On Wednesday, that included protesting during the high-profile visit of U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who the protesters believe supports corporate education.
This is Just Wrong
The group has also railed against big corporations and student loan debt, but has mostly stayed clear of local politics. That changed for some Thursday when they learned about the salaries some state staffers are earning.
One protester who has been in the park since day one -her pseudonym Artemis Moonhawk- was stunned.
“That is what’s wrong with the government," she said. "That’s what’s upsetting a lot of the people here… This is just wrong.”
Artemis said has been unemployed for ten years, her husband unemployed for three.
“I lost my job,but found my occupation,” she said. “I doubt these people care about the forgotten 99%. Maybe if they all came down and spoke to some of these people, the people they’ve forgotten about, they’d understand,” she adds gesturing to the homeless on the park benches nearby. “Some of the people here work two jobs, and still can’t find a place to live.”
More Moderate Reactions
Several people had more moderate reactions but expressed similar dissatisfaction.
“Good for them, but what about everyone else?” Michael McCarthy, an artist, full time student at Roger Williams University, and member of the Occupy Providence media working group said.
“Obviously they’re specialized people that have a right to be paid more, but the most important thing to remember is if the average income is about $50,000, a lot of people are making less than that. I’m not saying someone shouldn’t make a lot if they work hard. It isn’t about the millionaires or billionaires making more, it’s about all the people who can’t make enough to live. I’d like to hear from him what he thinks about those who aren’t making enough."
McCarthy continued, “There should be a system that’s reaching out to people to make sure everyone’s okay.” The protesters all had many different proposals for what Rhode Island government should do about the unequal salaries.
The movement continues. Tidedo said if he could change things he’s like to organize a way to show that everyone is equally.
Another protester nearby said the focus should be on the political process and proposed rallying voters. “We are the 99%; we all need to exercise our only voice in government and vote!”
The Occupy movement has yet to see legislative action answering their complaints or demands of government, but for now they remain in Burnside Park and around the world protesting for what they believe.
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Comments:
pearl fanch
6:19am on Friday, November 04, 2011
These people are outraged? Are you kidding me. When they become a functional part of society, then they can be outraged about something. Until then, they don't get the option to be outraged about anything.
Shame on golocalprov for writing a single thing about them, and fueling their fire.
TOO MUCHbs
7:40am on Friday, November 04, 2011
i AM OUTRAGED THAT THESE COLLEGE PUNKS COMBINED W/SOCIAL DEVIANTS HAVE TURNED DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE INTO A SEWER...WELL A BIGGER SEWER
anthony sionni
8:05am on Friday, November 04, 2011
I am outraged at the salaries at prov. city hall as well,but when will the city council cut the mayors budget?
Edward Smith
8:12am on Friday, November 04, 2011
Outrage! Outrage! Outrage! Everyone is outraged these days. Do you even know the definition of the word? Perhaps the most cliched term in the English language.
Mike Sullivan
9:26am on Friday, November 04, 2011
So "Artemis Moonhawk" has been out of work for 10 years??? See she is the problem. Is she honestly going to think people are going to believe that she has not been able to find a job in a decade?! Same with her husband...3 years is still a long time. Are you telling me there is nothing for them. No way. They are deadbeats.
C B11
10:10am on Friday, November 04, 2011
Okay… so many thoughts flying through my head:
“Who are they to be King Tut?” Who are YOU to demand we take on YOUR responsibilities? YOU decided to take out a student loan, YOU decided that you could afford it and YOU signed on the dotted line attesting to that. Now you want to say it isn’t fair that you have all this debt? Wake up – life isn’t fair. Welcome to the real world of being adult – stop whining and pay your bills! If I had my way, it would be legal to repossess degrees like they do cars!
“I lost my job, but found my occupation,” – but you’ve been unemployed for 10 years? Since when did freeloading loser become an occupation! Question: Are you using the name Moonhawk because Moonbat was already taken? Just wondering.
“Some of the people here work two jobs, and still can’t find a place to live.” Maybe if a lot of the affordable housing wasn’t being taken by illegal aliens, they could have a place to live. Since you think illegals have the same rights to everything that a legal immigrant and citizen has, it should warm your heart to know that while you are sleeping out in the cold, they are warm and snug in a nice apartment. Just playing by your rules – not mine!
“There should be a system that’s reaching out to people to make sure everyone’s okay.” – There is – it’s call FAMILY. You take care and make sure yours is OK and I’ll do the same for mine!
Last, but not least – You want big corporations to play fair and by the rules while at the same time you think it’s your right to ignore them. While everyone else who wants to use that park has to get permits and obey the laws, you don’t think any of that applies to you. You can do whatever you want. Hmmm…..Doesn’t sound like there’s much of a difference between you and your accusations of those you are protesting against, if you ask me!
Eazy Muthfine
10:21am on Friday, November 04, 2011
Occupy Providence is the Tea Party. Just with more gay transgenedered marriage for illegal immigrants.
If they really cared about the middle class, they wouldn't be trying to tear it down.
pearl fanch
5:51pm on Friday, November 04, 2011
CB11 very well put.
Hey Moonbeam, you must be pretty unemployable if you've tried so hard for 10 years, and couldn't find a job. Looks like you've really found your "soul mate"....someone who's unemployed for 3 years. What a team you make.