First we have the "Move your Money" campaign, something all of us can participate in, that is encouraging everybody to move their money out of large banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America to smaller local banks or Credit Unions.
Customers are dumping their banks in droves ahead of the nationwide "Move Your Money" and "Bank Transfer Day" movements this Saturday.
Given the recent spotlight on attempts -- and ultimate failures -- by some of the nation's biggest banks to tack on new debit card fees, thousands of disgruntled consumers have already either left or pledged to leave their current bank for a community bank or credit union, which are known for having fewer and/or lower bank account fees.
At least 650,000 consumers have already joined credit unions since Sept. 29, the day Bank of America announced plans to impose its controversial $5 debit card fee, according to a nationwide survey of credit unions by the Credit Union National Association. That amounts to $4.5 billion in new savings accounts, CUNA said.
It looks like the movement has already had a significant impact on the banks. It will be interesting to see if the banks make any policy changes in order to woo back disgruntled ex-customers. Though for me personally I am not at all interested in ever going back.
Today is also the day that the secret cyber group "Anonymous" claims that they will take down Fox News.
PC Magazine has determined that Anonymous has a fairly good chance at successfully pulling this off:
OPERATION FOX HUNT
Another proposed Guy Fawkes Day operation, Fox Hunt, threatens to either take Foxnews.com offline or actually take control of the Web site, if some of the more boastful Anons are to be believed. The reason Anonymous is targeting Fox News is that the cable news network has been consistently critical of Occupy Wall Street and associated protests. Anonymous has attached itself strongly to the global Occupy movement and doesn't take attacks on it very kindly.
Chances of success: Decent. Operation Fox Hunt seems much more likely to happen than Operation Facebook. Taking Foxnews.com down surely has a lot of support within Anonymous' ranks and would no doubt please many of the collective's Occupy allies. Anonymous has a long track record of taking down Web sites with distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks—and many believe the group now has more sophisticated tools in its arsenal for such operations.
Like I said before I am not usually a fan of hacking, or other cyber attacks, but in this case I cannot think of more deserving target. I will be watching for this with great anticipation.
For myself, since I have already moved my money and NEVER watch Fox News, I am going to spend some time today watching my favorite November 5th movie, V for Vendetta, and monitoring the many protests planned today.
I think we can treat this post as an open thread, and you can tell me what you have planned for this November 5th, as well as provide updates as to the success of the Move You Money campaign, and the Operation Fox Hunt.
Hmm how shall I sign off this post? There's really only one choice, don't you agree?
Remember, remember the fifth of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot
I know of no reason the Gunpowder Treason
should ever be forgot....
MOved all of our money to credit unions YEARS ago. When we were starting our business big banks wanted nothing to do with us, but our local credit union was more than willing. Today we have a successful business and still only use credit unions and one local bank for our personal and business uses.
ReplyDeleteAs for wathcing FauxSnooz, it is blocked on our TVs.
If you like the movie, try reading the graphic novel that it's based on. Absolute proof that "comic books" can be literature.
ReplyDeleteThe Internet has a cop on the beat.
ReplyDeleteIf you go on YouTube and boast about putting kittens in microwaves, clubbing lakeside waterfowl, or killing squirrels for laughs, Anonymous will identify you, locate you, and have you arrested.
It´s kind of hard not to cheer for them.
I moved my account yesterday from a too-big-to-fail bank to my local credit union. Liberating! Incredibly, they don't charge all those hefty fees for the privilege of banking with them. Why does anyone stay with a bank?
ReplyDeleteIn the last three years, we've moved our money to small local banks TWICE. But we're still with a big bank because in both instances, the local bank was then bought out by a Big Bank. I'm getting tired of it. We have our savings with USAA (an insurance agency I love, love, love, and highly recommend if you qualify as ex-military), but it's awkward to use them for a checking account since they don't have local branches. Frankly, I think we've run out of local independent banks. They're rare these days.
ReplyDeleteSherry in Calif. says,
ReplyDeleteHubby and I moved our funds to a credit union yesterday. I'd been with B of A since I was 18 yrs old, and had gotten my first real job at Ma Bell. We are in our 60's now and I have to say I felt very liberated all day yesterday. *Grin*
We have been raising 2 granddaughters,since they were infants, the last 7 years, and this is NOT the country that I grew up in. I'm scared to death for my girls. Remember that movie that had the line "I'm mad as hell and not going to take it anymore" ? Take a stand at the voting box and get those thugs out of office. Next step for me is Operation Sacramento.
Sherry
The Times They Are A-Changin'
ReplyDeleteAnonymous have targeted David Koch.
ReplyDeletehttp://anonyops.com/Countdown/
I am a Senior who is fed up with this war not only on us but every American who's not a millionaire.The success of the GOP depends on apathy! I for one have alienated some family members who support these thugs, one a Son and his family . It saddens me deeply and frankly I don't understand it.I will not back down! We must adhere to our principles until they return to a fair and balanced Govt.and end this destruction of the United States and it's Citizens.The poor and disadvantaged the Seniors and Gay community along with Woman that these GOP thugs treat as not worth more then Child bearing and housework.Everyone should be outraged.I understand 60 Dems agree to put Medicare on the table all I can say is they are not Democrats !They no longer deserve to hold office.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love USAA, it is run by a right winger. They also donate to right candidates so it isn't as ideologically pure as I would like it to be.
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of funny, but Guy Fawkes was a sort of religious nutter, you'd think the teabaggers would have co-opted him instead of OWS.
ReplyDeleteWent to a local credit union yesterday to ask about their services. I have a small nest egg at T. Rowe Price (IRA from my work days) and will be bringing it local.
ReplyDeleteWe have some questions for our friend who does taxes for a living but I'm sure the transfer process will get started soon.
BTW we also belong to another local credit union and have never had a problem with them. We highly recommend CUs.
Jaye
I'm waiting, waiting, waiting, no news of Anonymous Project FOX Hunting. Considering the big money behind FOX, don't you figure they could pay big bucks to extreme hackers to protect their website? Seems Anonymous might have better to have snuck up on them, not announced in advance. Well, still waiting & hoping....
ReplyDeleteoff topic
ReplyDeleteOccupy DC protester hit by car; cops let driver go!
http://crooksandliars.com/tina-dupuy/occupydc-protestes-hit-driver-who-was-t
So dang proud of myself! Just closed my account at M&T Bank and opened a new acct. at the local Credit Union. May not be a lot of money, but it was all I had. . . I always figured that "you're either part of the problem, or part of the solution." YES WE CAN!
ReplyDeleteIf someone must be hacked, FOX news might be a good candidate, but hacking the news show is contrary to our values and beliefs. If we can justify hacking FOX news, why can't someone on the other side justify hacking Rachel, or Chris or etc. They are just as convinced they are evil. And frankly, despite an affinity to Rachel & Larry & Chris (Larry mostly, Rachel somewhat) they too often are wrong in their use of statistics in ways that show bias toward liberal elements. I really don't want to listen to that either.
ReplyDeleteSo I do not encourage hacking FOX news. It's just a set up for retaliation and a race to the bottom. Stopping free speech hurts everyone.
Lucy
Related to your last post. Is Herman Cain Guy Fawkes in disguise?
ReplyDeleteHave been using my local bank since 1968 and outside of credit cards I don't have any use for the big banks, and small potato that I am they don't care.
ReplyDeleteJust googled up Edith Prickley since everyone was mentioning how much Sarah seems to look like that over at Disneyworld.
Awesome. Same bad taste.
Carefully check out any "local" bank you consider. They could be owned by one of the bigger banks or be contributors to conservative ideologies that perpetuate the status quo. Go with a Credit Union.
ReplyDeleteI can't find a decent alternative bank near me but it looks like USAA is a great possibility. They offer full online services and free ATM at any bank so getting cash would be easy.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process of moving my mother's account to our local credit union. I was too busy this week to deal with the various layers involved. It will get done sometime this month.
ReplyDeleteI will be at my occupy table in my yard for a while today and tomorrow. I have to put up rain protection because it is pouring. I've given up on our local Occupy camp. They are just too annoying for words. They can get somebody else to bring them food. I'm done.
Anon 8:46 - I've had a credit card with USAA for several years and am happy with the low interest rate and service but guess I need to do more investigating before I set up banking there.
ReplyDeleteOT - Texas is at it again...will possibly execute an innocent man on Nov. 9. Witness recanted. Ignoring a possible alternate suspect. Refusing to do DNA testing.
ReplyDeleteThere's a link to a petition to halt the execution at the LATimes article.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/11/rick-perry-stay-execution-dna-testing.html
I just visited the fox news site and all stories seem to have the comments disabled, or it is just me.
ReplyDeleteI moved my money 30 years ago. I have a debit and a (fixed rate) credit card through my credit union. Checking and savings account. Direct deposit. I pay all of my bills online. My car loan is with them.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I have not been able to move is my home mortgage loan. It's with B of A who bought out Country Wide. When the market tanked I have had to wait until my house is no longer under water before I can refinance. So slowly I'm paying it down and waiting for the property values to edge up. I only hope when they both meet in the middle interest rates will still be low enough for me to refinances. I hate B of A and am pissed they bought my mortgage. The only way I can escape from B of A and the other major banks buying my accounts is to have everything with my credit union. They can't buy my credit union.
I'll be doing laundry and running the dishwasher. Cleaning out the refrigerator. Stripping the bed.
And I'll try to find some time to read V for Vendetta in graphic novel form.
I'll be going to my parents' house tonight for dinner.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteThe Internet has a cop on the beat.
If you go on YouTube and boast about putting kittens in microwaves, clubbing lakeside waterfowl, or killing squirrels for laughs, Anonymous will identify you, locate you, and have you arrested.
It´s kind of hard not to cheer for them.
7:36 AM
so how come children welfare services aren't kickin' in the doors to the skank of wasilla's compound and arrestin' her ass for not allowin' her kids to go to school ?
Thanks for advertising for Ron Paul on your site. He's the best!!
ReplyDeleteHere's something to follow, Anon today quietly at work exposing those who prefer to remain hidden...
ReplyDeletehttp://anonyops.com/Countdown/
@10:53
ReplyDeleteGood question. So how come you aren´t askin´ them?
650,001 is now the count.Just got done closing my checking/savings at Wells this morning,and opening both at my local Credit Union. Moving onward and upward,and making positive changes in my life.Done talking the talk,now it's all about walking that talk:)
ReplyDeleteTo @8:46: I did not know about USAA funding right-wingers. I will look into that.
ReplyDeleteI agree, tomandlou. Very disappointing.
ReplyDeleteGuy Fawkes was a terrorist who attempted to murder every single member of Parliament and King James. Hardly a nice guy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that little rhyme you mention is only part of a greater piece...
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*)
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
And what should we do with him? Burn him!
And what was done traditionally on Guy Fawkes night? His likeness was burned in effigy. He was no hero. He was a monster.
Well, something's going on...and road signs being hacked as well...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brlo4qqkDZ8&feature=related
And this is where we all join in:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rebuildthedream.com/
Anon has V for Vendetta on their website:
ReplyDeletehttp://cabincr3w.tumblr.com/post/12389422498/nov5th-screening-of-v-for-vendetta
Since Guy Faulks tried to explode several kegs of gun powder in Parliament's basement, and since that really has little historical importance to Americans -
ReplyDeleteI think we should turn Nov.5 into keg day. Regardless of what we variously chose to celebrate on 11/5 it has to be celebrated with a keg.
i won't be watching VforV, but i did watch The Manchurian Candidate with Denzel, and it felt pertinent for the moment
ReplyDeleteLove the V for Vendetta graphic novel and the movie.
ReplyDeleteWe've been with a credit union for ages. The only caveat is I would highly recommend shopping around before joining. Some are not full service and don't have financial advisors of their own, but avail themeselves of other bank's advisors, so your investment is providing some income for commercial banks.
We use them for both business and personal banking, and I've never been disappointed with their service.
We had a major problem with a leaking roof, and the roofer was excellent, but looked kind of shady. The teller actually took the time to call me to verify the check, she described the guy and said he was "gruff" and "nasty" with her when she asked for two forms of id. I told her it was fine, but I was really impressed that they took the extra step to verify it with me.
I went in to make a deposit today (saturday), and they were s-w-a-m-p-e-d with people making the switch.
OWS is relevant, and has struck a chord with the plight of the 99 percent. One woman I know is filthy rich, and owns several maternity stores, and she switched and even encouraged her employees to join her in marching with the protesers.
She said "I'm doing well financially, but I never fogot where I came from and the sacrifices others made for my dream to come true, this is something worthy of my support."
I was gobsmacked. She lets her employees march on her dime and her time while keeping her business going.
Remember, remember, the 5th of November
ReplyDeleteThe Gunpowder Treason and plot;
I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
‘Twas his intent.
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below.
Poor old England to overthrow.
By God’s providence he was catch’d,
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, let the bells ring
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip Hoorah !
Hip hip Hoorah !
A penny loaf to feed ol’Pope,
A farthing cheese to choke him.
A pint of beer to rinse it down,
A faggot of sticks to burn him.
Burn him in a tub of tar,’
Burn him like a blazing star.
Burn his body from his head,
Then we’ll say: ol’Pope is dead
2:18 - he was only a monster if you liked James I and his parliament. James' continued persecution of catholics didn't sit well with a lot of people and some decided to do something about it. James I did absolutely nothing to save his mother's life, so I say Rock ON Guy Fawkes!
ReplyDeleteRevolutionary Americans were traitors to the king as well - until we won. I certainly don't think our forefathers were monsters.
T
If you refinance, buy or sell a house with Wells Fargo, they will undercut the appraiser, who they have bullied into doing their work for far less pay. Theyn they will tell you the appraisal fee is hundreds more than it is and charge you the inflated fee. The fee goes to their appraisal "management" company, RELS. Its only function is to order the appraisals and harrass the appraisers by phone and email to hurry up. Most lenders do this function in house and do not bully independent appraisers and pay them market rates, and do not scamm their mortgage customers with these excessive overcharges. Plus, here in AK, they have one staff appraiser who has very little experience and doesn't live in the communities he appraises in. Using Wells Fargo for mortgage loans is like playing Russian Roulette.
ReplyDeleteThe point isn't whether or not you admire or "like" an historic English king.
ReplyDeleteThe point is that Guy Fawkes Day, as celebrated in England where it was invented, didn't celebrate him as a national hero, but the opposite. The day celebrates Guy Fawkes' capture before he assassinated the king, and the plot being thwarted.
Gryphen censured a comment about First National Bank of Alaska and the fact that it is THE only entirely independent, Alaska-owned and directed bank in Alaska.
No holding company, nor affiliation with international big money collectives.
The fact of this is IMPORTANT and apropos to this movement.
Yes. Strengthen our _local_ credit unions. But understand how and why credit unions are different than banks, and definitely know that a very big national credit union doesn't operate so different than banks.
The critical thing here is to support the LOCAL "neighborhood" credit unions. Or the one that your industry and profession affiliates with - teachers' unions for example.
In Alaska's case (those of you not in Alaska can do your own research on independent small banks in your area), First National Bank of Alaska is an absolutely fantastic option to the international kingpin Wells Fargo monopoly in Alaska.
Yes! MOVE YOUR MONEY! Get it out of Wells Fargo and Key Bank!
There's no credit unions in Cordova and Glenallen, but there are FNBA branches.
For those of you who can't/won't do a credit union, consider moving accounts and mortgages from Wells Fargo to FNBA. Because it's an independent bank, you directly strengthen the Alaskan economy when you invest in them. Such an action speaks very loudly and directly supports this initiative.