AMES, Iowa (AP) — Casting the Wall Street protestors as misguided, Republican presidential contender Michele Bachmann on Thursday said their frustrations should instead be directed at Washington politicians who protect their allies and put unfriendly companies out of business.
Bachmann said politicians have far too much power and unfairly pick winners and losers. The Minnesota congresswoman, trying to recapture her once surging poll numbers, said she has watched lawmakers enact laws that intentionally shut businesses down.
"For your sake and for your future, America — and Occupy Wall Street in particular — needs to wake up and stop blaming the free market, stop blaming capitalism, stop blaming job creators for the failures created by selfish politicians," Bachmann told students at Iowa State University. "The problem is politicians who wink at their political donors and through the force of law put their competitors out of business."
Bachmann used her appearance in Ames to outline an economic proposal that would require all Americans to pay taxes. The Tax Policy Center estimates that some 46 percent of households this year will not pay federal income taxes.
"They need to be invested in the country," she said. "Even if they can only afford $10, they need to pay something."
Her position was a direct challenge to rivals Rick Perry and Herman Cain, who are advocating separate flat tax plans. Cain is also promoting for a national sales tax as part of his 9-9-9 plan.
Bachmann said she would not propose an absolute flat tax, but told reporters after that she would have at most three tax brackets, which she declined define.
Polls show Bachmann trailing behind other contenders in Iowa, which holds the first presidential caucuses in January. She won an early test vote in Ames in August. But her standing slipped as the GOP electorate rallied first around Perry, who had several weak debate performances, and then Cain, who has spent the last four days trying to redirect media attention away from allegations of sexual harassment filed by at least two women during his tenure at the National Restaurant Association.
With jobs and the economy as the top issues on voters' minds, Bachmann hopes her tough talk will help her regain her footing in a state that her advisers see as a linchpin in their strategy.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
Comments (38)
Add commentand those
Iowa State Students with their average student loan debt of $29,000, laughed her out of town. They could tell her about those farming conglomerates which pushed the small farmers out of business, too. She is too corny for the corn state. She is history.
She says the politicians are "protecting their friends." True, like those mythical job creators she wants to protect, too.
Ten years of tax breaks ~ where are the jobs?
The middle class has taken all the hits and now they have taken to the streets. They have seen no significant increases in the last 30 years. The young people who did everything right (work and education) and they see no meaninfgul future ahead for them. Low wage jobs, no health insurance, staggering college debt.
This was long over due. The tea party longs for the past; the young people feel robbed of their future.
The new statistics from the CBO confirm that incomes have grown for the top 1%. The other 99% are losing ground.
Thus, the signs in the streets.
minnesnowda
Time for an "Occupy Baxter?"
I would not be at all surprised Lake
If there was another local Occupy event in this area before the snow flies.
Occupy Brainerd
Nov 12th. 1-2:30 pm, east of Wendy's at Wells Fargo.
She Nailed it!
While the average lawmaker's wealth increased by 25% since 2008, ask yourself, who really drives wealth? She is exactly right and we should redirect our efforts at the polls.
I wonder if she realizes that
I wonder if she realizes that she's a congresswoman?
Someone should tell her.
Nov 12th? I'll be there.
I'd be there
.... if I could. I will be there in spirit. It really bothers me when people -- especially people who supposedly represent citizens like Rep. Bachman --- consider the OCCUPY movement with such disregard. BTW, why Wells Fargo?
"consider the OCCUPY movement
"consider the OCCUPY movement with such disregard. BTW, why Wells Fargo?"
LOL!!! Obviously you have been "disregarding" one of their main messages.
What a waste of time. A few
What a waste of time. A few people standing around complaining about rich people will have zero effect on anything. If you really want to make some kind of impact, you can all get together and help some elderly people with their yard work!
Tea Party and Occupy Movement
I suspect 1.5 hours does not prohibit people from volunteering for good causes. If the Tea Party can rally for a few hours, why is it 'different' that progressives and the middle class gather to express their frustration? They're not camping out locally, but they are using their right to free speech.
hmm
Sounds like we have already had an impact on dean1961. Just the prospect of progressives gathering has his undies in a bundle.
No impact on me lake. I will
No impact on me lake. I will be doing something just as productive on the 12th...like taking a nap!
methinks
dean doth protest too much.
BTW: Bachmann needs to cut her losses. This tactic of blaming her fellow congresspeople is not going to earn her any points when she finally returns to the Hill with her tail between her legs.
It would be amusing at how
the protesters are using camping as their manner of getting the message to wall streeters. As the executives of the Nation go home to their $1m homes do you REALLY think that your suffering in the cold matters, or standing out beating drums really is going to change what you perceive as the "wrongs in America?"
Lets face it, even if you protesters had a real message, your delivery is so weak and lame that you negate any positive gains you might have made. Just go back to your communes and enjoy a nice hot meal of rice and hummus and regroup and lick your wounded egos.
352
As winter sets in, the protesters will get more agitated. They've already shown their true colors with the violence that is slowly spreading across the nation. Pack of entitlement, lazy, losers.
Funny part is the wall
Funny part is the wall streeters, are going home turning on the TV and not giving to hoots to a crow that the "occupy" idiots are sitting outside in the cold protesting............. Sad that they think they are doing something, but in reality they just look as lazy, I don't wanna work, but want handouts. Just curious what are they protesting by acting like nasty asses, crapping on police vehicles, and trespassing?
wall streeters
It is no secret that they don't care? Maybe someone should actually interview them, so we can hear it from them.
I find the irony of thoe Occupy Brainerd sheeple
I find the irony of the OB sheeple who are moving their bank accounts from "wall street" banks because they claim they are greedy or did not pay taxes to the local credit union who don't pay any taxes hilarious. How much tax money is lost because credit unions are allowed this competitive advantage? Terry and his band of 99%ers will be protesting Wells Fargo next sat, why you may ask? According to their facebook page it is because WF didn't pay taxes -specifically income taxes but you will not get that distinction as WF paid a hefty sum of money in sales, payroll, and property taxes-even here in Brainerd and Baxter. Oh and their employees pay income tax on their wages but don't let the facts get in the way of a great PR opportunity for Terry. He even got a shiny new bull horn for the occasion. I would like to know from the man himself if he took any of the allowable deductions on his income taxes over the past 3 years? Did he write down any losses or maybe the cost of a new bull horn? If so then why is he protesting WF for doing the very same thing? Also, being a retired teacher isn't his income derived from tax dollars paid by the rest of us? Finally again according to the OB facebook this protest was supposed to be on the downlow so those who might disagree with Terry and the merry 99%ers wouldn't have time to organize a counter protest and maybe bring some facts to the parade. What are you afraid of Terry? I mean according to your call to action all you really want is to have fun waving at the cars that honk at you as you walk up down the sidewalk. If that is what you really desire you could get a job at Dominoes (on the same street as WF by the way) carrying a sandwhich board advertising their specials OR you could work for Liberty Tax Service and work the corner dressed as Lady Liberty. Cars are always honking at them and you would be helping to create business instead of trying to disrupt it.
This has been a tough week
This has been a tough week for the Kochs.
First the study they funded to disprove the 98% of climatologists came back agreeing with them. So sad.
Then the GOP candidate they intended on installing in the White House with the help of Justice Thomas turned out to be just like Justice Thomas. They sure know how to pick'em.
And now those pesky working class Americans just won't shut up and be quiet.
Yep it ain't easy being a multi-billionaire.
fish
Don't you mean those pesky non-working class Americans?
LOL
The Occupy Movement, both locally and nationally, sure has the rabid right's panties in a bunch.
Poppykoch must be a Well-Fargo bank manager.
"Yep it ain't easy being a multi-billionaire."
Might not be Fish but I would sure love to give it a try!!
Really Cheyenne?
Nice response. Well thought out counter arguement. I would expect more from those who are trying to get change implemented. From what I have read the right really could care less about Occupy fill in the blank. They have no clear message other than they are feeling they got the raw end of the deal. I am not a WF manager and not even a rightie. Sorry but your blind bias is not doing you or anyone any good. You have a computer, do some research, don't just follow the crowd. That is what has gotten us into this mess in the first place. The left and the right are corrupt. Unions and Corps are buying votes from both parties. They win when we just do as they say we should. Left hates right, right hates left. Problem is nothing gets done and we all suffer. What is the objective of OB? According to Terry it is to have fun getting honked at. Really?? When are they going to protest Walmart? (they got a sweatheart tax deal from the city and did nothing but bring in low paying jobs with very little benefits and drive local retail owner out) How about the medical community? Our health care costs keep rising and we continue to get less coverage, yet they can build a brand new multi million dollar clinic? Who is paying for that? What about the gas stations? They are part of the billion dollar industry that pollutes our planet, pays no taxes and fixes gas prices all the time.
The current administration made promises and did not keep them and unfortunatley because the quality of candidates is so poor Obama may actually get 4 more years to fail the people. Wake up and stop blindly hating just because it is the it thing to do.
Gold star for Poppy.
Gold star for Poppy.
Moldy minus for Chey.
protests
if memory serves me I think Sluss was a county commissioner during the wal mart superstore expansion here and he fought against it because the county had to subsidize those wm low paid workers (health care), so give him a break, he's speaking out against what he feels is wrong - more people need to!
Young people are worried about getting their school loans re-paid and finding decent jobs (with health insurance) now. They make up the bulk of the OWS protestors.
Last time I looked it is still a free country. And if memory serves me right in the more recent past - all the troubles started LONG before Obama took office. He got handed a mess.
bachmann and ventura
People are going to wonder what it is about MN politicians. We need some new blood fighting for Minnesotans!
It is well known that most Walmart employees are paid low wages, get only part-time jobs, and have few benefits. Isn't that what capitalism is all about? Letting management make decisions which moves money to the top of the food chain? Now they are in the health care business with their drug plan. What will be next for them? Used car lot? Surgery center?
true, eyolf
We all need to get a little garden going and grow our food again. We need to cut back where we can and find joy in living a simpler life. And we need to share these skills and philosophies with our children and grandchildren to help them adapt.
A very hard job ahead for the USA!
Another opportunity!
Quote "Nov 12th. 1-2:30 pm, east of Wendy's at Wells Fargo." Great - You'll be able to dress like some of the freaks at Wall Street and wave the banners for more handouts like European Socialism which is working so well!
OWS has a clear message for those willing to see it
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/opinion/oligarchy-american-style.html?...
We have a society in which money is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few people, and in which that concentration of income and wealth threatens to make us a democracy in name only.
The budget office laid out some of that stark reality in a recent report, which documented a sharp decline in the share of total income going to lower- and middle-income Americans. We still like to think of ourselves as a middle-class country. But with the bottom 80 percent of households now receiving less than half of total income, that’s a vision increasingly at odds with reality.
So who is getting the big gains? A very small, wealthy minority.
The budget office report tells us that essentially all of the upward redistribution of income away from the bottom 80 percent has gone to the highest-income 1 percent of Americans. That is, the protesters who portray themselves as representing the interests of the 99 percent have it basically right, and the pundits solemnly assuring them that it’s really about education, not the gains of a small elite, have it completely wrong.
If anything, the protesters are setting the cutoff too low. The recent budget office report doesn’t look inside the top 1 percent, but an earlier report, which only went up to 2005, found that almost two-thirds of the rising share of the top percentile in income actually went to the top 0.1 percent — the richest thousandth of Americans, who saw their real incomes rise more than 400 percent over the period from 1979 to 2005.