Rally for the American Dream: Jobs, Not Cuts in White Plains

MoveOn.org will hold a demonstration in front of U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey’s office, 222 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, to support its American Dream Movement, during the Jobs, Not Cuts: Week of Action. 

“We need her to vote for the President's Jobs Act, which is a starting point, though it doesn't do nearly enough to help people,” said protest organizer Marjorie Morales, of New Rochelle. “We'll speak out and share our stories of life in expensive Westchester County.”

At 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 demonstrators will ask Lowey to vote for The American Jobs Act, and sign the organization’s Contract for the American Dream. So far, 65 people have signed up for the rally. Click here to sign up. 

“We are not occupying Mamaroneck Avenue, but we are supporting ,” said Morales.

Morales became the council coordinator for MoveOn.org in this area, which runs from White Plains to New Rochelle, last February. Since then her group, has grown to 42 members who meet once a month to discuss issues that challenge working Americans.

MoveOn.org is a non-profit organization that “is engaged in a campaign to reform the media and other work aimed at bringing real people back into the democratic process by making sure legislators hear their voices,” according to their website.

“I’ve been very upset about what’s going on in the government with congress in particular,” said Morales. “She’s our congresswoman. That’s the most logical place for us to demonstrate in this area. Rep. Lowey has been a strong progressive supporter for Westchester, but we want her to know she needs to hold the line and demand jobs, not cuts.”

Below is a statement from Lowey, which will be passed out at the rally:

The “We are the 99 Percent” movement reflects the real and justifiable frustration of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet.

Working hard and playing by the rules is no longer enough to get ahead. Many are working multiple jobs, while young Americans who worked hard in college and grad school face a dire job market.  Millions of Americans are underemployed, working too few hours at jobs that pay too little. 

The growing wage gap is dangerous for our overall economy and threatens the well being of the middle class. Too many working men and women have seen their wages and opportunities stagnate and increased difficulty making ends meet, while the wealthiest Americans enjoy historically low tax rates and a larger share of overall wealth than any time since 1928. 

It is simply unacceptable to reward failing CEOs who have endangered the economic security of our nation and the jobs of millions, or to allow any American to avoid his fair share of taxes simply because he can afford a better accountant. 

We must ensure that every American has the opportunity to afford an education, find a good job, and build a secure retirement.  Shared sacrifice does not amount to class warfare, and demonstrations and airing grievances are not “mob” activity, as Majority Leader Eric Cantor stated. 

It is time for the House Republican majority to stop the political games and focus on what matters to the American people – creating good-paying jobs.  I hope the House will soon consider the American Jobs Act to rebuild our infrastructure and bolster our schools. 

Thank you for coming today, and I hope you will continue working on behalf of hard-working middle-class families in New York and across the country.

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