Westchester Rallys to Hold Banks Accountable for Mortgage Crisis [VIDEO]

Westchester residents want to see big banks held accountable for their part in the housing crisis that destroyed the American dream of owning a home for thousands of American families.

“We want a full investigation of the 350,000 people who have been put out of their homes by illegal mortgages,” said Marjorie Morales, a local organizer for MoveOn.org. “We want a full investigation and criminal charges brought if appropriate.”

Members of the local MoveOn.org chapter, who rallied in front of the on Main Street in White Plains Thursday, are asking their fellow Westchester neighbors to help bring justice to the economic and political system for those who lost their homes by signing a petition encouraging President Barak Obama to launch an investigation into the foreclosure and mortgage practices of banks.

You can sign the petition online here, and you can contact The White House by submitting your comments online here; by calling (202) 456-1111; or writing a letter to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20500.

“It shouldn’t be dismissed or accepted that we’re going to give the banks a bailout and not hold anyone accountable,” said Carol McLoughlin of Yonkers. “We’re the ones that are paying the bill—the taxpayers.”

McLoughlin says change needs to be made on a bi-partisan level.

“This is a question all people need to stand for, all Americans,” said McLoughlin.  “This involves not Democrats or Republicans, but all the citizens of America. I think people really need to pay attention and wake-up.”

According to MoveOn.org’s website, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is trying to push a settlement that would allow banks to pay $20 billion, which they say is a fraction of would be owed if the banks were fully prosecuted. The site also says the deal would give banks immunity from being investigated or prosecuted, and that it could eliminate leverage regulators have made to pressure banks to help the homewoners they hurt.

The Attorney General has temporarily blocked the deal, and local MoveOn members want Obama to reject it and use his power to move forward with the investigation and hold banks accountable.

“We’re concerned about a sweetheart deal he may be influenced to sign, and give them [banks] a slap on the wrist,” said Morales, a New Rochelle resident. “There shouldn’t be a slap on the wrist and let these people get away with destroying all the lives of these people who were affected by this.”

Though the group was in walking distance of a Chase and Citibank branch, the group specifically chose Bank of America.

“They’re the worst,” said Morales. “ They were at the top of the list. They’ve done much worst with the mortgages. “

Bank of America spokesperson T.J. Crawford said that the bank had no comment on the protestors claims.

“This isn’t a protest against the president—most of us in this group will probably vote for him—we just want him to know how strongly we feel about this,” said Morales.

Morales said the group is also looking for new members. Those who are interested can sign up at moveon.org/team/.