Thousands Rally, Shut Down K Street
May 18, 2010
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| Thousands of labor activists and their allies marched down K Street, where lobbyists for the financial industry are leading the fight against much needed reform. |
More than two thousand labor activists gathered at the crossroads of money and politics in Washington, D.C. this week to shine a light on the K Street cowboys who are behind efforts to block desperately needed reform of the financial industry.
Shaking off the rain that fell throughout the midday rally, the demonstrators poured onto K Street, the home of high-dollar lawyers and corporate lobbyists who routinely shape legislation with millions in over and under the table contributions.
“It’s happening right now,” declared AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, who led the parade of marchers. “We know the financial industry is spending $1.4 million a day right here on K Street.”
Machinists joined members from other unions and community activist groups who are struggling to cope with millions of lost jobs while lobbyists wheedle billions in buyouts and bonuses for their corporate clients.
“We need elected officials who understand that the voices of Main Street matter more than the barons of Wall Street or the deep pockets of K Street,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart. “And if those lawmakers need to be reminded who they really work for, we’re more than ready to do that too.”
